Mitsubishi Lancer needs no introduction: this model is now among the leaders among foreign women sold in Russia. Over the past year, more than 39 thousand cars left the showrooms! The love of Russians for Lancer in particular and Mitsubishi in general has made our country one of the key markets for the firm in Europe. So much so that they are preparing specially for us complete sets that are not available to Europeans. Such is the 135-horsepower 2-liter sedan that has just appeared on sale with sporty ambitions, while equipped with an “automatic”.

Competitors? There are many of them. How about a model that motorists are willing to queue for months? A two-liter "matryoshka" (as the people called "Mazda-3") is not equipped with an "automatic", which is rather a minus for the top version, but a possible plus for an athlete. Comparing two expensive versions of popular cars, let's close our eyes to the differences in the bodies - after all, they are not loved at all for their trunk capacity ...

BEAUTY IS A SCARY POWER

I have a reverent attitude to "Mazda". Particularly strong is the nostalgia for the cozy, albeit unpretentious, interior and the headlights of the 323rd model of the late 80s jumping out of the body ... How long ago it was! Nowadays, Mazda is not the same: once reputed to be almost the most modest among Japanese women, it suddenly turned into a fashionista and a favorite of the public:

Hello, is this a car dealership? Can I buy a three-ruble note?

Of course, but we only accept orders for six months in advance!

A similar answer is heard by suffering motorists from the first days of sales of "Mazda-3".

I go around the test car, admiring the red sparks of lamps in the lanterns, I look into the sly eyes of the "searchlight" headlights, I smile in response to the radiator grille. "Treshka" is undoubtedly charming. No wonder they fall in love with a car!

The interior also did not disappoint: the feeling that you are sitting in a car of a class higher arises immediately and does not go away. The main magnet is the front panel. In the nozzles of the instruments, red hands flashing invitingly, unusually frozen at the six o'clock position. You can adjust the brightness in two ways: ruby \u200b\u200bbacklight stepwise - with a button; and the violet halo of the instruments flares up when the rheostat rotates. What will be in motion?

From the first meters it becomes clear: a very responsive power unit is hidden under the hood. As soon as the heat is turned on, the Mazda quickly accelerates even at speeds over a hundred. Particularly exciting is the set of the last hundreds of revolutions to the limit of 7300. The short gear lever clearly finds the desired gear, so it's hard not to believe in the passport 9 seconds to a hundred. It is possible to besiege the car very effectively, since the disc brakes are in a circle, the front ventilated.

However, it is worth driving the hatchback onto a winding slippery path, as not the most pleasant character traits appear - first of all, this concerns the stabilization system. Disconnecting it, accidentally sent the car into a skid, which would be best suited to the epithet "poorly controlled". The demolition of the front end does not stop under the gas discharge, you have to actively work with the throttle and steering wheel. The car does not allow you to relax at high speeds, showing nervousness.

Okay, I press the DSC button on the panel and try to repeat the exercise. Here the situation changes dramatically: the stabilization system zealously rushes to the rescue, reducing the fuel supply and thereby preventing not only skidding, but also full acceleration!

Perhaps the ride is good? It corresponds to the sporting canons: shaking on small irregularities and short-travel of the suspension make you watch out for potholes. Moreover, the noise of the tires does not add comfort ...

As a result of our two-day communication, I did not manage to become akin to the "Mazda-3". She has a beautiful design, good finishing materials, a stylish interior, excellent climate control. But at the same time - mediocre ride, specific handling, not the most comfortable seats ... From a car in a beautiful "wrapper" you expect "tasty" handling, but here ... Oh, where are you, honest "three hundred and twenty-third" 15 years ago? I miss you.

DON'T BE BORN BEAUTIFUL

Switching from Mazda to Lancer is not easy. Even the recent restyling won't make me call this lancer a handsome man. Although the sporty-inspired plastic body kit is meant to make the car more visible, no one turns at it on the street anyway.

There is a similar picture in the salon: only light plastic on the front panel, which replaced the gloomy "stone" insert, slightly adorned it. As with all new cars, there are white dials in the instrument cluster. In our "Intense" configuration, the place of an air conditioner was taken by ... an air conditioner, but already automatic: it catches up the flow of the required temperature, but you adjust the fan speed manually.

Perhaps the owners of "Lancer" still have one argument "for", which you cannot argue with: the interiors of cars in our configuration are not much different from the cult "Evolution" - and those are several times more expensive! Here is the same cool Momo steering wheel, leather, with a cold aluminum hub ... And although the Recaro seats are not quite combat, they are very tenacious, fixing the body well.

The first check of a car, in which the "automatic" is equipped with a manual mode, for me begins with the same exercise: an intersection, the first gear "by hand" - and the gas to the floor. Barking a short bark, "Lancer" is gaining 60 km / h and hangs - "automatic" keeps the first gear, and does not go higher! Unfortunately, such boxes are rare, but for a car with above average ambitions this is a big plus: in a fast corner, the electronics will not offer an unnecessary overdrive, and the driver can click one step down when it is necessary to brake the engine.

Further exercises finally clarify the nature of the "automaton": slight thoughtfulness when switching to a reduced one is the only complaint; but good engine braking and quick, almost imperceptible manual shifts leave a very pleasant impression. As for the dynamics - against the background of Mazda it is still not enough. Eh, the motor would still have strength twenty or thirty!

