Never before have mid-size cars been as attractive as they are today. Indeed, in terms of their characteristics and level of equipment, they can compete with business-class models and, as a rule, have a reasonable price. In a word, suitable option for those who want to get a lot of car without extra overpayments. Typical representatives of this segment are and, which have become the subjects of close attention from Avtostrada experts.

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR

Design is the area where the progress of the midsizes, in particular the test takers, is most evident. Both the “sixth” Mazda and the Insignia make a very pleasant external impression as solid and solid cars. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Japanese and German cars owe their growth in popularity to attractive styling. The salons of the subjects also leave a positive impression both in design and quality. The interior of the Opel has a more expensive finish, and the interior of the Mazda wins in ergonomics. A native of the Land of the Rising Sun provides better visibility and better comfort for rear-seated passengers thanks to a more comfortable sofa and more legroom and overhead. However, the front seats are more comfortable in the Insignia due to a more natural profile. More luggage is placed in the compartment of a German car (530 liters vs. 489 liters). The latter, being a hatchback, is also better suited for loading large items. At the same time, it is easier to place travel luggage in the Mazda trunk, which has a wider opening and a lower lip.

EQUIPMENT

Both cars have a wide range of standard security systems. "Six" is equipped by default with six airbags, ABS, brake distribution system EBD efforts, help system for emergency braking BA, low speed collision avoidance system SCBS, dynamic stability control DSC, traction control TCS, anti-recoil system HSA. All these devices, except for SCBS, are also in the "base" of Insignia (combined into the ESP Plus system).

RIDE AND HANDLING

The superiority of the 2.0-liter Mazda diesel engine over similar engine European rival in power and torque (150 hp / 380 Nm versus 140 hp / 370 Nm), taking into account the lower mass of the Japanese car (by 133 kg), guaranteed the “six” the best acceleration dynamics. And so it happened. A native of Hiroshima with a decent handicap excelled in the results of all relevant races. But the measurements of the braking distance have become for the "Japanese" akin to a cold shower, revealing the superiority of the "Opel" in this area. The stopping distance of the German hatchback from a speed of 60/80/100/120/140 km/h was 14/25/38/56/75 meters, at Mazda it took 14/26/40/59/79 meters.

Taking into account the fact that both test participants were equipped with a start/stop engine shutdown system, they showed good efficiency in the city: Mazda - 6.2 l / 100 km, Opel - 6.3 l. Oddly enough, the heavier Insignia was noted on the highway with less fuel - 4.9 l / 100 km versus 5.4 l. At the same time, the hatchback from Rüsselheim has a larger fuel tank (70 liters versus 62 liters), which provides it with a greater range.

From a car with such a striking appearance as the current Mazda6, we can expect appropriate drivability. But the expectations of the "Japanese" justifies only partly. "Six" is accurate, provides a high level of grip in corners and demonstrates progressive reactions. At the same time, the car does not set new standards of handling in the class and does not act as a leader here. In the behavior of the Insignia there is less “sport” than in the habits of the Asian counterpart, the Rüsselheim car is set up primarily for safe and comfortable ride and with these tasks, it should be noted, it copes well. Although the Opel lags behind the Mazda on the serpentine, at the same time it surpasses it in smoothness and internal noise isolation in motion.

SUMMARY

The final disposition is as follows. Mazda6 excels in ergonomics, acceleration dynamics and manageability. At Opel Insignia higher practicality due to the five-door body (the model is also available with a sedan body), brakes work more efficiently, greater autonomy of the trip, better comfort and more low price(in this case, 3,000 euros*). So the list of advantages of Insignia looks more impressive. But, by and large, the question of choosing between these cars comes down to two things. If handling is more important to you, it is better to prefer Mazda, and if comfort, then Opel.

