Last year, 162 people bought the front-wheel drive Skoda Superb with a 2.0-liter 220-horsepower engine from Audi (CHHB index), of whom 119 chose, as expected, the base Ambition version for 2.2 million rubles. Not a very popular version? Yes, and we took it into the comparative test simply because even before the first driving Russian presentation of the restyled Mazda6 we got a sample of the "six" with a 2.5-liter turbo engine in our hands, and Skoda, by nominal characteristics, was the first suitable car for comparison. However, as it turned out, there is no better sparring partner for Mazda6 in Russia now.

The turbocharged "six" with a new appearance for our market went on sale at the end of last year. The car immediately showed its potential, leaving no doubt that in the first quarter of 2019 it will beat the competing Czech version. It is unlikely that they will be very upset in Skoda, because the Czech sedan is imported to our country, its margin is high, and the last place in the brand's sales structure is predetermined: all other Skoda presented in Russia are collected here (some rare modifications, like Laurin & Klement , does not count).

At the same time, questions like "why it is possible to assemble Superb in Kazakhstan, but not here in our country" have no basis, since our southern neighbor is assembling according to a screwdriver cycle, which we do not need - the state has been for it for a long time does not accrue benefits. But what about the Mazda6, which is also assembled in the Far East with a "screwdriver"? Yes, there is such a thing, but the Mazda Sollers plant there does not benefit from the automotive assembly, although the company also has obligations to deepen it, but from the assembly of engines, which will be finally established only by.

These two sedans on the Russian market have absolutely different paths. Skoda has always tried to present the widest possible range of Superba versions - they say, we don’t slurp cabbage soup, one foot is already in premium. Mazda, on the other hand, being unable to compete with a member of the VW family in terms of range of versions, offered the minimum that guarantees high interest from our customers.

Three weeks ago I was driving on the route Vladivostok - Nakhodka, the director of the Russian Mazda marketing office, Andrey Glazkov. Andrey was sitting in the back seat and for an hour and a half commented on the operation of the rear suspension (the roads are not Moscow ones!), And in the meantime I asked why the same Superba has an all-wheel drive version in Russia, and Mazda6, available in Europe with all leading in a two-volume body, we are not for sale. The only argument of the chief marketer is the specific attitude of Russians to diesel engines: Mazda6 4WD comes with a heavy fuel engine. “Remember our failure with diesels on the CX-5? We will not try again. "

What is true is true - sales of diesel CX-5s were tiny, no more than half a percent of total sales. However, the diesel engine, despite the complexity of the design (adjusting the valve lift on the exhaust shaft, piezo injectors) did not give the expected efficiency. Here the question is different: is it necessary now in general for D-class sedans, and even designed on bogies with a transverse power unit, four-wheel drive?

Winter is the driver, triumphant ...

Our comparative test fell on the snowiest season of this Moscow winter, so both participants had the opportunity to answer this question. Most clearly, I would even say, categorically, without doubts in her voice and hesitation, she announced Skoda's verdict: "No, not needed."

Frankly, I don't remember such snowy Moscow roads as they were in late January - early February. Usually there was a lot of snow in the narrow central lanes and courtyards, and here, despite the painful efforts of the communal services, there were all the big city highways in the snow.

The authorities strongly recommended not to get behind the wheel, but I got into the Skoda and drove off - at first slowly, then faster and more recklessly, and then completely forgot that under the wheels was a mosaic of densely packed snow and icy asphalt. The grip under the wheels changed ten times a second, I maneuvered - somewhere smoothly, somewhere abruptly, but the car practically did not move off the course. The electronics, of course, worked continuously, especially the system for imitating the differential lock with brakes, but without clicks, grinding and sudden suffocation of the motor. Only in extreme cases - with a strong "twist" of the steering wheel - the supply of traction to the wheels weakened a little, but immediately returned to the norm set by the gas pedal.

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So I wanted to exclaim: "to what technology has come!". Frankly, I don’t remember that in a car in the middle price segment, the rescue electronics worked, on the one hand, so delicately and imperceptibly, on the other - effectively. However, looking at the price of our test sample, the word "budget" comes to mind last.

The precise, but, for my taste, very lightweight steering wheel, tenacious brakes of a fairly high sensitivity and suspension contribute to the total of impressions. I will dwell on this point in more detail. With active maneuvering, elastic elements prevent strong body roll, which, together with a light steering wheel, initially misleads the driver, especially an inexperienced one: the illusion arises that the Superb is a small highly maneuverable car that easily rebuilds, takes sharp turns, instantly accelerates and brakes. No, this is not entirely true, although the same powerful engine, which even in Comfort mode gives an excellent start, and on the track shows confident capabilities for gaining dynamics when driving from stationary modes, also plays to this illusion.

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After all, the Superb is not a compact class, but a relatively heavy, inertial car. To be convinced of this, take a ride on the "popular" version of the Superba with a "blown" small-cubic TSI under the hood.

Actually, why is this remark? To the fact that the agility of such a car turns into a solid fuel consumption: dynamic driving in a city littered with snow will cost 17 l / 100 km and more, and a light steering wheel can weaken the driver's vigilance so much that at one point he simply will not catch the first symptoms electronics loss of its vigilance. On the other hand, such a bust with snow on the road is still an extreme situation. You just need to lower the pressure on the gas and not so violently turn the steering wheel.

In limbo

Suspension Superba, although not rigid, but at our joints feels uncomfortable - and the passengers of the sedan along with it. Pits and single transverse obstacles are overcome with a dull "boom" on the rebound. However, you can add comfort again by reducing the speed. Meanwhile, the question arises: what to pay for? For confident driving on dry roads? Yes, Superba electronics are better than many to cope with bad weather, but still, for our test version they ask for almost three million rubles, and this is not the most expensive package! Maybe it's stupid to take the Audi A4? There, at least for the "three-ruble note" and four-wheel drive, and the engine is more powerful.