However, in most cases the power reserve is sufficient. If it were not for the dashing wing looming in the rear-view mirror, and the sporting attributes in the cabin, the demand from the car would have been different. And so - you want more!

Unlike the Mazda-3, the Lancer cannot boast of a stabilization system even in the list of options. But at the same time, "Mitsubishi" is clearer in its reactions and will not frighten off a beginner: the start of sliding is quite easy to predict, and the drift is predictable and controlled. The car behaves a little clearer than less powerful modifications; we tend to attribute this to the under-hood stretch and redesigned shock absorbers.

In terms of comfort "Lancer" is surprisingly good: moderate shaking, tires are audible in moderation. The only thing is that the motor, which kicks up speed in the kick-down, starts to speak in a raised tone.

Despite the similar positioning, "Lancer" and "treshka" - completely different in character machines. "Mazda" is more suitable for those who like to "work" behind the wheel and appreciate, first of all, good dynamics and appearance. Lancer is calmer and even more phlegmatic; yes, he will give way at the start from the traffic light, but maybe he will win back in the corners. It is invisible in the stream, not pleasing, but also does not irritate the eye.

Well, once again we have to admit that machines have human-like character traits. It is easier for someone to communicate with choleric people, others quickly find a common language with phlegmatic people. Someone likes fashionistas, others are modest. The choice is yours.

Mazda 3 STYLISH APPEARANCE AND EXCELLENT ENGINE WILL BE THE DECISION TRUMP FOR MANY CHOICE.

Overall rating 7.7

Great engine, crisp short-stroke gearbox, stylish exterior and interior.

Low ride comfort, tire rolling noise, the fifth door immediately gets dirty, not the most comfortable back seat, rather high price.

Mitsubishi Lancer - A MODELY DYNAMIC VEHICLE BUYS WITH UNDERSTANDING CONTROL, GOOD GEARBOX, THOUGHTED ERGONOMICS AND A DECENT LEVEL OF COMFORT.

Overall rating 7.9

Comfortable seats and steering wheel, clear and reliable handling, comfortable suspension.

A bland interior and exterior, quite noisy at high revs and insufficiently powerful engine, lack of a stabilization system.

Golf cars from the Land of the Rising Sun have won a large number of fans around the world. The combination of bright design in the corporate style, the latest achievements in design ideas, decent quality and reliability contributed to the achievement of certain heights in the market by these models. It is always difficult to choose, especially among used cars.

Let's find out which is better Lancer 10 or Mazda 3?

Overall score

Mitsubishi Lancer X immediately after the premiere in 2007 became a bestseller in the market. And he also became the last representative of this model. In 2017, the company announced the termination of production of Lancer 10. In Russia, it stopped selling two years earlier. Buyers were given a choice of petrol engines with a displacement of 1.5 (109 hp), 1.6 (117 hp), 1.8 (143 hp) and 2.0 (150 hp), as well as a manual or automatic transmission. Body options - sedan and hatchback. A hot version was also available - the legendary Lancer Evolution sports car.

The 2nd generation Mazda 3 was produced from 2008 to 2013 on the Ford platform. Body type - sedan and hatchback. The range of Mazda 3 engines - proven aspirated engines with a volume of 1.6 (105 hp) and 2.0 (150 hp) with mechanics or automatic transmission. In contrast to the sporty Lancer Evolution, a charged modification of the Mazda 3 MPS was produced.

We will make our comparison using the example of the Lancer 10 and Mazda 3 sedans with a manual transmission and popular 1.6-liter engines.

Engines

To compare cars Mitsubishi Lancer and Mazda 3, we will analyze in more detail the design features of the engines.

The Mitsubishi Motors 1.6 4A92 engine is a 4A series all-aluminum gasoline engine, developed jointly with Daimler in 2004. The design uses 4 valves for each of the four cylinders, respectively, two camshafts and a variable valve timing system with electronic control at the outlet. Timing chain drive. Maximum power at 6000 rpm - 117 hp (86 kW). The maximum torque at 4000 rpm is 154 Nm. The compression ratio is 11: 1.

The Mazda 1.6 Z6 engine is a 16-valve gasoline engine with two overhead camshafts and a variable valve timing system at the intake. The cylinder block is cast iron. It is a development of the B series of motors, which uses a timing chain, an adjustable intake manifold, an exhaust gas afterburner system. The maximum power is reached at 6000 rpm and is 105 hp. (77 kW), and a maximum torque of 145 Nm at 4000 rpm. The compression ratio is 10: 1.

As you can see, the compared motors have a similar design and technical characteristics.

Transmission

Mazda 3 manual transmissions with five gears work flawlessly. The proven four-speed "automatic" also lives up to expectations. Five-speed hydromechanical 6 with a corrected defect when shifting from third to fourth gear.

The five-speed manual transmissions of the Mitsubishi Lancer were aggregated with any engine, but had structural differences depending on the engine family. At the same time, they had high reliability. The four-speed classic automatic transmission is ancient, but unkillable. The variator used on versions 1.8 and 2.0 is the weak link of Lancer 10. The unit of the Japanese company Jatco did not differ in reliability.

Both cars are equipped with a good manual transmission, but the Mazda has better shifting clarity.

