Which is better - Mazda or Toyota: comparison, rating, pros and cons. Toyota Camry against competitors - a comparison test What is better than the new Camry or Mazda 6

Which is better - Mazda or Toyota: comparison, rating, pros and cons. Toyota Camry against competitors - a comparison test What is better than the new Camry or Mazda 6

Man is a conservative being. We all live, guided by stereotypes imposed from the outside. In particular, it is generally accepted that Toyota Camry is an ideal car for an official who, after a hard and stressful working day, must get into the car without incident and with a minimum amount of effort to get home. In fact, this image of the Camry is not far from the truth.

But many people associate Mazda with an example of a truly Japanese style, which manifests itself even in small things. And these cars have little in common. But times are changing, and today these midsize sedans have converged in many ways. So much so that the time has come for their detailed comparison: are the differences so great, or is what they inspire us with another myth (or fake, as it has become fashionable to say now)? Let's try to figure this out.

Technical features of the models

To get a first impression of these cars, it is worth considering their technical specifications. It is unlikely that this will help determine which is better, Camry or Mazda 6, but some potential buyers will probably be eliminated. There will be those who, on the basis of this comparison, will consolidate their preferences.

Place of assemblyRussiaJapan
The volume of the power unit, l.2,495 2,489
Max power, l. With.178 193
Max speed km/h210 225
Set time 100 km / h, sec.9,1 7,8
Fuel consumption (AI-95) in the city11,0 8,7
On the road7,8 6,5
Length, cm.482 487
Width, see182 184
Height, see148 145
ground clearance, see16,0 16,5
Tire size215/60R16225/45R19
Weight in curb condition, t.1,51 1,41
Full weight, t.2,16 1,98
The volume of the fuel tank, l.70 63

Exterior

After a restyling carried out in 2017, the car has become much longer and wider, to please American motorists who prefer big cars. Well, given the volume of sales of the model in the North American market, such a step can be called justified.

But to say that the car has become more elegant is definitely impossible. There is simply nothing to catch the eye. Yes, the dynamics have increased, but it is impossible to judge this by appearance. Rather, on the contrary, the increase in dimensions made the car massive, heavy and clumsy. Looking from the side, this impression becomes prevalent. The massive air intake grille, which almost completely replaced the front bumper, does not save the situation either - it is not here. The rear view of the new Camry is no less depressing - the convex bumper does not harmonize with the sloping pillars, smoothly turning into a short trunk lid.

One would like to assume that the facade, profile and back of the model were developed by three different designers who were forbidden to communicate - they look so heterogeneous.

The Mazda 6 was restyled in the same 2017, but here the traditions were respected - resembling a sports car rather than a sedan with its proportions. Unlike the Camry, the image of the "six" is perceived as a whole, the car looks swift, like lightning. And what is interesting - with all its elegance, Mazda looks no less solid. Whichever side you look at, the advantage is on the side of this particular model, but the side view is especially impressive: the body tapering towards the front and raised at the rear harmonizes with the smooth lines of the pillars, and the perfect oval of the wheel arches completes the image. Experts even compare the model with Jaguar, which, of course, speaks of the talent of Japanese designers.

So, in terms of appearance, the question of which is better, Toyota Camry or Mazda 6, is inappropriate - Toyota residents still grow and grow in this indicator.

Salon and trunk

Leather interior is an indispensable component of cars of this class. This option is indeed present in both models. As well as the woodgrain panels, which actually look out of place, especially on the Camry. Spoils the impression and inexpensive plastic - it seems that Toyota engineers decided to save a little here. As for false wood, there has recently been a trend, a kind of trend - to paste over the torpedo and the central tunnel with a film that imitates carbon, which clearly indicates the imperfection of the interior. And even the multimedia system here, although it is present in all trim levels, has a monochrome display for budget options, which becomes color as the cost of the car rises, and eventually even acquires a touch screen.

The instrument cluster is easy to read, with a soft backlight that does not hurt the eyes in complete darkness. The front passenger seat in expensive trim levels is equipped with an ottoman - this level of comfort is extremely rare, except for executive class cars. The rear sofa is spacious, three passengers will be spacious here in all three dimensions. But if two people sit in the back, they can lower the central armrest with climate control buttons, seat ventilation and a music center. The distance to the front seats is large, working with a laptop from behind is a pleasure. What can not be said about the front seats, in which the back is not high enough, and the seat itself is so flat that it forces you to periodically change position. In a word, the interior of Toyota is far from ideal, although the obvious advantages should not be ignored either: this is the ability to adjust the front seats in three planes and six directions, and good quality leather, and the ability to turn on the memory drive option.

The Mazda 6 also has a false tree, but there is a minimum of it here, only a strip on the front panel and only for top modifications. The center console looks solid thanks to the black plastic trim with a glossy surface. It has a climate system display showing its current settings, as well as a multimedia system control panel with a small display. The dashboard of the "six" corresponds to fashion trends - the wells of the scales are very deep, so there are no problems with reading the readings, even if the sun shines directly on the "tidy". But the backlight is too bright, in the dark it will take time for the eyes to adapt, which, of course, is a big minus. Leather trim raises no objections. The leather is perforated on the front to prevent slipping when the car enters sharp turns.

In general, a comparison of the interiors of Toyota Camry and Mazda 6 is again not in favor of the first model. But the "six" has certain disadvantages. For example, there is much less space in the back - both the smaller width of the car and the focus on a sporty silhouette with a low-set roof affect it. In a word, three adults on the couch will be cramped, especially obese and tall. But for two rear passengers, the level of comfort will be no less than in the Camry.

