Test drive of the new Mazda 3. Test drive of the new Mazda3: don't be born beautiful…. Two motors and optimal "automatic"

What is the most popular model today Mazda in Russia? Think Mazda 3? Wrong! For the first time in the time that has passed since the appearance of the "three-ruble note", the leadership was taken from her by the crossover CX-5. And the reason should be sought not only in the attractiveness of the CX-5, but also in the fact that the second generation of the “three-ruble note” did not go in the direction that fans of the car were waiting for - zoom-zoom disappeared somewhere along with a bright sporty character, lightness in design was gone and prices have gone up. But the Japanese corrected themselves quickly - inspired by Kodo and led by Skyactiv technologies, they introduced the new Mazda 3 less than five years after the start of production of the previous generation. Will she take back the lost banner of the leader and will Russian buyers like it? This is what we had to find out in Serbia, where we went to test the novelty.

What is Kodo? So mazdovtsy call their new corporate identity, and uncomplicated at first glance, the word means "the soul of the movement." The designers seem to have honed their skills on the CX-5 and the "six" and in the end they gave an excellent result - we definitely like the new Mazda 3! She is especially good in Soul Red - it goes very well with smooth, muscular lines and an energetic silhouette. Aggressive "face" with a pentagonal grille, spectacular head optics and not a drop of excess fat - here it is, the reincarnation of the very "three-ruble note" that replaced the inexpressive model 323 10 years ago! But register sign hurts the eye, looks like an alien element, as if they simply forgot about it when they painted the car. And the hatchback's frying rear is still inferior to the rear of the sedan.

But at the training ground near Belgrade, only hatchbacks were waiting for us, equipped exclusively with two-liter 150-horsepower gasoline engines and automatic boxes, that is, the most expensive versions. All this goodness - with Skyactiv bars. Not familiar yet? Briefly describe the "heavenly activity" can be the thesis: "Faster, higher, stronger!" In practice, this means both new powertrains and lighter and stronger bodies. In general, the improvement of performance on all fronts. So, for example, the curb weight of the top modification has become less by 45 kg - 1295 kg instead of 1340 for the previous generation, and the torque of the two-liter engine has increased from 187 to 210 N∙m. Nice bonus.

Of course, the Mazda 3 received and new interior. And - here's a surprise - inside it is not at all the same as the CX-5 and the "six"! It turned out that the Japanese seriously studied the question of how much the driver is distracted from the road when using various auxiliary systems. And they took an example, no less, with Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. So a projection screen appeared in the cabin, on which the speedometer readings and navigation system tips are displayed, and the large touch screen moved to the top of the center console - its location allows less translation of the direction of view. Only one thing is bad - like Mercedes (our recent test of the Audi A3 Sportback, BMW 118i and Mercedes-Benz A 200, read on this

), it looks like an alien element and is not turned a single degree to the left (apparently, this is due to unification with right-hand drive Mazdas).

• The "height" of the head-up display can be changed. You can turn it off, but you can't remove it completely. Frankly, the value of such "devices" is still incomprehensible to me. What he is, what he is not...
• A spectacular instrument panel with a tachometer at the head is the prerogative of the Supreme version. The very case when originality does not harm informativeness at all.
• The glove box has a decent volume, but the inside is not trimmed with anything. In the armrest box there are 2 USB inputs, a 12V socket and connectors for connecting mobile phones.
• You quickly get used to managing the multimedia complex using a puck near the gearshift lever

But otherwise, the interior of the new “three-ruble note” is good - after piling up the forms in the predecessor, the eye rejoices at the purity of the lines, the low front panel improves visibility (at the same time, the front pillars moved back by 10 cm), and the driving position is close to ideal. Only tall or long-legged drivers can complain - the seat cushion is a bit short. The steering wheel seems overloaded with buttons only at first glance - you use them on an intuitive level, the gearshift paddles are conveniently located. The climate control unit is also well made, the rotating knurled washers are especially pleasing - their precise fixation and measured efforts evoke thoughts of Audi.

The increase in the wheelbase will be most appreciated by the rear passengers - there is enough legroom. And the doors open to a very wide angle, which makes it easier to get in / out. It shakes in bad areas at the back a little stronger, but it doesn’t come to discomfort. The front seats have tangible lateral support, although you still slide on the skin in corners

The materials are well chosen - the upper part of the front panel is made of soft plastic, the silver strips fit well. And even the carbon-look inserts on the steering wheel and doors that caused controversy seem to me personally here appropriate and do not look clumsy. But the interior of the Mazda 3 still lacks attention to detail - the most frustrating thing is the lack of illumination of the power window buttons and the fact that only the driver has automatic mode. And how much have you, gentlemen of the Japanese, saved compared to the CX-5, in which all four windows can be opened or closed with one touch? But in the armrest box, there are two USB inputs at once - now you don’t have to choose whether to plug in a “flash drive” with music or recharge your smartphone.

By the way, another important innovation lies precisely in the possibilities of communication with various devices. Mazda's smartest and most capable MZD Connect system boasts not only familiar features like Bluetooth audio streaming, but also SMS and email reading, Stitcher and aha services (podcasts, internet radio). And the updated "navigation" with Navteq maps will remind you of the peculiarities of driving in a particular country - for example, the permissible content of alcohol in the driver's blood and the current speed limits. In general, in traffic jams, owners of smartphones with unlimited internet connected will be able to find something to their liking.