Dynamics and reliability

Lancer, with all its sporty appearance, is an ordinary city sedan. The engine dynamics are enough for active movement in city traffic. On the track for overtaking or sharp maneuvers, it is better to shift the gear down. And all the same, the margin during a protracted overtaking will be insufficient.

The dynamic performance of the Mazda 3 is also limited by the engine. The car is not fast. And if the driving characteristics in the city are balanced, then in case of suburban rebuilding it is better to assess the situation in advance.

Character and longevity

Lancer 10 during the operation of the owners has earned the fame of a completely reliable car with reasonable maintenance costs. Achilles heel of steel modification with an overheating variator. For ten years on the roads of our country, Lancer has collected a small collection of faults.

Having lost a certain part of its visual appeal, the second generation Mazda 3 has become one of the most unpretentious and reliable cars in the model range of the Japanese brand. Many of the disadvantages of the predecessor were eliminated, and the remaining ones were minimized.

Suspension

Lancer 10 suspension is harsh and conveys all the minor irregularities in the road surface. Larger pits are already causing unpleasant blows. At the same time, there is an independent multi-link in the back, and MacPherson in front. But the car perfectly keeps a straight line and does not sway when changing lanes.

The basic design of the Mazda suspension is identical. Front MacPherson and rear - multi-link. The suspension is smoother and more energy efficient on rough urban roads. In larger pits, a booming blow is possible. Maintaining the trajectory at a good level, the rolls are minimal.

Comfort in urban modes becomes Mazda's advantage.

Brakes

Lancer disc brakes on all wheels. The clarity and information content of the drive is noted. The work of electronic assistants is also satisfactory.

Disc brakes on both axles of the Mazda 3 are quite effective. The well-defined deceleration is complemented by the precise operation of the safety systems.

Steering

Lancer responds well to steering. Steering Mitsubishi medium informativeness.

The steering of the Mazda 3 is precise and responsive. The car handles better, but the information content drops at speed.

Salon

Minimalism in the interior of Mitsubishi Lancer reminds of sporting ambitions. The color scheme is dominated by gray-black tones. Medium quality hard plastic is used in the interior trim, while the joints of the various panels are clearly visible. The dashboard is split by a narrow carbon look that continues into the door trims. In the upper part of the panel under the visor there is a narrow information display. Native radio with large round adjusters on the sides. In the lower part of the center console there are three "round" climate controls. On the dashboard, in round wells, there is a speedometer and a tachometer. Between them is a trip computer window with well-readable information. The steering wheel is three-spoke with a comfortable grip and audio control buttons. Adjusting the driver's seat allows you to comfortably accommodate a person of any height. The profile is comfortable, but there is not enough lateral support when cornering.

Mazda 3 stands out for better materials in the cabin, as well as careful docking of elements. Although the plastic is also hard. On top of the front panel there is a visor arc with a trip computer. Instrument panel with two wells in chrome trim. The audio system has a large central "washer" of adjustment and smaller side ones. The air conditioning system is controlled by classic round regulators, like a competitor. The gray color of the interior is diluted with interesting silver inserts. The front seats are stiffer with adequate lateral support. The three-spoke steering wheel, like on the Lancer, with additional control keys has a thinner rim.

Still, not evaluating the design delights, the build quality and materials in the Mazda cabin are at their best.

Body

The body of the Lancer 10 offers ample space for front and rear passengers. The three in the back row, of course, are cramped, but for two comfort is provided. The level of noise insulation of the body is quite modest - there is a distinct engine operation and the sound of sand and stones from under the wheels.

In the cabin, the Mazda 3 also has enough headroom in height and width. The back seat can accommodate three people, but a tall central tunnel will interfere with a tall passenger. Noise insulation of the car is traditionally average. Engine, wheel and road noise is heard.

Trunk

Lancer's luggage compartment has a narrow opening and insufficient depth in comparison with the competitor. The useful volume of the sedan is just over 300 liters.

3 provides a convenient wide loading aperture. And also a volume larger by 120 liters.

Beauty and practicality

The aggressively sporty front end of the Lancer 10 does not seem to fit at all with the rest of the simplicity of the body lines. The negative slope of the expressive grille and the predatory headlights are inherited from the eighth generation Galant relative. The side profile is strict and unstretched. Slightly accentuated wheel arches and tapered side glass line hint at the sporty character of the vehicle. Small feed Lancer 10 with a massive bumper. The taillights are rectangular in shape, stretching from the fenders to the trunk lid.

The beauty of the Mazda 3 is also peculiar. Smiling grille in the front bumper and slanted headlights. There is a large manufacturer's emblem between the headlights on a continuous panel. The front wheel arches stand out from the crowd, while the bottom stamping flattens the sloping sidewalls. The sloping C-pillars add agility to the silhouette. Behind a massive trunk lid and large headlights. The car has lost its former sportiness. The appearance is fluidly dynamic and rather feminine.

The cost

The average price of Mitsubishi Lancer 10 in the secondary market today is 400,000 rubles.

The average price of a second generation Mazda 3 is 457,000 rubles.

Comparison results

According to the results of all nominations, the Mazda 3 still wins, although the Mitsubishi Lancer 10 also held up with dignity. And, if he lagged behind the rival, then quite a bit.

It's no secret that Japanese cars are very popular with motorists around the world. They perfectly combine such qualities as: striking design, power, comfort and safety.