Engines and transmissions

As you can see, Toyota designers are not too keen on beauty, preferring to improve safety and comfort for the driver/passengers. So outside and inside Mazda 6 looks not just preferable - it is head and shoulders above the competitor. And after the last restyling, the long-awaited turbocharged engine appeared in the range of Mazda engines. The 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G justifies its appearance with the ability to develop 232 hp. With. The maximum torque is reached at two thousand revolutions and is 420 Nm.

On all modifications without exception, a six-speed automatic transmission is installed. We also note that the proven and well-proven atmospheric power units were also subjected to modernization, which made it possible to improve their performance. So, a two-liter four is now capable of developing 150 “horses”, with a maximum cr. torque of 215 Nm, achieved at 4 thousand revolutions / minute. The 2.5-liter engine, producing 195 hp, has also become more powerful. With. and 259 Nm at 4000 rpm.

Camry, unfortunately, did not appear under the hood after restyling. The pensioners remained - the time-tested two-liter 150-horsepower 6AR-FSE power unit, as well as a more powerful 2.5-liter fellow 2AR-FE, which develops 180 horsepower. Both engines are aggregated with a full-fledged six-speed automatic.

But there is also a novelty - a 3.5-liter six-cylinder aspirated, designated as 2GR-FKS. This engine is characterized by the presence of a modernized combined injection system, as well as a hydraulic phase shifter built into the intake tract, which can change phases dynamically in a fairly wide range. In the USA, this engine works to the maximum, giving out 305 “horses”, but a version with a power limit of 249 horsepower is supplied to Russia - this is more profitable from a tax point of view. An eight-band automatic works with such an engine.

As you can see, the range of engines Mazda 6 and Toyota Camry retain approximate parity, although much here depends on user preferences.

Dynamics, fuel consumption

Since the most popular options for both models are those equipped with 2.5-liter engines, it would be logical to compare Camry and Mazda 6, under the hood of which these powertrains are hidden:

As you can see, the comparison is again not in favor of Toyota. Camry and after the modernization, which marked a change of generations, remains a leisurely machine. Pressing the accelerator pedal has a corresponding return only after a certain delay. This effect is typical for turbocharged engines with a lack of traction at low speeds. But in this case, the culprit of the delays is the automatic transmission. The 3.5-litre variant has the same problems, since it uses almost the same box, upgraded to 8 ranges.

Although the gears here are long, this does not affect fuel economy - in urban mode, consumption can reach 15 liters, and you can’t count on indicators of less than 10 l / 100 km in the city, even if traffic jams are completely excluded.

Mazda is better in every way. In terms of dynamics, it will give odds to a competitor in any modes and conditions, whether it be a freeway or a racing track. Acceleration to “hundreds” in less than 8 seconds is an extra-class indicator more typical for a sports coupe than for a sedan, and even so large and heavy. Mazda's six-band automatic works much faster, and the motor reacts to the accelerator pedal almost instantly - many compare its dynamics with the times when motors were not limited due to strict environmental regulations. We add that the use of proprietary SkyActiv technology made it possible to make Mazda engines the most economical in the category of mid-size business class sedans - even with active city driving, a figure of less than 8 l / 100 km is more typical than surprising.

Manageability and safety

We have already noted that outwardly Camry seems heavy, slow and clumsy. In general, such characteristics correspond to reality, but what cannot be taken away from Toyota is an unprecedented smooth ride. If you have not previously encountered business class cars, you will definitely feel a huge difference. Camry does not feel minor defects in the roadway either when driving fast or when driving slowly. You will only be able to feel soft jolts when the wheels of the car hit serious bumps such as speed bumps or large potholes.

But, as you know, controllability and comfort are antagonistic concepts. So the handling here is not so good. As we have already noted, Camry reacts belatedly to pressing the gas pedal, but the same story with the steering wheel - beginners need a lot of time to adapt to this behavior of the car.

Mazda has a much stiffer suspension, thanks to which the image of a car with sports inclinations has firmly entrenched in this model. You will not see roll on high-speed corners here, which allows the car to feel confident on tracks with complex geometry and terrain.

Of course, serious irregularities will not go unnoticed - in terms of comfort, the Mazda 6 is not the best sedan. Another noticeable drawback is the increased noise of the car. Although attempts were made in this direction to correct the situation, the “six” is still considered a noisy car today. To such an extent that after driving 300-400 kilometers, you will want to stop and rest your ears.

Comparing the Mazda 6 and Toyota Camry by this criterion shows that if you like a comfortable ride, then the Camry is a clear leader, and if speed is your prerogative, then Mazda will be clearly preferable.

Maintenance cost

In connection with well-known circumstances, such a characteristic of a car as takes on great importance. If you are a responsible car owner and do not miss visits to authorized dealerships for routine maintenance, then Mazda service will definitely cost you more.

The fact is that the cost of a standard hour and the cost of most consumables for the "six" are higher. But if serious repairs are required, and you prefer to use only original spare parts, then the situation will change not in favor of Toyota, and significantly - by an average of 10 percent.

Options and prices

Both models represent the same price group. Of course, there are differences in configuration, and it is they who can tip the scales in one direction or another.

Mazda 6 in the minimum configuration with a two-liter engine costs 1.45 million rubles, the corresponding "Standard" package from Camry will cost the buyer 1.52 million.

In total, the Toyota Camry range includes 7 trim levels. The top is Executive Safety, equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 3.5-liter power unit. It costs from 2.43 million rubles.

Already in the basic version, Camry is equipped with LED head optics and foglights, also on LED lamps, alloy wheels, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, power windows for all windows with the Auto function, a rain sensor, and an engine start button. The list of passive safety equipment and electronic assistants is also extensive - 4 PB (front / side), curtain airbags, slope start assistant, ABS / EBD systems.