Does this mean that the Mazda 3 has changed drive to comfort and electronic "bells and whistles"? Not at all! Several exercises on the training ground confirmed that there is still a driver's spark in the character of the "three-ruble note". The dynamics of the two-liter version with a gun is convincing (9 seconds to “hundreds”), and the Mazda 3 reacts immediately and even unexpectedly sharply to the turns of a small and, fortunately, ordinary round steering wheel - from lock to lock only 2.6 turns! But the effort on the “steering wheel” puzzled me - where did that charming connection with the road that Mazda made so happy disappear to?

The answer, apparently, should be sought in replacing the electro-hydraulic amplifier with an electromechanical one - from now on, it is not the liquid that helps to turn the wheels, but the motor on the steering shaft. And this, like antibiotics, killed all living things in sensations. Mazda 3 copes with the “rearrangement” effortlessly even with simultaneous braking, but why do I have to choose the steering angle solely on the basis of the “indicators” of the vestibular apparatus and “by the eyes”? But the chassis is cool! I'm already falling out of the leather-covered chair in a long arc, and she clings to the victoriously smooth asphalt of the Navak complex and easily changes direction in impromptu chicanes.

But be careful on slippery surfaces! Serpentine in hilly terrain turned out to be treacherous - asphalt under the wheels, but melted snow or dirt carried by tractors from the fields in a turn can play a cruel joke. A minute ago, Mazda confidently clung to the road without studded Pirelli tires Sottozero suddenly “floats” outwards with the front axle, and then, when the “muzzle” is hooked, the drift turns into a skid of the stern. Correction, and then the “three rubles” is smoothly grabbed by the stabilization system “by the scruff of the neck”. But why didn't DSC learn how to deal with demolition? At the same time, there is a treacherous emptiness on the steering wheel, again the sensors of the begun slip are not the hands, but the back and, sorry, the fifth point. In fairness, we note that all this is relevant only in cases where you drive too fast, balancing on the verge of tire grip. But it is in such conditions that all the nuances of the settings are exposed.

However, if you do not arrange a rally special stage from a narrow track, then it becomes clear why the engineers gave the “three-ruble note” a too “empty” steering wheel. Shocks from defects in the asphalt road do not pass to it! And in general, such a level of comfort was never dreamed of by the former “three rubles”. Even on 18-inch wheels in the bowels of the suspension, all sorts of road trifles like cracks and patches, and larger potholes disappear, and they do not make Mazda jump off the path. Yes, it shakes at low speeds and the profile of the Mazda 3 repeats in every detail, but with an increase in the pace, the situation only gets better - the shock absorbers do not “break through”, they elastically work out all the “charms” of secondary Serbian roads. We hope that the Mazda 3 will cope with the Russian realities without any problems.

The volume of the trunk during the change of generations decreased from 340 to 308 liters. Apparently, for Mazda 3 fans this is not the most important characteristic. Nevertheless, it is well organized - the opening is large, there are niches along the edges. In the underground - "dokatka". The vest is not included in the package - this is a mandatory requirement on the roads of Serbia

To be honest, this is the main pleasant surprise - both the energy intensity of the suspension and the silence of its work will be envied by many representatives of the C + segment. But what is still missing is soundproofing. They did a great job with aerodynamics - the wind barely "gets stuck" in the area of ​​​​the front pillars only at the "main" pace. The engine does not annoy with a roar (it’s a pity that the 150-horsepower “four” sounds ordinary, without a spark), if you do not drown the pedal to the floor. But the wheel arches are not insulated enough. The noise from the road remains dominant in any speed range, and the driver and passengers hear how the water murmurs when passing puddles, rustling sand or knocking pebbles. However, it cannot be said that this fact radically affects comfort - the Mazda 3 has definitely taken a step forward in this regard.

The Skyactiv-Drive automatic machine also deserves warm words in its address - it pleases with smooth operation in traffic jams and with unhurried movement, but at the same time it does not “stupid” and does not strain with jerks with an active drive. And if necessary, at any time you can “switch” the gear by pressing the appropriate steering column “petal”. Moreover, at this moment the box switches to the “honest” manual mode and will keep the selected stage even when the engine reaches the maximum speed and gently “hangs” in the cutoff. Having played enough with the “petals” on the serpentine, I finally switched to Drive and generally forgot about the “machine” - it does its job perfectly without constant prodding. Although, the sport mode would not hurt him.

It is curious that the basic version even ... fell in price compared to the previous generation! Now you can become the owner of Mazda 3 for 645 thousand rubles against 654 thousand earlier. For this money you will get a sedan with a 104-horsepower 1.6 engine of the “pre-active” era, manual transmission, six airbags, a stabilization system (!), tire pressure sensors, power windows for all doors, “music” with USB / AUX inputs and Bluetooth protocol, but without air conditioning. Moreover, if for the previous “three-ruble note” in the Direct configuration it could be obtained for an additional payment of 32,500 rubles, then for the novelty in the Drive version it is not available for any gingerbread.

Therefore, the performance of Active looks more attractive. It would seem that the car has already risen in price by 1 thousand rubles in comparison with the previous model in the Direct Plus version (sedan - from 690 thousand rubles, a hatchback is 10 thousand more expensive), but the set of equipment for the novelty is richer - air conditioning, electric mirrors, including their folding, "leather" steering wheel with audio control buttons, and washer fluid level sensor. If you add 26,500 rubles, then dual-zone climate control, heated seats and a CD player will appear in the cabin (the basic “music” has only a USB connector and a line-in). Surcharge for a four-band machine - 35 thousand rubles.

