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

Both in a feast and in the world

Toyota Corolla
The debut in 2001, in Russia since 2002.
It is produced with bodies of hatchback, sedan and station wagon. Engine options: gasoline 1.3 liters, 88 liters. With.; 1.4 l, 97 l. With.; 1.5 l, 110 l. With.; 1.6 l, 110 l. With.; 1.8 l, 135 l. With. and 192 l. With. Turbodiesel 2.0 liters, 90 liters. With. and 110 l. With.; 2.2 l, 79 l. With. Boxes of the gear are mechanical five- and six-speed and four-speed automatic (ZR, 2004, No. 5; 2002, No. 4; 2002, No. 7).
Only machines with 1.4 and 1.6 liters and hatchbacks with the most powerful 1.8 liter of gasoline engines are officially supplied to Russia.
The price range from $ 15,400 per sedan is 1.4 liters to 20 800 (1.6 liters per automatic transmission).

Mitsubishi Lancer
The debut took place in 2003, in Russia since the fall of 2003.
A sedan and station wagon are produced with bodies.
It is delivered to Russia with 1.3 liters of gasoline engines, 82 liters. With.; 1.6 l, 98 l. With.; 2.0 l, 135 l. With. with a five -speed manual gearbox or a four -speed automatic (only 1.6 l). Sports version of Evolyushn VIII with a capacity of 265 liters. With. with turbocharged and all -wheel drive (ZR, 2004, No. 5; No. 4; 2003, No. 8).
The price range is from $ 15,490 (1.3 l) to 20 990 (two -liter sedan).

Renault Megane II
The second generation of Megans was presented in the fall of 2002.
Bonds: three- and five-door hatchbacks (ZR, 2003, No. 1), sedan and station wagon (ZR, 2003, No. 11), Cabiolet compartment (ZR, 2004, No. 3).
Equipped with gasoline engines 1.1 liters, 82 liters. With.; 1.4 l, 98 l. With.; 1.6 l, 113 l. With.; 2.0 l, 135 l. With. or turbodiesels 1.5 liters, 82 l. With.; 1.9 l, 120 l. With. The gearboxes are five- and six-speed mechanical or four-speed automatic.
In Russia, sedans are sold 1.4 and 1.6 liters and a five -door hatchback of 1.6 liters.
The price of a sedan is from 11,900 with an engine of 1.4 liters to 18 400 per 1.6-liter with automatic transmission in the PRIVILEGE configuration.

Mazda 3
She debuted in the fall of 2003, in Russia since 2004 (ZR, 2004, No. 6).
It is produced with bodies sedan and hatchback on the unified platform Ford focus-2/ Volvo S40.
Engine options: gasoline 1.4 liters, 80 liters. With.; 1.6 l, 105 l. With.; 2.0 l, 150 l. With. and turbodiesel 1.6 liters, 110 l. With. Gearboxes are mechanical five -speed and four -stage hydromechanical automatic machine.
In Russia, sedans and hatchbacks with gasoline engines are sold 1.6 and 2.0 liters are sold.
The price of a sedan is from $ 17 100 to 23 350.

Ford Focus
He made his debut in 1998, since 2001 it has been produced in Vsevolozhsk (ZR, 2003, No. 3).
In Russia, a focus with bodies is a five -door hatchback, a sedan and a station wagon. Power units: gasoline engines 1.6 liters, 101 l. With. and 1.8 l, 116 l. With. with a five -speed manual gearbox or 2.0 liters, 131 liters. With. With a four -speed automatic. In Europe, gasoline engines of 1.4 liters, 75 liters are also represented. With.; 1.6 l, 101 l. With. and 2.0 l, 173 l. With. and two turbodiesels 1.8 liters in different versions, with a capacity of 55 kW/75 liters. With. up to 85 kW/115 l. With.
The price range from 11 010 for the Ambient and 1.6 liter equipment to 19 030 for a two -liter GIA with additional equipment.

You can reason for a long time how to be the only car in the family. But almost certainly they will turn out to be a small class sedan for the head of the family, quite practical and roomy for trips with the whole family and not too expensive in itself and in operation. Why a sedan? Firstly, it seems to be representative, and secondly, it has a fairly voluminous trunk. In our test, the bestsellers of the Russian market were in the company of newcomers Renault Megan II Sedan and Mazda-3. All with mechanical gearboxes and 1.6 liters. For all external dissimilarity, they are equally suitable for a feast, and in the world, and to good people. From this point of view, we will consider them.


