Today, the market for large sedans (class D and D +) has a huge selection. The main thing is to decide: for the same money you can buy either a car that meets your requirements, or not. It's important to prioritize.
Cars Skoda Superb and Mazda 6 are in diametrically opposite planes. Might have to compare. But it is this difference that allows you to evaluate all the facets of competitors and make your choice.
What to choose: Skoda Superb or Mazda 6?
Appearances are deceptive
Skoda Superb - representative, roomy and expensive. Even its front optics are made in the shape of a diamond. Expensive dress suit. And Skoda is not a real sedan, but a liftback - the trunk of the car rises along with the rear window.
Mazda 6 is sporty, fast and light. Sports suit of the Olympic champion. “Movement embodied in metal” – this is how the exterior of the Mazda 6 can be called. The body is dominated by expressive lines that convey the strength and grace of the fastest predator on Earth – the cheetah.
We compare the closest modifications. Mazda 6 is equipped with a 192-horsepower engine paired with a 6-speed "automatic", the Skoda Superb has a 180-horsepower turbo engine, aggregated with a 7-speed robotic gearbox.
Passport data
| Model | Mazda6 | Skoda Superb |
| body type | sedan | liftback |
| Number of doors/seats | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Length, mm | 4870 | 4833 |
| Width, mm | 1840 | 1817 |
| Height, mm | 1450 | 1462 |
| Wheel base, mm | 2830 | 2761 |
| Track front / rear, mm | 1585/1575 | 1545/1518 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1410 | 1508 |
| Gross weight, kg | 2005 | 2071 |
| Trunk volume, l | 438 | 595 |
| Type | gasoline direct injection | gasoline with direct fuel injection and turbocharging |
| Location | front, transverse | front, transverse |
| Number and arrangement of cylinders | 4, in a row | 4, in a row |
| Number of valves | 16 | 16 |
| Working volume, cm³ | 2488 | 1798 |
| Max. power, hp/r/min | 192/5700 | 152/4500–6200 |
| Max. torque, N m/r/min | 256/3250 | 250/1500–4500 |
| Transmission | automatic six-speed | robotic seven-speed |
| Drive unit | front | front |
| Front suspension | independent, spring, McPherson | |
| Rear suspension | independent, spring, multi-link | |
| Front brakes | disc ventilated | disc ventilated |
| Rear brakes | disk | disc ventilated |
| Tires | 225/45 R19 | 225/45R17 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 165 | 139 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 223 | 210 |
| Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h, s | 7,8 | 8,4 |
| - urban cycle | 8,7 | 9,3 |
| - suburban cycle | 5,2 | 5,6 |
| - mixed cycle | 6,5 | 7,0 |
| Toxicity rate | Euro 4 | Euro 5 |
| Fuel tank capacity, l | 62 | 60 |
Internal filling
Inside, Skoda is as strict and presentable as it is outside. Everything is in its place. Ergonomics at the highest level. It feels like you have been going here for many years and you know everything. The quality of materials is impeccable. The central armrest is adjustable in height. The feeling of space is indescribable. You can put a personal driver behind the wheel of a Skoda and go to a social event.
The Mazda salon gives the feeling of a sports car: a hard seat, a high transmission tunnel, a front panel turned to the left, a low roof. All major vehicle controls are grouped around the driver. This is a machine for personal control! With all this, Japanese ergonomics is in no way inferior. Is that the plastic in the design a little more.
The rear seats of the Mazda 6 are spacious enough for a business class: there is enough space above your head and up to the front seats, the shape is perfect. There is heating and a comfortable armrest with cup holders. Everything seems to be fine ... until you transfer to the passenger seats in a Czech car.
There is real space and comfort at the executive class level. A person of average height can practically stretch his legs. There is much more headroom than the competitor. In addition, Skoda offers its own climate and window blinds for rear passengers. 
The luggage compartments of our cars differ significantly. At Skoda, it is very voluminous - as much as 595 liters, at Mazda - only 438 liters. At the same time, the “Czech” boasts a full-size spare wheel, while the “Japanese” has only a “dokatka”. Think for yourself - decide for yourself!
Go
The debate about which type of engine is better for the same power and torque parameters - a large-volume atmospheric or small-displacement turbo engine does not subside. In this case, a Japanese-made atmospheric power plant is preferable. The Mazda engine clearly responds to pressing the accelerator pedal. Skoda reacts to pedal actions less adequately: at low speeds, a “turbo pause” is noticeable. At the same time, the Superb engine is noticeably quieter, but the Mazda one has "sporty" notes.
Conceptual differences in car transmissions showed the merits of the "classic automatic". Mazda's hydromechanical gearbox allows you to switch in time with active movement in the stream and allows you to calmly move in traffic jams. Skoda's robotic transmission with two clutches, during sharp accelerations, responds with slow reactions and “pulls” in the start-stop mode.
Mazda's "sharp" and light steering (2.6 turns from lock to lock) allows you to maneuver confidently. With increasing speed, the force on the steering wheel increases proportionally. The steering of the car is neutral, there are practically no rolls. The Six responds quickly and accurately to the actions of the driver. A real driver's car.
The steering of the Czech car is less “sharp” (2.75 turns from lock to lock). The return action on the steering wheel is more natural. Vehicle responses are smoother and more relaxed. Banks in the turn more than the Mazda, but his behavior remains quite correct. Only in a rut the car does not maintain stability, and there is no feedback on the steering. There is a feeling of a lack of connection between the wheels and the steering wheel. But this drawback, unfortunately, is common to all representatives of this Volkswagen platform. You can get used to it, but it does not add confidence to the driver.
In terms of smoothness and sound insulation, the Skoda Superb is unrivaled. The car does not notice small cracks and potholes in the asphalt, and only soft shocks are felt on bumps. Mazda 6 with dense suspension reacts sharply to potholes and microprofile. But this does not cause discomfort, the energy intensity of the suspension is at the level.
Choice
There is no winner or loser in our comparison. Mazda 6 and Skoda Superb are outstanding cars, each in its own way. The Czech car proved itself in the field of spaciousness and comfort, the Japanese one performed with dignity in the section of handling and movement. In general, the cars performed smoothly. Mazda 6 or Skoda Octavia models are not comparable here.
Mazda is a car for an energetic, purposeful and sociable person.
Skoda will like it - calm and personable.
In this case, the choice must be made from personal priorities and goals that you set when buying a car of the class in question.
And in conclusion, the price of the issue: Skoda Superb can be bought for 1,300,000 - 2,400,000 rubles, and Mazda 6 - 1,324,000 - 1,699,600 rubles.
In basic configurations, the Volkswagen Passat will cost 1,329,000 - 2,079,000 rubles. Skoda Superb can be bought for 1,249,000 - 2,416,000 rubles, and Mazda 6 - 1,224,000 - 1,699,600 rubles. In our market, an all-wheel drive system is attached only to Skoda with a minimum price tag of 2,061,000 rubles.