"Treshki" with modern power units of the Skyactiv family are significantly more expensive, as they are offered exclusively with a six-speed automatic. So, a modification with 120-horsepower gasoline engine with a volume of 1.5 liters starts from 780 thousand rubles (Active), and the Active + version with a 7-inch color screen and the MZD Connect system (maps for the navigation system must be purchased from the dealer), “climate” and heated seats will pull already 835 thousand. The top model with a two-liter engine (150 hp) is available exclusively in the Supreme version and costs 960 thousand rubles. The equipment includes bi-xenon headlights, a projection screen, light and rain sensors, 16-inch alloy wheels and LED lights.

And the most expensive Mazda 3 is a 150-horsepower Supreme car with a package that includes a whole bunch of electronic systems ( automatic control high beam, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping, safe city braking), rear parking sensors, 9-speaker Bose audio system, 18-inch wheel disks, interior mirror with auto-dimming, cruise control, leather interior and electric driver's seat. Price? 1,111,000 rubles for a sedan and 10,000 more for a hatchback. However, you can refuse a couple of the last options and save 65,600 rubles. If you study the price lists of competitors, it turns out that the Mazda 3 falls into the top of the Russian representatives of the C + segment, where Volkswagen Golf, Honda Civic, Toyota Auris and Corolla. By the way, during the presentation at the training ground, Mazda brought us to a tent with our main rivals - they say, study. Now that's confidence! In addition to the above models, it is also Opel Astra, Ford Focus and... the new Peugeot 308, which will debut on our market only by the end of next year.

The Russian representative office really looks at the state of affairs and does not expect that the top version of Supreme with two-liter engine will account for more than 10% of sales. By the way, if there is demand, the 150-horsepower Mazda 3 can also be brought with mechanics. But the main striking force will be the "three-ruble note" with the Skyactiv-G 1.5 engine - it is predicted for a good half of those 20 thousand cars planned for 2014. That is, the Japanese want to increase their share in the C + segment from 1.5 to 2%. This means that Mazda 3 must take away the flag of the brand leader from the CX-5 crossover (during the 3rd quarter of 2013, dealers in our market sold 13,676 CX-5s). And she has all the trumps in her hands - from now on, a bright design and excellent driving performance do not make you put up with a lack of comfort or a modest interior.

Technique

• Mazda engineers have achieved weight reduction and increased body rigidity due to the increased use of steels with high tensile strength - so the share of grades with a parameter of 780 MPa has increased from 4 to 9%, steel with a rating of 980 MPa is used in the thresholds, and bumper amplifiers are made of material with a strength of 1080 MPa (this saved 4 kg). Torsional rigidity has increased by 31% for the hatchback and 28% for the sedan. In terms of safety, the Mazda 3 recently received a 5-star rating from the Euro NCAP association.
• Weight reduction is not only the merit of the body. The front subframe has become 38% lighter, the number of parts made of high-strength steels has also increased in the suspension, the electric power steering instead of the electro-hydraulic one has saved 2 kg, and 4.4 kg has been removed with the help of new brakes (the diameter of the front discs in the two-liter version is 295 mm, the rear - 265 mm) and wheels. The suspension scheme itself has not fundamentally changed: McPherson struts in front, and a multi-link design in the back. Shock absorbers and springs are softer for better comfort. Compared to the previous generation machine, not only the wheelbase has increased, but the track has also been expanded (1555/1560 mm versus 1535/1520 mm before)

• Both Skyactiv-G petrol engines share a 14:1 compression ratio, direct injection, dual camshaft timing and a 4-2-1 exhaust manifold. The more powerful Skyactiv-G 2.0 has an exact displacement of 1998 "cubes" (the previous engine had 1999), it has a 4 mm reduction in cylinder diameter, an increase in piston stroke, a 30% reduction in friction losses, and an overall weight reduction of 10% achieved by thinner crankshaft journals and lighter pistons and connecting rods.
• Skyactiv-G 2.0 produces 150 hp at 6000 rpm and 210 N∙m at 4000 rpm. The junior Skyactiv-G 1.5 engine boasts the following characteristics: 120 hp / 6000 rpm and 150 N∙m / 4000 rpm
• The six-speed automatic Skyactiv-Drive has the ability to lock the torque converter in any gear and pleases with smooth and adequate operation - the “brains” are well tuned

At the end of summer, 8 Mazda 3 hatchbacks with 120-horsepower Skyactiv-G 1.6 engines and manual transmissions successfully covered 15 thousand kilometers from Hiroshima (the company's headquarters are located there) to Frankfurt (for the European premiere during the auto show) to confirm the reliability of cars in conditions Russian roads. This is the third similar run for Mazda - in 1977 two Mazda 323s crossed the route, and in 1990 four Mazda 626s crossed the territory of the former USSR

Competitors

Mazda's main competitors were identified during the presentation - these are Volkswagen Golf, Opel Astra, Ford Focus and Toyota Auris. The Honda Civic is begging for this list, and until the new Peugeot 308 has reached us, we decided to add the SEAT Leon related to the Golf and popular in Russian Kia cee'd. All prices are indicated from the price lists of manufacturers without taking into account current discounts and promotions.