On the territory of Russia, Mitsubishi Lancer and Mazda 3 are in the greatest demand. Among motorists there have been disputes for a long time about which car is a more profitable purchase. To resolve this dispute once and for all, it is worth taking a closer look at each model and then comparing them.

From the very first glance, the car surprises with its appearance. Thanks to its representative appearance and sporting enthusiasm, it was able to win the interest of buyers.

It is worth noting in more detail all the strengths of this car:

• Interior. The salon is designed in a classic and calm style. Being a Japanese brand, they are distinguished by refined lines in every element of the interior. All devices and levers are located in convenient places and do not cause inconvenience. Finishing materials deserve special attention. These include leather, high quality plastic and even wood. This makes each element more restrained and strict.
• Technical equipment. Excellent 1.6 liter gasoline engine. and 177 hp. able to demonstrate itself perfectly both at low speeds and at higher speeds. It pulls the road perfectly and allows you to make small maneuvers.
• High level of reliability. Everyone knows that the Japanese make the safest and most reliable machinery in the world. Their cars can be operated for years without maintenance. Quite recently, technical equipment has been added to the quality, which minimized the possibility of an accident.

If you dream of a quality vehicle, then purchasing a new Mazda 3 will be the best option. She is able to surprise even the most picky buyer.

There are at least three reasons to opt for this model:

• Attractive design. One of the most important criteria when choosing a car is its appearance. Mazda's designers are well aware of this and create sophisticated yet aggressive cars. The image of Mazda will perfectly complement its owner. It is worth noting the salon, which is made with the same competent approach. Soft plastic, semi-matt chrome and artificial leather are used for decoration.
• Dynamism. The modern rhythm of life requires high speeds from a person. And here the modern Mazda 3 will help. It is capable of accelerating to 100 km / h in 11 seconds and developing a maximum speed of 190 km / h. The lightweight body affects the speed.
• Stable price. Since the car can be classified as popular, its secondary market price will not fall. This is a good indicator against the background of the fact that some vehicles are getting cheaper a week after the release.

What do they have in common

Since both cars are produced in the land of the rising sun, they have a lot in common, for example:

1. High quality finishing materials.
2. Favorable cost. For a reasonable price, the buyer can get an excellent combination of price and quality.
3. Dynamism.
4. Good handling.
5. Increased comfort.
6. Attractive appearance.
7. Low consumption of gasoline.

Comparison

Now it's time to decide which car is the best:

• Appearance. It's worth starting with Lancer. His front view looks extremely aggressive, very much even. The front end does not fit in a bit with the overall mood of the car. However, this can be solved, because the manufacturer offers many complete sets of the radiator grill, which significantly change the overall appearance. The overall profile is strict and compact. There is a straight line from the tailgate to the front wheels. The wheelbase does not really stand out from the general background. The Mazda 3 is also able to stand out from the city traffic. The grille resembles a smile, which is why it attracts attention. The general mood is more good-natured than sporty. The front windows look slightly larger than the rear windows. The taillights are quite large and have a lot of plastic inserts.
• Salon. Even in terms of the interior, Lancer tries to show his sporty nature. The primary colors are blue and gray. Everything looks pretty minimalistic and tasteful. Hard plastic is used for finishing. In some places, you can observe small joints, but they do not spoil the overall picture. The center console looks pretty simple. However, this does not prevent her from being very informative and useful. After diving into the Mazda 3 salon, it can be noted that fairly high-quality materials were used for the decoration. There are no joints between the panel elements. The seats are comfortable. The main elements of the center console are the radio and the adjustment washer.
• Driving performance. Despite its aggressive looks, the Lancer lacks power. The car lacks dynamics, which is noticeable in its behavior in the city. Overtaking at high speeds is a rather difficult task, because there is not a lot of power reserve. The suspension is pretty stiff, which doesn't translate well to overall ride performance. The Mazda 3 is an absolute balance. In the city, it shows itself a little better than the competitor, albeit slightly. Feels confident enough in the general stream. After 140 km / h, the power reserve may not be enough.

What's better

Mazda has an extremely striking design. A great option for leisurely guys and girls who want to stand out from the crowd. For the older generation, it will be a passable option, because the image is completely inappropriate.

Lancer looks more modest compared to its rival. At the first inspection, it can attract attention thanks to the tightened and well-designed front part. The initial equipment is perfect for family men who value rigor and quality. Newer configurations will appeal to young drivers.

Based on all the information provided, a conclusion can be drawn. Mitsubishi Lancer is the winner. It is recommended to purchase a car with a sports package, and then it will be able to please with enthusiasm and speed.

Compact cars from Japanese manufacturers are invariably popular with a huge number of car enthusiasts. The combination of prestige and brand recognition, modern design, latest technologies, high quality and affordable prices allowed such models to take a dominant position in the middle segment.

Mitsubishi Lancer X has become a real bestseller since the introduction of the model. The new generation Lancer belongs to the C-class, received as a basis the first global platform "Project Global". The range of power units is represented by gasoline atmospheric engines from 1.5 liters to 2.0 displacement. Complete sets allow you to define a pair for the engine in the form of a manual or automatic transmission. Available in sedan and sportback body styles. The 10th generation sports version is called Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.