Today we will look at three sedans that are firmly entrenched in the Russian market and will compete with each other for superiority in our comparison. The perfect couple would be Skodasuperb andVolkswagenPassat 2016, which not only belong to the same class, but are also built on the same working platform. In addition, they are equipped with identical 1.8-liter turbo engines and a DSG automatic transmission. The Japanese sedan will be able to dilute the tandem Mazda 6 2016, equipped with a 2.5-liter atmospheric unit with the usual "automatic". Executive Czech sedan habitually strict and rectangular. You can find many similarities with the German Passat, but the latter has, in addition to everything, a double-leaf tailgate. However, the design vwPassat became more stylish, due to a wider grille and a sloping hood.
ForPassat is available with several gasoline 125-180-horsepower turbo units that work with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed "robot"DSG model rangeDQ200.
Updating the interior does not conflict with the strict design. The driver's seat received only partial electrical equipment, but for a complete package with ventilation, you need to pay another 50 thousand 740 rubles. The rear sofa is better suited for two passengers, as the third will not be too comfortable with a high tunnel and low ceiling.
In general, the interior of the German sedan is not surprising. Already familiar shape, familiar design and excellent ergonomics with matching quality. Of the innovations, it is worth noting a new multimedia panel, as well as expanded air ducts.
Based on the same platform Skodasuperb 2016 has a more modest design and quality. The sedan will not be able to boast of a wide range of options. Although this does not prevent him from remaining as comfortable and practical.
Japanese Salon Mazda 6 is in no way inferior in assembly and quality, but the multimedia complex is a bit disappointing. The front panel feels a little better, which will provide more space and interesting instrument design.
Skoda has more powerful supercharged petrol units of the "four" than the Passat. Their return varies from 125 to 280 hp. The type of transmission is determined by the type of motor.
Salon Superba will remind many of another version - Octavia. The seats are very comfortable and provide good lateral support. By the way, this sedan is best suited for large people. The rear sofa will offer the greatest amount of free space, has an excellent level of comfort and is suitable for 3 passengers.
driving position Mazda 6 located lower than we would like, because of which you have to stretch your legs. The gas pedal is on the floor, the seat has good lateral support, and the steering wheel is vertical. As you can see, quite a sporty option. The view is not the best, due to the littered windshield pillars. Passengers on the back sofa will be a little uncomfortable, as the roof is sloping and can rest on the head of tall people. Of course, you can adjust the backs and add some space, but it was hardly intended. Because riding reclining is not the best idea. However, there is a lot of free legroom.
For potential owners of the Japanese sedan, atmospheric gasoline units with a volume of 2 and 2.5 liters with a capacity of 150 and 192 hp are provided. respectively. The two-liter is available with a manual gearbox, and the other is available exclusively with a 6-speed "automatic".
The front panel is sheathed with material of incomprehensible quality, and plastic is present in almost every detail. The dashboard also transmits information to a small screen similar to the Passat one. Naturally, it is optional. The driver's seat is stiff and has low lumbar support. The rear seats are quite spacious, but there is no separate climate control or curtain airbags.
Updated VolkswagenPassat 2016 will be more favorable to the rear seated passengers. The sofa is more comfortable and wider, there is a separate climate control, there are air curtains, but there is about the same head and legroom. Moreover, you can easily activate the seat heating, unlike the Mazda 6, where the buttons are located on the inside of the armrest. The driver will be more comfortable due to the higher ceiling and easy visibility. Moreover, the German sedan will offer you the possibility of excellent steering and seat adjustment, in which the bottom cushion can be extended.
Most likely, the Japanese sedan will still conquer motorists with its attractive design and good price, but not the level of handling. Moreover, it will be easier to insure it.
The automatic climate control mode of the "six" often blows on the legs, but forgets about the windows. Next to its control button is a selector of engine operating modes, and an electromechanical handbrake and a multimedia complex control panel.
For the Czech sedan, a high level of steering wheel and driver's seat settings were provided. However, the length of the bottom cushion cannot be adjusted, and its back is a little in the way due to its bulge. Landing has an even greater height than in a German car. Rear passengers will be very comfortable, due to the ability to move the front seat with just one button and a huge amount of free space. The sofa itself is very comfortable and has soft headrests. As additional equipment, you can order a rear curtain airbag, but the side ones are already included.
During the test drive, the turbo engine of the German sedan showed a fuel consumption of 11.3 l/100 km, and the Czech one - 12.4 l/100 km. The atmospheric unit of the Japanese car "ate" 10.9 l / 100 km.
The Passat is equipped with a heated steering wheel, which you will not find in the Superb and Mazda 6. But in general, the list of available options is not so large, as evidenced by the small plugs at the gearbox. The whole list is "start / stop",ESP plus protective curtain for the rear window.
ride on Skodasuperb 2016 very comfortable, due to the passive chassis and 17-inch wheels. Noise isolation is at a high level, and the suspension allows you to calmly go through any bumps. The only noticeable minus is the high buildup of the body on the track. Buyers in Russia will not be pleased with Monroe electronically controlled shock absorbers, which provide a smoother ride. It's a pity, because the sedan is not so good when cornering: the level of roll is quite high, and the steering does not provide proper response. Nevertheless, the stabilizing system does its job and allows you to freely use high-quality brakes, which, by the way, work at the expense of not the best long-stroke pedal.
The electric power steering is similar to the Passat and provides artificial weighting when cornering. Fortunately, it knows how to properly control it.
Superb is equipped with a heated windshield, but there are no filaments in it. The situation is similar in the Passat. Around the "robot" lever you will find various buttons for controlling driving modes, parking assistant, as well as opening the tailgate. However, the stabilizing system cannot be turned off completely, unlike traction control.
german sedan VolkswagenPassat 2016 has a similar system of passive shock absorbers, but it does its job perfectly without an electronically controlled package. The car is equipped with 17-inch wheels and they serve better than Skoda. Even with a stiffer profile and greater sensitivity to bumps, they are virtually silent and maintain a high level of comfort. Moreover, the German sedan will bring much more driving pleasure. Yes, the steering sometimes goes too far with too much sensitivity, but in general, everything is fine. Minimum roll, responsiveness at a high level, and the braking system responds to everything quickly and reliably. What can you say, German quality!
Mazda has the highest noise level when driving. The Skoda is in the middle, while the Passat is the quietest option. To a greater extent, the rumble produced comes from the tire configuration option.
The Superb is equipped with a classic dashboard with conventional indicators, and the multimedia panel is identical to the Passatovsky and costs about 72 thousand rubles. The diagonal is quite large, but the image and responsiveness of the touch screen are not of the best quality. Optional audio systemCanton with good quality at 610 W is available for 28 thousand rubles.
The Japanese version of the facelifted sedan is a much better driver experience. It will provide the owner with a high level of handling, excellent brakes and a dense suspension. However, such sports equipment is not always appropriate. The stabilizing system can be completely disabled, like the German sedan. However, the Mazda 6 allows you to use a skid while letting off the gas. Because of this, smoothness and noise isolation suffer. Therefore, you will have to drive along the road accompanied by constant vibrations and be especially attentive to pits and other irregularities.