As for the Mazda6, we talked in detail about the metamorphoses of its suspension in the re-styled version in the first test drive, but it passed along dry and very bad roads between Vladivostok and Nakhodka - two obese passengers in the back seat in my car groaned, sighed and asked to slow down from 90 km / h to 70 ... I wonder what they would say if they took that route on the Superb ...

In Moscow, the "six" felt much better than in its native Far East, demonstrating both a higher ride smoothness than when driving on warped asphalt, and better stability. Meanwhile, it is Superbu, and not Mazda, that very well succeeds in the effect of the "flying carpet" - that is, the immobility of the body while driving, but the engineers cannot yet combine it with smooth training of passing obstacles. Yes, Skoda is not premium yet!

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The main difference between the Mazda6 suspension and the Skoda suspension is the presence of a perceptible first vertical oscillation when moving over an obstacle with two wheels. It is this that gives the feeling of swaying, amplitude. Not to say that this would cause any special discomfort, if at the top point the body did not tilt - either relative to the longitudinal axis when the car moves in a straight line, or across - in a turn. In general, if we talk about the ideal suspension, then probably it should be slightly softer than the Superb, work out the joints, but also not allow the car to vibrate as much as in Mazda. It is interesting that this "oscillatory" feature appeared in the "Japanese woman" with a restyling: for some reason, her suspension was made softer. These are not our fantasies - the "softening" of the elastic elements was officially confirmed to us by Mitsuru Wakiye, program manager of Mazda development.

As for the behavior on snowy ground, here the "Japanese woman" is inferior to her European classmate in the sense that she begins to carry her much earlier, and the electronics no longer work as sterile, although it does not allow exceeding the critical threshold. In any case, the Mazda chassis with new restyled settings, which deserved a fair dose of criticism from fellow journalists on the first test, looks like a product of an enumeration of options, and not as a way out to an optimal solution.

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Actually, installing new springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bushings is not a cat sneezing at you. A facelift is not usually accompanied by such a radical shake-up. It is unclear what caused these changes, but the Japanese failed to achieve a radical improvement in the characteristics of the suspension.

Force application

Both cars have automatic transmissions with an outdated number of steps - 6. For Skoda, this is partly due to the high output of the engine: it is its torque (350 Nm) that can digest the FD6D9011 of the DQ250 (02E) series with two wet clutches. In terms of smoothness of operation, it almost approached the classic "hydromechanics" - at least it does not cause any obvious inconveniences to the driver.

Skoda Superb salon

Another thing is that I would like - since we are talking about such an expensive car as Superb - to get at least the possibility of completely manual control. Here, even in the sporty and nominally “manual” (M - Manual) mode, the electronics, barely holding the speed near the red zone, resets the stage and does not allow the motor to “turn”. Such "foolproof protection", together with the non-disconnectable ESP, is not serious.

However, the Japanese classic unit on Mazda, along with the basic one, gives only one sport mode, when selected, the response of the engine to the movement of the gas pedal is only slightly improved, and the gears are switched at slightly higher revs.

Mazda6 salon

The only situation in which the Japanese hydromechanics looked preferable is connected with the same snowfalls. One night we left our cars in a parking lot, which overnight turned into virgin snow - not that it was not easy to get out of there, but at some point Superb's position seemed hopeless: his "double clutch" clicked its clutches, getting confused between the first and second gear. As a result, our most experienced colleague and part-time amateur jeep Andrei Sudbin pulled the car out of the snow captivity. But the Mazda6 is quite calm, with insignificant slippage and even without disabling ESP, it furrowed the entire site. And one more thing: both automatic transmissions can be controlled by the petals in “semi-automatic” mode. Mazda has them just good.

The Skyactiv-2.5T engine already has a "normal" compression ratio of 10.5, and not 13.0, like all "aspirated" Skyactivs, but it has a lot in its character - from its closest naturally aspirated 2.5-liter relative. Maybe because these motors are practically unified in design? They even have a common "geometry", namely the cylinder diameter (89.0 mm), piston stroke (100 mm) and even the working volume - 2488 cm3.

In general, it seems that the Japanese engine is difficult to spin, with the reactions the situation is not so acute, and even with the throttle half open, there is much more noise from it than from the Czech - sorry, German - unit, already starting from medium crankshaft revolutions. True, it was the "Japanese" who showed that in terms of efficiency he is not just in no way inferior to the "German", but on the contrary, confidently surpasses it, and the denser the flow, and the more "ragged" the rhythm of movement, the more tangible the difference. However, with a relatively moderate driving in the city of average workload, an experienced driver in both cars can easily get out of 11 l / 100 km.

Where am I leading? Against the background of its competitor in the present test, the Mazda6 in terms of the amount of consumer qualities does not seem to be much lagging behind, but rather “not so modern”. And from the fact that, against the background of other classmates - say, Toyota Camry - the "six" seems to be an unconditional favorite, it should not be easier for the managers of the Russian branch of Mazda, because the "six" cannot compete in price with the Toyota assembled from us on a full cycle ... Moreover, the updated interior of the "six" in some places causes slight bewilderment: with the restyling the central screen has increased by an inch, the style and outline of the scales have changed, and immediately all harmony has gone. Tell me, why did the white backlight of the speedometer make it "colder" than on the extreme sections? And that's not the point - do you remember that someday the last restyling of a model in a generation was accompanied by such strong changes in technology? What for? Are they spinning in place?

Mazda or Skoda?