Mazda has 4 configurations, three of them are equipped with atmospheric engines, and the 2.5-liter turbocharged unit is available only in the top modification Executive Plus 2019, the price tag for which is 2.17 million rubles.

In the basic configuration, you will receive LED optics, 2-zone climate control, front / rear electric windows, electric heating of the front seats, front curtains / airbags, full power accessories for external mirrors, ABS / EBD and a tire pressure monitoring function.

Which model to prefer

Being in the same price category is perhaps the only thing that unites these cars. In all other respects they are very different. And it's not so much about the technical characteristics, but about the philosophy of the models, each of which is far from new to the market. The Toyota Camry is perceived as a strict, reliable car ideal for the middle age group, and the Mazda 6 has a reputation for rebellion, which is preferred by active youth. Of course, such maxims can be called rather conditional, but you can’t argue with statistical calculations.

What to choose in terms of reliability, Mazda 6 or Toyota Camry? The Toyota brand is generally considered the undisputed leader in this indicator, and this model is no exception. Yes, its dynamics and speed capabilities are not so good, but if you belong to the category of responsible drivers who prefer to avoid all sorts of risks, then your choice is clear.

As for the cost, according to many experts, Toyota's price tags are a bit overpriced, and a similar trend is observed from year to year. Considering the car's speed and fuel consumption, Mazda, which costs a little less, looks more preferable.

But you need to take into account not only the current value of the car, but the cost of maintaining it. If the car is new, then here the advantage is on the side of Camry - the price tags in official car services speak in favor of this particular model. But with age, the situation changes - spare parts for the sixth Mazda are cheaper on average by 10-15%, and this should also be taken into account, especially if you practice frequent car changes.

Is it possible to draw conclusions based on the above? Yes, definitely. Toyota is considered a model of reliability, but Mazda is strong in this component. And the comparison is clearly not in favor of the Camry, and for many potential buyers this is a fundamental factor. In terms of handling, the “six” is also one step ahead, but Toyota is better for Russian roads - it is much more comfortable. Finally, it is impossible not to note the differences in the exterior. If it is important for you to be the owner of a bright car, then Camry is clearly not your choice. And one more thing: Mazda is positioned as a car designed for people who love speed, drive. This is true, but no one forbids you to ride it the way you are used to.

In a word, we would prefer the "six". But you, of course, may have other preferences, so we are not going to impose our opinion - the final conclusions are up to you.

13.03.2017

Japanese auto giants have been fighting for a domestic buyer for decades. The main confrontation today is observed in the segment of "business class" cars. Potential motorists have to choose which is better and more profitable - Toyota Camry or Mazda 6? In fairness, we note that each of them managed to win a huge army of adherents, even from the moment the first models entered the market.

What is special about these vehicles? Experts note a number of features, thanks to which they manage to successfully compete with the best representatives of European companies:

  • full compliance with advanced technologies in the field of automotive industry;
  • first class design solutions
  • innovations in the engine building segment;
  • affordable cost.

These features are common to cars from Japan. They also have marked differences. But let's go over the surface of the two models in order to clearly imagine what we are dealing with.

  1. Toyota Camry- a modern 5-seater vehicle, presented on the market mainly as a 4-door sedan. One of the best representatives of the "D-class". The latest seventh generation to date was introduced in August 2014. This is a restyled version.
  2. Mazda sixth model- a car with front-wheel drive, 5-seater, roomy (meets D-class standards). The sale includes a 5-door station wagon, as well as a 4-door sedan. These are the third generation models that entered the market in 2015.

Japanese exterior

New Generation Toyota Camry looks massive and solid enough. At the same time, respectability here is highly questionable. It is felt that the designers had to experiment with the design of the new model in order to take into account market trends. As a result, we got a traditional luxury car, but with a claim to dynamics.

Distinctive features of the vehicle:

  • the bumper is complemented by massive cutouts, visually echoing the complex shape of the headlights;
  • heavy profile that does not go well with fast driving;
  • a convex and large rear bumper covers a narrow lamp base.

What is the result? From a design point of view, the car looks disharmonious and ambiguous: if you look at the vehicle from the side, one picture is formed, and if you look at the back or front, then the car is perceived completely differently.

Video review Toyota Camry

So which model is better - Mazda 6 or Toyota Camry? To draw an unambiguous conclusion, it is necessary to consider the features of the nearest competitor.

Mazda 6 designers have taken a huge step forward compared to their opponents. Visually, the six is ​​perceived as a real lightning - swift, dynamic, athletic, solid and complete. If you choose solely in appearance, then the choice would be obvious and expected. What is it about this model?

  1. Narrow headlights filigree complement the low-hanging hood.
  2. The radiator grille is inclined towards the central part, thanks to which the car acquires additional purposefulness.
  3. The roof pillars captivate with smooth lines that visually correspond to the wheel arches.
  4. The interior, slightly recessed back, resembles that of the Jaguar.

In terms of design and aesthetic completeness, the "brainchild" of Mazda looks an order of magnitude more successful than the model from Toyota, and don't go to a fortune teller.

Video review of Mazda 6

Organization of the internal space

Having cast a cursory glance at the interior of the 6-ki and Camry, it may seem that the latter is better implemented - beautiful and massive wood panels, leather upholstery. That's just the case when the essence lies in the details. Natural elements in the interior of Toyota Camry cannot be found during the day with fire. They have been replaced with cheap plastic.

