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

What are we standing for?

Most popular cars today can be found from dealers in stock or, in extreme cases, in 12 months. Mazda-3 remained, perhaps, the only model in the classroom, the expectation of which is stretched to six months. And after all, buyers are patiently waiting ... Who makes sense to languish in line, and who is better to look towards competitors?
 



Just a shortage ...
It would be unfair to justify the half-year queue for a three-year-old because it is the best model or the best offer in the class, which is why, they say, everyone wants to buy it. Judging by the fact that in the first quarter of this year only 1482 treshks were sold, and 35 times more tricks, Koroll and Lancers (meaning each model), Mazda has not yet claimed the role of a class leader.
 

However, such modest sales volumes are due only to extremely limited quotas for delivery to Russia. I am sure that if she was on free sale, she would certainly enter the first five golf class. After all, if such a number of people are ready to wait for so much time, then the car hooked them with something.
 





What is the price?
In any case, not at a price. If this issue is decisive for you, the golf class has thoroughbred models and cheaper. For example, the same focus, Almer and Lancer with sufficient motors in sufficient trim levels cost from $ 15,500.
 

The price list for Mazda-3 starts at $ 17,100 (hereinafter the prices for the hatch-bek sedan are more expensive for $ 100200). For that kind of money, you are offered a car with a 105-horsepower 1.6-liter engine, manual box, in the basic configuration. Formally, she is not poor. And in order to become completely sufficient, the base must be supplemented by air conditioning ($ 17,700). Another thing is that the gray salon of such a configuration looks rustic.
 

Therefore, three -wishes performed by touring are in greatest demand. They look more interesting in the outside (cast discs, foglights), and inside are trimmed and equipped richer. In addition, only a 1.6-liter touring is installed an automatic box. Such cars cost $ 18,70019 550 with mechanics and $ 19,70020,350 with an automaton. The price fork is explained by the possible presence of a dynamic stabilization system of DSC, climate control instead of air conditioning and hatch in the roof.

 
   
Convenient remote control to the audio system on the steering wheel of the prerogative of Touring versions and sports

Onboard computer appears in the touring version

Heating seats only in touring and sport performances
 
 
Central armrest only in versions of touring and sports

Optronic backlighting instruments only in sport version


That is, among the Japanese classmates, Mazda is not the most affordable. It stands approximately at the level of the kingfish. But compared with imported European analogues in any case, it is cheaper.
 

Finally, for $ 22,00023 350 you can buy a three-liner 150-horsepower engine in touring and sports. It is clear that for most buyers such an engine in a golf class is redundant. But for lovers of hot versions, the 2-liter Mazda-3 looks like a fairly interesting offer. Only Lancer and Russian focus are cheaper.
 

To test in the case we decided the most popular versions of the sedan and hatchback with 1.6-liter engines and hand gearboxes.
 
List of standard equipment

Basic performance:

ABS with electronic brake force distribution
Emergency braking amplifier
Frontal, front side and window pillows
Mounts for children's chairs of the Isoofix standard
Immobilizer
Front electric windows
Mirrors with electric adjustment and heating
central locking
Radio receiver with 4 columns
Make -up mirrors in both sunscreen visors
Steering column adjustable in two directions
Adjustable driver's chair
Folding in the proportion of 40:60 the back of the rear sofa
Fabric salon
Black door handles and mirrors
Steel wheels with tires 195/65 R16

Touring execution additionally:

headlight washer
Fog lights
Rear electric windows
Heating the front seats
CD Magnetic with a remote control on the steering wheel
On-board computer
Front reading lamps
Leather steering wheel and lever KP
Driving chair with lumbar support adjustment
The central armrest is behind
Door handles and mirrors in the color of the body
Light alloy wheels with tires 205/55 R16

Sport execution additionally:

DSC dynamic stabilization system
Xenon headlights
Climate control
Optronic lighting of the devices
Sports design of bumper, plastic threshold lining, rear spoiler
Light alloy wheels with tires 205/50 r16




Outside and inside
Without a doubt, Treshka catches buyers primarily on his appearance. Golf class cars are generally rarely beautiful and recognizable, and even more so. But Mazda stylists seemed to be able to find a successful general design line. All new models of the company are distinguished by a bright, emphasized by a sports appearance. So for a three -wing state, the state of peace seems unnatural. She should go quickly, assertively, aggressively.
 