Ford Focus

Focus continues to lose customers - in 2013, sales fell by 28%, and in November, Focus sank by 34% at once. But, nevertheless, it is behind him that the palm in the C + segment is still behind him. The starting price is 565,000 rubles for a hatchback with an 85-horsepower 1.6 petrol, a manual transmission and a modest Ambiente configuration with two airbags and ABS (of course, air conditioning is only for a surcharge). The minimum price for a 105-horsepower Focus with a PowerShift robot is 716 thousand rubles. This will be a Trend version with frontal airbags, air conditioning and ESP system. And Focus with the most powerful two-liter engine (150 hp) and PowerShift box in a similar configuration, Trend will cost 778 thousand. Mazda 3 comparable version of the Focus (Titanium with additional options) will pull on 951 thousand rubles.

), and we tested the sedan together with the liftback Skoda Octavia(article

Opel Astra

Updated hatchback Opel Astra is offered with at least 115-horsepower 1.6, so the starting price is higher than that of the Focus - 649,900 rubles. But equipment even in the Essentia version includes front and side airbags, ESP, air conditioning, heated seats and an audio system. Astra with a six-band automatic is available starting from the Active version at a price of 744,900 rubles, and a similar car, but with a 140-horsepower turbo engine, will cost 787,900 rubles. An attractive price can also boast of a Supreme Astra 1.4T Cosmo comparable in terms of equipment with Mazda 3 with additional options - 915,400 rubles with bi-xenon headlights and navigation. And there is also a 180-horsepower Astra 1.6T with a gun at a price of 901,900 rubles.

Toyota Auris

Toyota Auris is not very suitable for competing with the top performance of the Mazda 3, because it has neither a powerful engine (maximum - 132-horsepower 1.6), nor modern equipment - even in the most expensive version for 944 thousand rubles there are no xenon headlights, nor " navigation”, nor any electronic driver assistants like blind spot monitoring. And the most affordable Toyota with this engine and mechanics costs 774 thousand. True, it has in its arsenal full set airbags, stabilization system, climate control, "music" and heated seats. Surcharge for a stepless variator - 40 thousand rubles. Moreover, for Auris, unlike the platform Corolla, a 140-horsepower gasoline 1.8 is not available. Although, looking at the price of the top Corolla (995 thousand rubles) in a configuration similar to Auris, it becomes clear that this power unit is clearly not providing the main sales.

Honda Civic

With the Civic hatchback, everything is simple - one engine (1.8, 140 forces), three configurations. The basic version of Lifestyle on the mechanics costs a frightening 869 thousand rubles, but the list of equipment reassures - it has everything you need, including six airbags, climate control, heated seats and mirrors, and a stabilization system. A similar Civic with a five-band automatic is 30,000 rubles more expensive, while the top Executive (949,000 rubles) and Premium (1,099,000 rubles) versions are available exclusively with automatic transmission. The latter can boast panoramic roof, bi-xenon headlights, leather interior, parking sensors front and rear, "music" with a subwoofer, keyless entry and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Volkswagen Golf

A five-door Golf with an 85-horsepower 1.2-liter turbo engine and a manual transmission costs at least 633,900 rubles. And the equipment is surprising - there is a full set of airbags, ESP, climate control, and electric drives for all power windows and heated mirrors! But the 105-horsepower version of Trendline is 98 thousand rubles more expensive, and the Golf with a seven-speed DSG robot in a similar design costs 796,900 rubles. At the top of the range is the 140-horsepower Golf 1.4 TSI Highline with DSG for 957,900 rubles, which will have bi-xenon headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated seats and cruise control. True, you will have to pay extra for light and rain sensors, as well as for parking sensors. But such a Golf accelerates to “hundreds” in 8.4 seconds! In between - a modification of 1.4 TSI in a 122-horsepower version (756,900 - 929,900 rubles).

SEAT Leon

The Spanish hatchback debuted in Russia this year, but so far it cannot boast of any serious success. The reason, apparently, is not only that the brand needs time to promote itself after the next restart, but also the starting price for SEAT Leon, which is… higher than for Volkswagen Golf! The base Leon 1.2 TSI (86 hp) with mechanics costs 639,990 rubles, and the equipment will not even have air conditioning (although a full set of airbags and ESCs have not gone away). But the 105-horsepower modification with DSG starts at 742,200 rubles, although the Reference package is somewhat simpler than the Golf's Trendline, and, for example, does not include climate control. But on the other hand, for 976,050 rubles you can buy a Leon FR with a 1.8-liter turbo engine (180 hp), a DSG robot.

Vadim Gagarin
Pictures of Mazda

Against the backdrop of a number of competitors, the Mazda3's pedigree may not have been the richest for years. At the same time, over the past 15 years, the model has rightfully tried on the title of the bestseller of the brand, especially at the initial stage of its existence. There was a certain time gap in the change of the last two generations - the Russians had to wait several months for the actual IV generation. What is called, hungry ...

user photo 110km

But, as life shows, forced starvation is not always harmful. Fans of the "treshka" are definitely Guillermo - a tiger who has not been fed for a long time. He has a truly brutal appetite, and he is in a hurry to realize it. We just have to take a closer look at the new product. Which, we note, turned out to be traditionally interesting.

Beauty is not a stale product

From 1.5 l, 120 hp

New from 1,490,000 to 1,753,000 R

As not every word is written in a line, so far from every successful rival will give odds to the Mazda3 in terms of design. This is the territory where the machine beats aces from any decks. The exterior of the new "three rubles" turned out to be excellent and, sorry, unique. Swiftness and elegance in one bottle - this has long been an axiom for the brand.

So far, only a hatchback is available, but in the autumn a sedan will arrive in showrooms, and then we will admire it, all the more so, as we were told in the local dealer center, it was sedans that went better in the back of the previous generation.