In the process of prolonged operation, artificial "pomp" can get bored. It is not surprising that many of our compatriots practice decorating part of the front and central tunnel with carbon stickers. But designers from Toyota pleasantly surprise in another way:

  • Large display that supports high resolution, so the picture is clear and detailed.
  • Organic and beautiful dashboard lighting. Everything is worked out and matched to the smallest detail - nothing distracts the driver in the process of movement.

3 adults can fit on the back sofa without much difficulty, but only 2 passengers can feel comfortable. The internal space is sufficient for comfortable work with a laptop. From the front, the situation does not look so rosy - the backs of the seats are low, the pillow is flat, you have to constantly adjust the position of the body while driving.

As for the advantages of seats, Toyota has them:

  • tactilely pleasant and soft skin;
  • you can install a drive with memory;
  • chairs are adjustable in 6 positions.

What to choose - Mazda 6 or Toyota Camry? A balanced conclusion can be drawn, taking into account the “arguments of the opponent”.

Japanese designers in the case of the six decided to distance themselves from wood imitation. Corresponding elements are found, but rather rarely. The central high panel is supplemented with black plastic, inside there was a place for a small screen, which displays information about the current climate control settings of the car.

Somewhat disappointed multimedia system in Mazda 6- it is frankly simple here with a small diagonal of the display and without high detailing of the picture. The dashboard is divided into 3 deep niches, so that even in bright light, you can easily read the available information. At night, excessively bright illumination puts pressure on the eyes, this is an omission. mazda 6 there is not enough space behind - whatever one may say, and the dynamic silhouette imposes certain restrictions on free space. Salon is not wide, the roof is low. Three adults will no longer fit here, only people of not very tall stature and full build will feel comfortable.

Much more attention is paid to the front seats. They are magnificent - decorated with perforated leather, thanks to which the landing of the passenger and driver is reliable and does not change even with aggressive driving. Even in tight turns you can fit without problems.

6-ka is a real find for drivers, which is suitable for both businessmen and young entrepreneurs.

Driving performance or how cars feel behind the wheel

Most of our compatriots choose Camry or Mazda 6, taking into account, first of all, the driving performance of cars, so the last comparison will be devoted to this important criterion. So what do we get as a result? The restyled Toyota Camry boasts slightly more power, but in motion the car feels unhurried and overly smooth. Pressing the gas does not lead to lightning acceleration, for this the car takes some time. This effect is mainly due to a smooth six-speed "automatic", which, in addition, overuses fuel when driving around the city - 13-15 liters - it will be a bit much.

Aggressive Camry

Toyota has obvious advantages:

  • smooth running even when moving fast;
  • small potholes and bumps in the roadway go unnoticed;
  • maximum driving comfort.

The car, with all its advantages, has a significant drawback - a mediocre level of controllability. The delay is observed not only when the gas pedal is pressed, but also when the steering wheel is turned. For an inexperienced driver, this is fraught with loss of nerve cells and a slight sweat on the forehead.

If we draw a comparative parallel between the Mazda 6 and Toyota Camry in terms of dynamics, then it is the 6-ka that will come to the finish line, regardless of the road and driving style. Mazda gains 100 in less than 8 seconds, which is already typical for cars made with a sporty touch.

Note! The use of proprietary SKYACTIV technology makes it possible even with aggressive driving - consumption does not exceed 9 liters per 100 km. The power unit reacts almost instantly to the “commands” of the driver, and in this regard, before the wizards from Mazda, you want to take off your hat and bow.

The rigid suspension only complements the sporty image of the car. When making sharp turns, the car does not heel. And even on domestic roads, it easily gives odds to other vehicles. But far from all drivers can feel comfortable in a sedan, since excessive rigidity makes itself felt, and its noise is decent.

Many men dream of having a lot of money, the best wife and the fastest car. In a car, he primarily looks at design, interior, performance, safety, equipment and cost. Both of these cars are very popular among the middle class population. The competition in this market is very strong and the developers had to work hard to combine all the qualities together.

Machine safety

The Mazda 6 has on-board computers, satellite navigation with a touch screen. The Toyota Camry has airbags for the driver, more expensive models also have airbags to protect the legs.

Interior models

Both models are developed at a high level. Not a big drawback is that a tall person will be uncomfortable in it, we hope that this will be fixed in the future. The Toyota cabin is comfortable, and a mirror is also provided for the driver, which will not allow the driver to be blinded by the headlights of cars driving behind.

Specifications

Toyota has a 2.4 liter four-stroke engine that consumes 9.5 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers, which produces 181 horsepower. Mazda 6 has a 2.5 liter engine that is equivalent to 192 horsepower. Consumption per 100 kilometers 10-11 liters of gasoline.
Mazda 6 accelerates in 10.6 seconds to 100 km / h, and Toyota Camry in 9.

In the class of mid-size sedans, there is no smell of democracy. Monarchy in its purest form! Everything is like in a textbook: a form of government in which all power is concentrated in one hand and is inherited. Yes, this is the story of the Camry! Each of its generations dominated our market - in other years, all competitors taken together fell short of the Camry in terms of sales. Therefore, special attention is paid to the new generation car (factory index XV70).

How about a comparison with the Kia Optima, which smashed the old Camry (XV50) to smithereens in a recent comparison test (SR, #12, 2017)? Since Toyota paid attention to handling, comparison with the reference Mazda 6 for this part suggests itself. The third sparring partner was the Ford Mondeo sedan, a recognized favorite of corporate parks. It is the only one with a turbo engine. The rest of the cars have aspirated 2.4–2.5 liters at their disposal. Power range 181-199 hp I declare the fight for the throne open!

Toyota Camry

Came to Russia last spring - serial production at the plant in Shushary was launched in April. The machine is built on a new platform. As before, there is only one body option - a sedan.

