Test drive Mazda 626 MK5 Sedan 1997 - 2002 Sedan
Democratish. Practice. Hood?
To say that some manufacturers reduced the bar against their models is actually heavy. However, the question remains open: is it good that the Mazda 626 GF has become easier than it was before? I must say that the new Mazda of the middle class that appeared in 1997 turned out to be much more mundane and democratic than its predecessor of 1991-1997 626 GE. For the Japanese, this was a vital necessity, first of all, because the Korean automobile industry stood on its feet, which for relatively little money offered machines of quite decent quality. We can say that the GF was imprisoned under a European consumer, accustomed to driving a moderately stylish, practical, inexpensive car without any excesses, unlike GE, designed rather, taking into account the tastes of Americans who prefer more minced meat. When it comes to automobile addictions, our man still looks like an American, and therefore GF in Russia is not as popular as it could be. Thus, simplification to a certain extent benefited her not to the benefit.
However, this does not concern the body in any way. The machine has lost its external puffiness, but acquired a strict, German style without Japanese pretentiousness. The optics, besides the fact that it became simply beautiful thanks to the tinted reflector, also shines better than the linzed headlights that were installed on 626 GE. It should also be noted that, unlike the previous generation, a practical universal body joined the sedan and hatchback. Of the other advantages of the case, it is necessary to mention its amazing resistance to corrosion, and in addition, the designers finally provided a hatch in the floor, which significantly facilitates the replacement of the gas pump (earlier it was necessary to remove the tank for this). The salon of the new model cannot be recognized: with his predecessor he was some kind of plush, soft, comfortable, here everything is quite ascetic, in full accordance with the appearance. The interior was created with a clear sight for Europe, where, unlike America and Japan, people are ready to do without unnecessary, in their opinion, options. So, equipment
The GF is poorer than the previous model, and seats, upholstered in skin, will no longer see. Nevertheless, some continuity can be noted: the level of ergonomics is quite normal, the finishes and the assembly quality are also acceptable. In addition, like the forerunner, the salon is quite spacious and convenient. And the trunk, in addition to a decent volume, has some kind of transformation possibilities (the back of the rear sofa folds in a ratio of 60:40 and forms an even platform without a step). There is no particular difference between this model and 626 GE in terms of running qualities: the suspension design is almost identical, so good handling and average smoothness has not disappeared. And the engines with boxes remained almost the same as before, therefore, nothing new can be said about dynamics. Although no, it is possible: a more powerful version of the 2-liter engine appeared, and it was reflected positively on the dynamics (though the V6 of the V6 of the KF series did not, and the charged version of the old four cannot be called an adequate replacement).
626 GF engines familiar by the old model in line four in a volume of 1.8 and 2 liters (the first has a hundred horsepower, the second develops either 115 or 136 l.) Yes, and a 2-liter sticon turbodiesel, in fact, is all. However, there are some differences in the engines of two versions, however, there are. So, instead of hydraulic compensators, goals are installed in the valve drive (according to experts, new power units work louder than the former), moreover, the old (and very problematic) trambler was ultimately replaced by the reel ignition system. But the long -standing problems, unfortunately, remained: the mesh of the gas tank, as before, can be attributed to the category of consumables (if suddenly, in a steep turn with a small supply of gasoline, the craving is sharply exhausted, it means that the filter of gross cleaning is greatly clogged; it is good to at least now replace it with a special labor is not). Familiar to the GE of Carter's flowering pallets did not disappear anywhere. In addition, these motors also love high -quality lubricants: if you use low -grade oil, then it is likely to shut up piston rings. But the nozzles of fuel injection are very reliable, even very old after good cleaning. And the timing belt, having broken, does not cause a meeting of valves and pistons. In general, GF power units are still reliable if you do not forget to change oil, filters and candles in time. 
As before, the model is equipped with a two -type gearbox: automatic and mechanical. And there is absolutely no trouble with them. It is only necessary from time to time (ideally once every 3040 thousand km) to change the oil in the automatic transmission along with the filter, and if the engine is jointly with the manual transmission, then as it is worn to change the clutch (as a rule, the need arises no earlier than 120 thousand . km after the previous replacement).
The suspension problems are familiar with another 626 GE: the antchanters of shock absorbers are periodically torn, and the steering rods are not too durable. In addition, racks of reptile stability stabilizers (moreover, the front and rear ones) still die earlier than we would like. The silent blocks of the front levers often fail when driving along our broken roads, and alas, it is impossible to change them separately from levers. Note that although right -handed versions (as in the case of the predecessor,
they are called Capella) are largely similar to their brothers with the left wheel, but still have features. Firstly, it is extremely rare to see a car with a right wheel with an installed rear stabilizer. Secondly, you rarely meet a copy of the Japanese market with rear disc brakes (the vast majority of drums). By the way, there were questions to the calipers, however, after their design was changed, there were fewer complaints. Of course, 626 GF is a good, very balanced car with a good salon, pleasant appearance and normal running qualities. In addition, he is reliable, even more reliable than his predecessor. However, there is still a certain feeling of incompleteness: the Japanese clearly saved when creating a car than a little wings were cut (deprived of a powerful motor, as well as some positions in the equipment list, which was so pleased with 626 GE). Presumably, that is why this model in the Russian market is less popular than the old GE. Although for the prudent and unprofitable European GF is exactly what is needed.
Some characteristics of Mazda 626 GF Type of body sedan/hatchback/station wagon
The number of doors is 4/5/5
The number of places 5
Length 4574/4574/4660 mm
Width 1710 mm
Height 1430/1430/1515 mm
Wheel base 2610/2610/2670 mm
Road clearance 160 mm
Acceleration to 100 km/h* 9.6 s
Maximum speed* 208 km/h
* For a car with a 2 l engine and manual transmission.
The advantages and disadvantages of the model
Advantages
Good head optics,
high level of reliability,
stylish appearance
Flaws
There is no powerful engine
poor configuration enough,
the design is similar to 626 g
