There is a revival in the Rostov Mazda showroom on Tekuchev, even in spite of a weekday. Potential buyers bombard managers with questions and line up to sit in the new 2014 Mazda 3 model year... And I understand them - the Japanese novelty came out really entertaining, with an aggressive and stylish design. According to surveys conducted by Mazda marketers in Russia, 70% of new product owners will buy it “for beautiful eyes”, simply because they like the appearance of the new “matryoshka”. But in the arsenal of the Japanese novelty there are still high-tech engines, a high-quality interior ... A future bestseller? Let's check - we were the first in the South of Russia to get a new generation for a test drive and tested it in various conditions.

Almost ten years ago, the first "treshka" made a revolution in its class and allowed a small by the standards of the global automotive industry japanese company declare yourself loudly. Sporty design, "fighting" motors and recklessly tuned handling made it possible for the Mazda golf class to become the leader in its segment. Today, Japanese engineers preach the same driving values \u200b\u200b- the 2014 model year troika should be a tasty morsel for young drivers and drivers who love fast driving.

The new Mazda 3 looks really ultramodern - today, in its futuristic style, only the "space" Civic can compare with it. A swift silhouette, faceted shapes and the attention of designers even to the smallest details - these are the characteristic features of the third generation. At the same time, Mazda has become larger in size, so from some angles it can be mistaken for a "six" diet.

Sitting in the Mazda 3 is comfortable, despite the piled-up A-pillars. The interior is good, although it does not spoil the spaciousness. First of all, attention is drawn to the large touchpad of the HMI multimedia system, located on the center console. On the display with good resolution and beautiful graphics, you can watch videos, use the navigation, or flip through the pages on-board computer... The impression is spoiled only by the overload of unnecessary information - you want, for example, to see average consumption fuel, and you are offered a whole intricacy of charts on the fly. The HMI system can be controlled from the joystick located on the high central tunnel.

Another notable interior detail is the retractable glass projector screen, which displays the vehicle speed. The brightness and height of the digital "counter" readings can be adjusted. In theory, it should help the driver not to be distracted from the road, but in practice you still look out of habit at the dashboard. Therefore, this device is perceived more as a decorative element than a really working device.

I really liked the steering wheel with a chubby rim - especially in the "top" version with leather trim provided to us for testing. The buttons on the steering wheel are located and arranged very well, and allow you not to be distracted from the road. The front seats tightly wrap the body of the driver and front passenger, delighting with excellent lateral support. But it is for the same reason that drivers of a dense build may not be very comfortable. The plastic on the panel in the cabin is soft, in more "hard-to-reach" places - hard, but with rubber "dusting".

The instrument panel, depending on the configuration of the car, may differ - on the basic versions there will be a speedometer in the center, and on the test car, the tachometer took the leading position. The speed is duplicated in the form of digital values \u200b\u200bon the right.

We translate the selector of the six-speed "automatic" into position D and get under way. The box is already familiar from other "skyactive" models of the company from Hiroshima - "six" and CX-5. Due to the fact that the new Mazda 3 is lighter, the car is subjectively perceived more dynamically than its older "brothers". To a large extent, this is facilitated by the perky sound of the new one and a half liter engine of the Skyactiv-G series - pressing the gas pedal to the floor, you begin to think that there is at least two liters under the hood. But traffic jams interfere with a sober assessment of the engine's capabilities - after getting out of the dusty city on the highway, you understand that the dynamics of a 1.5-liter "three-ruble note" is not ice. That is, for everyday driving around the city, the engine's capabilities are enough for the eyes, but for dynamic driving and confident overtaking on the 117-horse track, Mazda is clearly not enough.

Made in Russia?

The 2014 Mazda 3 has become more comfortable and quieter - noise isolation is no longer the "Achilles' heel" of the model. Mazda engineers have also improved the suspension - the rear "multi-link", although expensive to maintain, contributes to better handling. The electric power steering is tuned perfectly - at "parking" speeds it can be rotated with your finger, and with increasing speed it is pleasantly "poured" with effort.