The Mazda 6 has too many buttons and knobs. The amount of information that the driver receives is also excessive: there are three dials on the dashboard, and the third reflects only the work of the i-Eloop energy recovery system. In this regard, Skoda is a supporter of greater simplicity.

The difference is 2 cm in length, 3 cm in height, and wheelbases differ by only one centimeter. Nothing to say, the dimensions of the Skoda Superb and Mazda6 are almost the same. But the fundamental difference between the two models is immediately noticeable. "Japanese" looks sporty: a long hood, dynamic curves of the body lines, huge 19-inch wheels, narrow windows. Czech designers have made a traditional choice: strict forms, "ordinary" 17-inch wheels, all attention to the interior space. They seem not so much competitors as representatives of two different schools. After all, it is known that some believe that a station wagon should look sporty, others are sure: a family car of such impressive dimensions rather befits fashionable chic.

The new Superb does not differ much from its predecessor, which appeared four years ago, by and large, little has changed in the appearance of the model: the grille, headlights, and some other details.

The list of equipment, of course, also made updates: they added, for example, start-stop and energy recovery system during braking, but - probably in order not to give rise to internal competition with German "relatives" VW and Audi - to active cruise control, radar, automatic braking systems and lane departure warning systems did not come through. But for the Mazda6, all of the above is available.

A real plus for Skoda has always been the spacious interior. When you open the doors of the second row, it seems that something is missing, the distance from the front backs to the sofa is so great. Sitting in the back, you can, like in a limousine, freely stretch your legs, put your hand on the center armrest. On the console between the backs of the front seats there is a digital clock and an outside temperature indicator, on the racks there are climate control deflectors.

The same cannot be said about the sofa of a Japanese station wagon. It is not particularly convenient for a lanky person there: you don’t touch the ceiling with your head, but latently you want to raise it two or three centimeters. One would think that, since the space is so unevenly distributed, the compartment behind the backs of the rear sofa on the Mazda is larger. Not at all. The boot is another trump card of the Superb: large, with a great finish (upholstered in needle-punched fabric). Despite the presence of a spare wheel under the floor (the Mazda6 only comes with a quick tire repair kit), the volume is record-breaking. How did it happen? It's simple: the Superb saves space in front, and the Mazda has a larger engine, so the hood is long, like a coupe.

Today there is a huge selection on the market for large sedans (class D and D +). The main thing is to decide: for the same money, you can either buy a car that meets your requirements, or not. It's important to prioritize.

Skoda Superb and Mazda 6 cars are in diametrically opposite planes. Perhaps it was necessary to compare. But it is this difference that allows us to evaluate all the facets of competitors and make your choice.

What to choose: Skoda Superb or Mazda 6?

Appearances are deceptive

Skoda Superb is personable, roomy and expensive. Even its front optics are diamond-shaped. Expensive ceremonial suit. And Skoda is not a real sedan, but a liftback - the trunk of a car rises along with the rear window.

Mazda 6 is sporty, fast and light. Tracksuit of the Olympic champion. “Movement embodied in metal” - this is how the exterior of the Mazda 6 can be called. The body is dominated by expressive lines that convey the strength and grace of the fastest predator on Earth - the cheetah.

We compare the closest modifications. The Mazda 6 is equipped with a 192-horsepower engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Skoda Superb has a 180 hp turbo engine coupled with a 7-speed robotic gearbox.

Passport data

Model	Mazda6	Skoda Superb
Body type	sedan	liftback
Number of doors / seats	4/5	5/5
Length, mm	4870	4833
Width, mm	1840	1817
Height, mm	1450	1462
Wheel base, mm	2830	2761
Front / rear track, mm	1585/1575	1545/1518
Curb weight, kg	1410	1508
Full weight, kg	2005	2071
Trunk volume, l	438	595
A type	gasoline with direct fuel injection	gasoline with direct fuel injection and turbocharging
Location	front, transverse	front, transverse
Number and arrangement of cylinders	4, in a row	4, in a row
Number of valves	16	16
Working volume, cm³	2488	1798
Max. power, hp / rpm	192/5700	152/4500–6200
Max. torque, N m / rpm	256/3250	250/1500–4500
Transmission	automatic six-speed	robotic seven-stage
Drive unit	front	front
Front suspension		independent, spring, McPherson
Rear suspension		independent, spring, multi-link
Front brakes	disc ventilated	disc ventilated
Rear brakes	disk	disc ventilated
Tires	225/45 R19	225/45 R17
Ground clearance, mm	165	139
Maximum speed, km / h	223	210
Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km / h, s	7,8	8,4
- urban cycle	8,7	9,3
- extra-urban cycle	5,2	5,6
- mixed cycle	6,5	7,0
Toxicity rate	Euro 4	Euro 5
Fuel tank capacity, l	62	60

Internal filling

Inside, the Skoda is just as austere and presentable as the outside. Everything is in its place. Ergonomics at the highest level. It feels like you have been driving here for many years and you know everything. The quality of the materials is impeccable. The center armrest is height adjustable. The feeling of spaciousness is not transferable. You can put a personal driver behind the wheel of a Skoda and go to a social event.

The Mazda interior gives the feeling of a sports car: a hard seat, a high transmission tunnel, a front panel turned to the left, a low roof. All major vehicle controls are grouped around the driver. This is a personal control machine! With all this, Japanese ergonomics is in no way inferior. Is that a little more plastic in the design.

The rear seats of the Mazda 6 are spacious enough for business class: there is enough space above the head and up to the front seats, the shape is perfect. There is heating and a comfortable armrest with cup holders. Everything seems to be fine ... until you change into passenger seats in a Czech car.

There is real space and comfort at the level of the executive class. A person of average height can practically stretch his legs. There is much more headroom than the competitor. In addition, Skoda offers its own climate and window shades for rear passengers.

