Mazda3 | - 330 ?

Mazda3

Ford's Focus and the US-Japanese Mazda3 - corporate "twins". And once we went to "focus" of the next generation, then wait for an updated "troika", which goes in the light even before the related products under the "blue oval". And indeed, during the motor show in Los Angeles premiere sedan Mazda3. And the Italian autoexhibition in Bologna in early December and made his debut as "hatchback".

At Mazda Motor talking about the evolution of "troika" (rather than revolution): thus, the main dimensions - wheelbase - remained the same. But the increased front and rear overhangs, and overall length of the Mazda3 sedan reached (in versions for North America), 4595 mm; rather big machine. Nevertheless, as stated in press releases, "troika» II generation is not gaining weight - due to severe "rate of weight loss" suffered by passenger car.

Carefully selected reserves: the power unit, chassis - and, most importantly, its supporting structure. Application of high-strength (sheet) have increased by almost half, which reduced the weight of the structure of almost 11 kg. And also to increase its rigidity. According to information from the Mazda Motor, resistance to bending improved by 7%, it is difficult to overstate the importance of such modest (on the side view) to achieve the road holding and handling.

Driving pleasure

Here on the propulsive performance Mazda3 and the updates in question. Avtoobozrevateli run-in "troika" of 2009 and made a first impression. And Europeans are quick to get acquainted with the 5-door "hatchback» MZ-CD - complete with cost-effective 1.56-liter turbodiesel CRTD. While the Americans prefer sedan Mazda3 s Grand Touring, staffed by a powerful 2.5-liter "quartet" on gasoline.

Three valiantly rushes and on a dry road and the puddles.

Machines are not the same: for example, for the filling weight Grand Touring 35-40 kg exceeds the MZ-CD. And instead of a 5-speed "knobs" like a 5-door Mazda3, «a loaded sedan is equipped with a 6-speed gearbox - not to mention the difference in the amount of rubber. More interesting that the commentators are singing on the road holding and handling the upgraded "troika" in unison. According impressions Europeans, precision and precisely defined steering gives excellent feedback to the steered wheels in the machine turns remarkably obedient and tenaciously holds the trajectory in the bundle turns.

Mazda3 Sedan performed for North America.


The Americans point out the correct balance running: understeer generally neutral. In Grand Touring live manageability and sensitive response to the "gas" - more sports sedan than a family passenger car. Most real pleasure of driving. Impressions reviewers confirmed by standard tests: the "circular area» (skid pad) sedan showed lateral acceleration to 0,85 g. Few of the cars and can boast such a road holding - except hondovsky Civic Si (as much 0,89 g), available at the North American market. Unmatched sports sedan and the yield is not a sin (do not confuse it with a faint shadow - the European "hatchback").

Other types of exercises - "Eight MT», which the Grand Touring (all-season rubber on the Yokohama Avid S34) was in the best of the attempts for 27.6 seconds. Also excellent result - only 0.6 seconds. weaker than the Civic Si. At that speed tuning the chassis does not hurt comfort: air suspension absorbs road irregularities literally like a sponge, and the course of a smooth and even. Maybe "troika" is not as soft as the Honda Civic EX Sedan or Toyota Corolla (for the North American market), but the difference is justified excellent controllability Mazda3 s. The feeling of tightening and sporting occasions: "Ah, three! Bird troika, who invented you? Know a perky people you could only have been born ... ".

Powertrain also on the level. Even a modest 109-strong CRTD was surprisingly clockwork and tyagovity: he relentlessly drove the winding roads of the test run. And he worked very smoothly - and the level of noise was like the little engine with compression ignition. Well, the American Grand Touring with a 2.5-liter gasoline "Quartet" (the maximum power at 170 hp) and shown at all answered by a serious acceleration. Thus, a distance of 1 / 4 mile (402 meters), he went from place to 15,8 sec., Speed at the end of the segment - 141 + km / h. But from the European "troika" with 2.2-liter 185-horsepower turbodiesel dynamics, apparently, not worse ...