The feedback from the car is excellent, but it's still not the same "Japanese BMW" as the two-liter "treshki" of the first generation. The focus is more on comfort and safety - rear suspension made a thruster, already at the entrance to the turning arc the car rests on two outer wheels. At the same time, the behavior of the car during active driving is without surprises, and in a good sense. As you put the car on the corner, so it will go, almost like on rails. It is not for nothing that the Japanese say that when adjusting the handling they were guided by German cars, first of all by the "seventh" Golf. At the same time, the car behaves at the joints and potholes with dignity - even despite the low-profile rubber "top" version with 18-inch disks. Basic cars promise to be even smoother, thanks in large part to the use of 205/60 R16 rubber with a fairly high profile. The brakes also proved to be the best - tenacious, and clearly designed for larger motors.

Safety comes first

Mazda 3 was never positioned as practical car for the family, but in the new generation, the back sofa has become more spacious. The wheelbase of the novelty has been increased - now it is 2700 mm. The trunk is traditionally small in comparison with classmates - 350 liters for the hatchback and 420 for the sedan. But by folding partially or completely the rear sofa, you can get an absolutely flat area for cargo.

Packages with products from "Auchan" or a couple of bags will fit without difficulty, and trips to nature "three rubles" with a ground clearance of 15 centimeters and a long front overhang are still contraindicated - for these purposes, there is a CX-5 in the Mazda model range.

Despite this capacity fuel tank 51 liters should be enough for a long time when driving on the highway - the declared consumption of 95th gasoline should be less than 5 liters. In the city, Mazda 3's appetite is growing - according to the declared characteristics, it should be about 7.5 liters per hundred kilometers. The display of the HMI system during our trip had other data - from 13 to 16 liters per hundred, but most likely this is due to the fact that the car was not driven and fell into our hands with zero mileage.

Prices for the 2014 Mazda 3 are expected to rise. Base sedan will cost at least 645,000 rubles, the Supreme configuration we tested costs from 945,000 rubles, and if there are special stages, it can pull a million. The hatchback is more expensive than the sedan - from 720,000 rubles for the Active version and up to 960,000 for the two-liter Supreme on the “automatic”. The difference in price with the larger "six" is not so great - but, according to Mazda employees, they will have different customers.

What is the memory of the Mazda 3 after I returned the car keys to the car dealership manager? If we put aside the bright design and stylish things in the cabin - the feeling that the car was like a good suit cut for me. It is a big plus for a golf-class car, which is massive in its essence. I like the tight fit in the car, I like the predictable handling, and in general, the "three" from the Japanese came out very solid, in the top five. “Komsomol member, sportswoman, finally, just a beauty ...” With the second, I’m really ready to argue that the base 1.5 - liter engine has a very melancholic character, but I’m sure the two - liter versions and the upcoming MPS sport version will make the car more dynamic. In any case, the new Mazda 3 will be a market success - after all, many will buy it simply because they like it.

Who is against?

Mazda 3 plays in the same league with other "Japanese" - for example, Honda Civic, a restyled version of which we recently tested. If earlier Civic was more expensive, now the prices are approximately equal. The base Honda with a 1.8-liter engine in the Elegance configuration costs 779,000 rubles, and the top-end Executive with automatic transmission costs around a million.

Another novelty among Japanese classmates is fresh generation Toyota Corolla, which we ran in the summer. In theory, you can take a Toyota for 659,000 rubles - it will be an empty "base" with a 1.3-liter engine, but a well-equipped car with a 1.8-liter engine and automatic transmission will last for the same million. Corolla is definitely more comfortable for passengers and more spacious, but one cannot count on drive.

Old man Mitsubishi lancer it costs less than the aforementioned cars (from 599,000 rubles), but it has not been produced for the first year and is significantly inferior to competitors in equipment and interior quality. We are waiting for a new generation of the legendary "samurai".

Of course, we all perfectly understand that any restyling of a model that has already survived on the market is, first of all, a way to awaken a new, if not a wave, then at least a stream of customer demand. Moreover, according to the laws of the genre, exactly three years have passed since the release of the third generation of "nesting dolls", which means that those who bought a novelty in 2013 should change it to a new one. But is it really going to cause enthusiasm - to exchange an awl for soap? It was for them that the restyling was invented.