ENGINES:
gasoline:
2.0 (150 hp) - from 1,399,000 rubles.
2.5 (181 hp) - from 1,623,000 rubles.
3.5 (249 hp) - from 2,166,000 rubles.

Ford Mondeo

The representative of the fourth generation entered the Russian market in 2015. Assembly - in the Leningrad region. Among the cars of past generations, we offered hatchbacks and station wagons, from this generation - only sedans.

ENGINES:
gasoline:
2.5 (149 hp) - from 1,385,000 rubles.
2.0 (199 hp) - from 1,799,000 rubles.
2.0 (240 hp) - from 2,070,000 rubles.

Kia Optima

The world premiere took place in 2015, but Optima reached us only a year later - but in a localized version. For the first time, a turbo engine was proposed, but the station wagon version is not available with us.

ENGINES:
gasoline:
2.0 (150 hp) - from 1,209,900 rubles.
2.4 (188 hp) - from 1,529,900 rubles.
2.0 turbo (245 hp) - from 1,879,900 rubles.

The current generation debuted in 2012. During this time, the Japanese carried out two restyling, but the “six” has not yet reached us after the last update.

ENGINES:
gasoline:
2.0 (150 hp) - from 1,336,000 rubles.
2.5 (192 hp) - from 1,509,000 rubles.

Throne room

Why did you love the past generation Camry? For the feeling of extra space! There is so much space behind that you can not envy the executive S-class too much - of course, adjusted for the trim level. The XV70's body is 25mm lower than the XV50's, but the Toyota's roominess is still just fine, except that the feet are a little cramped - provided the front seats are in the down position. Space enough with a margin in all directions. Even the roof does not press - it's not without reason that the Japanese installed seat cushions 30 mm closer to the floor. It is especially good for the right rider: he can move the front seat away from himself with a servo drive, freeing up additional space, like a real VIP passenger.



When it comes to services, the Camry is head and shoulders above the competition. Only it allows you to adjust (by means of an electric drive!) The angle of the backrest, adjust the "weather" (only Toyota offers three-zone climate control), control the audio system - the remote control from all this economy was attached to the armrest.

Against this background, seat heating, window blinds and two USB connectors are perceived as something natural.

In Optima, you will not find such "luxuries" - there is only heating, side curtains and a socket for a flash drive. But in some ways, the Optima even wiped the nose of the Camry. Firstly, the Kia is a little more spacious in the shoulders, and our measurements confirm the subjective impressions. Secondly, the seat profile is the most comfortable in the quartet. Finally, it is more convenient to sit in a Korean sedan - the doors open at a larger angle. So for the second row of seats, these two cars were given equally high marks.




The Mondeo's wheelbase is the longest in a quartet, but that doesn't mean anything. The stock of space for the knees is surprisingly modest - as if you are sitting in the Focus, and not in a solid, almost five-meter sedan. And if three of us drive behind, then the heads of the extreme riders touch the racks - this was not the case in other cars. And the stuffing of the seats is too dense - you need to be softer with the passengers, softer! But Mondeo also has strengths: not only a 12-volt outlet is available, but also a high-voltage one. Competitors also do not have convenient punching slots in door pockets, tailored as if specifically for a tablet.

In the second row of the Mazda, too, you can’t clear up: the legroom is back to back, there are no media connectors, and only a half-liter bottle enters the door pockets. But the central passenger is comfortable here - he does not sit on a hard hump, but on a soft ottoman. C Mondeo - parity. But, as they say, not a single expanse!



Mazda is noisy. Moreover, it is not easy to identify the dominant: the rumble of tires, the whistle of a headwind are heard equally well. On acceleration, the growl of the motor shuts them up. The ride quality also leaves much to be desired. Mazda does not notice small potholes shod in 19‑inch tires, but it shakes pretty much on bumps with a larger caliber. And if your region has mediocre roads, then you won’t be able to move in relaxation style. Dignitary passengers are unlikely to like this. So in this discipline Mazda is an outsider.

The dense chassis of the Mondeo resiliently and silently fulfills potholes, except that the buildup on the waves could be smaller. If the passenger is used to working with a laptop or tablet, it will be hard. The Optima's suspension does not like bumps with sharp edges, but otherwise does its job perfectly. But the mass is spoiled by unexpectedly strong road noise. On the rough pavement in the cabin there is such a buzz that talking on the phone without raising your voice will not work - the Ford is noticeably quieter.




Well, Toyota surprised me. Thanks to additional mats on the floor and in the engine compartment, it is very quiet in it. Is that after a hundred you can hear the wind entangled in the mirrors. And here's what's amazing: Camry was already known as the standard of smoothness, but it has become even better! Pits, potholes, rough patches, it passes completely unnoticed by the crew. No knocks, no shaking. But we still could not give the highest rating - the energy intensity of the suspension failed. On the missed "speed bump" it still struck. We took a ride here on the Mondeo and Optima - the running gear worked flawlessly. To be fair, the "policeman" was unformatted, and we were driving too fast.

Crusade

The Camry has always been criticized for its conservative interior. A huge old-fashioned steering wheel, ridiculous electronic clock, absurdly large buttons and an abundance of "plastic wood" turned away the young advanced clientele from the sedan. Finally, the Japanese plucked up courage and stepped on the throat of their own song.

The new Camry interior is a revolution. The atmosphere of bureaucracy and stylistic asceticism is rejected. The salon is executed in an avant-garde key. The center console deployed to the driver, whimsically curved decorative overlays. The compact steering wheel is electrically adjustable over a wider range than before. Progress, as they say, is evident. It's a pity that there is still no happy smile on this face - the primitive graphics of the displays upset (gentlemen from Toyota, look at the screens of competitors! It will immediately become clear what's what). And why is there only one USB port? After all, 2018 is just around the corner. Finally, we lack the range of vertical movement of the driver's seat - we want to "land" another centimeter or two. But these are all quibbles. Like it or not, the Toyota interior creates a sea of ​​​​positive.