The brakes operate smoothly and predictably, "fading" No, pedal sensitive and not too heavy. However, to stop from a speed of 96,5 km / h (60 miles), Grand Touring sedan will take at a testing distance from 37,5 to 38,7 m bit much for a compact legkovushki; seems not everything is going well with the distribution of brake force . Provision for further improvement.

Engines successfully coordinated with the Transmission: 5-speed "knob" switch easily and accurately. But the 6-speed gearbox is flawed - sometimes goes with bobble III. And fuel consumption dynamic Grand Touring differs from the European "hatchback" with 1.56-liter turbodiesel - scared to say how much.

The divergence of views

Due to the increased rigidity of the structure and carrier effective sound insulation, the impressions of European observers, the noise from the road and the oncoming air in the cabin MZ-CD hardly audible. Zoom-Zoom philosophy into action. However, Europeans are frankly disappointed by the interior space design updated Mazda3. Like how much has been done to bring the interior of the Troika at the proper level: on the front panel focused on the driver, as always, dominated by "binoculars" speedometer-tachometer. The navigation screen on the center panel, raised higher, and the man behind the wheel do not have time and again look to pull off the road.

On the one hand - carefully thought-out ergonomics of the driver's seat. On the other - an interesting design for some reason overloaded loose buttons and switches. And in the center console and on the "steering wheel"; approach yesterday. Quality of finishes, too, leaves much to be desired: not attracted to that class, which shows the passenger car in motion.

Interesting design of the front panel, but the buttons and keys and in fact too much.
Interesting design of the front panel, but the buttons and keys and in fact too much.


Interestingly, American commentators - in contrast to the Europeans - just completely satisfied with interior upgraded Mazda3. Apparently, the ocean somewhat different standards - and the requirements bunched bracket is not high. They are there simply are not spoiled by such, for example, samples of design and decoration, like a VW Golf. But the Americans claim to sound insulation: in the Salon Grand Touring penetrate annoying noise from the road. Directly opposite impression, then, a lot depends on the circumstances in which testing is conducted. Selection of rubber and road surface characteristics (even advanced) can sometimes change the sign "+" to "-". Or vice versa.

However, neither those nor the other, and no complaints about the organization of inner space: a spacious cabin comfortably arranged four adults. While five of them are unlikely - except in nedalnie trip. Seat backs 2-nd series of folding, - by itself, separately. At 5-door legkovushki loading space, of course, is particularly flexible, but the sedan also allows some options for accommodation of passengers and luggage.

U hatchback, roomy and comfortable boot.
U hatchback, roomy and comfortable boot.


Comfortably-entertainment equipment upgraded Mazda3 completely up to date - but basic versions for the North American market (which cost even without ABS). But in the list of options, leather upholstery, "music» Bose 10 speakers, heated seats, etc. attributes of luxury, every whim for your money. The standard package of "passive" safety includes 6 "cushions" and "curtains", and besides - "active" head restraints that protect passengers in rear-end. It remains to see how the new model will show itself in trials NCAP «Impact" (on American and European techniques), and then formed an integral image.

Design "troika» II studied Japanese Kunihiko Kurisu: he sought to preserve the distinctive features of the previous model (although, as submitted, all exterior body panels molded anew). Car looks fresh - especially the full-face, which is dominated by large, low-cut falshradiator. Needless to say, "false", since the air supply to the radiator and the engine intake is sufficient and 1 / 3 square neckline. And incidentally, at the entrance to the hood space provided for special deflector, which rejects the flow of air at high speeds. In a plus for aerodynamics.

It is significant that the views of commentators on the extraordinary appearance of the troika »II available; what will tell potential buyers? How marketers think, controversial looks much more advantageous than the faceless. Anyway, the updated Mazda3 will not leave anyone indifferent: many take to heart. And please everyone and do not need.