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

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

For the most attentive

cost

from 1 169 000 rubles

At first glance, only a very attentive owner or an employee of a "tin" shop specializing in Mazda can notice the difference between "restyling" and "dorestayl". Even if you have seen a "matryoshka" on the street a thousand times, most likely you will not notice the difference.

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

But the "feed" of the sedan, in contrast to the hatchback, remained completely the same. Apparently everything was fine here with perfection. The finishing touch for the exterior is the new mirror housings.

That could have ended, but it's worth mentioning another innovation: the car is now available in ten colors, including two new shades of gray and blue "metallic".

Wheelbase, mm:

Once inside, I once again tried to test my attentiveness. I had a pre-styled "treshka" exactly a year ago. Maybe I was too keen on learning the wisdom extreme driving that time, but my memory let me down - I found differences ... exactly one. For the rest, I had to go to the press release.

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

Here the new "steering wheel" has migrated from the more prestigious "six". The style remained the same, but the spokes became thinner, and the shape of the multimedia and cruise control keys changed. In general, the difference is not great, but sitting behind the wheel of the updated "treshki", you immediately notice it.

1 / 7

2 / 7

3 / 7

4 / 7

5 / 7

6 / 7

7 / 7

The rest of the changes can be studied for a long time, however, most likely, few people will pay attention to them at all. Firstly, because no one pays attention to what material, for example, door openers are made of, or what pattern is used in the texture of the plastic "torpedo". And secondly, because even if someone sees the new pens, they will not remember what they were on the previous version of the car.

To find fault with the ergonomics of the car is completely impossible, just as it was impossible with the previous version.

Perfect invisible

But that's where we started, that the main thing in Mazda3 is not external. The engineers have done some pretty serious "error correction" in exactly the places where it was needed. Perhaps the main complaint about the "matryoshka" a year ago was a very mediocre sound insulation, especially on the wheel arches and the engine shield.

Now they tried to fix the situation. I cannot say that Shumka has improved radically, but some progress has been made in this matter. The wheels no longer climb so persistently into the salon, and the engine has become less intrusive on high revs... At the "bottom" and "in the middle", by the way, there are no problems with excessive noise - both in terms of aerodynamics and other sources. The car starts to make noise only if you drive very actively and faster than the "fastest" road signs in our country allow. Everything is perfect in the city.

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

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

Mazda3 Active + / Exclusive

Brief technical characteristics

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

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

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

Trunk volume, l:

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

How much is perfection?

The second incarnation of the third generation of the once one of the most popular city cars on the Russian market has come to us, and this is good. The model, to admit, is very successful and pleasant in all respects, no longer has such deafening popularity. Which is sad, but natural.

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

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

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

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

user photo 110km

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

Beauty is not a stale product

From 1.5 l, 120 hp

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

Just as not every word is written on a line, so not every successful competitor will give a head start to the Mazda3 in terms of design. This is where the machine beats aces from any deck. The exterior of the new "three-ruble note" turned out to be excellent and, sorry, unique. Swiftness and elegance in one bottle has long been an axiom for the brand.

So far, only a hatchback is available, but a sedan will arrive in showrooms in the fall, and then we will admire it, all the more, as we were told at the local dealership, it was the sedans that went better in the body of the previous generation.

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

user photo 110km

All this is important, because the total glazing area of \u200b\u200bthe hatchback, with the exception of windscreen, frankly small, and the rear side windows are not large at all. Personally, I love something like an "aquarium", so inside the "treshka" I felt a lack of light, while I will name a whole bed of friends who would like the "Mazda" solution just right. And the iron line raised in the area of \u200b\u200bthe same passenger windows gives a certain sense of security.

The quieter you drive, the more comfortable you feel

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

Largely based on these considerations, it was decided to make the current "three-ruble note" the quietest of all generations. The work was carried out meticulously, and the result is obvious. The body is not only elegant, but also practical - it also reduces the spread of inevitable vibrations. To do this, it was necessary to strengthen its key elements located in close proximity to the driver and passengers. The body reinforcements now have stiffeners installed with a vibration-absorbing compound. And a gap seal is installed in the upper part of the rear door.