Our tested Mazda 6, just like the Superb, could boast of a retention system in the indicated lane. But here's the problem! The Japanese sedan reacts too sharply to errors due to a specific electric amplifier.
The dashboard of a Japanese sedan will be familiar to many, and the multimedia complex pleases with its speed, navigation system and Internet access. The screen is smaller, and the image quality cannot boast of high resolution.
Mazda 6 2016 has less weight than Skodasuperb 2016 for 80 kg. And the power plant is more powerful and productive: 2.5 l / 192 hp / 256 Nm. That is why the car demonstrates the best performance in acceleration: up to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds. For competitors, these figures stopped at 7.9 s and 8.1 s. Mazda 6 accelerates perfectly and starts to really open up at 3500-6000 rpm. Sport mode only contributes to the aggressive nature of the sedan. Overall, the 6-speed automatic transmission is also quite good and complements the car well.
The base chassis of the Passat has optimal settings, along with adaptive dampersDCC, which can be purchased for 34,120 rubles. It is worth noting the optional function of simulating differential lockXDS, which costs 11 thousand and will provide significant assistance in the corners.
The dashboard has a virtual concept and a diagonal of 12 inches. An 8-inch touch screen will be available on the top-of-the-line Passat. Moreover, only this sedan will offer a surround view camera, and the multimedia complex supports synchronization with smartphones, thanks toMirrorlink and alsoWi-fi. The same system is installed in Superb.
The power of the Czech and German sedans is 180 hp, which makes them the quietest in comparison. However, the preselective transmission is much faster than the Japanese "automatic". The start of the movement has a second delay, but then everything goes like clockwork. Moreover, the Passat will be faster than the Superb, as well as in acceleration from a standstill. This is evidenced by the passport data. Such results are due to the greater focus of the Czech sedan on a high level of comfort than in other models.
The optics of the Passat and Mazda 6 are made using adaptive LEDs, and the Skoda is made using bi-xenon lamps. Naturally, this equipment is offered for an additional fee. The rear optics are standard LED.
Wheels of various diameters are also optional: Passat and Superb are equipped with 17-inch wheels, and Mazda 6 - 19-inch ones. Only the Passat has special impenetrable tires.
The robotic gearbox of the German sedan is in practice much more nimble than that of competitors. And the sport mode allows you to withstand a certain gear longer. The Czech sedan has a smoother gearbox, but some jolts are noticeable in city traffic. Both cars have a problem with driving uphill, when the vibration is transferred to the inside of the cabin. The Japanese sedan does not have this problem.
Skoda will offer the most voluminous trunk: 625-1760 liters with various hooks, nets, partitions and lights. The automatic door can open up to 1868 mm in height. The German sedan has 586 liters of volume, but will provide the owner with the same level of comfort. Mazda 6 has the smallest trunk of 438 liters, and only a moderate loading height and the ability to fold the rear seat backs can be distinguished from the advantages. In addition, Mazda only holds a stowage under the floor, unlike competitors with a full-size wheel.
The Passat's sales index is 1208 models. Superb was sold in the amount of 639 liters, and Mazda 6 - 6895 models, which is the highest figure in Russia among these models.
Direct-injection turbo engines and DQ200 robotic gearboxes, along with a dry clutch, can cause some distrust on the part of buyers. After all, their lifespan is, nevertheless, under some doubt. Nevertheless, this configuration of the Passat and Superba is perfect for solving many problems and provides a high level of comfort. If we compare cars purely by these qualities, then the Japanese Mazda 6 sedan will yield to its competitors. But he is the only one who can aggressively move and "fire". So, here the personal preferences of each motorist already come into force. A business sedan is a Passat or a Superb, and a sports car for the soul is a Mazda 6. The choice is yours!
Passport
| Model | Volkswagen Passat 1.8TSI | Skoda Superb 1.8TSI | Mazda 6 2.5 |
| Body | |||
| body type | sedan | liftback | sedan |
| Number of doors/seats | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Length, mm | 4767 | 4861 | 4870 |
| Width, mm | 1832 | 1864 | 1840 |
| Height, mm | 1456 | 1468 | 1451 |
| Wheel base, mm | 2791 | 2841 | 2830 |
| Track front / rear, mm | 1584/1568 | 1584/1572 | 1595/1585 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1480 | 1485 | 1400 |
| Gross weight, kg | 2030 | 2030 | 2000 |
| Trunk volume, l | 586 | 625–1761 | 429 |
Engine |
|||
| Type | gasoline with direct fuel injection and turbocharging | gasoline direct injection | |
| Location | front, transverse | front, transverse | front, transverse |
| Number and arrangement of cylinders | 4, in a row | 4, in a row | 4, in a row |
| Number of valves | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Working volume, cm³ | 1798 | 1798 | 2488 |
| Max. power, hp/r/min | 180/5100−6200 | 180/5100–6200 | 192/5700 |
| Max. torque, N m/r/min | 250/1250−5000 | 250/1250–5000 | 256/3250 |
Transmission |
|||
| Transmission | robotic, seven-speed | automatic, six-speed | |
| Drive unit | front | front | front |
Chassis |
|||
| Front suspension | independent, spring, McPherson | independent, spring, McPherson | |
| Rear suspension | independent, spring, multi-link | independent, spring, multi-link | |
| Front brakes | disc ventilated | disc ventilated | disc, ventilated |
| Rear brakes | disk | disk | disk |
| Tires | 215/55 R17 | 215/55 R17 | 225/45 R19 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 160 | 149 | 165 |
Performance characteristics |
|||
| Maximum speed, km/h | 232 | 232 | 223 |
| Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h, s | 7,9 | 8,1 | 7,8 |
Fuel consumption, l/100 km |
|||
| - urban cycle | 7,1 | 7,1 | 8,7 |
| - suburban cycle | 5,0 | 5,0 | 5,2 |
| - mixed cycle | 5,8 | 5,8 | 6,5 |
| Toxicity rate | Euro 5 | Euro 6 | Euro 4 |
| Fuel tank capacity, l | 66 | 66 | 62 |
| Fuel | AI-95 | AI-95 | AI-95 |
Complete set
| Basic equipment | Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI Comfortline | Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI Ambition | Mazda 6 2.5 Active |
| Front airbags | + | + | + |
| Side airbags | + | + | + |
| Inflatable "curtains" | + | + | + |
| Isofix child seat attachment | + | + | + |
| Dynamic stabilization system | + | + | + |
| Tire pressure sensor | + | + | + |
| Dual zone climate control | + | + | + |
| Heated windshield | + | – | – |
| Heated front seats | + | + | + |
| Light sensor | + | + | + |
| Rain sensor | + | + | + |
| Heated washer nozzles | – | + | – |
| Steering column with tilt and reach adjustment | + | + | + |
| Heated and electrically adjustable outside rear-view mirrors | – | + | – |
| Electrochromic outside rear view mirror on the driver's side | + | – | – |
