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

A dishonest test

The second generation Ford Focus is actually the first mass foreign car of Russian production. The plant in Vsevolozhsk is gaining momentum every month, the number of brand new perch on the roads is growing steadily. Mazda3, unlike the nozzle, has long been a bestseller, although it is found in a slightly different price category. It is significantly more expensive than Focus in a similar configuration, but the turn on Tsenka does not even think to dissolve, and those who ordered a new car should wait for his couple of months.

A comparative test of the combined brothers was suggesting. If the cars have so much in common, does it make sense to overpay for one when you can buy another cheaper, with an equally respected logo and better equipped? Or, perhaps, it is worth spending a little more on a car that has already gained a driver’s reputation?
However, the choice of cars may seem strange. Ford is equipped with a powerful two -liter engine - against a modest 1.6 -liter Mazda. But the price tags are almost the same. By the way, as it turned out, even with a small sticked Mazda motor - a combat -ready car!

So, we have a five -door Mazda3 hatchback in the Touring configuration with a 1.6 liter engine and mechanics, which costs a little more than $ 19,000, and Focus with the same body type in the Trend version with 2 l of the motor and also with manual transmission. Mazda can already be offered in the database 16-inch alloy wheels, a CD resort, air conditioning, fog lights. Focus with additional equipment (which, in particular, music with CD and six speakers, the IVD course stability system, fog, front and rear electric windows) is estimated at 18 with a small thousand dollars. It seems that the Russified American is obviously stronger than the opponent from Japan. But is it really so?

When two cars stand nearby, the gaze more often clings to Mazda. And the point here is not only in bright red color. It’s just that this hatchback looks an order of magnitude more lively, more dynamic than his distant relative. Brought arches, an interesting shape of the glass of the fifth door, elegant lighting technology. Everything is fine, and there is literally nothing to complain about. However, esthetes will surely find a lot of borrowings from Alfa Romeo. Focus next to a slightly frivolous pink looks like a harsh older brother who, in turn, took a lot from his elder - Mondeo. Yes, this is far from the first Focus, worked in the New Edge style! Before us is a car for a person who primarily appreciates balance and solidity. Frankly, the appearance of the second Focus seems even less relevant and modern than that of the first. But many people like it. Inside a similar picture. Conceptually, the salons echo with exterior. Mazda creates a definitely sports mood. A small, skin sheathed with leather, a pleasant gearbox lever, round ventilation nozzles, drowned deep into the wells of devices with strictly downward arrows and speedometer, red lighting and comfortable chairs. Sports!

Focus is made of another test. Again, the desire to seem solid and monumental is clearly read. And, you know, it turns out. The smooth contours of the console, the absence of the slightest desire to seem original even in detail. A sort of average representative of modern golf class. Many buyers like this approach - to pay less, and get more. At least visually. As for the materials, here we prefer Ford - the front panel plastic is soft not only in appearance, and the overall quality of execution is more solid than that of the competitor. The Trend version was not chosen by chance. Only such Focus is equipped with the so -called enhanced suspension, which with a stretch can even be dubbed athletic. There are tougher shock absorbers and springs, thicker stabilizers. We tried other modifications of the car on the move, and found the suspension settings excessively comfortable. With such initial data, it will be difficult to resist Mazda, the running qualities of which are rightfully considered one of the best in the classroom. So, the key to the start.

We did not have about the accelerated dynamics of illusions. Still, the handicap is almost 40 forces with almost the same mass - this is a serious advantage. Yes, and the acceleration number declared by the manufacturer to 100 km/h reveals about the two -second advantage of Focus. However, in reality, everything turned out to be a little different. It feels like Mazda3 accelerates only a little worse than the opponent. Let's clarify - at city speeds. The more clear gear shift, the best clutch and an accelerator drive are affected. Managing overclocking in Mazda is more convenient and interesting. The motor behaves more lively, spins with a vigorous sound and at high speeds demonstrates a tangible pickup. Focus power unit - with an even character, know yourself from the very bottom to the top. The arrow crawls to the limiter, the machine accelerates, but the feeling of more dynamic acceleration is conceived. The accelerator pedal is more thoughtful, and the drive of the switching mechanism is not so clear. As for the movement along the highway, here the Ford unequivocally goes to the leaders - the moment and power allow him to torn away from the competitor.