The luggage compartments of our vehicles differ significantly. Skoda has a very voluminous - as much as 595 liters, Mazda - only 438 liters. At the same time, the "Czech" boasts a full-size spare wheel, while the "Japanese" only has a "dokatka". Think for yourself - decide for yourself!

Go

The debate about which type of engine is better with the same power and torque parameters - atmospheric large-volume or low-displacement turbo engine does not subside. In this case, a Japanese manufacturer's atmospheric power plant is preferable. The Mazda engine responds clearly to pressing the accelerator pedal. Skoda responds to pedal actions less adequately: at low revs, a "turbo pause" is noticeable. At the same time, the Superb engine is noticeably quieter, but the Mazda one has "sporty" notes.

Conceptual differences between car transmissions showed the merits of the "classic automatic". Mazda's hydromechanical gearbox allows you to switch on time during active movement in the stream and allows you to move calmly in traffic jams. Skoda's robotic transmission with two clutches responds with slow reactions during sudden accelerations and "pulls" in the "start-stop" mode.

"Sharp" and easy steering Mazda (2.6 turns from lock to lock) allows you to confidently maneuver. With increasing speed, the effort on the steering wheel increases proportionally. The car's steering is neutral, there are practically no rolls. The "Six" reacts to the driver's actions quickly and accurately. A real "car for the driver".

The steering of the Czech car is set less "sharp" (2.75 turns from lock to lock). The return action on the steering wheel is more natural. The car's reactions are smoother and more relaxed. There are more rolls in the corner than the Mazda, but its behavior remains quite correct. Only in a rut the car does not maintain stability, and there is no feedback on the steering. There is a feeling of lack of connection between the wheels and the steering wheel. But this drawback, unfortunately, is inherent in all representatives of this Volkswagen platform. You can get used to it, but this does not add confidence to the driver.

In terms of smoothness and sound insulation, the Skoda Superb is beyond competition. The car does not notice small cracks and potholes in the asphalt, and only soft shocks are felt on irregularities. The Mazda 6 with tight suspension reacts sharply to potholes and micro-profiles. But this does not cause discomfort, the energy intensity of the suspension is at the level.

Choice

There is no winner and no loser in our comparison. Mazda 6 and Skoda Superb are outstanding cars, each in its own way. The Czech car showed itself in the area of \u200b\u200broominess and comfort, the Japanese one performed well in the section of handling and movement. In general, the cars performed smoothly. The Mazda 6 or Skoda Octavia are not comparable here.

Mazda is a car for an energetic, purposeful and sociable person.

Skoda will like it - calm and personable.

In this case, the choice must be made from personal priorities and goals that you set when buying a car of the class in question.

And in conclusion, the price of the question: Skoda Superb can be bought for 1,300,000 - 2,400,000 rubles, and Mazda 6 - 1,324,000 - 1,699,600 rubles.

As the classic said: everything is learned in comparison. Indeed, the key characteristic of a mature person is responsibility for their choices.

That is why, we realize that the choice of the leader from our trinity (Superb, Mazda6 or Camry) is yours, and ultimately it is up to you to decide which of them you prefer. With this article, we just want to provide you with facts for reasoning in the course of making a decision on choosing a winner.

So which car should you choose: Mazda6, Toyota Camry or Skoda Superb 3?

You can spend hours working out an algorithm for choosing the right car for you. Without going into a long, all-consuming and tedious description of the technical data sheets for each of the applicants, we will try to draw your attention to those aspects that may be really important in your choice.

Car cost

Let's start with the price. Well, why else? After all, we are pragmatic people, and we live at a time when this is far from the last question. In addition, it is the pricing policy that decides not least why these machines are generally appropriate to compare.

If you are one of those lucky ones for whom the price does not matter, you can skip this paragraph. Well, if this is not the case, then it will be useful for you to find out the prices from the official representatives of Toyota, Mazda and Skoda in Russia.

Prices for minimum configurations

• For Mazda6 you will have to pay from 1 199 000 rubles;
• The price tag for Toyota Camry from 1,284,000 rubles;
• For the new Skoda Superb 3 they ask from 1,249,000 rubles.

Price tags for similar configuration options

If you pick up more or less similar configurations in terms of technical characteristics, then the new Superb will certainly be more expensive (by about 200-400,000 rubles and more).

We compare the appearance of competitors

As they say, people are greeted by their clothes. Well, in the context of our conversation, you can paraphrase: the first opinion about a man is formed not only by his shoes, but also by how his "iron lady" looks.

If we talk about cars, then they are also met, the first impression is also formed about them. By design.

Toyota Camry design

Toyota Camry appearance

Toyota has secured a solid image of reliability, which outwardly manifests itself in brevity, restraint, and representativeness. Although the new model boasts a more expressive grille, elegant head optics with LED daytime running lights, stylish alloy wheels, it still remains “recognizable” and very predictable. Unlike her rivals. And the new Mazda and Skoda are pleasantly surprised. But each in its own way. It's even difficult to give preference to someone.

Mazda6 exterior

Exterior Mazda6.

The new Mazda 6 is a really beautiful car. By the way, I must say that she received recognition in the form of the Red Dot Design Award for her design. And this despite the fact that more than 4500 works from different manufacturers fought for this title.

According to the engineers themselves, in the exterior this car is the very embodiment of movement in metal. The new generation Mazda 6 is very elegant, dynamic and at the same time the most sporty among its competitors. When you look at this car, you want to own it. She is able to awaken an unimaginable desire in you. It’s a paradox, but the beauty is also supported by the achievements in aerodynamics, the performance of which exceeds the "Toyota" and "superb" ones.