TOYOTA COROLLA.
If you put it next to the predecessor, which is ten years older, it seems that the once light and graceful car turned into a small battleship. But the tests once again convinced the lightweight of the first rating. Corolla is one of the most compact and light cars in five. At the same time, it is little inferior to competitors in the size of the salon, and the trunk. We add to the advantages the largest road clearance, a suspension, meekly swallowing pits on city streets, a powerful engine with a well-chosen transmission (he provided Corolle leadership in the accelerated disciplines) a portrait of a stranger’s student: smart as Vasilisa Wise, and rehabying, like Koshchei immortal . There are spots even in the sun even in the sun. Will seek?
Let's start with the workplace. The original handle, which controls the inclination of the back, is not just to find the first time. Previously, the one who heads the pillow height will come to hand. The adjustment range is quite sufficiently good at the lower and upper position. The shape of the pillow is such that the legs will rely on it only if you tightly squeeze your knees. The pedals, although light, their moves are not at all small; They stand low and quite close to each other. In general, high landing and narrow shoes are preferable. Women's car? No Japanese
By the way, a good visibility from Toyota is explained by a high landing of the driver. Places for the head will be enough even the most laryd. But a considerable viewing sector is blocked by a wide central counter. And if with a two -meter growth there are still heroic shoulders, the discomfort from the support of the rack is guaranteed. However, these are the problems of very large drivers. Less tired only I want to move the steering wheel closer. She rises upward, but take the helm of herself. Well, there will be no flights, but you can go.
The overall impression of the interior has been made for centuries: monolithic, reliable, strictly. In the movement, no crickets with a dust are sprinkled at the factory? The chubby small steering wheel bagel is almost completely isolated from the irregularities of the road. While the corners of the rotation are small, the electric amplifier copes well. When you have to turn the steering wheel more than 90 degrees, the connection between the hands and wheels seems to disappear. Favorite exercise entry into a turn at high speed. Discharging of gas, the ruler’s margin The result is expected: a noticeable roll, then demolition by all wheels, speed drop, stabilization. The same in a more dynamic version, only the rolls are sharper. Now a series of turns, acceleration at the output, braking by the engine at the entrance. Toyota demonstrates a complete unwillingness to perform extreme maneuvers. The inner front wheel now and then rises, breaking into a slip and preventing acceleration. Safe, but not at all gambling.
The excitement of the Corolla in the motor, which pulls well from the bottom and easily spins over 6,000 rpm. Of course, above 3500 it is noisy, but good dynamics justifies the annoying hum. A long and not very pleasant to the touch, the gear lever is characterized by large moves, but with a clear inclusion. But with an increase in speed, strange metamorphoses occur with a suspension. The silently swallowing pits of Corolla begins to rigidly copy the profile of the road, resting against the restraints of the hitch. Without unnecessary noise, but there is enough shaking.
From the point of view of the passenger, Corolla is very not bad: large high openings, wide open doors, reliable limiters. The three of us can live from behind.
The trunk in our measurements took third place after Ford and Renault. But according to factory data, he is the smallest. By the way, all other indicators of Toyota-Corollah in the test are closest to the declared. Apparently, modesty decorates not only girls. Otherwise, why is Corolla No. 1 for sales in the world?


