Test drive Mazda Mazda 3 (Axela) Sedan 2004 - 2009 sedan

Actual Mazda 3

And two years after the Russian debut, this car did not lose market positions

What has changed since in AI (No. 24 (46), 2003) the first report from the test drive of this compact machine was published? The competitors' regiment arrived: almost all companies, and European and Asian, managed to update their C-class models during this time. And Mazda3 used it and is in lively demand. During this time, she managed to rise in price, according to my calculations, by about a thousand dollars, which did not prevent 6610 customers from making a choice in her favor only in the first 9 months of the outgoing year. The treshka is still ahead of all other brand models in terms of the number of copies sold. And in two years, fortunately, the lines of official dealers have practically disappeared. In any case, on the day of preparation of this material, one of the large metropolitan sellers in the salon was available in the salon of cars with a 1.6-liter engine and with a 2-liter. True, in the second case, it was only yellow hatchback in the Sport version and in the best configuration, at a price of $ 24,450.

Winter Games

During the month, which the Mazda3 2.0 was on editorial trials, we got an excellent opportunity and refresh our impressions about it, and understand why the demand for it will not fade over time and, soon, will last at a good level for at least another two years. The main conclusion: this car has not lost its relevance to either external or price, nor, especially, from the point of view of running qualities.

Here I am going this morning (again on the weekend) from the suburbs to work. Minus 6, snow falls with might and main, slippery. Before turning the trip to the Moscow Ring Road, I decide to overtake the very cautious (and rightly!) Driver, who moves like on foot. Although I know very well that after overtaking, with the front wheels turned to the right, the gas will inevitably bring for the gas increase. But the fact of the matter is that I know for sure how Mazda3 will behave in this situation. It is not with all four wheels, but to a greater extent the stern went out of turn, but I am ready to adjust the drowsy of the steering wheel, and at the same time absolutely impunity and without hesitation, I press the accelerator pedal even more. Because in addition, I managed to switch to you with the DSC stabilization system at this speed (40 kilometers per hour) and in the third gear, it will not prevent the maneuver, but, on the contrary, will help narrow the turning radius, slightly subtracting the right wheel and not too much Sticking the engine.

By the way, DSC can be completely turned off by clicking on the button to the left of the steering column if you want to pass slippery turns in a truly sports spirit. And you can use the system in your interests, it is easy to adapt to the algorithm of its work, it can, one might say, is open. But in any case, the car will demonstrate a truly driver, cheerful disposition, and, I repeat, with absolutely predictable reactions to any action of the driver. He is able to turn every turn into a funny game, be the will of man at the wheel. In this regard, the Mazda3 is not inferior to the reference Alfa Romeo 147. But at the same time, she, perhaps, is more friendly to the driver and can forgive him with minor mistakes.

Meanwhile, Treshka, unlike some competitors (new generation of Opel Astra, for example), cannot boast of special technical innovations, such as a system for changing the rigidity of suspension. But under the body long and perfectly proven schemes (multi -link), the cinematics of which are configured with a sporting taste. The car turned out to be harsh, but I personally perceive it as an unconditional plus: insignificant potholes are not annoying, and response to the actions of the steering wheel is almost perfect. The hydraulic wrap allows you to feel the degree of rotation of the wheels well. On the road, all this provides quite sharp reactions to the movement of the steering wheel, the almost complete absence of rolls in corners, and the very predictable and smooth start of the demolition of the rear axle.

A few words about the pedal node. The adhesion pedal move is very decent, but the moment of picking is not difficult to trace. But the brakes, in my opinion, are somewhat strange: one click on the pedal is not enough for effective slowdown, you have to squeeze the pedal. Although to this, to be honest, I got used to it quite quickly.

A car with a sports package was equipped with a two-liter 150-horsepower engine. Paired with a mechanical 5-speed gearbox with excellent selectivity, it guarantees very frisky acceleration and easily spins up to the maximum 7200 rpm. The sound of a power unit is also good, which is heard at high speeds actually, Mazda3 has very good sound insulation.

Appearance and content

Outwardly, I allow myself to notice, this hatchback (and the sedan) will not become out of the same time. And two years later, he looks modern and stylish. Spectacular stamping on the hood, an aggressive front end, molding along the sides, plus a spoiler above the back door and 17-inch cast discs these and other details that emphasize the dynamic potential of the model, make it very attractive.

The only thing that became clear during operation neither aerodynamic elements nor a huge back of the rear bumper are able to protect the glass of a compact car from corrosive Moscow mud. The rear becomes opaque almost instantly, so it is better to stock up in a slush with washing liquid.

As for the decoration of the salon, I will not repeat once written. I can only say that I personally liked it, but what is not very good. Convenient seats with decent lateral support came to their liking, trimmed with high -quality, textured and not slippery material. A good range of adjustments of both seats and a steering column on inclination and departure. I really liked the design of the instrument panel, albeit in the Italian spirit with three wells framed by chrome, inside of which dials with strictly downward arrows. The numbers glow red, it is worth turning on the ignition, and in the near light they are in addition to the dark blue rim. Even rather hard plastic at the top of the front panel does not cause internal protest. In the rear seats, if not the three of them, then together you can travel with relative comfort, especially if not too large people are located ahead otherwise in the shoulder zone, but there is not enough foot space. The trunk impressed with capacity, its volume varies from 300 to 635 liters (with folded rear seats).

I did not like the location of the handle of the hand brake not at the driver's seat, but in the passenger seat (clearly with the right -winged model), and some other buttons and keys. Although you get used to it. But the absence of a CD player caused special bewilderment. Nevertheless, in a car even of the middle class, this is already a Moveton. Moreover, only a proprietary audio system can be installed in the upper part of the central console, the other without serious and expensive alterations will simply not fit here. As for the sound of the existing system, it is average.

A little about operation and prices

For the test we took a car with a mileage of about 16 thousand km. Literally on the second day, when I launched a cold motor, it became without an indicator, by sound, it is clear: it requires oil. He pulled out the probe exactly dry. The liter turned out to be enough for the engine to rude rather and began to work quieter. The fact is that the interval interval for Mazda is 20,000 km. And it is not surprising that, in essence, there was no liter of oil during the running -in the engine. I would not recommend the future owner to rely only on the indicator and wait for that. From time to time, you should listen to the power plant and look under the hood.

But the average fuel consumption for a month decreased by about half a liter. In the Moscow movement mode, it, of course, is not 8.2 liters of passport, but 10.3 liters per 100 km

And finally, back to prices. Very well-equipped Mazda3 with a 2-liter engine costs from $ 22,500. Warranty 3 years or 100,000 km of run.

Text: Oleg Osipov’s run according to the indications of the on -board computer. And this, I think, is a very good result.
 
 

Source: Newspaper "Automobile Izvestia" [No. 24 (91), 2005-2006]