| Heated exterior mirrors, electrically adjustable and auto-folding | + | – | + |
| Electrochromic interior mirror | + | – | + |
| Multifunction steering wheel | + | + | + |
| Leather steering wheel | + | + | + |
| Heated steering wheel | + | – | – |
| On-board computer | + | + | + |
| Cruise control | – | + | |
| CD player with MP3 support | + | + | + |
| USB input | + | + | + |
| Integrated Bluetooth hands free system | + | + | + |
| Immobilizer | + | + | + |
| LED low and high beam headlights | + | – | – |
| Fog lights | + | + | + |
| rear parking sensors | – | + | – |
| Parking sensors front and rear | + | – | – |
| Electromechanical parking brake | + | – | + |
| Alloy wheels | + | + | + |
|
Additional equipment Volkswagen Passat |
|||
| Highline version | 280 000 | ||
| - virtual dashboard | |||
| - navigation system | |||
| - Mirrorlink support | |||
| - trunk lid servo | |||
| - comfortable front seats | |||
| - Upholstery in leather and Alcantara | |||
| - three-zone climate control | |||
| - Rear View Camera | |||
| Comfort package | 52 650 | ||
| - Cruise control | |||
| - contour lighting in the cabin | |||
| - heated rear seats | |||
| - Electric sunshade on the rear window | |||
| - heated washer nozzles | |||
| - 230 V socket at the rear of the center console | |||
| Advanced Security Package | 15 760 | ||
| - side airbags for second row passengers | |||
| metallic color | 23 780 | ||
| Upgraded Nappa leather front seats with partially power driver's seat | 38 260 | ||
| Surround cameras | 49 820 | ||
| wood finish | 5320 | ||
| Adaptive LED headlights | 29 170 | ||
| Dynaudio audio system with 11 speakers and subwoofer | 63 270 | ||
| Electronic simulated differential lock | 11 030 | ||
| Anti-theft alarm | 17 320 | ||
Additional equipment Skoda Superb |
|||
| Style | 187 000 | ||
| - electrochromic interior mirror | |||
| - driver's knee airbag | |||
| - adaptive bi-xenon headlights | |||
| - heated rear seats | |||
| - light alloy wheels with a diameter of 17 inches | |||
| - plastic clips in the trunk | |||
| - removable flashlight in the trunk | |||
| Power front seats with memory function at the driver's seat | 20 500 | ||
| Driving Mode Selection System | 5400 | ||
| Three-zone climate control | 13 400 | ||
| Luke | 49 800 | ||
| Parking heater with remote control | 48 800 | ||
| Keyless Entry System | 20 100 | ||
| Anti-theft alarm | 14 800 | ||
| Functional package for rear passengers (tablet holder, two USB inputs, 230V socket) | 15 200 | ||
| Heated windshield | 14 300 | ||
| Leather trim | 77 400 | ||
| High Beam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist | 51 500 | ||
| Contour interior lighting | 8000 | ||
| Parking sensors front and rear plus automatic parking system | 16 700 | ||
| Canton audio system with 11 speakers and subwoofer | 27 700 | ||
| Multimedia complex Columbus with navigation | 72 600 | ||
| Internet access via Wi-Fi | 12 000 | ||
| Power front passenger seat on the rear passenger side | 2700 | ||
| A set of nets in the trunk | 2800 | ||
| Adaptive cruise control | 19 100 | ||
| Rear wiper | 4200 | ||
| Rear View Camera | 19 100 | ||
| Trunk lid servo | 22 100 | ||
| Sunblinds on the rear side windows | 14 400 | ||
| metallic color | 23 700 | ||
Additional equipment Mazda 6 |
|||
| Supreme Plus version | 235 600 | ||
| - leather upholstery of seats and interior door panels | |||
| - heated rear seats | |||
| - keyless entry system | |||
| - electrically adjustable driver's seat | |||
| - driver's seat position memory | |||
| - projector readings on the windshield | |||
| - parking sensors front and rear | |||
| - Rear View Camera | |||
| - adaptive LED headlights | |||
| - light alloy wheels with a diameter of 19 inches | |||
| Package 4 | 181 400 | ||
| - electric sunshade on the rear window | |||
| - hatch | |||
| - blind spot monitoring system | |||
| - lane departure warning system | |||
| - automatic braking system before an obstacle | |||
| - 11-speaker Bose audio system | |||
| - automatic switching of high beam headlights to low beam | |||
| - navigation system | |||
| metallic color | 16 500 | ||
| Model | Volkswagen Passat | Skoda Superb | Mazda 6 |
| The price of the basic configuration with this engine, rubles | 1 799 000 | 1 632 000 | 1 464 000 |
| The price of the tested car, rubles | 2 385 380 | 2 395 300 | 1 897 500 |
Last year, a front-wheel drive Skoda Superb with a 2.0-liter 220-horsepower engine from Audi (CHHB index) was purchased by 162 people, of whom 119 chose, as expected, the basic version of Ambition for 2.2 million rubles. Not too popular version? Yes, and we took it in a comparative test simply because even before the first driving Russian presentation of the restyled Mazda6, a sample of the “six” with a 2.5-liter turbo engine fell into our hands, and Skoda, according to nominal characteristics, turned out to be the first suitable car for comparison. However, as it turned out, there is no better sparring partner for Mazda6 in Russia now.
The turbocharged "six" with a new appearance for our market went on sale at the end of last year. The car immediately showed its potential, leaving no doubt that in the first quarter of 2019 it will beat the competing Czech version. It is unlikely that Skoda will be very upset, because the Czech sedan is imported into our country, its margin is high, and the last place in the brand’s sales structure is predetermined: all other Skodas presented in Russia are also assembled here (some rare modifications, like Laurin & Klement , does not count).
At the same time, questions like “why it’s possible to assemble Superb in Kazakhstan, but not here” have no basis, since our southern neighbor is assembling according to a screwdriver cycle, which we just don’t need - the state has long been behind it does not provide benefits. But what about the Mazda6, which is also assembled with a “screwdriver” in the Far East? Yes, there is such a thing, however, the Mazda Sollers plant there does not benefit at all from the automobile assembly, although the enterprise also has obligations to deepen it, but from the assembly of engines, which will be finally adjusted only to.
These two sedans on the Russian market have completely different paths and paths. Skoda has always tried to present the widest possible range of Superba versions - they say, we don’t slurp cabbage soup, one foot is already in premium. Mazda, on the contrary, not being able to compete with a member of the VW family in terms of the breadth of performance, offered the minimum that guarantees the high interest of our buyer.
Three weeks ago, I drove on the route Vladivostok - Nakhodka Andrey Glazkov, director of the Russian representative office of Mazda for marketing. Andrey sat in the back seat and for an hour and a half commented on the work of the rear suspension (the roads are not Moscow ones!), And in the meantime I asked why the same Superba had an all-wheel drive version in Russia, and the Mazda6, available in Europe with all leading in a two-volume body, we do not sell. The only argument of the chief marketer is the specific attitude of Russians towards diesel engines: the Mazda6 4WD comes with a heavy-fuel engine. “Remember our failure with diesels on the CX-5? We won't try again."