Mazda says they paid attention to detail when working on the new generation. To reduce blind spots, the width and shape of the A-pillars were optimized, the washer nozzles were mounted in the wiper blades, and the windshield cleaning in the area of ​​the driver's stand was improved.

user photo 110km

All this is important, because the total glass area of ​​the hatchback, with the exception of the windshield, is frankly small, and the rear side windows are not at all large. Personally, I love something like an "aquarium", so inside the "three rubles" I felt a lack of light, while I will name a whole garden of friends who the "Mazdovskiy" solution will be exactly to the court. And the line of iron raised in the area of ​​​​the same passenger windows gives a certain sense of security.

The quieter you go - the more comfortable you feel

Landing in the car is low, almost sporty. The chair is comfortable, with a noticeable lateral girth. Everything around is decorated with a sense of tact and thoughtfulness. The materials, as they say, are premium, and this is not a banal tribute to style. Mazda is firmly and systematically approaching a new level of positioning for itself, making real progress along the way.

Largely based on these considerations, it was decided to make the current “three rubles” the quietest of all generations. The work has been meticulous, and the result is obvious. The body is not only elegant, but also practical - everything else reduces the spread of inevitable vibrations. To do this, it was necessary to strengthen its key elements located in close proximity to the driver and passengers. Body reinforcements now have stiffeners installed using a vibration-absorbing compound. And at the top back door gap seal installed.

Access to luggage located in the cargo compartment is, in principle, convenient, although there is a question about the height of the threshold. The trunk has a wide opening and high-quality finish, but for some reason the fifth door electric drive is not provided, moreover, not in any configuration. There are no USB ports for the needs of rear riders, you will have to recharge your smartphone by asking the driver or his colleague on the right.

The “economy” of the helmsman is the essence of convenience in everything, whether it is a well-functioning “seat-steering wheel” connection or a dashboard that is not overloaded with unnecessary information with the function of duplicating information on windshield. Your task is clear and transparent: to skillfully and safely manage all the technical set that the Japanese have invested in the current body.

Handling is traditionally on top

Perhaps the main news in terms of “technology” is the presence of a semi-rigid beam at the back. Say, yesterday, archaic? At first glance, yes. But it is unlikely that the Japanese would have started a short game just like that. So, in their opinion, there was a point. They themselves explain their decision by the desire to more accurately control the geometry of the rear wheels.

It, as we all understand, is important, especially for the Mazda3 philosophy, which has always been associated with an "incendiary" ride. We rolled the car on the “loop” of the autodrome, on mountainous winding slopes and on not the most even surface. Feelings are extremely positive. It is not necessary to set the vertebrae, to complain about excessively rigid settings - too. And such a characteristic as controllability is at its best. In this part, the “three-ruble note” has always had a head start over its counterpart.

G-Vectoring Control Plus technology - how does it work? In addition to the previous system, the brakes are now activated. When you exit the turn and return the steering wheel to the middle position, the front outer wheel is braked. This creates a stabilizing moment in the movement of the car. Thus, the "whip" effect is removed. Mazda is controlled honed, on it, I'm sorry, I want to hooligan, moreover, it is quite meaningful and safe. The nimble hatch scurries like a shuttle in a loom. We did a rearrangement without braking and going into a turn at the autodrome not at the 60 km / h proposed by the organizers, but at almost “ninety”. The speed was displayed on the electronic scoreboard, and all 6 races we easily got into the gates of orange cones.

A special buzz is to provoke a skid of a front-wheel drive hatch at 80 km / h. The chassis is as tenacious as possible - the stabilization system works in the most extreme case, allowing the steering settings and wheels to manifest themselves. The latter, by the way, are offered in two sizes - R16 (205/60) and R18 (215/45). It all depends on the engine - 1.5 liters or 2 liters.

Two motors and optimal "automatic"

The motors are the same, and, therefore, well-known - with a capacity of 120 and 150 hp. The difference of 30 "horses" is decent, therefore it is not difficult to assume that the 2-liter unit is going a little more recklessly and more powerfully. So, for example, having entered the urban speed limit zone, the “eldest” without switching to downshift capable of “vomiting” 48-50 km / h on the 6th - it copes without “coughing”. It is clear that in order to go “to the top”, you will have to “pedal” in order to throw the tachometer needle as high as possible, but the fact itself ...

3000 rpm (plus or minus) for both engines is the optimal driving mode, when both the “appetite” is maintained at a dietary level (about 6 liters on the highway), and the notorious traction, as they say, is “at hand” (Izv. , under the foot) - at any time you can go sharply and quickly. "Automatic" beyond criticism - quiet, flexible and productive. If there is a need, he will easily jump a couple of steps down. Fans of "mechanics" are offered a "pen", but the dealers with whom we talked the other day are somehow reluctant to talk about the prospects for selling such "three rubles".

Walk, so walk!

There is a price tag, it is marked. At the start, a number flaunts 1,490,000 rubles. Recall that in the previous generation, the car was available for 1.3 - 1.45 million rubles.

Initial equipment Drive in 1.5 liter version. Here we find electric mirrors, a multifunctional central display with a commander, an electronic handbrake, a projection screen on the windshield, 7 airbags, air conditioning, music with 8 speakers and steering wheel controls, LED headlights, CarPlay and Android Auto, G-Vectoring Control system Plus.

The Active version is a hundred thousand more expensive, and, of course, it is richer: heated exterior mirrors, front seats, steering wheel and wiper rest area (the last two with a 2-liter engine), climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearbox, light-alloy 16-inch wheels, cruise control.