The unequivocal leader in driver seat comfort is the Mondeo. A little harsh, with a well-adjusted profile and distinct lateral support. Moreover, its degree can be adjusted. Which competitor offers this? Nobody! The massage function is also exclusive. Too bad it's cramped in the driver's seat. A massive steering wheel, an impressive center console and an overhanging front panel give rise to claustrophobia - it is clearly out of place in a large sedan. In addition, Mondeo has the worst visibility in the quartet. The driver can not even see the middle of the hood, the side mirrors shamelessly distort reality, and swing wipers leave solid uncleaned sectors. As a result, in my yard, I took a long time to take a free place (I hope the neighbors didn’t laugh), until I thought of using the parking assistant. The electronics did everything themselves.

There is no negative on the left front seat of Optima. At all. The steering wheel cut along the lower chord lies pleasantly in the hands, the logic and interface of the head unit of the multimedia system are transparent, and the seat with increased lateral support (we have the GT Line version) firmly holds the body. And I perfectly understand the Koreans, who, updating the Optima, limited themselves to only touches. The refreshed car will arrive in Russia in the fall.





The restyled “six” is about to appear with us, and its interior has been updated much more seriously. There was every reason for that. Don't misunderstand me: the current car is well built and has a nice design, but the little things still show age. The screen of the multimedia system is too compact, the seats are unprepossessing and do not offer ventilation. All these mistakes on the updated "six" will be corrected. And Mazda also “edited” the chassis, making it more comfortable. I don't even know if I should be happy. Did amazing handling get lost in the course of alterations? I would not want to, because the “six” of the 2017 model for a person with gasoline in his blood is a real outlet. Reinforced concrete stability on a straight line, sensitive steering, amazing stability and accommodating in turns - a delight for a fan of active driving. And the dynamics are good: right off the bat, Mazda confidently breaks away from Toyota and Kia. The ardor is especially noticeable in the sports mode of the machine - fire!




The handling of the Mondeo is also fighting, it flutters easily and effortlessly through turns. The steering wheel is filled with a tight effort, the reactions are precise and understandable. And how cool the rear suspension plays along! On a winding road, driving a Ford is very interesting. And yet, for the handling of the Mondeo, we rated it lower than the Mazda - the buildup on a gentle wave is too noticeable, nervousness is felt in the ruts.

The “blue oval” has the most powerful and torque motor in the quartet, but this does not give much advantage: the “six” is no less dynamic. At the same time, the Mondeo is the most voracious in the test: for a hundred “versts” it requires an average of 12 liters of gasoline, while rivals drink a liter and a half less.






Against the background of opponents, the Optima's handling is insipid and average. No, the car does not "stupid", but it does not charge, like Mazda or Ford. Just rides without spark and excitement. For a leisurely ride, the motor is enough, but it’s worth giving up all the money, as the delays of the machine come out - after the apex of acceleration you wait for ages. Nothing will change even the choice of a sport mode in the Drive Mode system. The machine will become more agile only by an iota, and the steering wheel will become slightly heavier at “zero” - and nothing more. You expect more from a car with a GT Line nameplate.

Toyota? She broke all patterns! Numerous Camrys of different years, on which I had a chance to ride, were absolute “vegetables”: an empty steering wheel, flabby suspensions ... Now everything is different: the rolls have noticeably decreased, the buildup has disappeared when driving with oncoming trucks, and understeer was almost managed to be defeated - there are more Camry turns you don't have to pull it by the collar. The steering wheel has found a solid reactive connection. Previously, it was not only lacking, but not at all! Now the responses are accurate and fast. The 2.5 motor is the same, but the upgraded machine works more quickly, smoothly, somehow “seamlessly”. Toyota became interesting to drive!






The results of the test will upset Mazda fans. The beauty does not turn around to its fullest due to poor sound insulation, modest ride, cramped interior and trunk. But if you crave first-class handling, you won't find anything better than the "six" in this segment.

Ford's chances of succession to the throne are also small. Mondeo brings a simple interior, bad visibility and cramped back row. And for the target audience, this is more important than incendiary handling and a comfortable driver's seat.

Second place for Kia. Optima has an airy and ergonomic interior, a decent ride and the most affordable price. And the cost of ownership is low: our corresponding composite CAR-INDEX is 14.01 rubles / km - the most attractive in the quartet. To take the car up a notch, it would be good for the Koreans to work on soundproofing and add controllability to the spark.

And what about our crowned lady? Your Majesty, the dynasty's reign is not in danger. The traditional trump cards - incomparable smoothness, spaciousness and silence in the cabin - were added by an interesting design, progressive equipment that competitors do not offer, and cool handling. The transfer of the throne to the heiress was successful. Long live the Camry, long live the queen!

Kar-index takes into account operating costs for a mileage of 70,000 km: registration and technical inspection fees, transport tax, costs for OSAGO, fuel and scheduled maintenance, as well as losses during the resale of the car.