What is true is true - sales of diesel CX-5s were tiny, no more than half a percent of total sales. However, the diesel engine, despite the complexity of the design (adjusting the valve lift height on the exhaust shaft, piezo injectors) did not give the expected efficiency. Here the question is different: is all-wheel drive now needed on D-class sedans, and even those designed on bogies with a transverse arrangement of the power unit?
Winter is the driver, triumphant ...
Our comparative test fell on the snowiest time of this Moscow winter, so both participants had the opportunity to answer this question. Most clearly, I would even say, categorically, without doubt in her voice and hesitation, Skoda announced the verdict: “No, it’s not needed.”
Frankly, I do not remember such snow-covered Moscow roads as they were in late January - early February. Usually there was a lot of snow in the narrow central lanes and courtyards, but here, despite the painful efforts of public utilities, all the big city highways were covered in snow.
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The authorities strongly recommended not to get behind the wheel, but I got into a Skoda and drove - at first slowly, then faster and more recklessly, and then completely forgot that under the wheels there was a mosaic of densely rolled snow and icy asphalt. The clutch under the wheels changed ten times per second, I maneuvered - somewhere smoothly, somewhere sharply, but the car practically did not move off course. The electronics, of course, worked continuously, especially the system of simulating differential locking by brake mechanisms, but without clicks, rattles and sudden strangulation of the motor. Only in extreme cases - with a strong "torsion" of the steering wheel - the supply of traction to the wheels slightly weakened, but immediately returned to the norm set by the gas pedal.
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I just wanted to exclaim: “what technology has come to!”. Frankly, I don’t remember that in a car of the middle price segment, rescue electronics worked, on the one hand, so delicately and imperceptibly, on the other hand, effectively. True, looking at the price of our test copy, the word "budget" comes to mind last.
The exact, but, for my taste, very light steering wheel, tenacious brakes of rather high sensitivity and suspension contribute to the sum of impressions. I will dwell on this point in more detail. With active maneuvering, elastic elements prevent strong body rolls, which, together with a light steering wheel, at first misleads a driver, especially an inexperienced one: an illusion arises that the Superb is a small, highly maneuverable car that easily rebuilds, takes sharp turns, instantly accelerates and slows down. No, this is not entirely true, although the same powerful engine, which even in Comfort mode gives an excellent start, and on the track shows confident opportunities for gaining momentum when driving from stationary modes, also plays into this illusion.
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Still, Superb is not a compact class, but a relatively heavy, inertial car. To see this, take a ride on the "popular" version of the Superba with an "inflated" small-capacity TSI under the hood.
Actually, what is this remark for? Moreover, the agility of such a car turns into a solid fuel consumption: dynamic driving around a city littered with snow will cost 17 l / 100 km and more, and a light steering wheel can so weaken the driver’s vigilance that at one fine moment he simply won’t catch the first symptoms electronics losing its vigilance. On the other hand, such a bust with snow on the road is still an extreme situation. You just need to slow down on the gas and not so violently turn the steering wheel.
In limbo
The suspension of the Superba, although not stiff, feels uncomfortable at our joints - and the passengers of the sedan along with it. With a deaf "thumbling" on the rebound, pits and single transverse obstacles are overcome. However, you can add comfort again by reducing the speed. Meanwhile, the question arises: what to pay for? For confident driving on dry roads? Yes, Superba's electronics cope with bad weather better than many, but still, they ask for almost three million rubles for our test version, and this is not the most expensive equipment! Maybe it's stupid to take the Audi A4? There, at least, for the "three-ruble note" and all-wheel drive, and the motor is more powerful.
As for the Mazda6, we talked in detail about the metamorphoses of its suspension in the restyled version in the first test drive, however, it took place on dry and very bad roads between Vladivostok and Nakhodka - two obese passengers in the back seat in my car groaned, sighed and asked to slow down from 90 km/h to 70… I wonder what they would say after riding that route in a Superb…
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In Moscow, the “six” felt much better than in its native Far East, demonstrating both a higher ride smoothness than when driving on warped asphalt, and better stability. Meanwhile, it is Superbu, and not Mazda, who succeeds very well with the effect of the “flying carpet” - that is, the immobility of the body while driving, but engineers cannot yet combine it with the smooth working out of passing obstacles. Yes, Skoda is not premium yet!
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The main difference between the Mazda6 suspension and the Skodov one is the presence of a noticeable first vertical oscillation when crossing an obstacle with two wheels. It is this that gives the feeling of swaying, amplitude. Not to say that this caused any particular discomfort if the body did not tilt at the top point - either relative to the longitudinal axis when the car moves in a straight line, or across - in a turn. In general, if we talk about the ideal suspension, then probably it should be a little softer than the Superb, work out the joints, but also not allow the car to make such vibrations as in the Mazda. It is interesting that this “oscillatory” feature appeared in the “Japanese” precisely with restyling: for some reason, its suspension was made softer. These are not our fantasies - the “softening” of the elastic elements was officially confirmed to us by Mitsuru Wakiye, Mazda Development Program Manager.
As for the behavior on snowy ground, here the “Japanese” is inferior to its European classmate in the sense that it starts to carry it much earlier, and the electronics are no longer so sterile, although they do not allow the critical threshold to be exceeded. In any case, the "Mazdovskiy" chassis with new "restyled" settings, which deserved a fair dose of criticism from fellow journalists on the first test, looks like a product of sorting out options, and not like an optimal solution.
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Actually, installing new springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bushings is not a cat that sneezed you. Such a radical shake-up is usually not accompanied by a facelift. It is not clear what caused these changes, but the Japanese failed to achieve a radical improvement in the characteristics of the suspension.
Application of force
Both cars have automatic transmissions with an outdated number of steps today - 6. In Skoda, this is partly due to the high output of the motor: it is its moment (350 Nm) that can digest the FD6D9011 of the DQ250 (02E) series with two wet clutches. In terms of smoothness of operation, it practically approached the classical "hydromechanics" - at least it does not cause any obvious inconvenience to the driver.
Salon Skoda Superb Another thing is that I would like - since we are talking about such an expensive car as Superb - to get at least the possibility of fully manual control. Here, even in the sporty and nominally “manual” (M - Manual) mode, the electronics, barely holding the speed near the red zone, resets the stage and does not allow the motor to “turn”. Such “fool protection” along with non-switchable ESP is not serious.
However, the Japanese classic unit on Mazda, along with the basic one, gives only one sports mode, when selected, the response of the engine to the movement of the gas pedal only slightly improves, and the gears are switched at a slightly higher speed.