Mazda 3 of the second generation was presented as an updated model of the third series, received traditional sedan and hatchback bodies. The model belongs to the "C" class, is based on the Ford C1 platform already tested on the previous generation. Common versions of power units are naturally aspirated gasoline engines of 1.6 and 2.0 liters. A pair for the internal combustion engine were automatic and manual transmissions. There is also a "charged" version of the Mazda 3 model called the Mazda 3 MPS, which is designed to compete with the recognized giants of motorsport: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Subaru WRX STI.

A further comparative review presents the sedan versions of the Mitsubishi Lancer X and Mazda 3.

Mitsubishi Lancer X (2007–2011)

The front of the car turned out to be too aggressive against the background of the overall simplicity of the body. The straight "cut" of the nose, wide bonnet and narrow head optics give the car a harsh front view. There are various options for the design of the radiator grille. The most common is the "solid" grille with large cells, affecting both the upper and lower parts of the massive bumper. The element is divided by a power arm for installing a license plate. The lower part received modest fog lights.

The profile of the machine is strict and compact. It cannot be called stretched. The sweeping, straight line does not start from the trunk itself, but starts from the rear doors and ends near the front wheel arch. The wheel arches themselves are not strongly emphasized against the background of common planes.

The side glazing area seems to be slightly narrowed, which is typical for the interior of sports models. The straight black pillars and narrow side mirrors complete the overall athletic coherence of the Lancer X's profile. The discreet turn-followers are almost invisible on the front fender. The rear has a tapered trunk lid and a massive bumper. Narrow brake lights, almost rectangular in shape, positioned with a visual inclination towards the center. The stamping for the number plate is located in the central part of the bumper without affecting the luggage compartment lid.

Mazda 3

The appearance of the front of the Mazda 3 is characterized by a cheerful "smile" of the front bumper and bulging headlights, a straight edge line of a wide hood and small circles of fog lights. There is practically no sports aggression in the appearance of the 3-series, the car looks good-natured, youthful and a little feminine. The upper grille is missing, giving way to a solid front bumper panel with the brand logo in the center. The lower part received the shape of a shield, large cells and a power insert for fixing the number. The car feels smooth and dynamic, but not sporty.

The sedan profile gained a slight tendency to visually increase the size of the car through stretching. Nice stamping at the bottom of the doors conceals their sloping shape, and the sloping C-pillar in the side glazing area visually gives the profile a swiftness. The glasses, especially in the front, look quite large, and narrowed in the back. This is done to suit modern roof design trends. The wheel arches stand out a little against the general background, but they cannot be called muscular. The side direction indicators are small, and the rear-view mirrors are decorative.

The rear of the car received a massive and relatively flat trunk lid. Large longitudinal brake lights have an abundance of white plastic inserts, giving the element an image of some "airiness". There is no sporty seriousness in the rear either, although some severity is still present. These design moves include a conventional spoiler on the trunk lid, the massiveness of the lower part of the rear bumper and stamping under the license plate. From the real "sport" there are only cutouts in the lower overhang under the chrome tailpipe.

If we compare both models in basic configurations, the Mazda 3 looks more modern, youthful and urbanized. The Mitsubishi Lancer X will definitely not lag behind the competitor only with the expensive "sports" body kit Ralliart, which increases the price.

Salon

Mitsubishi Lancer X

The sporty focus immediately catches the eye when examining the interior of the model, implying minimalism. Black and gray became the dominant color of the interior trim. The quality of the materials is average, the plastic is quite hard everywhere. The fit of the elements does not cause significant complaints, but the joints and seams are clearly visible, and the hardness of the materials used makes us seriously think about the fact that the appearance of extraneous creaks and noises of rubbing panels during the operation of the car is almost inevitable.

The lacquered insert-saber "under the carbon" visually divides the dashboard into three parts: upper, middle and lower. The insert itself received a conditional load in the role of the middle part. It contains an alarm button and a status indicator for the passenger front airbag. This element-insert was continued on door cards. Rectangular strict black air vents are quite large and make up a significant part of the interior of the front end. There is a minimum of chrome in the interior trim.

Center console received a modest multimedia standard solution. In the upper part there is a narrow information screen of medium length, deeply set in a kind of niche-visor. This solution allows you to avoid flare in sunny weather. The readings-pictograms on such a display are quite good, they look legible. The head unit itself does not stand out in any way, except for small round regulators on the sides, the seats of which are finished in silver.

At the very bottom of the dashboard there are three large chrome-plated controls for control climate system... They have the shape of a "washer" and are deliberately highlighted by the designers.

Steering wheel consists of three impromptu spokes, with function keys for radio control on the left. The steering wheel also received large gray inserts, which adds contrast to the dark range of interior trim. Adjustment is available only in the angle of inclination, but this is compensated by a swollen comfortable rim and high-quality material that covers the steering wheel.

Dashboard consists of two deep wells of a tachometer and a speedometer, the visors of which are located at a slight angle, centering in front of the driver. The edges of the wells have received a thin chrome strip, which greatly enlivens the perception of the dashboard. The rectangular window of the on-board computer, as well as the area of \u200b\u200binformation indicators, are located in the central part, between the main instruments. The trip computer is small, but it is sufficient for reading useful information. The main color of the illumination of instruments and functional elements of the car is a sporty dark red.