Access to the luggage located in the cargo compartment is, in principle, convenient, although there is a question about the height of the threshold. The trunk has a wide opening and high-quality finishing, but for some reason the electric drive of the fifth door is not provided, moreover, in none of the configurations. There are no USB ports for the needs of rear riders, you will have to recharge your smartphone by asking the driver or his colleague on the right.

The "economy" of the steering is the essence of convenience in everything, whether it is a well-oiled combination of "chair-steering wheel" or a dashboard not overloaded with unnecessary information with the function of duplicating information on the windshield. Your task is clear and transparent: skillfully and safely manage all the technical set that the Japanese have put into the current body.

Manageability is traditionally on top

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

It, as we all understand, is important, especially for the philosophy of the Mazda3, which has always been associated with "incendiary" driving. We drove the car on the “loop” of the autodrome, on winding mountain slopes and on uneven surfaces. Feelings are extremely positive. There is no need to correct the vertebrae, and also to complain about excessively rigid settings. And such a characteristic as controllability is at its best. In this respect, the "treshka" always had a head start in front of the counterpart.

G-Vectoring Control Plus technology - how does it work? In addition to the previous system, the brakes are now activated. When exiting a corner and returning the steering wheel to center position, the front outer wheel is braked. This creates a stabilizing moment in the movement of the vehicle. Thus, the "whip" effect is removed. Mazda is driven perfectly, I apologize, I want to hooligan on it, and, moreover, it is quite sensible and safe. The nimble hatch flies in bends like a shuttle in a loom. We did the rearrangement without braking and turning into a turn at the autodrome not at the 60 km / h proposed by the organizers, but at almost "ninety". The speed was displayed on an electronic scoreboard, and we all 6 races easily fell into the gate from the orange cones.

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

Two motors and an optimal "automatic"

The motors are the same, which means they are familiar - with a capacity of 120 and 150 hp. The difference in 30 "horses" is decent, so it is not difficult to assume that the 2-liter unit is driving a little more recklessly and more high-torque. So, for example, having entered the city speed limit zone, the "elder" without shifting to a lower gear is able to "vomit" 48-50 km / h on the 6th - he copes without coughing. It is clear that to go “to the top” you will have to “pedal” in order to throw the tachometer needle as high as possible, but the fact itself ...

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

Walk, so walk!

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

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

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

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

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

Quick jump to sections

The latest generation Mazda 3 received for a test drive had a 1.5-liter engine from the SkyActiv line under the hood. The body of the "three-ruble" is made in the corporate style "KODO - the soul of movement", its lines resemble frozen waves. On the exterior, there is a desire to avoid worn-out solutions and get a swift, but not aggressive look.

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

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

Cargo-passenger part

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

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

Video review

There is a rear-view parking camera on the trunk lid, which appeared in the Mazda 3 recently, along with some others. electronic systems, among which there is also keyless access.

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

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

Salon interior

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

And everything is done not only pleasing to the eye, but also comfortable. The cup holders are the right size and the right place for them. There is where to put mobile phone and some little things. All this is very important in daily operation.

The seats are good here, quite dense with good lateral support. They immediately tune in to a cheerful mood. As for the interior, it seems to be pretty good too. On the one hand, it cannot be called completely gray, boring, nondescript. On the other hand, there were no dubious design experiments. Most likely, everyone will like this salon. The workmanship is also decent, and if you do not cling to the little things, then everything is fine. There is a nuance. There are no pockets in the doors, but there is a niche for plastic bottles. The problem is that if you throw something there in a hurry, it won't be too easy to reach it with your hand.

Multimedia system

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

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

Engine and traction

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

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

Behavior on the road

At low speeds, up to 60 - 80 km / h, it seems that the sound insulation is in order. You can hear a little road, or rather, tires. There is some aerodynamic noise, but everything is within reason. However, there are no perfect things in the world. To be convinced of this, it is enough to press the accelerator harder. At the moment of sharp accelerations, the power plant begins to play the first violin and then you realize that more sound insulation, which protects the interior from the engine compartment, would not harm.

