Fun Full Score Test 2011 Changan Mazda 3 Star Cheng
[Evaluation] It has always played an important role in the market segment of sports compact cars. After the new generation of imported 3 landed in China for more than a year, the domestic version of the car was finally officially listed. This generation of Mazda 3, named Xingyi, is obviously a heavyweight role in this year’s compact car market. After domestic production, can the light and agile driving style of the original imported hatchback be passed down? The following test report will tell you the answer.
● Daily driving experience: Power is not a strong point, and the gearbox is excellent.
Power is undoubtedly an important indicator to measure a sports car, which naturally seems a bit behind the trend against the background of T-belt models. The 2.0L top model we tested is still equipped with the familiar Mazda MZR, with a maximum output of 110kW(150 HP)/6,500 rpm and a maximum output of 182 N m/4,500 rpm. It adopts the DOHC overhead double camshaft all-aluminum cylinder structure, and is still equipped with Mazda’s unique S-VT (sequential timing system), VIS (variable system) and electronic control section.
However, from the perspective of daily driving, the performance of this 2.0L engine is still very satisfactory. The throttle is still the light feeling of Japanese cars. The engine is slightly gentle at low speed, but fortunately, the engine responds quickly enough to the accelerator pedal. At around 3000rpm, the power can cope with ordinary daily road conditions.
When the rotation speed exceeds 4000 rpm, the engine is the real power point, and the continuous torque output can be maintained at about 6000rpm. At high speed, the sound waves of the engine are tuned very sweetly. Coupled with the barrel-shaped instrument panel in front of us and the sports steering wheel on the hand, the sports atmosphere brought by the senses has been put in place.
Matching it is a 5-speed automatic manual transmission, which increases a gear compared with the previous generation; "Understanding" is the most obvious advantage of this 5AT. You can easily control the upshift and downshift through the depth of the throttle. Although the response of the gearbox will be slightly hesitant at this time, the smoothness of shifting will not make you complain.
The shift paddle under the steering wheel allows you to downshift at any time. At this time, the shift is also crisp and neat, without any sloppiness. Sometimes the number of gears can’t measure the quality of a transmission. Compared with some 6AT gearboxes, the performance of this 5AT gearbox is enough to meet the small intense driving demand.
It is worth mentioning that, although in the D gear state, you can complete the downshift through the shift paddle, once you slightly loosen the throttle, the gearbox will quickly enter the automatic mode; Only when the gearbox lever is turned to the left to enter the pure manual mode will the gearbox fully obey your instructions.
Mazda 3 Star, which is made in Mazda, completely continues the powertrain of the imported hatchback version. The 2.0L model has a 5-speed automatic manual transmission and 6-speed two different combinations. Obviously, the two models are aimed at different groups of people. The 6MT gearbox with tight gear ratio is undoubtedly specially prepared for those who are keen on modification, while the 5AT model is more oriented to those fashionable young elites.
The structure is similar to that of the previous generation.
As a replacement model, Mazda’s 3-star and suspension structure has not changed much compared with the previous generation model, which was highly praised for its handling. Does this mean that its handling and suspension have not improved? After a few days of testing, I also have the answer in my heart. More interesting suspension and control are the biggest selling points of this generation of Mazda 3.
Mazda 3 Star has basically continued the front and rear suspension structure of the previous generation model, only slightly improved the rubber bushing, the front and rear stabilizer bar and the rear suspension center beam, but the overall adjustment style is more radical than that of the previous generation model.
The suspension stroke is very short. With the help of the shock absorber, the four tires can always hold the ground, and the vehicle can naturally have a higher limit in the corner. Compared with the imported version, the stiffness of the suspension has converged, but it can still provide sufficient support when cornering, and the comfort has also improved when passing through some deceleration hurdles or large road undulations, so that passengers sitting in the back row will not be too painful to "bump".
The steering of SINOVA is my favorite. The compact steering wheel is very handy, and the electric feel and feedback are very comfortable. Every movement you make on the steering wheel will be directly and accurately responded by the car body. What is commendable is that the steering wheel used has not lost the sense of road, and the information on the road can still be directly transmitted to the driver through the steering wheel. In addition, the feeling of braking is also very good, the braking force is very linear, and there are not many empty positions in the front section, which can give people more confidence in corners.