Exterior Skoda Superb 3 generations

The design of the new Superba.

But, if Mazda6 was attractive before, then the new 3 generation Skoda Superb in its evolution, perhaps, surprises the most in this three "horses". Previously, she was scolded for size, disproportion and simplicity. Even its creators agreed with the lack of harmony in the overall silhouette of the car. But I would like to see those who today could say so unequivocally again about the new superboy.

The new design is a bold palette of age-old yin and yang - shadows and lights that are embodied in all curves and lines. The image of the new model is really bright, relief and mesmerizing.

Conclusions about appearance: What can you say here? If we choose judging by the appearance, then we would still prefer Superb.

Perhaps this is subjective, but this car combines pathos, bright presentation and at the same time versatility. On the new Skoda Superb, you can come to a business meeting or go on a trip with the whole family, or you can "give the heat" in the evening after work. The rest of the contenders are more "sharpened" for business (Camry) or sporty (Mazda6) designs.

Consider cars from the inside

Toyota Interior

Torpedo Camry.

When you sit in the driver's seat of the new Camry, you experience a very familiar, even familiar feeling. It’s as if you’ve driven it for thousands of kilometers; The 8 seat settings immediately make you feel at ease. But for those who love novelty there will be some disappointment - everything here is familiar and recognizable.

Interior Mazda6

Torpedo Mazda6.

The interior design of the new Mazda is not much inferior to the representatives of the business class. The original design, excellent and high-quality materials, together with modern control systems (including the multimedia MZD Connect) make your stay inside really comfortable and pleasant.

Skoda Superb interior

Driver's seat

Torpedo Skoda Superb.

Let's talk about Skoda. The driver's seat is harsh, but very comfortable, electrically adjustable in all directions. The steering wheel is quite comfortable to hold in your hands, in addition, there are even paddle shifters (depending on the configuration). A small but nice bonus is the armrest, which slides out very comfortably and prevents your arm from drooping.

Black glossy panels may seem to be a possible disadvantage of the interior decoration. Dust and prints are clearly visible on them.

Salon "Czech" is a clear leader in terms of interior space

Huge legroom for rear passengers.

Among our three subjects, the Superb is the most spacious car. It is even jokingly equated with a limousine. Indeed, when you sit in the back seat, neither Toyota nor Mazda give you as much space as the Skoda Superb. In second place in terms of roominess (back row) is Mazda.

Additional options for the convenience of passengers

In addition, I would like to say about practicality. It is Skoda that has a set of not at all superfluous functions: it has a Wi-fi access point, a convenient holder for a tablet so that passengers have something to do, a load for a mobile phone, which also enhances mobile communication, a glove compartment with a cooling function. The door has a special compartment for a wet umbrella, in which water flows out. Agree - comfortable.

Luggage compartment capacity

Mazda trunk

The luggage compartment at Mazda is the smallest of the cars we are considering, only 438 liters. But in general - its design is convenient and practical, as for a sedan.

Camry trunk

Trunk volume is 506 liters, but its geometry leaves much to be desired. It will not be convenient to put bulky cargo in such a trunk. And small things - and strive to fly to the farthest part of the luggage compartment, closer to the rear seats.

Roof rack Superb 3

And of course, when we talk about the practicality of the luggage department, we immediately remember Skoda. All models of this automaker are famous for their phenomenal performance, the 2015 Superb was not an exception. In the battle of Mazda, Toyota and Skoda, he not only wins, but knocks out his opponents. Trunk volume - 625 liters, and with the rear row of seats folded down 1760 liters. It is also worth noting that this car is produced in a liftback body, which significantly increases the possibilities for transporting bulky goods, due to the fact that the trunk opens together with the rear window.

Results about the interior and functional content:the Czech car industry is confidently leading.

Vehicle clearance

Mazda 6 has an important advantage over competitors - the largest ground clearance - 165 mm, which is very good for our roads. After that comes Skoda with 164 millimeters, and the Camry closes the top three - 160 mm.

Compare engines

Mazda's engine range is represented only by gasoline engines with displacement from 2 (150 hp) to 2.5 (192 hp).

Toyota is sold on the Russian market with 3 variants of gasoline engines. Volume 2 (150 HP), 2.5 (181 HP) and 3.5 liters (249 HP).

Skoda Superb 3 engines 1.4 (125-150 HP), 1.8 (180 HP) and 2 liters (220-280 HP) - 160 HP But thanks to the turbine, the Superb is in no way inferior in acceleration, and even with its characteristics it “makes” both Toyota and Mazda.

Fuel consumption

Toyota has the largest fuel tank, it's not casual. After all, it is inferior to its competitors in economy. And the winner in this nomination is Superb - which, according to official figures, consumes in the combined cycle from 5.4 liters per 100 km. And although it is on good roads and on European fuel, it is still less than that of competitors (6 - Mazda and 7.2 - Toyota).

Let's summarize our benchmarks

There is much more to look at, but I suspect you are pretty tired. We hope that the information provided is enough to make a bet on one of the three.

Winner

Our choice is Skoda Superb.

It is he who breathes novelty, is outwardly attractive, and technically is not inferior, and even outperforms the presented competitors. In addition, the car is very practical and economical. The only major drawback is the acquisition cost, which is higher than that of Mazda and Toyota.

But, as promised - the final choice is yours.

In basic configurations, the Volkswagen Passat will cost 1,329,000 - 2,079,000 rubles. Skoda Superb can be bought for 1,249,000 - 2,416,000 rubles, and Mazda 6 - 1,224,000 - 1,699,600 rubles. In our market, a four-wheel drive system is attached only to Skoda with a minimum price tag of 2,061,000 rubles.