Seat material of good quality, but the profile of the seats seemed soft. There is lateral support, but the element will clearly not be enough for sharp turns and sharp maneuvers. Adjustment of the driver's seat in all planes, inclusively, allows you to find a comfortable position even for a fairly tall person.

Smooth shape armrest on the map, the door allows you to place your left hand comfortably, although the width of the element is not always sufficient, especially in tight winter clothes or a thick sweater. The center armrest may seem short to many while driving. This is due to the convenience of interaction with the gearshift knob.

Central tunnel not very high, has several comfortable niches and cup holders, and the parking brake lever is shifted closer to the driver's seat in order to improve ergonomics when the driver addresses this element.

Mazda 3

The quality of materials at the first acquaintance with the interior raises no objections. The abundance of dark and hard plastic is quite reasonable for a car in this price range. All elements are fitted with high quality, significant gaps and gaps that can visually attract attention were not found. The desire of the designers to emphasize the high-tech nature of the model resulted in the creation of a kind of visor at the top of the dashboard. The model received a combination of round on the sides and rectangular in the center of the air vents. The side airflow controls feature stylized chrome rings. The silver insert above the glove compartment lid contrasts well with the dark plastic.

Seat material high-quality and pleasant to the touch, neat seams, well-executed stitching. The lower cushion is adjustable in height and the backrest can be conveniently adjusted in steps. The profile is moderately tight, and the lateral support will handle maneuvers at medium speeds. It is quite possible to get settled in comfort. A well-implemented pedal assembly also has this.

Door cards will not allow you to comfortably place your hand on the armrest, since large handles for closing the door can interfere with this function.

Center armrest received a medium-sized back area, but this should be enough for the driver to successfully interact with the gearshift lever. The parking brake lever is moved closer to the passenger seat.

Central tunnel made monolithic with the central part of the torpedo, received a gray color in front. On the central tunnel there are decorative functional niches that can be closed with lids, which is an excellent solution for storing small items and installing containers of moderate volume.

Center console has a modest radio with a large silver control washer and small dark round controls on the sides. The main emphasis of the design decisions was made on a kind of "second tier" on the dashboard. Under the visor are the trip computer and navigation information screens. In the version with the navigator, it looks richer, but in the basic versions, such a decision causes controversial and mixed feelings. The monochrome BC is small, and the orientation of this element towards the driver does not save from flare and reduced quality in the process of perceiving useful information.

Control block climate control made using round regulators, which received a chrome contour. These elements are large and easy to interact with.

Steering wheel has a tilt and departure angle adjustment. The rim may seem thin, but it is wrapped in high-quality material that prevents slipping from your hands. There are three peculiar knitting needles, one of which is made in gray. There is also an abundant presence of controls for useful functions of the car on the steering wheel.

Dashboard has two distinct wells for the speedometer and tachometer. The edges of the wells were generously furnished with chrome. The visor for the instruments is not provided, they are deeply set, and the instrument wells themselves perform this protective function against illumination. The illumination of devices and elements is a combination of energetic red and blue-violet colors, proprietary for Mazda.

To single out the winner, we had to be guided solely by the quality of materials and workmanship, not design. In this regard, Mazda is doing a little better, which determines the slight advantage of the model.

Driving performance

The survey models received the common 1.6-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine and a manual transmission.

Mitsubishi Lancer X with the specified engine is an ordinary city sedan. The dynamics are enough for an active city flow, but you should not expect rebuilding and sharp acceleration from the car. For overtaking on the highway, it is better to switch down the gear so that there is some reserve left. We are not talking about prolonged overtaking at high speeds, since the engine has no reserve for such maneuvers.

Front suspension independent, MacPherson type. The rear is represented by an independent multi-link. Significant rigidity of the vehicle is noted. Changing the rubber profile and installing third-party shock absorbers does not change the situation much. With an expensive multi-link in the back, this is a bit strange. All small joints and unevenness of the asphalt are transferred to the salon. Medium depth pits cause tighter impacts. No, it is not so easy to bring a car to a breakdown, it is just a hard and booming drive. But there is no significant swing at speed, the car keeps a straight line and obeys a medium-informative steering wheel well. Here running down is only a plus.

Noise isolation can be classified as rather low in the class. The engine is audible clearly and distinctly with a set of revs, and the wheel arches betray the sound of small stones and sand.

All 4 wheels received disc brakes. Lancer X's brakes are sharp and crisp, which is good news. The auxiliary electronic systems work flawlessly.

Mazda 3 demonstrates a reasonable balance of dynamic and driving characteristics. The city sedan is not fast, but that's why it is urban. The engine power is enough in the flow, but on the overtaking track you need to be very careful. Switch to a lower gear in advance, assess the situation, the power reserve after 140 km / h. quite a bit.

The front suspension is independent, with MacPherson struts. The rear axle has an independent multi-link solution. The suspension is distinguished by good energy consumption and smooth running, but it is quite possible to bring the car to breakdown. The seeming silence on medium irregularities will be followed by a booming blow on deeper pits. For urban asphalt, comfort is at a level for this class. The car drives average, the steering wheel cannot be called empty, but you should not expect much informational content at speed either. But there is a certain sharpness and precision of the steering. There are rolls, but they are quite acceptable. Trajectory retention and weak swing in track mode are positive aspects.