Ten-points scale


American commentators painted their impressions on the items. I appreciated the test machine in points - out of 10 possible:

Appearance - 9 points. Updated troika will win the recognition of many with his sharp modern (and attractive) design. Although perhaps not all.

Dynamics and control - 8 points. With regard to the fuel consumption (EPA), then the Mazda3 II generation did not beat the competitors in the class. Then how to beat "troika" of the pleasures of the driver, it is difficult.

Comfort and quality - 8 points. The driver and passengers comfortable in the cabin Mazda3 - even on long journeys. Irritating, though, the noise from the tires - especially on bumpy roads.

Safety - 8 points. In the cabin of the troika »II generation set of" pillows "and" curtain "of security, as well as" active "head restraints that protect passengers in rear-end. However, the underlying performance has not been completed even ABS, - not to mention the ESC and the like.

Room - 9 points. In the performance Grand Touring «troika pulling on the model of hi-end, offered a substantial discount. Although the complete set of basic performances rather scanty.

The plus

* Excellent for a compact legkovushki dynamics, controllability and stability.

B minus

* Noise from the road that penetrates into the salon from the bottom;
* Brake, the effectiveness of which leaves much to be desired.

Overall score - 8.4 points (out of 10 possible). Updated Mazda3 remains active nature of its predecessor. Probably not a revolution in the automotive industry - but definitely not an empty room.

Help-obektivka. The front-wheel Mazda3 - «global" cars. She goes out and the North American and European markets - in 2 - and 3-volume versions. And in Japan (and in some other countries in Southeast Asia) is the same model known as the Axela, - naturally, with the right-hand drive. Either way, it is based on a universal platform of Ford's C1, which except for "Focus and Mazda3, also based Focus C-Max and Kuga, Mazda5, Volvo C30 and S40 - and a few other interesting models.

That is, the "troika» II generation is the same (great) chassis as that of "brothers" on the platform, although the range of power units is not devoid of brand identity. For the European Mazda3 are already run in gasoline Quartet »MZR 1.6 and 2.0 working volume of 1.6 liters and 2: Maximum power - 105 and 150 hp (at 6 thousand rpm and 6500 min-1 respectively). In addition, there are a couple 16-valve turbo diesels CRTD. One 1.56-liter - collaborative Ford Motor Co. and PSA; it develops up to 109 hp at 4 thousand rpm. And another - "home" new 2.2 CRTD working volume of 2184 "cubes" in two settings: 150 and 185 hp at 3500 min-1. The highest torque - 360 Nm or 400 (depending on boost pressure). Incidentally, the engine fitted with a "start-stop", which knocked him at every opportunity. Also savings.

The latest petrol MZR 2.0 DISI with an unusual system of "start-stop".
The latest petrol MZR 2.0 DISI with an unusual system of "start-stop".


"Junior" engines are equipped with a manual 5-speed gearbox and 2.2-liter CRTD comes with a 6-speed "handle". While 2-liter MZR 2.0 fits exclusively with a 5-speed fluid mechanics "automatic", such alignment. In North America, Mazda3 is the same with gasoline, the Quartet (of speech, no diesel). With the same 2-liter (version i), or with the new MZR 2.5, borrowed from the 6-th model - under the symbol s.

Peculiar long-excursion design: the old 2.26-liter 16-klapannik "wasted" to the bore and stroke 89 x 100 mm, and the working volume is increased, thereby to 2488 "cubes". Impressive than GAZ's TV classic "quartet" M21D ... the degree of compression 9.7 engine gives up to 170 hp (SAE «Net"), with 6 thousand rpm, the highest torque - 226 Nm. Tyagovity plant, but particularly economical on fuel to expect from him is not necessary. Motor smaller messes around with a 5-speed "pen", while the 2.5-liter comes with a 6-speed. In addition, both engines are equipped with 5-speed "automatic" - an optional execution.

