Journalists from Car and Driver decided to take the top design of the compact Japanese sedan and compare it with the German sedan AUDI A4 45 2021.
To begin with, it is necessary to apologize for the journey of the figures in the names of the model - some of them below the text we will omit, and the rest is just the name of the models - unfortunately, not all automakers come up with real names for their cars. In the early 90s of the last century, the Japanese company Mazda tried to "fit" to the premium segment with his brand AMATI. However, unfortunately or fortunately, the economy of Japan was unstable and the new luxury brand never entered the market. Since then, Mazda periodically tries to release a premium car, but somehow unsuccessfully.
In 2021, Mark again tried to release something similar to the "Dream Car" - they became the Mazda 3 model with a 2.5-liter turbo engine under the hood. Today we have to deal with, it is possible to consider such a car premium class at least the initial level, for this, foreign journalists decided to compare it with the Audi A4 sedan 45. Let's start with the fact that with 2021 model years, all Mazda cars will be available 2.5-liter Gasoline turbocharged engine. "Troika" in this case is no exception. In addition to the top power unit, the full drive system is assumed and a non-alternative 6-speed "automatic".
To compare two of these models in the forehead will be incorrect - Audi due to the transverse location of the motor has a large wheelbase, its body in its dimensions and space in the cabin also exceeds the Japanese. By adding a powerful Compact Model Turbo engine, Mazda stated that this power unit would be as powerful and elastic as the Porsche Cayman's Porsche Motor of the previous generation. However, this is not like this: a 2.5-liter turbo engine produces 250 hp. and 435 nm of torque. This unit is configured in such a way as to issue a maximum of the moment on the average turn range. Because of this, the car is sluggish rides from the bottom and begins to "fall" when 5,000 revolutions reach. "AUTOMA" is also not configured to maintain high revolutions - the box is often switched long before the "red zone".
At the same time, the transversely located 2-liter turbo engine AUDI A4 gives 261 hp. And is one of the best power units in the market. Its settings are such that the motor gives its maximum power and torque in the entire range of revolutions, and the fastest "robot" switches the transmission when the driver needs. Due to this, a more difficult car accelerates to 100 km / h in 4.8 seconds, while Mazda 3 makes the same exercise for 5.6 seconds.
Interestingly, Mazda 3 suspension is softer in comparison with Audi A4, which affects rolls in turns and the overall clutch of the car with an expensive. In the last aspect also take part in tires - "Troika" from the plant received all-season tires Bridgestone Turanza, and the "fourth" "shogh" in the summer tires Continental SportContact 6. And yet Mazda has a more correct steering setting, which allows the driver to clearly understand What happens to the wheels of his car. At the same time, if you compare the machines for noise in the cabin, then at idle turns, the Japanese wins a little in German, and at speeds above 100 km / h - loses.
Currently, there is a very interesting trend in the automotive market: before, any new security technology or an option aimed at the convenience of passengers was first introduced into the premium cars, and then years later began to appear in the mass segment. And now the situation has changed a little - many advanced technologies and functions are also offered in the mass segment of cars, so expectations from buying a new car in modern people are much higher. In our case, we have a circular review camera and a projection display in Mazda 3, but we do not have hydraulic stops of the hood, the electric drive of the passenger seat and USB ports in the rear row. It is good that the more expensive Audi A4 has everything in perfect order. At the same time, the driver's comfort in both cars is at the same level.
Summing up, it is worth noting that when the price difference between the test cars in the United States is about $ 20,000, Mazda 3 offers "a lot of car for their money," at the same time Audi A4 offers a "moderate amount of car". However, such a situation cannot continue infinitely - in the coming years, the Japanese fasten the line between the goods and its value and these cars will become more expensive. Agree, the new Mazda 6 with a row "six" and rear-wheel drive at the price of the usual Toyota Camry - it sounds too good. In addition, in the modern world, the price says buyers about the product more than the goods itself. At the same time, the shortcomings of the new "Troika" also grabs, no, it is better to say so: there are much more of them than competitors. Unfortunately, to judge the prices on Mazda 3 in Russia is difficult - the car has been removed some time ago from sale. But the Audi A4 is quite successful for sale. True, while only last year's models are available on the manufacturer's website. The cost of AUDI A4 45 with a 249-strong turbo engine and full-wheel drive is 3,165,000 rubles.