TOYOTA CAMRY KIA OPTIMA MAZDA 6 FORD MONDEO
16,55 14,01 14,04 16,38

MANUFACTURERS DATA

FORD MONDEO

KIA OPTIMA

MAZDA 6

TOYOTA CAMRY

Curb / gross weight

1475 / 2210 kg

1575 / 2050 kg

1410 / 2000 kg

1625 / 2030 kg

Acceleration time 0–100 km/h

8.7 s

9.1 s

7.8 s

9.9 s

Max Speed

218 km/h

210 km/h

223 km/h

210 km/h

Turning radius

5.7 m

5.45 m

5.6 m

5.8 m

Fuel / fuel reserve

AI-95 / 62.5 l

AI-92, AI-95 / 70 l

AI-95 / 62 l

AI-92, AI-95 / 60 l

Fuel consumption: urban/extra-urban/combined

11.6 / 6.0 / 8.0 l / 100 km

12.0 / 6.2 / 8.3 l / 100 km

8.5 / 5.1 / 6.4 l / 100 km

11.5 / 6.4 / 8.3 l / 100 km

CO₂ emissions

187 g/km

194 g/km

149 g/km

187 g/km

ENGINE

Type

petrol

petrol

petrol

petrol

Location

front, transverse

front, transverse

front, transverse

front, transverse

Configuration / number of valves

R4 / 16

R4 / 16

R4 / 16

R4 / 16

Working volume

1999 cm³

2359 cm³

2488 cm³

2494 cm³

Compression ratio

10,0

11,3

13,0

10,4

Power

146 kW/199 hp at 5300 rpm

138 kW/188 hp at 6000 rpm

141 kW/192 hp at 5700 rpm

133 kW/181 hp at 6000 rpm

Torque

345 Nm at 2700-3500 rpm

241 Nm at 4000 rpm

256 Nm at 3250 rpm

231 Nm at 4100 rpm

TRANSMISSION

type of drive

front

front

front

front

Transmission

Gear ratios:
I / II / III / IV / V / VI / z.x.

4,58 / 2,96 / 1,91 / 1,45 / 1,00 / 0,75 / 2,94

4,21 / 2,64 / 1,80 / 1,39 / 1,00 / 0,77 / 3,39

3,55 / 2,02 / 1,45 / 1,00 / 0,71 / 0,60 / 3,89

3,30 / 1,90 / 1,42 / 1,00 / 0,71 / 0,61 / 4,15

main gear

3,21

2,89

4,06

3,82

CHASSIS

Suspension: front / rear

McPherson / multi-link

McPherson / multi-link

McPherson / multi-link

McPherson / multi-link

Steering

rack, with EUR

rack, with EUR

rack, with EUR

rack, with EUR

Brakes: front / rear

disc, ventilated / disc

disc, ventilated / disc

disc, ventilated / disc

Tires

235/50 R17

235/45R18

225/45 R19

235/45R18

SERVICE IN FIGURES

Frequency of maintenance

Guarantee

Dealers (STOA)

FORD MONDEO

15,000 km or 12 months

3 years or 100,000 km

KIA OPTIMA

15,000 km or 12 months

5 years or 150,000 km

MAZDA 6

15,000 km or 12 months

3 years or 100,000 km

TOYOTA CAMRY

10,000 km or 12 months

3 years or 100,000 km

EXPERT ASSESSMENT OF CARS


Ventilated front seats, power passenger seat, cornering headlights, hill start assist, full-size alloy wheel spare, Supervision color instrument panel, 17-inch alloy wheels.

FORD MONDEO

KIA OPTIMA

MAZDA 6

TOYOTA CAMRY

Driver's workplace

Ford's driver's seat delights with a verified profile, an abundance of adjustments and the presence of a massage function. The most uncomfortable "chair" is Mazda's. All four cars have controls without obvious punctures. The worst visibility is at Mondeo, the leaders in this part are Camry and Optima.

10

9

8

9

Governing bodies

8

8

8

8

7

9

8

9

Salon

The most crowded in the Ford, both in the first and second row. Mazda's gallery is also not very spacious. The rear seats of Toyota and Kia are most hospitable. The most modest trunks are from the "Japanese". Moreover, we lowered the Camry rating not only for the volume, but also for the non-folding (for the car in the test configuration) back of the second row.

Front end

8

8

8

8

Rear end

8

9

8

9

Trunk

9

9

8

8

Driving performance

Leadership in accelerating dynamics belongs to Mazda and Ford - with a parallel start, they leave their opponents behind. The "six" received ten points for handling, active drivers will be delighted with its chassis. Ford and Toyota handle a little worse, and the Optima generally doesn't like pushy driving. The Camry has the best brakes.

Dynamics

9

8

9

8

8

8

8

9

Controllability

9

8

10

9

Comfort

Soundproofing is best done in the Mondeo and Camry. In Mazda, the engine hums especially strongly; in Optima, road noise dominates. In terms of smoothness, the “six” is lagging behind, the rest of the three are not afraid of broken roads. The Camry gets an extra point for three-zone climate control, which competitors don't even offer at extra cost.

9

8

7

9

Smooth running

9

9

8

9

8

8

8

9

Adaptation to Russia

In the test quartet there is not a single puzoterka - with their clearance in our country you can drive without problems. Kia and Toyota scored extra points for their extensive dealer network, as well as for the suitability of engines for AI‑92 gasoline. We penalized the Camry for the smallest service interval, and the Mondeo and the "six" - for the lack of a full-size spare wheel.

Geometric patency

8

8

8

8

1739 000 rub.


Eight-speaker audio system, head-up display, power panoramic roof, power steering column, projector lighting with Geely logo, eight-way power seats, 18‑inch wheels.

1769 900 rub.


Heated steering wheel, windshield and washer nozzles, three-zone climate control with anti-allergic filter, eight-inch touch screen, start-stop system with regenerative braking function, ergoComfort driver's seat with adjustable angle and length of the cushion.

1797 000 rub.


Distance control system Front Assist, storage box under the front seat, flashlight in the trunk, ice scraper, digital clock in the back, 16‑inch wheels.

