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

Real Steel

Competition in the segment is aggravated, and this cannot but rejoice. Unlike the situation of ten years ago, its inhabitants ceased to dutifully weave in the tail of the leader and set about real attacking maneuvers. As a result, a whole galaxy of cars was born that swept the right to establish new standards, prerogative, already eternity as belonging to golf. In 1998, the extravagant Focus with its multi-link rear suspension demonstrated what it is to be able to ride, in 2000 the 147th Alfa surprised all the high style and wealth of basic equipment. A year later, Peugeot 307 made a breakthrough in the direction of the struggle for the interior, and soon Megane II broke all records in the field of security. Civic Type-R put a decisive revision term hot hatchback. On the way BMW of the second episode
 
Mazda also wished to participate in the revision of the coordinate system. And she created her threek. It was created, because such beauty can only be the crown of real creativity. The world has not seen such an expressive car in such a utilitarian class! Its amazingly biological plastic creates a complete feeling that under metal skin the heart pulsates, warm blood flows through arteries and veins. Creature! It seems that if this almost animated car is regularly and actively driving, it will become even frying and more embossed, and if you keep it in the parking lot, it is bumping with fat. Thrill cannot be scratched, it can be injured. It cannot be broken, it can be crippled. And it’s so scary to hurt her! Our car is especially spectacular thanks to the Sports Appearante Package package it includes a front bumper of a special shape, a different radiator cladding, threshold lining and rear spoiler. And also xenon and solid seventeen -inch wheels.

 

Honestly, this enthusiastic impulse cools interest in arranging the interior, in running characteristics. They themselves fade into the background. Perhaps because you feel intuitively: an aesthetically impeccable car must be successful in all respects. He cannot have a wretched salon or stupid engine, cannot! I can’t believe it! But you will have to check.
 
The interior is good. However, it is not original: the alpha spirit is clearly hovering here. It lives in the bells of the dashboard, in the characteristic three-spoke steering wheel, in round throttle deflectors and rotating rims of climate control handles. Plagiarism? Rather, the processing of excellent ideas. Yes, and who cares if all this looks five points and is done in good faith! Take, for example, optestone devices. In the parking lot, with a dried engine and the dimensions turned on, in the dark only purple rings of scales smolder. It is worth starting the motor and scarlet numbers float out of the darkness. Super! And the thoughtful backlight of the central console? And the lights scattering to the sides of the radio handle when the volume changes? And the combined upholstery of seats with inserts made of corrugated fabric? This is design as art.

  

Moreover, ergonomics in no place was sacrificed to artistry. The range of adjustments of the steering column (in two planes) and front seats are more than sufficient, the seats themselves perfectly distribute the loads. The creators of the car took care of the rear passengers: it is quite convenient, spacious, even the glasses of the doors here fall completely. The trunk is very spacious, with a well -cut opening. However, a really outstanding decision can be called the cover of the cover of the cover hidden in the recess of the rear bumper. The cleanliness of the hands is guaranteed!
 
By the way, Mazda3 is also proposed in the four -door version, which has only front doors with hatchback. In general, the car is supplied to Russia with two bodies, two engines (105 and 150 forces) and in the four levels of configuration: Base, Touring, Touring+ and Sport. Two gearboxes: Mechanical and sequential ActiveMatic automatic machine. Twelve body painting is provided.

 

Perhaps for the first time, a Japanese car of this class reached all the heights of quality. Treshka is of high quality in everything: in design, ergonomics, materials and, of course, assembly. And also safe. The body of the machine is designed according to the new proprietary concept of Maidas (the system of absorption and distribution of Mazda collision energy), which is based on the special power structure of the case called Triple-H. The design of the front bumper reduces the risk of serious injuries by pedestrians. Six airbags and belts with pretensors are included in the base, and the degree of opening of the front pillows depends on the strength of the blow. The equipment of the top versions includes the DSC stabilization system.


DSC is deactivated here, and it's great. Without her help, Mazda3 is very exciting storms fast turns, willingly leaving for the skidd when discharging gas. Sunny is smooth and predictable, so it is not a problem to extinguish it. Rather, this is even a pleasure. And the steering with an electro -hydraulic amplifier is an excellent help. He is inherent in the speed of reactions and the fullness of feedback: you are always aware of what angle the wheels are turned and how stable their adhesion to this coating is. The possession of this information inspires self -confidence and in the car. If the situation began to get out of control, you should not panic: with a dangerous development of drift, the DSC on its own initiative enters the work.

  

A considerable merit in ensuring confident controllability belongs to the design of the pendants: the front MacPherson is assembled on the subframe, a multi -link scheme has been used from behind. Low -profile tires are also contributed to their indisputable contribution. However, the same tires, coupled with short -term suspension, negatively affect the smoothness of the stroke. Small irregularities are passing unnoticed, the rest of the relief is already felt quite distinctly. Most of all, Trushka does not like the pits on them, she shudders with her whole body and rustles the rear suspension. And in general, you can’t call this car quietly: the sound of the engine, and road noises, and aerodynamic ones penetrate the salon.
 
But I have nothing against the sound of the engine. Such a sound of such an engine. A assertive, ringing baritone of a high -speed motor, boldly spinning to the mark of 7000. The gas distribution phase system opens the engine for the second wind after 4000 rpm as if you throw off a couple of hundred kilograms, the treshka famously rushes forward. And on the bottom, the craving is not bad, and with elasticity everything is in order; True, the picture is slightly spoiled by the unintelligible work of the clutch drive, which will have to be used to. At the same time, there are no complaints to the clarity of the gearbox with its cable mechanism, and relatively short and second steps exacerbate the feeling of acceleration.

 

By resigning model 626 and replacing it with Mazda6, the Japanese claimed that a new era began in the history of the brand. Then it was hard to believe in this: yes, the six outstanding car, but a single success still does not mean anything. From now on, there is no doubt: Mazda is firmly standing in the way of reformation. With the advent of a threek, the company had a combat -ready link at the disposal of the company, really threatening to change the balance of power in the market.
 
Autography
Mazda3 2.0 Sport
Predecessor
323 (1997)
Platform
Ford Focus II
Prototype
MX Sportif (2003)
Premiere
september 2003
Still known as
Mazda Axela
Body
sedan, 5-dv. hatchback
Engine power
84-150 hp
Production
Japan
Expected replacement
2009-10


During the test, the car is insured by LLC Nation Center.
The car is provided by Eurosib-Avo.
 

Text: Leonid Klyuyev
Photo: Roman Ostanin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Source: Wheel magazine [No. 75/2004]