Today we will consider three sedans that are firmly entrenched in the Russian market and will fight with each other for superiority in our comparison. The perfect match would be SkodaSuperb andVolkswagenPassat 2016,which not only belong to the same class, but are also built on the same working platform. In addition, they are equipped with identical 1.8-liter turbo engines and automatic DSG transmission. The Japanese sedan will be able to dilute the tandem Mazda 6 2016,equipped with a 2.5-liter atmospheric unit with the usual "automatic". The executive Czech sedan is as usual strict and rectangular. You can find many similarities with the German Passat, but the latter has, in addition to everything, a two-leaf tailgate. However, the design VWPassatbecame more stylish, due to a wider grille and a sloping hood.

ForPassat several petrol 125-180-horsepower turbo units are available, which work with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed "robot"DSG lineupDQ200.

The interior renovation does not conflict with the strict design. The driver's seat received only partial electrical equipment, but for a complete package with ventilation, you need to pay another 50,740 rubles. The rear sofa is better suited for two passengers, as the third will not be very comfortable with a high tunnel and a low ceiling.

In general, the interior of the German sedan is not surprising. Already familiar shape, familiar design and excellent ergonomics with corresponding quality. Among the innovations, it is worth noting a new multimedia panel, as well as expanded air ducts.

Based on the same platform SkodaSuperb 2016has a more modest design and quality. The sedan will not be able to boast of a wide range of options. Although this does not prevent him from remaining as comfortable and practical.

Japanese salon Mazda 6in no way inferior in assembly and quality, but the multimedia complex is a little disappointing. The front panel has a slightly better feel, which will provide more space and an interesting design of devices.

Skoda has more powerful supercharged petrol units of the "four" than the Passat. Their output varies from 125 to 280 hp. The type of transmission is determined by the type of motor.

Salon Superba will remind many of another version - Octavia. The seats are very comfortable and provide good lateral support. By the way, this sedan is best suited for large people. The rear sofa offers the most free space, has an excellent level of comfort and is suitable for 3 passengers.

Driver's seat Mazda 6located lower than we would like, because of which you have to stretch your legs. The gas pedal is on the floor, the seat has good lateral support and the steering wheel is vertical. As you can see, a pretty sporty option. The view is not the best, because of the piled-up windshield struts. Passengers on the back sofa will have a little uncomfortable experience, since the roof is sloping and can rest on tall people in the head. Of course, you can adjust the backrests and add some space, but this is hardly what was intended. Because reclining isn't a good idea. However, there is a lot of free legroom.

For potential owners of a Japanese sedan, atmospheric gasoline units with a volume of 2 and 2.5 liters with a capacity of 150 and 192 hp are provided. respectively. The two-liter is available with a manual gearbox, while the other is available exclusively with a 6-speed "automatic".

The front panel is sheathed with material of unknown quality, and plastic is present in almost every little detail. The dashboard also transmits information to a small screen, similar to Passatovsky. Naturally, it is optional. The driver's seat is harsh and has an underestimated lumbar support. The rear seats are quite spacious, but there are no separate climate controls or air curtains.

Updated VolkswagenPassat 2016will be more supportive of the rear passengers. The sofa is more comfortable and wider, there is a separate climate control, there are safety curtains, but there is about the same head and leg room. Moreover, the seat heating can be easily activated, unlike the Mazda 6, where the buttons are located on the inside of the armrest. The driver will be more comfortable due to the higher ceiling and better visibility. Moreover, the German sedan will offer you the possibility of excellent adjustment of the steering wheel and seats, in which the lower cushion can be extended.

Most likely, the Japanese sedan will now conquer motorists with an attractive design and a good price, but not the level of handling. Moreover, it will be easier to insure it.

Automatic climate control "six" often blows feet, but forgets about the windows. Next to its control button is the engine operating mode selector, and the electromechanical handbrake and the multimedia complex control panel.

For the Czech sedan, they provided a high level of settings for the steering wheel and driver's seat. However, it is impossible to adjust the length of the lower cushion, and its backrest is a little in the way due to its bulge. Landing has an even greater height than in a German car. Rear passengers will be very comfortable, due to the ability to move the front seat with just one button and a huge amount of free space. The sofa itself is very cozy and has soft headrests. As additional equipment, you can order a rear curtain airbag, but the side ones are already included.

During the test drive, the turbo engine of the German sedan showed a fuel consumption of 11.3 l / 100 km, and the Czech one - 12.4 l / 100 km. The atmospheric unit of the Japanese car "ate" 10.9 l / 100 km.

The Passat is equipped with a heated steering wheel, which you will not find in the Superb and Mazda 6. But in general, the list of available options is not so long, as evidenced by small plugs on the gearbox. The whole list is "start / stop",ESP plus rear window protection cover.

Ride on SkodaSuperb 2016very comfortable due to the passive chassis and 17-inch wheels. Noise isolation is at a high level, and the suspension allows you to easily pass through any bumps. The only noticeable drawback is the high swing of the body on the track. Russian buyers will not be pleased with the electronically controlled Monroe shock absorbers, which provide a smoother ride. It's a pity, because the sedan is not so good when cornering: the level of roll is quite high, and the steering does not provide the proper response. Nevertheless, the stabilizing system does its job and allows you to use high-quality brakes without hindrance, which, by the way, work at the expense of not the best long-travel pedal.

Electric power steering is similar to the Passat and provides artificial weighting when cornering. Fortunately, it knows how to properly control it.

The Superb comes with a heated windshield, but there are no filaments. The situation is similar in the Passat. Around the "robot" lever you will find various buttons for controlling the driving modes, parking assistant, and opening the tailgate. However, the stabilization system cannot be turned off completely, unlike the traction control.