PULP FICTION

Maxim Gomyanin

Business-class sedans in our country are popular not only among buyers, but also among dishonest people. We used the data of insurance companies and the traffic police and found out which of our four models are the most stolen. The previous generation Toyota Camry (XV50 body) takes the first place by a wide margin. The model has been popular with hijackers for more than a year, and there is a strong feeling that the new product will follow in its footsteps. Mazda 6 also attracts criminals, although it lags behind the leader by a three-fold margin. Camry and the "six" are regularly included in the top 20 most stolen cars in the country. So, last year Camry took the third place in the overall standings, and the "six" - the twelfth. Ford Mondeo is an order of magnitude less attractive to car thieves, and Kia Optima owners can sleep peacefully at all. Among the reasons for the sad popularity of "Japanese women", experts note the high liquidity of Camry and Mazda 6 in the secondary market. It is not difficult to quickly realize the stolen goods, as well as to sell them for spare parts.

Theft statistics by year

2017

2016

2015

2014

Toyota Camry

Mazda 6

Ford Mondeo

Kia Optima


Every driver dreams of a quality car that will reflect his financial well-being and serve him well for many years. Today, Toyota Camry and Mazda 6 are especially popular among business-class cars of the middle price category. Each car deserves attention. The Toyota Camry is a medium-sized sedan that, after the update, has acquired more impressive dimensions and retained a calm disposition.

Mazda 6 is the choice of those who seek a dynamic car with a sporty character, suitable for a standard family.

Design

The new Toyota Camry is large, but there is no need to talk about solidity and respectability either. In order to increase sales, Toyota manufacturers have tried to give the Camry a more luxurious and dynamic look. We can safely say that they did not quite succeed.

At the rear, the situation is also bad - narrow lights on a large bumper and sloping rear pillars are completely invisible. All this leads to the fact that the general appearance of the Toyota Camry is not uniform, since there is no combination of the front and rear views with the sides, as in the situation with the Corolla.

In comparison, the Camry or Mazda 6 the latter creates the impression of a real sports car - swift and dynamic. Comparing cars is a tricky business, but let's try anyway. The exterior design is complete and harmonious. All details fit together perfectly. To give a serious appearance, the engineers did their best - a low overhanging hood, narrow headlights directed towards the center, a complex geometric shape of the radiator grille.

The Mazda 6 is at its best when viewed from the rear and sides - the shifted interior lines, the smoothness of the roof pillar and wheel arches, the straight trunk lid - all this makes a lasting impression.

Salon

When comparing the interior of a Toyota Camry or Mazda 6, the first impression is the advantage of the interior design of the Camry - leather in the upholstery, wood panels. But upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that artificial materials and very inexpensive plastic were used in the decoration. Already after a short time of operation, car owners begin to look for options for ennobling the interior space of the cabin. However, it is worth noting the really important plus of the Toyota Camry - a modern multimedia system with a large and high-resolution display. In addition, the driver will appreciate the dashboard with high-quality backlighting.

The back row in the Toyota Camry, like in the Corolla, quite comfortably accommodates three adults with enough legroom. However, it is difficult for the driver and passenger in the front seat to talk about comfort - low seat backs and flat pillows. The advantages of the seats include soft leather upholstery, automatic adjustment to 6 positions, position setting with memory.

When comparing Avensis or Mazda 6, it should be noted that the interior design is more expensive and even the plastic is of better quality. The center console is framed in glossy black plastic and it is in it that the display is located, which displays the parameters of the climate system.

The front row of seats are trimmed with perforated leather for maximum comfort. There isn't a lot of space in the back row, but two adults will fit without a problem, especially if they have something to compare with.

Specifications

The Toyota Camry engine with the update increased its volume by 100 ml and received additional power, but there was no significant change - the car is still smooth and unhurried. The fuel consumption of this car is 13-15 liters per 100 km. The car moves so smoothly that small bumps in the road surface are not noticeable at all, and therefore the comparison is not in favor of the Mazda 6.

Mazda 6 is fast and dynamic - acceleration to 100 km / h takes 7.8 seconds. The 6-position gearbox responds quickly to any shift, and the engine responds beautifully when the fuel supply is increased. The average consumption is 10 liters per 100 km.

Mazda 6 is quite capable of competing with sports cars. The car behaves well on turns and changes in the roadway. Each turn is under the full control of the driver. The steering wheel responds to any movement and, despite the bulkiness, the car easily enters even the sharpest turns, which is worth noting when making a comparative analysis.

Soundproofing the Mazda 6 interior is the eternal problem of this car. Engineers from time to time are trying to amend and solve this issue. We can say that the updated version of the Mazda 6 is really almost soundproof. The cabin is comfortable and the soft sound from the rustling of gravel under the wheels will in no way spoil the mood of the driver and staying in it can be compared with luxury options.

If we talk about solidity in combination with technical characteristics, then the choice is obvious - Mazda 6 undoubtedly wins. Toyota Camry is more respectable, but significantly inferior to Mazda 6 in terms of content.

The price factor is commensurate, and therefore the choice of a Mazda 6 or a Toyota Camry is only yours - the solidity of a Toyota Camry or the high-quality sporty character of the Mazda 6. Whatever you choose, it is unlikely that you will go unnoticed driving any of these cars.

Mazda 6 vs Toyota Camry? The comparison is certainly quite arbitrary and there will always be those who will furiously prove the superiority of one brand over another, and everyone has their own arguments which is better. But if you want to get a family car with a dynamic character and economical fuel consumption, then choose the Mazda 6.

© 2023 globusks.ru - Car repair and maintenance for beginners