Supreme - from 1,683,000 rubles. It’s absolutely delicious here: R18 wheels, tinted rear windows, electrical memory driver's seat and position of exterior mirrors, gearshift paddles, parking sensors front and rear, keyless entry to the cabin, rear view camera with dynamic markings, dimming function for interior and driver's exterior mirrors, knee airbag. A car with a 2-liter unit will cost from 1,687,000 rubles.

New "treshki" are already present in the showrooms official dealers, and even the first sales transactions have already been made. As we understand, the sellers are ready to offer both upper configurations at the prices indicated above, while the Drive version will have to be ordered. Maintenance cost - within 12-13 thousand rubles.

Of course, we all perfectly understand that any restyling of a model that has already lived on the market is, first of all, a way to awaken a new, if not a wave, then at least a stream of customer demand. Moreover, according to the laws of the genre, exactly three years have passed since the release of the third generation of “matryoshka”, which means that those who bought a novelty in 2013 should change it to a new one. But does it cause enthusiasm - to change the awl for soap? That's what restyling was invented for them.

However, if others are concerned only with the external and internal "facelift", then Mazda approaches the matter much more thoroughly. "Treshka" - a car, first of all, a practical thing for every day. And in the overheated "golf-class" market, it's not so easy to snatch your part of the clientele. Here the client chooses "with a calculator" in the first place, and only then by color.

That is why the internal changes in the Mazda3 are much greater than the external ones. By the way, this is a great reason to quickly over them, external changes, go for a run and leave alone the completely finished look of the little car.

For the most attentive

price

from 1,169,000 rubles

At first glance, only a very attentive owner or an employee of a “tin” workshop specializing in Mazdas can notice the difference between “restyle” and “dorestyle”. Even if you have seen the "matryoshka" on the street a thousand times, most likely you will not notice the difference.

Perfection is what it is! The main thing is not to spoil the good with the best. Okay, I won’t make any more intrigues: the updated Mazda3 received a new radiator grille and a different form of chrome trim. Because of this, the shape of the headlights and their design have changed slightly. The same thing happened with foglights along with the lower part of the bumper. By the way, LEDs are now responsible for the fight against fog. You can see them in the main optics, but only as an option in the Exclusive package.

But the “stern” of the sedan, unlike the hatchback, has remained completely the same. Apparently everything was perfect here anyway. The final touch, updating the exterior, are the new rear-view mirror housings.

That could be the end, but it is worth mentioning one more innovation: the car is now available in ten colors, including two new shades of gray and metallic blue.

Wheelbase, mm:

Once inside, I once again tried to test my mindfulness. I had a dorestyle “three-ruble note” exactly a year ago. Maybe I was too keen on learning the wisdom extreme driving at that time, but my memory failed me - I found the differences ... exactly one. For the rest, I had to turn to the press release.

The marketers did the right thing. Getting into a car, a person should understand that it is “different”, “better” and “new”. The easiest way, of course, is to do it exactly the way Mazda used it - to change the steering wheel.

Here the new "steering wheel" migrated from the more prestigious "six". The style remains the same, but the spokes have become thinner, the shape of the multimedia and cruise control keys has also changed. In general, the difference is small, but when you sit behind the wheel of the updated three-ruble note, you immediately notice it.

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The remaining changes can be studied for quite some time, however, most likely, few people will pay attention to them at all. Firstly, because no one pays attention to what material, for example, door openers are made of, or what pattern is used in the texture of the “torpedo” plastic. And secondly, because even if someone sees the new handles, they won’t remember what they were like on the previous version of the car.

It is absolutely impossible to find fault with the ergonomics of the car, just as it was impossible with the previous version.

Perfect invisible

But that's where we started, that the main thing in the Mazda3 - it's not external. The engineers did a pretty serious "work on the bugs" exactly in those places where it was necessary. The main, perhaps, claim to the "matryoshka" a year ago was a very mediocre sound insulation, especially wheel arches and motor shield.

Now they are trying to fix the situation. I can not say that Shumka has improved radically, but some progress has been made in this matter. The wheels no longer climb so aggressively into the cabin, and the engine has become less intrusive at high speeds. On the "bottoms" and "in the middle", by the way, there are no problems with excessive noise - both in terms of aerodynamics and other sources. The car starts to make noise only if you drive very actively and faster than the “fastest” ones allow road signs in our country. Everything in the city is perfect.

Mazda3 (Active+/Exclusive)
Claimed fuel consumption per 100 km

In search of the ideal, the engineers also replaced the shock absorbers. Frankly, I did not see any difference in suspension settings (albeit after a year of correspondence comparison). The car is still assembled, moderately elastic, which is why it does not digest small irregularities very well, but it is exceptionally obedient and “transparent” in management. In a word, all the best, for which they buy Mazda3, was “preserved and multiplied”, albeit without any special revolutions.

Mazda3 Active+/Exclusive

Brief specifications

Dimensions, mm (L / W / H): 4 580/1 795/1 450 Engine: 1.6 l, 104 l. s./ 1.5 l, 120 l. With. Transmission: "automatic", 4 steps / "automatic", 6 steps Max Speed, km/h: 177/194 Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h, sec: 13.5/11.8

Of all that is hidden from view, two changes are most important. Firstly, from now on, Mazda3 is offered on the Russian market only with automatic transmissions- four-speed for the 1.6 engine and six-speed for the 1.5 Skyactiv-G engine. "Six-speed", by the way, has a sports mode, very peppy and mischievous - those who like to ride actively will like it. And although the “treshka” does not have paddle shifters, the box setting allows you not to remember this with annoyance.