German sedan VolkswagenPassat 2016has a similar passive shock absorber system, but it does its job well without an electronically controlled package. The car is equipped with 17-inch wheels and they serve better than Skoda.Even with a stiffer profile and greater sensitivity to unevenness, they are virtually silent and maintain a high level of comfort. Moreover, the German sedan will deliver much more driving pleasure. Yes, the steering sometimes overshoots with too much sensitivity, but overall, everything is fine. Minimum roll, responsiveness at a high level, and the braking system responds quickly and reliably. What can you say, German quality!

Mazda has the highest noise level when driving. Skoda sits in the middle, while the Passat is the quietest option. To a large extent, the hum produced comes from the tire configuration.

Superb is equipped with a classic dashboard with conventional indicators, and the multimedia panel is identical to Passatovsky and costs about 72 thousand rubles. The diagonal is quite large, but the image and responsiveness of the touchscreen are not the best quality. Optional audio systemCanton with good quality at 610 W is available for 28 thousand rubles.

The Japanese version of the revamped sedan is much better for the driver. It will provide the owner with a high level of handling, excellent brakes and a tight suspension. However, such sporty equipment is not always appropriate. The stabilization system can be completely disabled, just like in the German sedan. However, the Mazda 6 allows the use of a skid while throwing gas. Because of this, ride smoothness and sound insulation suffer. Therefore, you will have to drive on the road accompanied by constant vibrations and be especially careful about pits and other irregularities.

Our tested Mazda 6, exactly like the Superb, could boast of a retention system in the specified lane. But that's bad luck! The Japanese sedan reacts too harshly to errors due to the specific electric amplifier.

The dashboard of the Japanese sedan will be familiar to many, and the multimedia complex pleases with its speed, navigation system and Internet access. The screen is smaller, and the image quality cannot boast of a high resolution.

Mazda 6 2016has less weight than SkodaSuperb 201680 kg. And the power plant is more powerful and efficient: 2.5 l / 192 hp / 256 Nm. That is why the car demonstrates the best performance in acceleration: up to 100 km / h in 7.8 seconds. For competitors, these figures stopped at the mark of 7.9 s and 8.1 s. The Mazda 6 accelerates well and starts to really open up at 3500-6000 rpm. Sport mode only contributes to the sedan's aggressive character. All in all, the 6-speed automatic transmission is not bad either and complements the vehicle well.

The base chassis of the Passat have optimal settings, together with adaptive dampersDCC, which can be purchased for 34,120 rubles. It is worth noting the optional function of simulating differential lockXDS, which costs 11 thousand and will provide noticeable help when cornering.

The dashboard has a virtual concept and a 12-inch diagonal. An 8-inch touchscreen display will be available in the top-end version of the Passat. Moreover, only this sedan will offer a 360-degree camera, and the multimedia complex supports synchronization with smartphones, thanks toMirrorLink as wellWi-Fi. The same system is installed in Superb.

The power of the Czech and German sedans is 180 hp, which makes them the quietest in comparison. However, the preselective transmission works much faster than the Japanese "automatic". The start of the movement has a second delay, but then everything goes like clockwork. Moreover, the Passat will be faster than the Superba, as well as accelerating from a standstill. This is also evidenced by passport data. These results are due to the greater focus of the Czech sedan on a high level of comfort than in other models.

The optics of the Passat and Mazda 6 are made using adaptive LEDs, and the Skoda ones are made using bi-xenon lamps. Naturally, this configuration is offered at an additional cost. The rear optics are LED as standard.

Wheels of various diameters are also optional: Passat and Superb are equipped with 17-inch, and Mazda 6 - 19-inch. Only the Passat has special impenetrable tires.

In practice, the robotic gearbox of the German sedan is much more nimble than that of competitors. And the sport mode allows you to maintain a certain gear longer. The Czech sedan has a smoother operation of the gearbox, but some jolts are felt in urban traffic. In both cars, there is a problem with driving uphill where vibration is transmitted to the interior of the vehicle. The Japanese sedan has no such problem.

The most voluminous trunk will be offered by Skoda: 625-1760 liters with various hooks, nets, partitions and lanterns. The automatic door can be opened 1868 mm in height. The German sedan has 586 liters of volume, but will provide the owner with the same level of comfort. The Mazda 6 has the smallest trunk of 438 liters, and of the advantages, only a moderate loading height and the ability to fold the backs of the rear seats can be distinguished. In addition, Mazda only holds a stowaway under the floor, unlike competitors with a full-size wheel.

The sales index for the Passat is 1208 models. Superb was sold in the amount of 639 liters, and Mazda 6 - 6895 models, which is the highest indicator in Russia among these models.

Direct injection turbo engines and DQ200 robotic transmissions coupled with a dry clutch may cause some distrust from buyers. After all, the term of their life is, nevertheless, under some doubt. Nevertheless, such a complete set of Passat and Superba is perfect for solving many problems and will provide a high level of comfort. If we compare cars purely for these qualities, then the Japanese Mazda 6 sedan will yield to its competitors. But he is the only one who can move aggressively and "ignite". So, the personal preferences of each motorist already come into force here. A business sedan is a Passat or a Superb, and a sports car for the soul is a Mazda 6. The choice is yours!