Salon Mazda6 The only situation in which the Japanese hydromechanics looked more preferable was associated with the same snowfalls. One night we left the cars in the parking lot, which turned into virgin snow overnight - not only was it not easy to get out of there, but at some point Superb’s position seemed hopeless: his “double clutch” clicked its clutches, getting confused between the first and second gear. As a result, our most experienced colleague and part-time jeeper amateur Andrey Sudbin tore the car out of the snow captivity. But Mazda6 quite calmly, with insignificant slippage and even without disabling the ESP, plowed the entire site. And one more thing: both automatic transmissions can be controlled by the petals in the “semi-automatic” mode. Mazda's are just fine.
The Skyactiv-2.5T engine already has a “normal” compression ratio of 10.5, and not 13.0, like all Skyactiv “aspirated” engines, but much of its character comes from its closest naturally aspirated relative of 2.5 liters. Maybe because these motors are practically unified in design? They even have a common “geometry”, namely the cylinder diameter (89.0 mm), the piston stroke (100 mm) and even the working volume - 2,488 cm3.
In general, it seems that the Japanese engine is difficult to spin up, the situation is not so acute with reactions, and there is much more noise from it even with the throttle half open than from the Czech - sorry, German - unit, already starting from medium crankshaft speed. True, it was the “Japanese” who showed that in terms of efficiency, he is not only in no way inferior to the “German”, but, on the contrary, confidently surpasses him, and the denser the flow, and the more “torn” the rhythm of movement, the more noticeable the difference. However, with relatively moderate driving in an average city, an experienced driver on both machines will easily get out of 11 l / 100 km.
What am I leading to? Against the background of its competitor in this test, the Mazda6 does not look far behind in terms of consumer qualities, but rather “not so modern”. And from the fact that against the background of other classmates - say, Toyota Camry - the "six" seems to be an unconditional favorite, it should not be easier for the managers of the Russian branch of Mazda, because the "six" cannot compete in price with Toyota, which is assembled in our country in a full cycle . Moreover, the updated interior of the “six” in some places causes a slight bewilderment: with the restyling, the central screen has increased by an inch, the style and design of the scales have changed, and then all the harmony parted. Tell me, why did they make the white backlight of the speedometer more “cold” than on the extreme sections? Yes, and that's not the point - do you remember that sometime the last restyling of a model in a generation was accompanied by such strong changes in technology? For what? Spinning in place?
Mazda or Skoda?
What do men want? The list of basic desires of the strong half of humanity has long been known: money, wine, weapons, women. And of course cars! Now only the naive believe that a car for a modern man is nothing more than a means of transportation. No! Four-wheeled vehicles have long gone beyond these narrow limits. But the choice is now huge, and it is very important to understand: for the same amount you can buy a car that fully meets your needs, and does not meet them at all. It's all about priorities! We have brought together Mazda6 sedans, Toyota Camry, and Skoda Superb convertible not for the sake of competition. We just want to know: what exactly do men want?
In order to keep the prices of duelists at the same level, we had to put the Skoda Superb in an awkward position. While under the hoods of both "Japanese" almost two hundred strong aspirated with a volume of 2.5 liters work, the "Czech" has only "one and eight". And the return of the “turbo-four” is noticeably lower - 152 forces.
Like a true Japanese woman, Camry is accommodating and inconspicuous. With such external data, she is not destined to become a beauty queen, but you can not be afraid of adultery. Everything is like in life: we meet beautiful people, and we marry … Toyotas!
I won’t go to Camry!” - Timur Sabirov is dumbfounded after filming. The reasons for our photographer's neglect of the D+ class leader are more or less clear to us. And although they don’t look a service horse in the mouth, we have no right to condemn Timur - this is his choice. However, the skewed was Toyota weight mechanism, unexpectedly for everyone, is leveled by our editor-in-chief Mikhail Petrovsky. A well-known adherent of trajectory directions suddenly declares: “Toyota Camry is a great car!” Thank you guys! Without suspecting it, you very accurately indicated the position of the Russians towards this car.
Skoda Superb - a lady who knows her worth! Someone will say that a “Czech” with German citizenship has a too fat ass, someone has gorgeous hips. In any case, external disharmony is justified by internal space.
There are noticeably fewer disputes around other participants in the test. Skoda is scolded for its disproportionate silhouette and heavy stern, and praised for the space on the back sofa and a large trunk. Essentially for the same thing! Well, Mazda ... Even though the “six” was the highlight of this test, in this company it seems to be superfluous. The relative tightness of the cabin deprives her of the opportunity to be nominated for the role of a personal car, while a hired driver can be put behind the wheel of a Toyota and even more so a Skoda. But only Mazda's interior gives the feeling of a cockpit: a high transmission tunnel, a front panel slightly turned to the left, a low roof. All major vehicle controls are grouped around the driver. There is no doubt - he is the boss here!
If you dream of sleeping with a Japanese top model, then buy a Mazda 6. But keep in mind that a fleeting hobby can develop into a serious relationship. With all the ensuing…
And yes, it's a Mazda! As soon as I got behind the wheel of the "six", I already know the principle of climate control, a set of multimedia functions and a way to display traffic information, because both the CX-5 crossover and the new "three" have the front panel composed of the same technoblocks. But why does the decorative panel at the base of the gearshift lever give way at the slightest pressure, and why does the plastic box separating the front riders stagger as if the assemblers forgot to tighten a couple of screws? And the roof here is still too low - on a trip I rub my head against the sun visor.
Gray frivolity, diluted with multi-colored light bulbs, is a thing of the past. Inside, the new "six" is strict and comfortable. Alas, the build quality of the interior sometimes hurts its fingers. But despite this, Mazda gives the joy of touch.
In terms of comfort, Mazda's armchairs and sofas are the best. But against the backdrop of rivals in the cabin is not enough space.
Toyota has no such problems. The doorway is wider and taller than Mazda's, and the front seats are crossover-high. Therefore, you don’t get into the Camry - you go in! But what a diversified front panel! Hard plastic disguises itself as soft, soft as expensive leather, and the leather itself is of very mediocre quality. Plus this inept imitation of wood veneer. In addition, some of the Toyota keys come from the eighties and, according to the old Japanese tradition, are not backlit. And now it seems that under the shell of the representative Camry, the people's Corolla is hiding.
Plastic wood, wooden plastic... If advertising is the engine of trade, then deceit is its control unit! Being in the salon of Toyota, you can not leave the feeling that you were in a three-star hotel room instead of five stars.
The Camry's flat seats are covered in slippery cream-skin-coloured cellophane. But why is it the easiest to breathe in Toyota?!
However, Toyota's rear sofa passengers do not share such skepticism. After all, in addition to basic values (space in the gallery), they also have nice bonuses. The control unit in the central armrest allows you to control the microclimate in your part of the cabin, set up music and adjust the back of the rear sofa equipped with an electric drive. Neither Skoda nor Mazda provide such attention to rear passengers even for a surcharge. However, looking into the trunk, again I want to tear off the hands of Toyota. Not only are the archaic mechanisms of the lid hinges not covered by anything, but the compartment itself is finished extremely carelessly. How neat the trunk of a Japanese car can be, Mazda6 clearly illustrates. Yes, its cargo area loses in volume to Toyota’s (438 liters versus 506 liters), but they obviously didn’t save on finishing. The mating parts are carefully fitted, and the same half-moon-type hinges are hidden under the skin so that when the lid is closed, they do not rest against the luggage.
