Test Drive Mazda 323 F 1994 - 1997 Hatchback

Secret charm

Attaching the dignity of the predecessor, the updated Mazda 323 is able to conquer the power of its charm even biased people.

You were convinced of the correct choice of some kind of nonsense, but a good thing for some time after her purchase? If so, you can easily understand three hundred philosophy twenty-third.

This car (in this case we are talking about the sedan) does not have to do not immediately. However, a calm appearance, in general, inherited from the previous model, became more elegant at the expense of the changed lines of the hood, radiator lattice and bumpers. Now in the 323rd looks significantly more kinship with the older sister Mazda 626.

Salon rethinking in architectural plan is a magnificent model of a thoughtful design approach and high-quality study of each little things. Hardly, guided by the considerations of practicality and convenience, you can desire a better place of the residential area, layouts of devices and controls. Especially happy space of the cabin due to a significant (2610 mm) wheelbase, even behind the back is sitting comfortable.

The possibilities of a fairly capacious trunk (in which there was a full-fledged outlet) of 416 liters, it is possible to significantly expand, folding the rear seat back completely or in parts. Well, the branded peculiarity of the Mazda transformable in the dining table The front passenger chair will rate any owner of the car, which is removed to eat on the way.

About the equipment of Mazda 323, especially in the EXCLUSIVE configuration, you can't tell two words. Hydrauscitel, air conditioning, power windows, electric windows, immobilizer, heated front seats, etc., etc. Airbags and those four pieces: two front, two side.

The price of the machine ($ 14990) could be justified among the components of comfort on board. But the 323rd has other advantages. For example, the engine. A motor with an increased to 1600 cubes of volume came to change the 1.5-liter power unit. Accordingly, the capacity (up to 98 hp / 5500 min-1) and the maximum torque (up to 145 NM / 4200 min-1) were increased.

Updated Mazda has become noticeably temperament. True, in order to truly feel cheerful acceleration, the engine has to twist up to 3500-4000 min-1, but it is rather a characteristic feature of the car than the deficiency. Get used to the later grip. When the adaptation period is behind, it will only be rejected by the priest and living machine.

Mazda will surprise its owner not only temperate appetite (average gasoline consumption with a 55-liter fuel tank 7.8 l / 100 km), but also approximate behavior on the road. Thoroughly upgraded suspension ensures a sedan excellent course stability. 323 do not discourage high-speed turn. At the same time, the chassis masterfully damping even typically Russian irregularities.

When real campebins appear on the way, the machine demonstrates the wonders of the deceleration. Now, now the rear brakes have become disk, and the ABS and the braking force distribution system are helped to optimize the braking process. These electronic assistants are already included in the basic configuration. Our exclusive additionally has an anti-slip system, to understand the advantage of which will not be difficult when attaching from space on slippery coating.

The lever of the five-speed mechanics favors the driver, as an old friend: inclusions are accurate and clear. In addition, the box is perfectly balanced on gear ratios and allows you to manipulate the energy engine in a wide range.

The hydraulic steering wheel is still friendlier. I unobtrusively helping to carry out the conceived maneuver, say, to park or quickly turn around, he immediately seeks to take the original central position.

Step by step is to know the updated Mazda 323, you will write a simple truth: good in this car is incommensurable more than bad. More precisely, not bad, but controversial. Democratic to all one hundred, 323rd is ready to divide his problem with the owner and help rejoice in life. In such responsiveness and lies the secret of her charm.

Mazda 323 SDN 1.6

Number of places, people. 5 Curb weight, kg 1170 Dimensions (Length / Width / Height), mm 4365/1705/1420 Base, mm 2610 Max. Speed, km / h 182 Overclocking time up to 100 km / h, C 11.6 Fuel consumption, l / 100 km (mixed cycle) 7,8 Engine gasoline, 4-cylinder, 16-valve.; Working volume, cm3 1598; Power, hp at min-1 98/5500; torque, nm at min-1 145/4200 transmission 5-speed, mechanical suspension wheels: front-type McPherson; Rear spring brakes: with ABS and EBD; Front disc, ventilated; Rear disk price, $ 14990.

Text: Igor Kuznetsov
 

A source: Magazine 5 Wheel [09/2001]