Look at the embossed hips of the hatchback with multi -colored circles of the rear lights under transparent glasses. He seems to play before throwing muscles. And if you need a golf class sedan, you need to start all the more from the oka. Perhaps he is the most beautiful and proportional in the classroom. But, regardless of the type of body, it is difficult to pass by Mazda-3. The only difference is that others look at the threek from the side, and you, if you decide to try on it, you can look inside.
 

   


A feeling of dynamics reigns here. The short, massive lever of the CP, the Italian side deflectors of the ventilation system, the same round bells of the dashboard, anatomical colored inserts on the seats all this at first glance tunes in a battle. And in the cabin there is a feeling of quality. However, in this case it is not about the quality of the assembly. Mazda-3 is not just a car of a Japanese brand. It is assembled in Japan, so you can’t admire the details and dense fitting of details. It is pleasantly surprising: a black turring salon looks unusually expensive for a Japanese car. And although visually soft plastic in turn turns out to be wooden, this is the case when it is easy to deceive me, I myself am glad to be deceived. The finishing materials are so convinced of their quality that it simply does not have a thought to knock on the knuckles of your fingers along the torpedo.

 
   
Make -up mirrors are available in both sunscreen visors

The glove box is narrow, but very deep. In its lid, A4 paper tray

In the floor console between the front seats, a double cup holder with a lid


And the equipment of Turoring for his money is very generous. Six airbags, climate, heating of seats, CD magnet, on-board computer, casting r16, foggy wheels. However, with a more detailed acquaintance, you understand that the compilers of the configuration had to look for compromises between her wealth and the moderate price of the car at the output. Even in the prestigious version of the touring, there are no adjustment of the wiper pause and the remote control of the central lock. There are only four speakers at the audio system, without sprinkled high -frequency foods. And if you take the basic performance as a basis, the music will completely consist of one radio alone ... Yes, it is modulated and it can be supplemented with CD- or MP3-player. But the turntable should only be the original Mazdovskaya. And this means that a simple CD resaver will cost about $ 400. True, for this money, an on -board computer will also be integrated into it.

 
   
The dynamic stabilization system is very useful for such a hot machine option

In the presence of climate control, the temperature and fan speed are adjusted with thin rotary rings (left and right)

The angle of inclination of the driver's back of the driver is adjusted smoothly, with the help of a rotating handle


Mazda-3 salon is quite spacious. A person with a height of 185 cm on the legs is freely placed on himself. And above the head there is enough space in the hatchback slightly more. In the shoulders of three adults, the width of the salon is also not particularly pressing by the standards of the golf class decent. But, as on most cars, the sofa is obedient for two. But sitting back is more convenient in the hatchback of the doorways is less mowed.




Behind the wheel
The gambling set begins to be transmitted to the driver as soon as he is in his place. A deep, optimally hard chair with tenacious upholstery takes tightly into an arms. Hands fall on a magnificent sports bagel. What a cool leather rim he has! The elastic, suppressive fingers hold on like a Velcro. The arrows of the devices drowned in deep wells look strictly down. When the ignition is turned on, the combination flashes red backlight. The same red paths of LEDs run from the volume control of the radio in both directions. Climate is controlled by round rotary rings. That's really Japanese alpha romeo.
 

The huge range of the chair is especially longitudinated and the presence of two adjustments to the steering column Mazda owes its European fellow focus, on the common platform with which it is built. Thanks to this, behind the wheel of three, a man is freely placed not only as an Asian, but even an exemplary German physique. By the way, adjusting the angle of tilt the back of the driver's seat is also made in the European manner smoothly, rotating the handle. But for the passenger chair, a more rough step adjustment is left.

 
Governing bodies










1. Whell -windows buttons and mirror settings remote control. 2. PEPRECTOR; device brightness controller; DSC dynamic stabilization switch. 3. The remote control to the audio system. 4. The alarm switch. 5. The display of the on -board computer, radio, watches. 6. CD Magnetol. 7. Climate control unit. 8. Switches switches.
 
Dashboard














1. Tachometer. 2. A speedometer. 3. Mileage counter. 4. The indicator of the temperature of the coolant. 5. Fuel level indicator.
 