Mitsubishi-Lenser.
The aggressive grin of the front bumper does not go too much with the calm silhouette of the body. A low glazing line, large windows, a sedan not too memorable, as if it would not decide who to be: a rally monster or taxi. It seems low, although only 20 mm is below the Corolla. And it is also 100 mm longer and heavier than a mass of not the most thin driver. Lancer is no longer an elegant small -scale is a solid car. Will we try it?
The size of the front seats is not Japanese at all: even considerable dimensions of the driver will take the back of his shoulders, not armpits. The range of adjustments to the large is not inferior to Toyota, and you can drive almost close to the steering wheel. The seat with a plain profile, but thanks to a combination of fabric, the upholstery is confidently holding on corners. But the design of the front panel with brilliant plastic overlays under the black tree is disappointed, and the finishes are rude to the touch, but the quality of fitting the elements is impeccable.
Drivers of various complexions were surprisingly tolerant of the workplace. In the list of comments, the middle rear headrest, almost completely closing the review through the inner mirror (the third extra?), And the thin rim of a large steering wheel. They praised the ease of closing the doors. In general, a larger and heavy Lancer does not cause the driver to feel an armored car, like Toyota. Although this will seem like a disadvantage from the point of view of the image.
On the move, other features are manifested: tangible efforts on pedals that are not characteristic of the Japanese, and the sluggish character of the motor. It seems that he is earnestly trying to disperse a rather heavy car, but it is only enough for a narrow range from 3 to 5. Then it is pointless to promote the engine, although it is able to develop 6,000 rpm, this is a little good. Well, the calm character of the motor, combined with a stretched transmission, endowed Lanser with the laurels of one of the most economical in five.
Despite the rally genes, Lancer does not differ either by a sharp steering wheel or ostentatious sports. This is a rather hard car, whose short -free pendants restrain powerful shock absorbers. He repeats in detail the profile of the road, sharply conveys small irregularities, confidently stands on the washing board in a bend. The eternal dispute between comfort and reliability of management is resolved in favor of management. Mitsubishi really manifests itself when the adhesive qualities of the tires are no longer enough to hold the car on the trajectory. Then it turns out that in sliding it is as easy to manage as in ordinary modes. Nevertheless, he will not allow the driver to be readiness and the ability to act in a timely and adequate way of excessive familiarity. For the rest, the slow steering wheel will remain a natural barrier on the way to acute sensations
Lancer offers the rear passengers a less spacious place, and the seat pillow in it is the lowest. Yes, you don’t have to rest on the ceiling with your head, but the legs overly bent at the knees will flow after a couple of hours. The doorways seem large, but even a person of medium height has to bend his head.
The trunk of Mitsubishi only looks big. During our measurements, it contained only 340 liters of polystyrene blocks.
On the test, Mitsubishi practically confirmed the maximum speed, but was noticeably short of overclocking. A little worse than the leaders were brakes. Nevertheless, Lancer is a good family man, and his commercial success is indirectly confirmed by recent rise in price.
Renault-Magan II sedan.
In front, it is no different from the hatchback, but the back is much stricter and more practical. Moreover, the sedan is longer than the brothers not only due to the overhang, but also due to the 65 mm base increased by 65 mm. This led to a clear advantage in the size of the salon mainly for the rear passengers. In front, despite the successful workplace and a good range of adjustments, preference is given to drivers not higher than average. Large people will not be able to agree with the middle persistent body, although they did not find other inconvenience. Renault and Mazda outside are noticeably wider than classmates and are practically equal in transverse salons, but not so narrowed to the roof of the Renault more spacious and air. An impressive and almost square hold contained 416 liters of polystyrene blocks, its lid opens the widest opening, and complex loops do not protrude inside, the leader on this part.
Renault also offers better smoothness and a very lively engine: he only loses a few moments in the overclocking of Mazda and she is almost 100 kg lighter and in addition it has a shorter main pair. The design of the instrument panel, as they say, is for an amateur, but you can’t refuse originality. The card instead of the traditional key is more likely a plus does not tear pockets
However, not all manifestations of originality are appropriate. Against the background, it is emphasized safe in the controllability of Toyota, academic, but with the highlight of Ford and Mitsubishi, the verified and laconic ven Megan is ambiguous. The sedan surprised the inclination of the rear axle with a sharp discharge of gas in a bend, already noticed behind its colleague-hatchback. Only the drift of the sedan develops more slowly and with a greater amplitude. However, a driver who is ready for such a development of events can be pulled out by Megan, even sliding across the road. And not so trained, it may be necessary to evaluate the devices of passive safety, thanks to which Renault received honorary five euroncap stars. Our assumption: due to the installation of higher pendants for Russian conditions, the rolls of the car and, accordingly, the degree of steering of the rear suspension increased. In any case, the family car does not decorate the tail of the tail.
In all other respects, Renault demonstrates a high refinement class. He has less pronounced the noise of tires and engine, excellent smoothness is adjacent to the good energy intensity of the suspension and, of course, the most convenient planting in the back seat. The electric power steering of Megan is clearly Toyotovsky to feel what is happening with controlled wheels, and perfectly filters vibrations from the coating. The ease of controls is especially noticeable if you move to Megan from the focus. However, it is she who complicates the exact dosing of braking. However, this does not have a critical drawback for all sedans Megan ABS in standard configuration. Like Corolla, Megan-S-gagger was made in Turkey. We noted a good build quality of the Turkish Renault, even when we got acquainted with the previous model. And since then, Turkish machines have not been disappointed even more evenly by gaps and coincidence of panels than hatchbacks from France.
Of all the advantages of Renault, Megan, of course, give the first place to the size, comfort and arrangement of the salon with a huge number of all kinds of niches and drawers, which is difficult to find equal to. As for the price, it is attractive only to configure the authentic. More expensive express with additional equipment easily reaches 17 thousand euros. And, for example, the posterior seat with an armrest that is being laid out in parts can be obtained only in it.
Mazda-3.
She looks like Mazda-6, and there is nothing wrong with that. On the contrary, the current Mazdam is characterized by grace, and aggressiveness, and identity. Mazda 3 is no less recognizable in the stream than her older relative. And the external similarity only adds prestige to a small machine. However, according to the dimensions of Mazda 3, it is only a little inferior to Megan, the most solid in our five.
The equipment of the machine with 16-inch wheels, of course, will like many, but 15-inch with more fleshy tires, I think that they would help not only to build up the price, but also to make the character of the Mazda even more flexible and comfortable. Such equipment is possible but only with a basic level of equipment. And, say, heated seats are put only in the configuration of sports with a two-liter engine and already 17-inch wheels.
Features of Mazda-3 begin with a driver’s place: a deep seat with good lateral support not only on the back, but also on the pillow immediately involves sports ambitions and a thin figure. Heavyweights it is entitled to complain about insufficient size and strength of the seat under the thorough driver. The frame is elastic. Although the Mazda is not a record holder in the number and range of seats adjustments, taking into account the transformation of the steering column along the length and corner, it is not difficult to find the optimal landing. However, the owners of impressive feet will be a pedal node. Disadvantages such as a long stroke and low location of the pedals can be corrected by rearranging the chair in the upper position. However, this is allowed only to a driver of small stature.
If you can find fault with pedal kinematics, then there is no information content and efforts. Just like a short, with a light and clear inclusion of a gear lever. Sports surroundings continues the front panel. All devices are hidden in three deep wells and do not glance in any light. However, the fashion is not always functional by the zero marks of the speedometer and the tachometer not on the left, but below, so that the usual position of the shooters of average turns, the average speed turned out to be closer to the maximum values. But more importantly, another interior of Mazda-3, although it is not made of any special materials, looks and feels much more than its rivals. Perhaps the comparison with the older Mazda-6 is also appropriate.
The Mazda motor with adjustable gas distribution phases pulls well from below, but is fully revealed from only 4,000 rpm, providing a rather heavy (3rd place) car with good accelerating dynamics (2nd place). As for braking, Mazda 3 with a minimum margin took a leading position, ahead of the Renault, a few centimeters. Of course, this is not the last merit of the wide 16-inch tires of the Bridget-Turanz ER30. Thanks to their high coupling qualities, it was possible to fully evaluate the advantages of a multi -link rear suspension, which is very similar to Fordovskaya in cinematics. Mazda 3 already offers serious side accelerations and is still friendly to a not too experienced driver. At the same time, the effort on the steering wheel, and the gear ratio in the drive is just the way. At high speed, Mazda will seem too nervous to someone. But it is much less than Ford is sensitive to ruts and comb.
Take a look at the car from the observation pit: 130 mm of the road clearance under a plastic apron (145 mm under the subframe) that protects the motor compartment from dirt; There are a lot of aerodynamic devices on the bottom. By the way, the bumpers painted in the color of the body are whole, which involves a very caught parking near the curb. In the luggage compartment with a narrow opening opening instead of a full -fledged spurt.