The soundproofing of the engine compartment is average. Like many other Japanese cars in its class, the wheel arches are not sufficiently insulated. The noise of wheels, sand blasting and small stones are heard.

The brakes are quite effective. They are disc on all 4 wheels. The car slows down confidently and predictably, and the quality of braking is significantly complemented by the well-coordinated work of electronic assistants.

The comfort of the Mazda 3 suspension in urban operation becomes the main advantage of the model. The rest of the indicators do not differ significantly from the Mitsubishi Lancer 10 in terms of their settings and the quality of implementation.

Spaciousness

Mitsubishi Lancer able to provide enough space in the passenger compartment in the front row. This will be enough for tall drivers and passengers. No discomfort is expected in the width.

The back row allows three to fit quite tightly, so that comfort can only be talked about for two riders. There is ample legroom, which is provided by an acceptable wheelbase. Above your head, space will seem small only for tall passengers in the back row.

The luggage compartment of the model has a narrow loading opening, which significantly loses to competitors in depth. Folding the rear row of seats can change the picture, but for sedans this is not the most common practice.

Mazda 3 will suit most drivers and front row passengers. The stock will be enough both overhead and in width. The central tunnel can cause some inconvenience for the passenger's feet, but only those people whose height is far above average should be afraid of such a moment.

The back row can accommodate three, but a comfortable ride for only two passengers is becoming a traditional phenomenon for the class. There is enough legroom with a small margin. Tall passengers in the back row may experience a lack of headroom.

The luggage compartment is standard for the sedan. The advantage is the successfully implemented loading opening, it is wide and allows you to conveniently load medium-sized items.

The Mazda 3 is at almost the same level of interior roominess as the Lancer X, but it is significantly ahead of the competitor in terms of roominess and luggage compartment convenience.

Profitability

The Mitsubishi Lancer X outperforms the Mazda 3 in comparison to fuel economy, while delivering higher torque and dynamic performance.

Safety

Base model Mitsubishi Lancer X:

1. aBS system
2. eBD system
3. brake Assist system
4. driver's knee pillow

Base Mazda 3 Model:

1. aBS system
2. eBD system
3. eBA system
4. frontal airbags for driver / passenger
5. side cushions

Euro NCAP crash test result: 5 stars.

In-depth analysis identifies Mazda 3 as the winner in the overall safety score, compared to the Mitsubishi Lancer X.

Mazda3 costs $ 2-4 thousand more than Mitsubishi Lancer, and this trend is typical not only for new cars, but also used ones. Does it make sense to overpay so much when buying a car on the secondary market?

Both models are presented in two modifications: Mazda3 - sedan and hatchback, and Mitsubishi Lancer - sedan and station wagon. Today we will compare the versions with the classic 4-door body.

Be careful!

In general, the bodies of both cars are distinguished by good corrosion resistance, although the pre-styling "triplets" (2003-2006) have one weak point - the fender arches, they can turn out to be rusty. There are also comments on the condition of the Mazda3 body parts - the rear wheel arch liners are short-lived (made of a fleecy material and are destroyed by icing and salt). On a Lancer before 2006, the trunk lid lock should be checked - it can wedge due to water entering it.

The "troika" is distinguished by a more functional trunk. She has a wider loading opening and a much larger opening for access to the salon - with the rear seats folded in the Mitsubishi Lancer, a narrow window leads into the salon. Although in terms of the volume of luggage compartments and carrying capacity, both of these models are practically the same (see photo).

The car salons can accommodate five people. However, despite the fact that the rear sofa of the "three" is molded for two, three passengers will be more spacious here than in the Mitsubishi Lancer. Although there is a remark to the ergonomics of the Mazda gallery. The doorway of the rear doors is narrowed at the bottom of the B-pillar and seat cushion.

For those who like active driving, Mitsubishi had Sport modifications with low-profile "rubber", light aerodynamic body kit and winglets. Such vehicles should be treated with increased attention. These are machines with a "hot" image, and they are usually exploited by active drivers. Therefore, the risk of getting into road scrapes is much higher for them.

Noise isolation in both models is rather weak, and visibility is a little limited only when looking back: a high "stern" - in the "troika" and a standard rear wing - in the Mitsubishi Lancer Sport. The plastic of the trim of both cars is hard to the touch, since it does not creak. Equipment malfunctions were found only in "triplets" produced in 2003-2004 (see "Resource and repair").

The fastest

Both cars were officially sold with two gasoline engines of the same volume - 1.6 liters and 2.0 liters. Among the Lancer, imported by the "gray" way, there were also 1.8-liter "gasoline", but they are rare.

For those who like active driving, we recommend the "troika" - its motors with a higher liter capacity and provide better dynamics. So, Mazda 1.6 l with manual gearbox accelerates to "hundreds" in 11 s, and 2.0 l - in 9 s, while the same Mitsubishi versions - in 12.1 and 10 s, respectively. And these winning seconds in motion are very noticeable.

Among the engines of the "triplets", the 2.0-liter unit creates more problems - it is sensitive to fuel quality. Low-quality fuel immediately affects the operation of the engine - idle "floats", twitches under load. With active driving, problems with the intake manifold may arise - there is a backlash in the valves of the mechanism for changing the geometry of the intake tract (manifested by a characteristic knock when the engine is idling). The breakdown is repaired by replacing the manifold assembly. But in the 1.6 liter engine, no characteristic problems were identified.