Engine








1. The oil probe of the engine. 2. Tanker of the steering wheel. 3. The tank of the washer of the glass. 4. Expanding tank of the cooling system. 5. The cork of the oil -loading neck of the engine. 6. The tank of the main brake cylinder. 7. Battery battery. 7. Block relay and fuses.


The ergonomics of all other governing bodies are also well worked out. I especially liked the management of the audio system (with a duplicate remote control on the steering wheel), climatic and flight compliance.
 

The overview of the complaints does not cause. Quite large side mirrors convey a completely exhaustive picture, and the rear head restraints do not particularly block the opening of the glass. When maneuvering in reverse, the hatchback stern is easier to control, but I can’t say that Sedan Parktronik is also vital.
 



Safety
Mazda-3 was not subjected to independent crash tests according to the Euroncap methodology. However, the focus II created on the same platform in such tests spoke brilliantly, earned 35 points and five stars, respectively. Therefore, we can assume that Mazda will receive no less than four stars. Moreover, in our market, the most possible six pillows of safety pillows are included in the basic package of threek.
 

For transportation of children in special armchairs, the isofix standard is regularly provided behind. But the front passenger passenger pillow is not prohibited from installing a chair on the front passenger seat forward. Speaking of child safety. On cars with an automatic gearbox, the machine selector is removed from position P without squeezing the brake pedal. Therefore, leaving the child in the car, be sure to put the car on the parking brake. Better yet, develop this habit to automatism.
 

Of the active security tools, the 1.6-liter version of the touring can be supplemented by a dynamic stabilization system of DSC. If funds allow, it is better that it be.
 



We load the baggage
The volume of the trunk of the Mazda is not the largest in the class of 300 liters at the hatchback and 420 liters at the sedan. However, a car with a sports image is excusable. As well as the fact that when folding the back of the sofa, a step forms on the floor. If you are primarily concerned about household needs, take a closer look at Octavia.

 
     
The trunk of the sedan (left) is greater than that of the hatchback. However, in terms of convenience and possibilities of transformation, it loses to the latter

Under the floor of the trunk, a doctaus. In our conditions, not the best, but acceptable decision


According to the possibilities of the transformation of the trunk hatchback, the sedan is traditionally preferable. With a completely folded sofa, even a large TV can be transported in it. And in the sedan there is only a narrow longer. But the lid of the trunk of the latter has upholstery (though deprived of the inner handle) and is equipped with compact loops with gas shock absorbers that do not eat the internal volume. For a Japanese golf class model, this is rather an exception to the rules.
 

 
Car dimensions, mm
 
Salon dimensions, mm




On the roads and without them
And where is sports ambitions here? At the first meters of the journey through the city, you note only the engine, very clear clutch at the bottom, the gear shift drive and a rather sorted gas pedal, which seems to be connected to the throttle gap with an elastic band. Thanks to this, the twitching ride in traffic jams is surprisingly smooth. But the feeling of dynamics is dull. The same golf with its simple 8-valve engine follows the gas pedal much more agile ...
 

It turns out that the Mazda motor should be twisted. In principle, his character is quite even, but he reveals his potential most fully in the range from four thousand to the restriction of the limiter. At such revolutions and reactions to the gas pedal become more adequate, and real dynamics appears. So, you can evaluate the work of the chassis.
 

How cool it is! Acute (at high speeds even too much), the steering wheel poured with juicy reactive force allows you to accurately and lightnienoso perform restructuring. Treshka gambling divers in turns and as if on a pattern draws a given path. At the same time, she amazingly long holds on the asphalt before the start of slipping. And the brakes are magnificent. Not only is the slowdown allowing to dose with pharmaceutical accuracy, but they also besiege the car in the limit of the eye. During the measurements at the training ground, the treshka was braided from 100 km/h to zero by only 38.8 meters, although most cars require at least 40 meters. Of course, this is a considerable merit of the wide low-profile tires of Bridgeto-Turans. Nevertheless, the hand must first of all creators and closers of the chassis. They were able to teach Mazda-3 to go for real. This is also that lighter.
 

However, in a golf class, you have to pay for any advantage. Mazda pays for its outstanding sledge qualities. The car is noisy and hard. The engine begins to soloom after 3,500 revolutions, and it does not sound, which would be justified for a sports car, namely noise. Therefore, even on V transmission, I don’t want to go long than 130 km/h for a long time. In addition, tires and wheel arches are distinctly audition, along which pebbles click and spray raised by wheels rustle. A dense suspension regularly transfers the profile of the road to the body. Not to say that it is tough to discomfort with speed growth even becomes more or less comfortable. But the fact that the Central Russian highway is not a billiard table will not allow you to forget.