The second interesting innovation - the G-Vectoring Control (GVC) electronic system - also migrated here from the older "six". The principle of the system is that, in response to the steering wheel, the electronics slightly reduce the “gas” before turning. Thrust limiting forces the car to “nose down” a little and thereby load the front axle, making the turn more stable and faster.

Trunk volume, l:

In practice, all this happens for a short time and in very small limits. I am ready to believe that this affects the handling and stability in the most beneficial way.

Why perfection?

The second incarnation of the third generation of once one of the most popular city cars Russian market still came to us, and it's good. The model, to be honest, very successful and pleasant in all respects, no longer has such a deafening popularity. Which is sad, but natural.

Mazda3 has to share the segment with the army of "Koreans" and other much more budget "classmates", but, unlike, say, the deceased Lancer, it succeeds. Moreover, many owners of the last "three", with whom I had to communicate, say that it would be time to change the car ... And they look first of all at the updated Mazda3. But the price does not allow doing this according to the already familiar “trade-in plus a little extra payment” scheme.

Today, a new Mazda3 will cost the price of two three-year-old Mazda3s!

In absolute terms, it looks like this: a three-ruble note in a hatchback body is available only in one configuration with a 1.5 engine and a four-speed automatic for 1,295,000 Russian rubles. With sedans a little richer: three versions of Active + are available with the same power unit for 1,169,000 rubles or with a 1.5 Skyactiv-G engine and a six-speed "automatic" for 1,249,000 rubles. Top equipment Exclusive with 1.5 liter engine, keyless entry, heated steering wheel, LED headlights and other "luxury" options will cost 1,334,800 Russian rubles.

Quick jump to sections

Mazda 3 received for a test drive latest generation had a one and a half liter engine from the SkyActiv line under the hood. The body of the "three-ruble note" is made in the corporate style "KODO - the soul of movement", its lines resemble frozen waves. In the exterior, there is a desire to avoid worn-out solutions and get a swift, but not aggressive look.

The third generation differs from the second not only externally, but also constructively. Due to the active use of high-strength steels, the body has become a little lighter. At the same time, its torsional rigidity is a whole third higher than that of its predecessor.

Mazda 3 has been known to us for a long time and even received the affectionate nickname "matryoshka" in our latitudes. In oral folk tradition, this car has become the archetypal manager's car, bought on credit. That is, the Ford Focus was the male version of such a car, and the “matryoshka” was the female version. But all this is already in the past, because the golden age of C-class cars has passed. Today, such cars are crowded, on the one hand, by class B + cars such as Logan, Solaris and Kia Rio. With another - compact crossovers. As a result, the recent bestsellers of the market today are forced to fight for survival.

Cargo-passenger part

The Mazda 3 presented for a test drive was a C-class sedan, that is, a car for all occasions, and therefore its review should begin with the passenger-and-freight part, which starts from the central pillar and ends near the rear bumper.

Trunk volume is 408 liters. For the needs of most citizens, this is quite enough. In fairness, it should be noted that Toyota Corolla has this parameter more than 50 liters. At Volkswagen Jetta the cargo compartment is more than a hundred liters, and it’s better not to compare with the Skoda Octavia at all. However, if necessary, the size of the trunk can be increased by folding the rear row of seats. For this, very convenient handles are provided in the trunk.

Video review

There is a reverse parking camera on the trunk lid, which the Mazda 3 has recently introduced, along with some others. electronic systems including wireless access.

Doorway giving access to rear seats, somewhat narrow. As for the space in the gallery, there is enough space there, but only for two. You can also plant a third person here only as a punishment. Of all the joys of life, there is only a simple armrest and a pocket on the back. front seat. In a word, the second row is quite ascetic.

The high central tunnel also interferes, which is completely unnecessary for a front-wheel drive car, but is present here only because this platform was originally designed to create a crossover as well. Another disadvantage of the second row is the high threshold, which, together with the opening, makes it somewhat difficult for passengers to get on and off.

Salon interior

In contrast to the wavy lines of the body, the interior of the Mazda 3 was created with the active participation of the ruler and compass. In strict rectangular air ducts, in a concise and intensely understandable dual-zone climate control control unit, one can feel the desire Japanese Mazda to be a bit of a European brand.

And everything is done not only pleasing to the eye, but also convenient. coasters optimal size, they chose the right place for them. There is a place to put a mobile phone and some little things. In daily operation, all this is very important.

The seats here are good, quite dense with good lateral support. Immediately set up in a cheerful way. As for the interior, it seems to be quite successful too. On the one hand, it cannot be called completely gray, boring, nondescript. On the other hand, there were no dubious design experiments. Most likely everyone will like this salon. The quality of workmanship is also decent, and if you do not cling to trifles, then everything is fine. There is a nuance. There are no pockets in the doors, but there is a niche for plastic bottles. The problem is that if you throw something there in a hurry, it will not be too easy to get it with your hand.

multimedia system

The seven-inch screen looks like a tablet attached to the front. The control unit is very similar to the BMW system. No wonder, the history of technological progress is based on borrowing successful solutions. Note that the volume control multimedia system, located next to the controller, and this location of the volume control resembles another deutsche mark— Audi.