As for running, then at the front of the troika suspension McPherson, and rear - double wishbone ( "spatial" scheme). Kinematically perfect solution (not the same as that unpretentious design in paired trailing arm), hence the road holding and handling, which differ legkovushki platform C1. Plus solid tires in size 195/65R15 for "junior" performances - to the 205/50R 17-inch alloy wheels (with a 2.2-liter CRTD in Europe and 2.5-liter gasoline "quartet" on the North American market). Rack and pinion steering mechanism with a Mazda3 elektroservousilitelem EHPAS, «bagel" makes 2.95 turns from lock to lock. Brakes "on a circle" disk: in the 'normal' package of European performances, ABS, ESC, and so useful mekatronika.

Classroom rear suspension - a pledge road holding and handling.


The length of the updated hatchback »Mazda3, destined for the European market - 4460 mm (sedan - 4580), width - 1755, height - 1470; Wheelbase - 2640 mm gauge - 1535/1530. When fully planted in places trunk "hatchback" holds 340 liters (sedan - 430), and with the folding rear seats of its capacity increased to 1,360 liters. Seat backs in the 2-m row 3-volume "troika", of course, also folded (separately), but information about the increment of the loading space there.

The sedan good aerodynamics: the coefficient of air resistance - 0,28. In the frontal area of 2,217 m2 aerodynamic factor is 0.62 (much better than the "golf» VI). "Hatch" is not as sleek: the coefficient of air resistance - 0,3, aerodynamic factor - 0,665. Hence, the speed and quality weaker; check.

Airflow properly organized and well underneath: Venturi diffuser
Airflow properly organized and well underneath: Venturi diffuser


Loaded weight of a European sedan with 1.6-liter gasoline engine - from 1245 kg; "hatchback" 10 kg heavier. In the most modest performance troika »II is able to accelerate from standstill to 100 km / h in 12,2 sec. Declared maximum speed - 188 km / h, average fuel consumption (EU) - 6,3 liter per 100 kilometers. With 109-horsepower turbodiesel "hatchback" accelerated up "hundreds" noticeably faster - in 11 seconds., While the average consumption (now heavy) fuel is reduced to 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers. Glitter.

Expressive dynamics in performance 2.2 DE with a 185-strong CRTD: curb weight of under 1465 kg sedan gaining "hundred" for 8,2 sec. Maximum speed - 215 km / h, average consumption of diesel fuel - some 5.6 liters per 100 kilometers. What is characteristic for 2-obemnika maximum speed advertised below - 213 km / h; affects the difference in aerodynamics. And it should not be underestimated: to "hatch" develops the same 215 km / h (as 3-obemnik), he needs from the engine extra 5 hp power. There is growing at roughly the cube of speed and weight of 2-3 km / h speed cost a considerable cost.

The American troika »s Grand Touring with gasoline MZR 2.5 on injectivity somewhere corresponds to the European 2.2 DE: curb weight at approximately 1375 kg (" weight distribution "axes - 61/39%) test car accelerates from 0 to 96.5 km / h in 7,9 sec. Not bad, but part of the fuel economy is heaven and the earth: for the test, s Grand Touring spend an average of 11.4 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. Scandal, "premium" Bavarian Sedan 535i with 3-liter turbo engine in the 300 + strength significantly more economical (in 2007 at the same reviewer) ...

For 5 years around the world diverged 2 + million copies of the ""; successful model yielded Mazda Motor undoubted market success. And how will a II generation? European prices Mazda3 II has not yet announced, while in the U.S. for an updated model of request from 15,5 thousand U.S. Moreover, the test machine s Grand Touring cost almost 22 "pieces"; boot options does not contribute to conserve fuel.

Dissenting opinion. In our country know and appreciate sedans and hatchbacks »Mazda3; II generation also not be forgotten Russian motorists. It is unlikely that we will go turbo diesel, closest to the reality of performance with a 2-liter gasoline MZR 2.0 and 6-speed "handle". In this generation, I "troika" accelerates from standstill to 100 km / h slightly worse than 9 seconds., - With an average fuel consumption is less than 8 liters per 100 kilometers.