As for the Lancer units, then the characteristic problems are inherent in each of the engines. So, in a 1.6 liter engine, idle speed often floats. The reason is in the "punctured" candle cap or in the failure of the candle itself. With frequent refueling with low-quality fuel, one of the two catalysts may fail by 150 thousand km. 2.0-liter engines also “sin” with uneven idling, but due to clogging of the throttle body. Another characteristic "glitch" that is not a malfunction is jerking when starting to move and shifting gears in a cold state (especially in the cold season). The 1.8-liter unit has problems with the starter - in severe frosts it can “burn out”.

What clicks?

Both models are front-wheel drive and equipped with mechanical and automatic gearboxes. Both units of the "troika" are presented with us in almost equal numbers, but among the Lancer versions with "mechanics" still prevail. "Automatic" Lancer is equipped with a "smart" control program that can adapt to different driving styles and, depending on this, change the moment of gear shifting.

In "troikas" only the clutch with a hydraulic drive on the 1.6-liter versions can disturb - leaks of the slave cylinder are noted (to be replaced as an assembly). Another weak point, typical for cars of the first years of production (2003-2005), is the backlash in the splined joint of the "grenade" and the hub, which is manifested by clicks in the transmission. Subsequently, the creators eliminated the design miscalculation and instead of the locking bolt, the axle shaft was fixed with a nut.

In 2.0-liter Lancer with "mechanics" due to the excessively active temperament of their owners, "burning" of the synchronizers and clutch discs are noted. The "gray" versions with a 1.8 liter engine used a stepless variator, which will be difficult to repair in Ukraine.
Turned off - restart!

Steering both cars can be a nuisance. For "triplets" produced after 2006, with a 2.0 liter engine in the heat, when driving in a traffic jam, the motor of the electric hydraulic booster overheats and turns off. You can restore performance by restarting the engine. For this malfunction, there was a recall campaign for a free replacement of the problem node. The rest of the steering is quite durable - the steering rods are capable of going out about 150 thousand km. The Mitsubishi Lancer has less reliable power steering of 1.6-liter versions: on cars before 2006, the rack can knock when driving through irregularities with the steering wheel turned out, and the steering rods on bad roads broke up to 30-60 thousand km. But since 2006, they have become a little stronger.

There are no comments on the brakes of the "triplets", and the Lancer with a 2.0 liter engine sometimes has a knock in the calipers.

Serviceable suspensions of both cars are knocked down and provide good stability, giving pleasure from active driving. The versions with 2.0 liter engines have more rigid suspension settings, which is also facilitated by the low-profile tires installed on these modifications. Moreover, the Lancer has a lower tire profile (195/50 R6), which is why their sidewalls often break on broken roads.

Structurally, the suspensions are similar - an independent McPherson is used in front, and "multi-link" at the rear. Our roads made it possible to identify characteristic weaknesses in both cars. For the "troika" these are the support cushions of the front struts (they walk about 50 thousand km), and at the rear - the wishbones (about 40 thousand km) and the stabilizer struts (60 thousand km). In Lancer, the ball joints of the front levers (80 thousand km) and the front stabilizer bushings (about 70 thousand km) do not differ in particular durability, and in the rear "multi-link" there are the upper support pads of the rear shock absorbers (50 thousand km). In the 1.6-liter versions, the rear springs sag, and in the 2.0-liter versions produced before 2005, the floating outer silent blocks of three wishbones (30-50 thousand km) are short-lived. Later, floating silent blocks were replaced with more durable conventional ones (more than 100 thousand km).

The rest of the "consumables" of the suspensions turned out to be more reliable in the "troika" - the silent blocks of the front levers serve 120 thousand km, the ball joints - almost 200 thousand km, the "rubber bands" of the remaining levers of the rear "multi-link" - about 150 thousand km. At Lancer, the "rubber bands" of the front levers and the rear "multi-link" nurture a little less - 100 thousand km. The maintenance of the chassis of both cars is made more expensive by the fact that some consumables are changed in assembly with levers.

Don't be categorical!

The best in our review today is the Mazda3. This model turned out to be more reliable than the competitor, many of its components and assemblies are more durable. In addition, the "troika" is richer and more dynamic.

In turn, the Mitsubishi Lancer will attract buyers with more affordable market value, corrosion-resistant bodywork and hassle-free equipment. In terms of reliability, it loses to the "three", but the identified problems are not so serious and costly as to categorically refuse the opportunity to save money on the purchase.

History of Mazda3

1998-2003 Mazda 323 (BJ) was produced.
08.03 The release of the new Mazda3 model, body index BK, is starting.
03.06 Restyling of the model. Modernization of engines. The most powerful version is presented - Mazda3 MPS.
01.09 Debuts second generation Mazda3 (BL).

Resource and repair

Mitsubishi Lancer history

1996-2002 The eighth generation Mitsubishi Lancer was produced.
07.03 Mitsubishi Lancer introduced to the European market.
09.03 Lancer IX sales began in Ukraine.
09.05 Restyling. New radiator grill, bumpers, door sills.
03.07 Production of the successor - Lancer X - started. Sales of the predecessor continue.
09.09 Lancer IX sales in Ukraine are discontinued.

Resource and repair

Yuliy Maksimchuk
Photo from editorial archive

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