Of course, everything is known in comparison. If you move to a three -linket from the VAZ nine, which roars and rumble in all modes, there will be no complaints. But, believe me, there are models with better sound insulation and smoothness in the golf class.
 

The frankly highway character of the Mazda is due not only to a hard and short -flowing suspension, which begins to knock displeasedly on the pits, but also with a small road clearance. In an unloaded state, under the engine subframe, she has only 140 mm, and under the plastic skirt of the front bumper and even less than 130 mm. Therefore, if you have to engage in urban paving or summer ground trial, instead of threeking, it is better to look after another golf-class model with a high adapted suspension.
 

Operation, service
Until recently, a serious minus of the Mazda was the extreme underdevelopment of the proprietary service network. Two years ago, it was essentially not. To date, the situation has changed slightly. Throughout the country, 7 dealers are opened, 5 of which work in Moscow, one in St. Petersburg and another in Yekaterinburg. However, recently, the representative office of the Japanese company has paid special attention to the development of the regional network. Well, most of those Moscow dealers who work with Mazda for a year or two have already left student age and can provide a full range of services.
 

The warranty on Mazda cars is three years or 100,000 km of run (which will come earlier). The maximum interval interval is determined at 20,000 km. But if you drive less in a year, you will have to spend annually after 15,000 or 10,000 km. Prices for spare parts medium for Japanese cars.


 
We liked
 


Comfortable front chairs and good ergonomics in general

Very clear gear shift

Stylish, visually expensive interior


As well as:

Gambling and magnificent brakes
Japanese build quality


 
We didn't like it
 


Small road clearance
 
Lack in expensive touring adjustment of the wiper pause

ACP lever is removed from position P without squeezing the brake pedal


As well as:

Hard suspension
Poor sound insulation
 
Mazda 3

common data
 
Body (number of places/doors)
Sedan (5/4)
 
Equipped mass, kg
1185
 
Complete mass, kg
1695
 
Speed, km/h
182
 
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, with
11.0
 

Fuel consumption, l/100 km highway/city
6.0/9.3
 

Fuel supply, l
55
 

Engine
 
Location
Front transversely
 
Design
gasoline, 4-cylinder, in order, with two upper camshafts
 
The number of valves per cylinder
four
 
Diam. cylinder x Piston stroke, mm
78x83.6
 
Working volume, SMZ
1598
 
Compression ratio
10.1: 1
 
Power, L.S. at rpm
105/5500
 
Torque, kgsm at rpm
14.9/4000
 

Chassis
 
Drive unit
On the front wheels
 
Transmission
Mechanical, 5-speed
 
Gear rates I; II; III; IV; V; Z.Kh.
3.42; 1.84; 1.29; 0.97; 0.82; 3.21
 
main gear
4.39
 
Suspension:
Independent, with stabilizers of anti -resistance stability
 
front
Type McEzerson
 
behind
Mollycent
 
Steering
rack type with amplifier
 
Brakes:
disk, in front ventilated
 
Tires
205/55 R16


 
Prices for spare parts and that, $

TO1 (20,000 km) 100
TO2 (30,000 km) 192
TO3 (60,000 km) 131
Oil filter 5.2
Air filter 22
Speak of ignition (1 pc.) 3.2
Front brake pads/rear 97/90
Tip of steering thrust 60
Steering thrust 54
Ball support Lower (lever assembly) 158
Front shock absorber/rear 176/152
Front/rear wing 84/325
Hood 312
Front door 287
The rear door is 296
Front bumper assembly (cladding and amplifier) \u200b\u200b483
Rear bumper assembly (cladding and amplifier) \u200b\u200b432
Windshield 280
Side glass 51
Front headlight assembly of halogen/xenon 312/935
Rear lamp assembly 242
 
    
We decided:

Mazda-3 is addressed to those who appreciate the car in the car, the sporting image, the acute nature of controllability and are ready to sacrifice in sled comfort for them. If the first two conditions are not fundamental for you, and the third is unacceptable, it is better to look at other models.
 

Alexander Konov, photo of Maxim Goncharov
 
 

Source: Magazine buy a car [11/2005]