Got same thought about this when I was about to buy the Civic Sports... test both of them, and got in conclusion:
- driving Mazda 3 SP23 is not much different (I didnt say no diff) than driving my 7th gen civic. almost the same cabin size, same old dash looks, etc. while driving the Sports still give me that "wow" factor until now... On the other hand, the SP23 seats are bit more comfy than the sports (especially when I test drive the sports, it was bloody hot day!!!) But at the end, I still prefer Sports than SP23 (I shouldve bought a 2nd Hand type S rather tan new Sports though.. T-T)
At the end, you (or the family member) must have a go yourself... you cant go to HONDA forum and ask, which one better HONDA or MAZDA, coz its HONDA forum... if you dont like HONDA then you wont be here, right?