The interior of Skoda is verified both in style and quality. For complete happiness, only a computer, a table lamp and a secretary are missing.
In the back row of Skoda, there is enough space even for such a giant as Nikolai Valuev. It is a pity that the magnificent-looking front seats turned out to be not very comfortable.
Well, the most thoughtful car in our trio is the Skoda Superb! It doesn't matter whether you look into the trunk, where there are hooks for bags and a set of nets for securing cargo, or sit in the cabin - the level of quality is the highest! Even such a trifle as the effort of the sliding curtain covering the cup holders is perfectly calibrated here. Is it worth talking about the quality of finishing materials and the accuracy of fitting parts? In addition, Superb presents more opportunities for people of different heights and builds. The adjustment ranges of the front seats and steering column are larger than those of Japanese sedans. But here's the annoyance, it's at the wheel of the Superb that I just can't find a comfortable fit: due to the peculiarities of the back, my shoulders do not find proper support.
Transformers are among us! The Skoda Superb sedan hatchback provides better access to luggage than the traditional three-volume Toyota and Mazda.
Mazda's neatly trimmed trunk can accommodate 438 liters of luggage. Backs of a back sofa develop the exhaust coins located in a compartment. The opening is slightly narrower in height.
Hardly 506 liters of Toyota's "backpack" compensate for the intricate shape and wretchedness of the interior. The electrified back of the rear sofa does not recline.
The luggage compartment of the Superba beats competitors both in terms of convenience and numbers - 565-1670 liters.
But how much space in the rear. Even changing to a Skoda from Toyota, you are involuntarily surprised: yes, this is a limousine! If you want, you can cross your legs, or you can just stretch your limbs, taking a comfortable position. True, obese people, leaving the Superb, will have to tighten their muscles to tear their ass off the seat. The car is low! At Mazda, the same problems are exacerbated by smaller spans of doorways. But leaving the "gates" of Toyota, you just slide off to the ground. So, after static exercises, we have a clear leader, Skoda Superb, a car without serious flaws. But how will the Czech perform in dynamic disciplines? After all, its motor is inferior to its competitors both in terms of "cubes" and in terms of power?
Losing to competitors "by passport", the 152-horsepower Skoda turbo engine is ahead of them both when starting from a standstill and when accelerating from medium speeds. With an updated control program, the seven-speed dry-clutch preselection has almost got rid of old ailments. In addition, Volkswagen engineers assure that reliability problems have been resolved.
"One and eight?!" Boris Ulzibat is surprised. Having traveled on the Superb for three days, Borya was sure that such an outstanding dynamics of Skoda was provided by the highest-ranking engine - 2.0 liters with a return of 200 hp. To be honest, I myself, having barely received the car, reached into my pocket for a cheat sheet - a certificate of registration. Maybe something got mixed up? No, that's right. Long live turbocharging! "Turbo" leaves the atmospheric "Japanese" in half the speed of the accelerator, and if you press "to the floor", the Superb discourages downright sports car dynamics. And believe me, the claimed 8.4 seconds to the first hundred will not tell you the whole truth about the dynamics of this car. And what an honest accelerator drive here! The feeling of a direct connection with the motor is broken only when starting from a place, when the electronics, protecting a pair of dry clutches, limits the flow of newton meters. By the way, with the new software, the criticized "preselective" DSG began to work noticeably better. Jerks when pushing in traffic jams have almost disappeared. Although at times the "robot" still does not get into the transmission. But this chronic ailment, as before, is treated by transferring the transmission to Sport mode.
Only the driver of Toyota does not care about either the volume or the return of the motor. Why keep unnecessary information in your head if the creed of the atmospheric “four”, harnessed by a savvy “machine gun”, is easy and always!
Toyota can also be spurred on by sport mode. However, even without it, the Camry does a great job. The large sedan starts off easily, picks up speed easily and changes gears almost imperceptibly when accelerating. True, downshifts are given to the “Japanese” not so smoothly, especially at the exit from slow turns and during sharp acceleration, when the transmission, after a slight hitch, “falls” down several steps at once. But unlike Skoda, you don’t want to drive a Toyota, although the accuracy of the accelerator drive here is only slightly worse than that of Superba. In addition, the Camry is the most neutral car in our trio. He does not impose his rules on the driver, but simply fulfills his commands to the best of his ability.
Mazda's sky-active motor thrives under full throttle when the energy stored in the capacitors is used up. However, when driving at half-pedal, the temperament of the "six" will suit only leisurely drivers. The six-speed "automatic" is smooth, but sometimes this is what prevents it from accurately following the engine speed.
What about Mazda? Alas, the “six” is again lagging behind! A more powerful motor, although it made it faster, did not change the character as a whole. As with the two-liter version, we still blame the lack of traction at low and medium speeds. On the track, this does not cause any particular inconvenience: Mazda's "automatic" is smooth and fast for downshifts. But in the city, poor engine traction forces the transmission to fuss: the box jumps up and down. Robert Yessenov upset! “If there was a sports regime here, and almost all questions would disappear by themselves. And so ... "He is, Rob! Only not in the brains of the "machine", but in the motor itself. It is worth pushing the accelerator of the "six" by more than half, and the feeling is as if napalm is splashing in the fuel tank instead of gasoline. Force acceleration by 250, no less! Such a radical change of temperaments surprises and fascinates at the same time!
And what a song the engine sings! Mazda6 is the most acoustic, most emotional car in this test. The Toyota engine also has a well-trained voice, but it is smothered by thick soundproofing mats. But the Skoda engine at high speeds solos with a metallic, unpleasant ear anguish. And the general noise background of Superba is the highest in the trio. The culprits are known - these are tires and oncoming wind currents that get confused in the side mirrors at high speeds. The interiors of both "Japanese" are also poorly isolated from road noise. Toyota is only a little quieter than Skoda, and Mazda is one decibel more comfortable than Camry.
Kart-like cornering precision, and a generous flow of feedback... Skillfully tuned steering hides the Superb's true size.
But in terms of handling, Skoda is the best. No banks, no taxiing, but what a hold in corners! Of course, it is possible to push the front axle of the Superba off the trajectory, but who would think of attacking turns in a car with the makings of a limousine in such an extreme way. And the steering is the most transparent of the whole trinity. Because it's easy and informative. Everything you feel with your palm is pure feedback. Class! But the suspension is tight! On the smooth surface of asphalt, Skoda is like a spring mattress in the pioneer camp of my childhood: elastic, tightly stretched. And even on small and medium bumps, such severity of the suspension is not annoying. The vibrations of the wheels and the body in the pits are also feedback that the car sends to a person. Like, be in good shape, do not relax. But with the advent of large holes, one becomes sorry for both the car and oneself: although the shocks are damped by shock absorbers, they are still noticeable. Especially against the backdrop of Mazda and even more so Toyota.