FORD FOCUS.
We began to get used to his appearance, and the 2001 restyling did not greatly change the appearance of the car. The test focus was different in that instead of traditional block fact, he had round headlights in a special case.
Ford focus with a sedan body may not be as elegant as a hatchback, but in a longer overhang there was enough space for a voluminous trunk by the way, by the second most real capacity, which gave up only 4 l holds No. 1 Renault Megan. Ford cargo compartment deserves praise for comfortable loops that do not protrude inside, and censure for a small opening. The original mechanism for fixing the back of the back is driven from the trunk. It is even convenient, although unusual.
The workplace and the Ford-Focus interior we have studied well enough. The originality of the front panel design is backed up by the high quality of materials, the simplicity of designing devices with good readability. Although sometimes simplicity borders on stinginess for example, there is no red zone on a tachometer. A chubby steering wheel adjustable in inclination and length of the column allows you to adapt to the features of the driver’s figure to rest on the stomach and it will not have to be drawn to it either.
Pretty hard seats do not delight with developed side support, but are quite convenient for riders of various proportions and completeness. The adjustment range is not record, but a very large driver will feel at ease. At the same time, even a rather big passenger can calmly sit behind a tall driver. The rear seat of Ford is spacious and convenient: it is easy to withstand the many hours of long -distance route.
In the movement of Ford-Focus, a dual character: on the one hand, he seeks to be comfortable, on the other, not to lose his excellent controllability, for the sake of which the multi-link suspension was fled. The adaptation of the machine to Russian conditions required more rigid springs, changed shock absorbers and an increase in road clearance. They received a good energy intensity of pendants, a sensitive, although very heavy steering wheel and very noisy tires. It is possible that the full -time continental Warld Contact 185/70R14 has also partially determined mediocre brake characteristics. The basic machine without ABS with drum rear hinders on the same level with Russian, and not with imported classmates. But the brakes with ABS are available only for surcharge in the second level of configuration comfort. However, our focus is
Nevertheless, even the basic Ford can enjoy the wheel: a clear gear shift, a clear steering wheel. But the capabilities of the engine, already modest, are finally strangled by long gear rates. Maybe the focus succeeded in saving fuel? Alas, considerable experience in operating the machine in the editorial office dissuades in this.
Summing up
Our task is not to choose the best car, but to indicate priorities. In other words, help navigate.
Toyota Corolla from among machines that are chosen with the mind, and not with the heart. For those who like to study tables and graphs, they probably are not given a different solution. True, the price is already pretty biting. And one more thing: the tall and broad -shouldered driver in the spacious and in appearance, and according to the results of the measurements, the Corolle will be cramped.
Mitsubishisi Lancer, at first glance, far away from the carriage in the market, which was previous to him, although in fact the distance is not so great. Having received a more pretentious appearance, other settings of the chassis, he, in fact, remained solid, medium abilities of the car. A good alternative to Toyota thanks to a more attractive price and a workplace convenient for a large driver.
Ford Focus five years ago claimed the crown of the leader of his class. But the time of his reign is rolling to sunset. Although it is still pleasing with a spacious salon and pleasant road manners. Thanks to the price of Ford, there are few competitors. On the other hand, the accessibility of the focus is due to the poverty of the basic configuration.
Sedan Renault Megan II, in contrast to the namesake-hatchback, has not so memorable forms, but much more practical. He offers the most spacious and French cozy salon, a huge trunk and almost limousine comfort. It is only a pity that the pendants of the Renault are able to present the driver not the most pleasant surprises.
Mazda 3 The most bright of the cars presented. Just for those who are inclined to choose, guided by emotions, primarily caused by appearance. However, with a logical approach to choice, customers will not deprive her good dynamics in combination with a bribing control of management, a worthy salon and an excellent design. Nobody will suspect the owner of jail, even if he chooses the cheapest Mazda-3.
Now, if the Mazda’s lightness and style of the Toyota were added to Toyota’s motor and practical body, supplement Renault with French charm and excellent comfort, season with the honed manage of Mitsubishi and sell at the Ford price, giving an interest -free loan to such fantasies is hardly destined to come true. But you can express your own personality even in a modest and practical sedan.