Based on the materials of "Autostrada" (Spain)

Denis ALEXANDROV

Data obtained during the test

Parameter	Mazda6 Skyactiv-D 2.2
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, s	8,58	9,96
Travel time from a place of 1000 m, s	29,8	31,29
Acceleration from 60 to 120 km/h in 3rd gear, s	8,2	9,7
Acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h in 4/5/6 gears, s	6,3/7,7/9,9	8,0/10,7/18,0
Travel time for a distance of 1000 m from the start at a speed of 40/50 in 4/5 gear, s	30,2 / 30,9	35,0/38,6
Braking distance from a speed of 60/80/100/120/140 km/h, m	14/26/40/59/79	14/25 /38/ 56 / 75
Fuel consumption, l/100 km highway/city	5,4/6,2	4,9 /6,3
The noise level in the cabin when the engine is running on Idling, dB	47	50
Noise level in the cabin at a speed of 100/120/140 km/h, dB	66/69/71	65 /69/70
Interior width in the area of ​​the front/rear seats, cm	146 /138	144/137
Min/max height from cushion driver's seat to the ceiling, cm	90 / 96	88/95
Height from rear seat cushion to ceiling, cm	90	86

Factory specifications

Parameter	Mazda6 Skyactiv-D 2.2	Opel Insignia 2.0 CTDI ecoFLEX
Price*, euro	29 430	26 384
A type	sedan	hatchback
Number of doors/seats	4/5	5/5
Length/width/height, m	4,865/1,840/1,450	4,842/1,858/1,498
Wheel base, mm	2,830	2,737
Curb weight, kg	1480	1613
Volume luggage compartment, l	489	530
engine's type		diesel, with direct injection, turbocharged and intercooled
Working volume, cc	2191	1956
Number of cylinders/valves	4/16	4/16
Maximum power, hp / rpm	150/4500	140/4000
Maximum torque, Nm / rpm	380/2000	370/1750
Drive unit	on the front wheels	on the front wheels
Transmission	mechanical, 6-speed	mechanical, 6-speed
Turning diameter, m	11,2	10,9
Front suspension	spring, McPherson	spring, McPherson
Rear suspension	spring, multi-link	spring, multi-link
Front/rear brakes	ventilated disc/ disc	ventilated disc/ disc
Airbags, pcs	6	6
Security systems	ABS, EBD, BA, SCBS, DSC, TCS, HSA	ABS, ESP plus
us	225/55R17	225/55R17
Maximum speed, km/h	211	205
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, s	9,1	10,5
Fuel consumption, l highway/city/medium	3,4/4,7/3,9	3,0/5,0/3,7
Volume fuel tank, l	62	70
CO2 emission, g/km	104	99

* - price in Spain

LENTAMENTE

Recently, I have been listening to modern jazz more and more often - even if the road with it is a little longer, it is much calmer. By the way, presentations of new models are often held to such music.

Live "Insignia" first saw at the Moscow Motor Show, just under a leisurely accompaniment. The car intrigued me with a soft design, unusual for Opels of recent years. Look into the eyes - something American; a three-quarter view from behind evokes oriental associations. A similar picture is inside. Where is the German stiffness of the Vectra? Even the little Korsa would envy such an elegant interior, of course, adjusted for the class.

Still far from ideal. For example, a solid driver's door closes from the inside, literally with a creak. The handle is very shifted to the front panel, so you need to apply more effort than you expect, and the plastic crunches. If you look closely, you can also see the different colors of the plastic panels. However, general impression from the salon is good - friendly and homely, besides, it flaunts luxury options, such as an electromechanical handbrake.

Jazz improvisation at the tempo lentamente (smoothly, quietly) in Moscow traffic jams "Insignia" performs not without flaws. The main complaints - to the wide A-pillars and scanty mirrors, annoying with every rebuild. You can also not count on the salon mirror - through rear glass assessing the situation is even more difficult.

Jumping into the Mazda, he made an unexpected discovery. Perhaps the "six" is more German in terms of panel architecture and purity of style than the "Opel"! Of course, plastic is cheaper here. However, the fit of the parts is accurate, and the interior does not try to look more expensive than it is, so there is much less reason to nitpick. The seats look simpler, they do not have active head restraints and ventilation (the Opel has such an option), but the landing is no worse! Is that the range of longitudinal adjustment in the Mazda is not so generous.

The glazing area of ​​the Japanese car is larger, which is pleasing to the eye in every sense: the interior looks cheerful, and visibility is better. An unpretentious-looking steering wheel, pedals with little effort just call you on the road.