Passport

Model	Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI	Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI	Mazda 6 2.5
Body
Body type	sedan	liftback	sedan
Number of doors / seats	4/5	5/5	4/5
Length, mm	4767	4861	4870
Width, mm	1832	1864	1840
Height, mm	1456	1468	1451
Wheel base, mm	2791	2841	2830
Front / rear track, mm	1584/1568	1584/1572	1595/1585
Curb weight, kg	1480	1485	1400
Full weight, kg	2030	2030	2000
Trunk volume, l	586	625–1761	429
Engine
A type		gasoline with direct fuel injection and turbocharging	gasoline direct injection
Location	front, transverse	front, transverse	front, transverse
Number and arrangement of cylinders	4, in a row	4, in a row	4, in a row
Number of valves	16	16	16
Working volume, cm³	1798	1798	2488
Max. power, hp / rpm	180/5100−6200	180/5100–6200	192/5700
Max. torque, N m / rpm	250/1250−5000	250/1250–5000	256/3250
Transmission
Transmission		robotic, seven-stage	automatic, six-speed
Drive unit	front	front	front
Chassis
Front suspension		independent, spring, McPherson	independent, spring, McPherson
Rear suspension		independent, spring, multi-link	independent, spring, multi-link
Front brakes	disc ventilated	disc ventilated	disc, ventilated
Rear brakes	disk	disk	disk
Tires	215/55 R17	215/55 R17	225/45 R19
Ground clearance, mm	160	149	165
Performance characteristics
Maximum speed, km / h	232	232	223
Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km / h, s	7,9	8,1	7,8
Fuel consumption, l / 100 km
- urban cycle	7,1	7,1	8,7
- extra-urban cycle	5,0	5,0	5,2
- mixed cycle	5,8	5,8	6,5
Toxicity rate	Euro 5	Euro 6	Euro 4
Fuel tank capacity, l	66	66	62
Fuel	AI-95	AI-95	AI-95

Complete set

Basic equipment	Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI Comfortline	Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI Ambition	Mazda 6 2.5 Active
Frontal airbags	+	+	+
Side airbags	+	+	+
Inflatable "curtains"	+	+	+
Isofix child seat attachment	+	+	+
Dynamic stabilization system	+	+	+
Tire pressure sensor	+	+	+
Dual-zone climate control	+	+	+
Heated windshield	+	–	–
Heated front seats	+	+	+
Light sensor	+	+	+
Rain sensor	+	+	+
Heated washer nozzles	–	+	–
Tilt and reach steering column	+	+	+
Heated and electrically operated exterior mirrors	–	+	–
Electrochromic outside rearview mirror, driver's side	+	–	–
Heated, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors with auto-fold function	+	–	+
Electrochromic interior mirror	+	–	+
Multifunctional steering wheel	+	+	+
Leather steering wheel	+	+	+
Heated steering wheel	+	–	–
On-board computer	+	+	+
Cruise control		–	+
CD radio with MP3 support	+	+	+
USB input	+	+	+
Integrated Bluetooth hands free	+	+	+
Immobilizer	+	+	+
LED headlights for low and high beam	+	–	–
Fog lights	+	+	+
Rear parking sensors	–	+	–
Front and rear parking sensors	+	–	–
Electromechanical parking brake	+	–	+
Light-alloy wheels	+	+	+
Additional equipment Volkswagen Passat
Highline execution	280 000
- virtual dashboard
- navigation system
- MirrorLink support
- boot lid servo
- comfortable front seats
- upholstery in leather and Alcantara
- three-zone climate control
- Rear View Camera
Comfort package	52 650
- Cruise control
- contour lighting in the cabin
- heated rear seats
- sunshade on the rear window with electric drive
- heated washer nozzles
- 230 V socket at the rear of the center console
Advanced Security Package	15 760
- side airbags for second row passengers
Metallic color	23 780
Upgraded front seats with Nappa leather and partially electrically adjustable driver's seat	38 260
Surround cameras	49 820
Wood trim	5320
Adaptive LED headlights	29 170
Dynaudio sound system with 11 speakers and subwoofer	63 270
Electronic simulation of differential lock	11 030
Anti-theft alarm	17 320
Additional equipment Skoda Superb
Style execution		187 000
- electrochromic interior mirror
- driver's knee airbag
- adaptive bi-xenon headlights
- heated rear seats
- light-alloy wheels with a diameter of 17 inches
- plastic clips in the trunk
- removable flashlight in the trunk
Power front seats with memory function at the driver's seat		20 500
Drive mode selection system		5400
Three-zone climate control		13 400
Luke		49 800
Parking heater with remote control		48 800
Keyless entry system		20 100
Anti-theft alarm		14 800
Functional package for rear passengers (tablet holder, two USB inputs, 230V socket)		15 200
Heated windshield		14 300
Leather trim		77 400
High Beam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist		51 500
Contour interior lighting		8000
Front and rear parking sensors plus automatic parking system		16 700
Canton sound system with 11 speakers and subwoofer		27 700
Columbus multimedia complex with navigation		72 600
Internet access via Wi-Fi		12 000
Electric control of the front passenger seat from the rear passenger side		2700
A set of nets in the trunk		2800
Adaptive cruise control		19 100
Rear wiper		4200
Rear View Camera		19 100
Trunk lid servo		22 100
Sunblinds on the rear side windows		14 400
Metallic color		23 700
Additional equipment Mazda 6
Supreme Plus version			235 600
- leather upholstery of seats and interior door panels
- heated rear seats
- keyless entry system
- electrically adjustable driver's seat
- memory of positions of the driver's seat
- a projector of indications on the windshield
- parking sensors front and rear
- Rear View Camera
- adaptive LED headlights
- 19-inch alloy wheels
Package 4			181 400
- sunshade "curtain" on the rear window with electric drive
- hatch
- blind spot monitoring system
- lane departure warning system
- automatic braking system in front of an obstacle
- Bose audio system with 11 speakers
- automatic switching of high beam headlights to low beam
- navigation system
Metallic color			16 500
Model	Volkswagen passat	Skoda Superb	Mazda 6
Base price with this engine, rubles	1 799 000	1 632 000	1 464 000
Price of the tested car, rubles	2 385 380	2 395 300	1 897 500