SUMMARY
Toyota Corolla Leader in almost everything, but the road without a zest.
+ Excellent dynamics, good brakes, energy intensity of the suspension, comfort at low speeds, convenient control
engine thrust, safe controllability characteristics.
- The comfort of the suspension at high speeds, a noisy engine, uncomfortable adjustment of the seats is insufficient.

SUMMARY
Mitsubishi Lancer from the sky is not enough stars, but will serve correctly.
+ Convenient workplace, insensitivity to ruts, exemplary handling in critical modes.
- Hard suspension, glare on instruments, medium dynamic qualities, sluggish motor at high speeds.

SUMMARY
Renault Megan is a large and cozy road cruiser.
+ Spacious interior, low noise level, comfortable and energy -intensive suspension, large trunk, excellent dynamics, large doorways, a convenient place of the driver.
- The tendency to drift, too sensitive brakes.

SUMMARY
Mazda 3 is a bright appearance and a clockwork character.
+ Excellent handling, good comfort on minor irregularities,
high quality interior decoration.
- limited energy intensity of the suspension, difficulty with the selection of optimal configuration, an unsuccessful pedal node.

SUMMARY
Ford Focus compromise between equipment and price: an affordable option loses to competitors.
+ The wide prevalence of the model, a large trunk, well -predicted reactions, convenient controls.
- In the cabin, tires, moderate dynamics, weak lateral
support for seats.
 
 
Anatoly Fomin. Photo: George Sadkov

Source: The magazine "Driving"