How will Honda respond? The most balanced and solid interior. Excellent front seats, a monumental panel and fancy instruments create a feeling of quality that is difficult to describe - it's better to try. The “bricks” of the mirrors, of course, are not as elegant as those of the Opel, but rebuilding with them is much better.

Paradoxically, getting absolute pleasure from your favorite jazz disc in Honda is the most difficult thing: in order to adjust the sound of the audio system, you will have to memorize the button-controller pressing-rotation algorithm. Got it? Then a little louder and faster!

OPEL INSIGNIA 2.0 l, 220 hp, 6-speed automatic, Cosmo equipment, 1,183,300 rubles.

MAZDA 6 2.5 L, 170 HP, 6-speed manual, Luxury package, RUB 1,066,000 HONDA ACCORD 2.4 L, 201 HP, 5-speed automatic, Executive package, options, 1 RUB 102,400

MODERATO

"Opel" seems to dance to the beat of the hit at the pace of moderato (moderately, restrainedly). Ride is good, contrary to expectations. In the cabin, you can hear every joint on the roadway; it seems that the suspension will break through the potholes, but even large pits do not make you frown painfully, anticipating a trip to a tire fitting or service.

The nature of the Mazda is different: it habitually makes noise with tires, and especially sonorous ones - rear arches. Suspension work is very dependent on speed: the faster we go, the more comfortable. Irregularities noticeable at low speeds seem to be tightened, and there is a feeling that the “six” is floating above the road on an invisible air cushion.

On a flat highway and new asphalt, the Honda feels like a limousine: the engine barely rustles, even the clatter of thorns hardly penetrates the cabin. But as soon as you turn onto a worse road, the Accord turns from a good boy into a bully. Now I not only feel the shaking, but also hear how the suspension works on bumps.

Are the passengers happy? In "Insignia" and "Accord" rear seats are only for a couple of riders: the seats are profiled for two. It is not very convenient to sit back in one or the other car - in the Opel the wide threshold interferes, in the Honda - the developed sidewall of the seat. Mazda is a completely different matter! The opening is wide, so landing is given without problems. Yes, and three are not bad here - there is a supply of space both in the legs and in the shoulders. But, in fairness, the “six” is not ideal if there are only two behind. There is no feeling of comfort that Honda and Opel give.

PRESTISSIMO

When it comes to a busy day, you involuntarily adjust the repertoire to the rhythm of the metropolis (prestissimo - very quickly), otherwise all plans are broken. I put rock, and louder, louder! So that's what Insignia loves! For a 2-liter engine with a turbocharger, she can be forgiven for anything. Even a somewhat slow machine is not able to extinguish the flame that flares up after 2000 rpm. Juicy, like a shot from a slingshot, acceleration under the whistle of supercharging - pleasure and confidence in every overtaking. About the same pleasant to upset the car with high speed: it seems that the brakes were made specifically for me, the effort is so clearly and easily dosed.

If you increase the pace, delight is replaced by slight confusion. There is a mismatch between sharp steering and chassis settings. The buildup, both along the longitudinal axis and along the transverse axis, leads to a breakdown from the trajectory (it must be admitted, on asphalt that is not of German quality at all) in a fast turn. Strange ... A colleague who visited the European presentation of Insignia did not observe such features! As it often happens, the impressions of one model on a test drive “with them” and “with us” are very different.

Mazda-6 in the top version is not at all like the 2-liter car with a gun, which was in our hands a year earlier (ZR, 2008, No. 4). A real driver's car! All the experts enjoyed the short-stroke gear shifting of the mechanics, the lightning-fast closing of the clutch discs.

Despite the loss in horsepower, Mazda subjectively does not lag behind Honda in acceleration and is second only to Opel. Of course, the Japanese car cannot beat the Insignia in terms of elasticity. But among aspirated engines of comparable power, its 2.5-liter engine is one of the best. There is a pleasant tenor at high speeds, and an almost inaudible grunt at low speeds, and, most interestingly, excellent traction starting from 1500–2000 rpm! Pleasant "six" and on the turn. It's not as jumpy as the Insignia, but the steering is precise, and the late intervention of the stabilization system allows the tires to work at the limit of traction.