However, these machines are not created for drag racing, and therefore it is interesting to evaluate their behavior in other conditions. Let's try two options. The first is smooth city roads, reprising by turns. The second is the imperfect suburban highway, on which it is necessary to overcome a couple of hundred kilometers.

How fish in water feels in urban conditions Mazda3. The suspension is tougher than Focus, the working stroke of shock absorbers is less. The steering is more acute, and the responsiveness for the actions of the steering wheel is higher. Plus, as already mentioned, a more clear aza drive and the mechanism of speed switching. Even on a 1.6-liter version in urban conditions, you feel completely comfortable, there is enough traction, and if you suddenly need to overtake, you can make a quick bit, sharply turn on the lowered and rush into the distance. Focus is also not bad, but there is no such understanding as with Mazda with it. The suspension is elastic, but not so assembled, it is more comfortable, and the reactions of the car are smeared. With sharp actions, the steering wheel arises a small mismatch in the work of pendants - the back suddenly begins to actively steal. It is clear that such a dish cannot be called especially tasty. Mazda is better than controllability.

But in long travels, Ford looks preferable. Not a rigid and long -term suspension - this is rather good. At speed, the car willingly swallows irregularities and almost does not allow breakdowns. Focus does not deviate from the Focus course, clearly following the given trajectory, while Mazda dives on irregularities, throws Sedokov and makes it clear in every possible way that its purpose is not at all warmed on imperfect Russian roads. As for the brakes, on the Japanese typewriter they seemed more informative and effective. However, this is at the level of subjective sensations, because Ford brake dynamics are very good.

The issue of fuel economy is not as clear as it might seem at first glance. In theory, a powerful engine of a larger volume should consume more fuel. In practice, it turns out that a small 1.6 liter of the Mazda engine needs to be twisted more where you can go for half -heartedly on the traction of Fordovsky. Therefore, we were not able to notice a big difference in the consumption of gasoline.

In terms of luggage compartment - parity. But Focus has a full -fledged reserve, while Mazda offers only a duck. Under the carpet in Black Hatch, we found useful containers for small objects, Mazda has nothing like that there. By the way, sound insulation is better for Ford. As well as more, the supply of space for the legs sitting behind.

The results of a parallel test seem to us quite logical. More expensive and beautiful Mazda should attract lovers to ride quickly. This is a car for those who are the first place to drive and bright appearance. Ford - for pragmatists. According to the totality of characteristics, which, of course, include the price, this car is beyond competition.

Cars are provided:
Mazda3 - Mazda representation
Tel.: (095) 589-24-80
Ford Focus - car dealership. Impex
Tel.: (095) 900-10-10

The cost of Ford Focus: Focus is really a folk car. You can become the owner of the machine in the Ambiente configuration for only $ 11,720 - get an Olya option with a 1.4 liter engine. The Comfort version is a little more expensive - prices start at $ 12,800. Motors are affordable 1.4 liters, 1.6 l and 1.8 -liter TD. Next is Trend, for which you need to lay out at least $ 14,650. The line of engines is replenished with a two -liter unit. The most expensive Focus is traditional - GHIA. Prices start from the $ 16 350 mark. The final cost of the machine is formed using an impressive list of options.

The cost of Mazda3: the most budget car - in the BASE configuration costs $ 17,100. This is a sedan, and a hatchback is more expensive for $ 100. Touring is of two types. A machine with a 1.6 liter engine is estimated at $ 19,000. The option with a four -speed WTOMTO is more expensive by $ 1000. For a version with a two -liter engine, you will have to pay from $ 22,300. The second -hand room is not provided here. The most expensive Mazda3 is in the Sport version. This costs from $ 23,400.

Text: Leonty Tyutelev
 

A source: Motor magazine [No. 10/2005]