In the corners, the Camry is a mystery with all the unknowns. The body rolls more, slips begin earlier, there is less feedback on the steering wheel. But at the same time, in terms of pure speed and pleasure, Toyota is almost not inferior to competitors.
Camry, by the way, is not the same as before. It was on a car of the previous generation that it was possible not to go around bumps at all, but now you have to monitor the roadway for defects. At the transverse joints, small bumps occur, on pockmarked asphalt - itching and slight vibration. But it is still a very comfortable car. And imagine, quite driver's! Yes, of the whole trio, only Toyota is most reminiscent of a crossover in terms of driving sensations: rolls in corners are more noticeable, lateral loads are lower, reactions are not so sharp. But is it really so important if the driver feels great what is happening with the car? And there is almost no reason to criticize the steering. I remember that during the presentation of the Camry in Nice, it was the 2.5-liter version that distinguished itself with a completely empty steering wheel. And the current car with reprogrammed electric power software provides the driver with ample feedback.
With moderate steering acuity, Mazda readily follows the driver's commands. Without visible tension, it tenaciously clings to the turning arc, and at the limit it demonstrates a slight redundancy. The most driver of the trinity!
But Mazda's steering wheel is still better! According to the unfiltered stream of information that the front wheels loaded in the turn send, the steering wheel of the "six" even hides the verified transparency of the Skodov electric amplifier. But this is only under load, on a straight steering wheel it already seems viscous, and with a sharp rotation it bites corny: the performance of the electric pump is not enough. However, banks are only slightly more than those of Skoda. And the suspension is even more comfortable. Mazda cracks down on medium-sized bumps as well as Toyota, and the vibrations when it hits areas with frequent but shallow pits do not annoy at all. But bridge spans with protruding compression joints and bumps with sharp edges are transmitted into the cabin through insufficiently energy-intensive shock absorbers with painful bursts. In this regard, both Mazda and Skoda are one and the same. However, our "six" had 19-inch wheels against 16 inches for the Superba. We think it's about them.
Mazda6 offers a choice of two engines, two transmissions and three trim levels. Prices from 899,000 to 1,198,000 rubles.
However, what's done is done, and in this test, the sexy "Japanese" only has bronze. But the language does not turn to call the Mazda 6 a loser. No, she's just different. She is an individualist! And if you have the same sin, then you will definitely find a common language with her. And to be honest, she has only one minus - a midlife crisis. In search of themselves, the "six" with varying success rushes between faster (faster) and settled (more sedate). " Who am I?" Mazda6 asks me. I do not know this. But I know that this is the only car in our trio that you can truly fall in love with! Isn't that what men want?
Toyota has three engines, one transmission and nine trim levels. Prices from 969 thousand to 1,503,000 rubles.
To fall in love with Toyota Camry is possible only by calculation. But I really did not think that you can enjoy driving this car. However, I got it! Do not laugh! This special kind of high cannot be felt with the hands or feet. You can't hear it with your ears, rubbing tires in a turn. And certainly you can’t smell it, inhaling the smell of burnt clutches. He's in the head! At some point, you realize that you can just go forward without thinking about how it happens. Believe me, this is a very unusual feeling. So, minus the sloppy interior and trunk, I am completely on the side of Mikhail Petrovsky: Toyota Camry is a great car! However, even together, Misha and I will hardly be able to convince Timur and the team of Camry haters. Stereotypes of Russians are harder than any other granite.
Skoda Superb most fully meets the needs of customers: three engines, two transmissions, two body types, four trim levels, front or all-wheel drive. Prices from 919,000 to 1,922,000 rubles.
The winner of this test, Skoda Superb, is the dark horse of the Russian car market. For an executive car, it has too much sport, and for a driver-oriented car, there is an overabundance of free space. And here it is already appropriate to ask yourself: “Who are you, Skoda Superb?” But from a mathematical point of view, Superb is flawless! After all, he has practically no flaws. Perhaps it is even the best car in its class. But our men do not need an ideal, they prefer the inconspicuous, but time-tested Toyota Camry. I figured them out: they just don't want to take risks. But do you know how many of these have accumulated over the past year? Almost 35 thousand! Thirty thousand more than those who dared to purchase Superb. Such is the paradox!
P.S. Toward the end of the test, I drove to my friend, who was actively looking for a car, and, violating the rules for using the test fleet, put him behind the wheel of a Skoda. Ride! He drove a couple of blocks ... And six days later, a brand new Skoda Superb wagon with a 200-horsepower engine appeared in his garage. And this man knows exactly what he wants!
Detailed information about Skoda Superb see in our Autocatalog
The Mazda 6 has too many buttons and knobs. The amount of information that the driver receives is also redundant: there are three dials on the dashboard, with the third reflecting only the operation of the i-Eloop energy regeneration system. In this regard, Skoda is a supporter of greater simplicity.
The difference is 2 cm in length, 3 cm in height, and the wheelbases differ by only a centimeter. You can't say anything, the dimensions of the Skoda Superb and Mazda6 are almost the same. But the fundamental difference between the two models is immediately noticeable. The "Japanese" looks sporty: a long hood, dynamic curves of body lines, huge 19-inch wheels, narrow windows. Czech designers have made a traditional choice: strict forms, "ordinary" 17-inch wheels, all attention to the interior space. They seem not so much competitors as representatives of two different schools. After all, it is known that some people think that a station wagon should look sporty, while others are sure that fashion chic is more appropriate for a family car of such impressive dimensions.
The new Superb differs little from its predecessor, which appeared four years ago, by and large, little has changed in the appearance of the model: the grille, headlights, and some other details.
Of course, updates were also made to the equipment list: they added, for example, a start-stop and a braking energy recovery system, but - probably in order not to give rise to internal competition with the German "relatives" VW and Audi - up to active cruise control, radar, automatic braking systems and lane departure warning, things did not come. But for the Mazda6, all of the above is available.
The real plus of Skoda has always been a spacious interior. When you open the doors of the second row, it seems that something is missing, the distance from the front backs to the sofa is so great. Sitting in the back, you can, as in a limousine, freely stretch your legs, put your hand on the central armrest. On the console between the backs of the front seats there is a digital clock and an outside temperature indicator, on the pillars there are climate control deflectors.
You can’t say the same about the sofa of the Japanese station wagon. It’s not very convenient for a lanky person there: you don’t touch the ceiling with your head, but you secretly want to raise him by two or three centimeters. One would think that since the space is distributed so unequally, Mazda has a larger compartment behind the backs of the rear sofa. Far from it. The trunk is another trump card of the Superb: large, with a great finish (upholstered in needle-punched fabric). Despite the presence of a spare wheel under the floor (Mazda6 is equipped only with a set for a quick tire repair), the volume turned out to be a record. How did it happen? It's simple: the Superb saves space up front, and the Mazda has a bigger engine, so it's got a long hood like a coupe.