Nevertheless, the map of the navigation system is good, and most importantly, the controller is configured very well. If the driver enters the address on the go, he will never miss between the right letters, the system works very clearly. Yes, and the effort on the controller is noticeably higher than in many other similar systems, and this is very good, because thanks to this, high clarity of work is achieved. As the Mazda 3 test drive showed, using this controller is even more convenient than iDrive on a BMW.

Engine and transmission

With engines for the Mazda 3, it turned out to be something funny, because the lineup includes both old and new engines from the SkyActiv family. The funny thing is that cheaper and less powerful motor for Mazda 3 it has a working volume of 1.6 liters, and the top-end unit for Russia is only 1.5 liters. This was on the Mazda 3 presented for a test drive. Both engines are gasoline and atmospheric, but the one and a half liter unit belongs to the SkyActiv line and is fantastic, by the standards gasoline engines, the compression ratio is 14.

As for other characteristics, the Mazda 3 received for a test drive had a 120 hp engine. and with a torque of 150 Nm. It works in tandem with a six-speed automatic transmission. This is an interesting point, because the initial engine, the one with a volume of 1.6 liters, can only be equipped with a 4-speed more archaic automatic. In addition, there is also a version with mechanics.
Using the button, we start the engine of the Mazda 3 taken for a test drive and the dashboard comes to life in the cabin. It looks quite original: in the middle is a large speedometer with a red border. And along the edges are two monochrome displays, on the left is a tachometer, and on the right is the trip computer data.

Behavior on the road

At low speeds, up to 60 - 80 km / h, it seems that with sound insulation full order. You can hear the road a little, more precisely, the tires. There are some aerodynamic noises, but everything is within reason. However, there are no ideal things in the world. To verify this, it is enough to press the accelerator harder. At the moment of sharp accelerations, the first violin begins to play power point and then you realize that more soundproofing that protects the interior from the engine compartment would not hurt.

On the other hand, the Mazda 3 we took for a test drive was at our disposal for quite a long time and we soon got used to this howl, after which we began to notice positive things. Let's say the suspension works perfectly and handles bumps well. And he does it very intelligently. It is not soft, but at the same time not hard. She is collected and resilient. Very well set up here. chassis. Among the innovations here is the G-Vectoring Control system, the electronic module of which automatically affects the operation of the engine, transmission and chassis in such a way that the process of driving the machine would become more comfortable and safe.
Ground clearance is 155 mm, slightly less than the base version. Not so little, compared to many modern cars. The steering is relatively sharp, with a gear ratio of 14:1. Electric power settings allow the driver to maintain a sufficient level of understanding with the steered wheels. The suspension is built according to the traditional scheme: MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link rear.

The dynamics of the car is moderate. From standstill to 100 km / h, the car accelerates in 11.7 seconds, in any case, such a result was during the test drive of the Mazda 3. Someone can say that for a long time. Not without that, but Mazda 3 with the initial engine, with a volume of 1.6 liters, stretches this pleasure to more than 13 seconds. When you try to accelerate quickly, you clearly feel the moments of switching. Not to say that the six-speed automatic is slow, but sometimes speed would not hurt him.

Do you remember when the current Mazda generation 3 was just born, journalists were taken to the race track to get to know him. It was there that they were supposed to drive for the first time. new car. The company wanted to hint that the Mazda 3 still has that sporty driver gene for which cars of previous generations were so loved.

And we must pay tribute, he was really there. Because the pedals of both gas and brake are very well tuned. Very pleasant steering. Test drive Mazda 3 took place on a variety of roads. In the city, despite the rather mediocre size dynamic characteristics, the car little by little, little by little, begins to push you towards road hooliganism, which we complementarily call an active driving style.

Against the backdrop of competitors

In terms of dimensions, the Mazda 3 sedan is the very middle of the class. If the Skoda Octavia or Volkswagen Jetta is slightly larger, then the Ford Focus or Kia Optima is smaller. If you want a more compact car, you can look towards the hatchback. It is shorter than the sedan by 12 cm, which gives a certain gain when parking. However, the trunk in a five-door car is less than a hundred liters at once, and the ceiling above the rear passengers is slightly lower.

The main advantage of the Mazda 3 is its appearance, which even today seems bright and unusual. The most important thing in it is the ability to give its owner the real pleasure of driving.

The first generation machine appeared in 2003. That, the very first generation in China continued to be produced right up to 2013, although in that same 2013, cars of the third generation appeared in Japan. As of today, the Mazda 3 already has a history, but, unfortunately, it does not have truly accessible versions. Even the cheapest modifications are on the other side of a powerful psychological barrier of a million rubles.

On the other hand, most competitors have such cars with engines of similar power, with automatic transmissions, also have seven-digit price tags. That is, in medium configurations, parity is maintained with opponents. Another thing is that the copy on which the Mazda 3 was tested costs more than 1.2 million rubles. While some competitors, such as Kia or Volkswagen, offer cars with a 150-horsepower engine for that kind of money. However, before making your choice, the future buyer should still go for his own Mazda 3 test drive. Perhaps at the test drive stage, she will be able to win back those points that were lost when comparing price tags.

Technical characteristics of the Mazda 3 presented for a test drive

• Length: 4585 mm;
• Width: 1795 mm;
• Height: 1450 mm;
• Wheelbase: 2700 mm;
• Engine capacity: 1.5 liters;
• Power 120 hp;
• Torque: 150 Nm;
• Acceleration time 0-100 km/h: 11.8 sec;
• Maximum speed: 194 km/h;
• Average fuel consumption per 100 kilometers: 5.8 liters.