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

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

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

And we must pay tribute, he was really there. Because the pedals of both gas and brakes are very well tuned. Very pleasant steering. Test drive Mazda 3 took place on a variety of roads. In the city, despite the rather mediocre values \u200b\u200bof dynamic characteristics, the car, little by little, little by little, begins to push you towards road hooliganism, which we complementarily call an active driving style.

Against the background of competitors

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

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

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

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

Specifications presented for a test drive Mazda 3

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

Modern mass-produced models, tailored according to design patterns, can be counted on one hand. However, the updated Mazda 3 sedan is one of those. In addition to the foppish appearance, this representative of the golf segment offers a cocktail of Skyactiv technologies, comfort and drive.

Imagine a fantastical situation: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson discuss a third-generation Mazda 3 sedan parked outside a famous house on Baker Street. “Listen, Holmes, what can you say about the owner of that japanese car, which passers-by look at? " - “Well, the owner is slightly over thirty, he is an inveterate athlete, often travels out of town with his young wife, loves modern Art, doesn’t part with gadgets and loves driving with a spark. ”

And after the sacramental "but how the hell did you guess?" the answer follows: “Elementary, Watson! Such a spectacular car could only be bought by a person with taste, a squat body and big wheels with a sharpened tread, they convince me that the driver is young and likes to lay a sharp turn. In the salon, I saw several cables for connecting smartphones and a large screen with navigation at once, therefore, the owner is "you" with electronics. And he is also not averse to grabbing on primers. Look at those scratches on the bumper edge! The car often leaves the city, and the sedan lacks a little clearance for driving on a country road. Finally, I have no doubt that the owner is married - to back row a baby seat has been installed. "

Gentleman's set

Joking aside, Mazda has been gaining an army of three-ruble fans since 2003, when the first generation hatchbacks and sedans debuted. The cars of the first and second generation shared the platform with the driver's Ford Focus and Volvo S40, but the third generation Mazda 3 moved to the branded "cart" familiar from the Mazda 2, Mazda 6 and Mazda CX-5. As a result, the driving potential was even strengthened, the cabin became more spacious, but more importantly, the engineers used Skyactiv technologies, introducing engines with a record high compression ratio, efficient gearboxes, and a lightweight and reinforced body structure.

What else can you count on potential buyer? First of all, on exemplary ergonomics. Mazda does not hide that they were guided by premium classmates. As a result, the driver's area resembles that of the Audi A3 (the location of the 7-inch touchscreen display, the climate control unit, the multimedia system control washer and the radio volume) and partly in the BMW 1 Series (the shape of the transmission tunnel, steering wheel elements). It is comfortable to sit in wide and deep armchairs, the visibility is good, to which large external mirrors make a significant contribution.

The quality of the finishing materials is also not satisfactory: the plastic in the contact points is pleasant to the touch, and the light leather of the chairs looks simply gorgeous. Toggle switches, buttons and decorative inserts look expensive, the devices are convenient and understandable, the "analog" handbrake does not steal a lot of space on the tunnel and seems to be tempting drift fans. The multimedia system is controlled with navigation and voice control functions both by means of a rotary washer and by pressing on a 7-inch touchscreen display. True, the last opportunity disappears if the driving speed exceeds 8 km / h. The developers decided that it would be safer this way, but apparently they were too smart.

In the back row, by the standards of the segment, it is spacious - there is a small margin of space in front of the knees, while even tall riders will not prop up the ceiling with their heads. And this despite the fact that the roof of the Mazda 3 is sloping in modern fashion. Although the three in the "gallery" will be cramped - the legs of the middle passenger will rest against the massive transmission tunnel. And the luggage compartment here is not a record size - 408 liters. Although cleverly configured and the rear seats can be folded down by pulling on the release knobs on the left and right side luggage compartment.

As for the Mazda 3's adaptability to Russian realities, the Japanese woman is good in this regard, but not ideal. I will share my impressions of driving in 30-degree frost. The air conditioning system works efficiently in such conditions - the interior warms up very quickly. There is also a nice bonus - a heated steering wheel, an option not often found in the golf class. However, I will complain about the fogging of the rear side windows in the cold. Additional air ducts are brought out, as they say, to the lower tier - under the front seats. As a result, the rear passengers will not get cold feet, but the view will suffer from ice build-up on the windows.

But with geometric cross-country ability, whatever Sherlock Holmes suggests, the "three-ruble note" is all right. Approaching the country house of friends, I drove down a steep snow-covered slope without any problems, and on the way back I also famously took this height: fears that I would be hurt by the bend of the ascent with a bumper or thresholds turned out to be in vain.

Drivers club

Behind the wheel of a Japanese sedan, you understand what the developers mean when they talk about the magical Jinba ittai - the sense of the unity of the rider and the horse inherent in all Mazda. The feeling of a heightened connection with the car is set in an oriental way by the low seating position and the seats with a developed profile. Having started driving, I immediately want to compliment the settings of the steering wheel, equipped with an electric booster. The steering wheel, light in parking modes, is filled with weight with a set of speed. The force on the rim here, however, is somewhat artificial, which does not interfere with tracking the slightest nuances of changing the trajectory. At the same time, vibrations do not come to the rim and it is equally convenient and pleasant to drive the sedan.

Gambling manageability promotes and modern platform, providing greater structural rigidity of the body, as well as independent suspensions on both axles. The braking system uses disc mechanisms, supplemented by ABS, EBD (brake force distribution system) and BAS (emergency braking system). But the biggest contribution to stability when maneuvering is made by the proprietary G-Vectoring Control technology - a program that varies the thrust supply depending on the speed and steering angle. I personally appreciated all this know-how, having driven along the snow-covered roads of the Moscow region. Predictable cornering behavior, high directional stability on highway straight lines, the ability to withstand rut and side wind gusts - all this is about the restyled Mazda 3.

At the same time, the list of advantages retains the optimal balance of suspension settings: the Japanese woman unobtrusively broadcasts information about the road relief to the salon, allows you to drive quickly and effectively smooths out irregularities. Let's write down the merit and the ability to disable the stabilization system (the button is to the left of the steering wheel). This will be appreciated not only by fans of winter drifting, but also by calm, practical drivers. Here's an example: the thermometer reads -20 º C, and I need to leave the yard of a dacha near Moscow, which has not been cleared of snow. The first attempt ended with a helpless slip. But as soon as the ESP button was drowned, the braking system loosened its grip, the engine was freed from the fetters, and Mazda got out of the snow trap without any problems.

The tandem of a 1.5-liter 120-strong "atmospheric" and a 6-band "automatic" is also good. Such a combination does not turn a Japanese sedan into a sports car, but you definitely won't have to play second fiddle in the traffic flow. In Drive mode, the car reacts to the gas with a slight laziness, but as soon as the kick-down is engaged, the gearbox instantly shifts one or a couple of gears down and it seems to you that the engine has been magically replaced with a more powerful one.

Want more control over acceleration? Swing the "automatic" selector to the left and activate the manual transmission mode. It is extremely useful also on steep snowy slopes. But, perhaps, the main weapon of our heroine is the Sport key on the transmission tunnel. With its pressing, the reaction of the car to the supply of "gas" sharply sharpens, and the engine begins to sound with a pleasant hoarseness. I used the "sport" mode in most situations, except perhaps when driving in traffic jams (fortunately, fuel consumption increases slightly, up to a maximum of 10 l / 100 km versus 8 l / 100 km when driving in Drive mode). With such a vigorous and economical engine, you shouldn't even worry that Russian dealers today don't offer a 2-liter gasoline unit available in other markets. An alternative to the 1.5-liter 120-horsepower "aspirated" - the initial 1.6-liter 104-horsepower gasoline enginecoupled with a 4-band "automatic".

Now let's return to the deductive method of Sherlock Holmes. A great detective would draw a true parallel between the appearance of a Japanese car and the character of its potential owner. Surely, the fact that the Russian buyer of Mazda 3 should have above average incomes would not have hidden from his gaze: due to the high rate of the Japanese yen, prices for the sedan start at 1,181,000 rubles (104 hp, automatic transmission), and for a car with a 120-horsepower unit, you need to pay at least 1,261,000 rubles. For comparison, the key competitor is a localized "classmate"