Driving a Honda is nice and easy. There is no artificiality in the organs, everything is subordinated to functionality. Gorgeous floor-mounted gas pedal with a clear kick-down step. Comfortable steering wheel with a subtle hint of sport and the box control petals. On overtaking, I liked that touching the petal puts the box in manual mode, and after completing the maneuver, the transmission almost immediately returns to automatic. The selector of the automaton will not allow you to accidentally switch to sports mode: to do this, you need to pull it towards you until it stops. Now the motor is out for more high revs and in manual mode, the box keeps the gear engaged. Perhaps the best scheme could not be wished for. And in terms of softness of switching, the box is up to par. Perhaps only their speed could be a little higher.

Manageability "Accord" also did not disappoint. He is more clamped by the stabilization system and less impulsive in comparison with the Mazda, which, probably, will not appeal to thrill-seekers. In critical modes and when simulating an obstacle avoidance, rolls are noticeable, skid develops quite early. However, you need to make a discount on tires (Honda was the only one wearing studded ones). In general, handling was rated as very reliable, albeit without peppercorns.

So, all the cars are ready for active driving, but they differ markedly in characters. According to the results of the test, we gave marks to each, collected data in tables, and described the characters. Have you already chosen who you will invite to the dance?

Cars for the test were provided by the Russian representative offices of General Motors, Mazda, Honda.

Mikhail Gzovsky: “Each of the cars brought a lot of positive emotions: Opel won me over with its engine, Mazda with lively handling, and Honda with a solid interior and perfect engineering.”

HOLD THE BEAT

On tests of the independent European organization EuroNCAP, all three models received the highest rating - five stars. However, Opel won on points. The car passed the side tests perfectly (collision with another car and hitting a pole) and even earned the highest score for the safety of a three-year-old child, if not for the vagueness of the sticker about how dangerous it is to put a child seat in the front seat.

Honda showed a slightly worse result. The decrease in the score is due to the high probability of damaging the passenger's chest in a frontal impact. A side impact on a pole also demonstrated weak protection of the chest, and with a strong rear impact, there is a high risk of fracture of the cervical vertebrae. Usage child seat on the front seat also not described in European languages.

Mazda lost quite a bit to Honda, despite the fact that there was a tear in the metal in the area of ​​​​the front pillar. The steering column and center console potentially threaten the driver's knees, the glove compartment lid - the passenger. The mannequin's chest, when hitting a pole, is not protected to the highest score. As in the Honda, there is a risk of a fracture of the cervical vertebrae. Child protection claims were also reduced to vague warning information.

Until recently, even the competition of middle-class cars in the premium segment of the Mazda and Opel brands was out of the question. However, today it is an irrefutable fact. Very quickly, the second-generation Mazda 6 and Opel Insignia achieved universal recognition in world markets and pushed even more famous and eminent competitors in the sales ratings.

Each of the latest cars has its own advantages and disadvantages that make even the most budget-conscious buyers shell out. Therefore, acquiring new car, the buyer is faced with the question that better mazda 6 or Opel insignia. The experts of the famous magazine Autostrada from Spain tried to answer this question by testing cars famous brands with diesel units.

Interior and exterior

If we compare the appearance of cars, then it is extremely difficult to give preference to someone. Mazda 6 designers embodied design and aggression in the car body, and in Opel the emphasis is shifted towards respectability, but in any case appearance compared cars are quite attractive and original. Workplace the driver in both cars is organized quite well, but a tall driver will be more comfortable in a German car. Comparing the heights from the seat cushion to the ceiling of cars, it should be noted that for a Japanese, the lower limit of the size is 86 centimeters, and the upper 90, and for Opel, respectively, 90-97 centimeters. Opel Insignia is the largest representative of cars of this class, but its interior cannot be called too voluminous. Its width in the area of ​​the front seats is 1440 mm, as well as in the “six”, and in the area of ​​the rear seats its size is 1370 mm, which is 30 mm less than that of the Mazda 6. The rear seats are more comfortable in the Opel and there is much more legroom due to the car's 120 mm longer wheelbase. The trunks of both cars are almost the same in volume, but in Japanese stamp it is easier to transform the rear seats thanks to the presence of the Karakuri system.

Comparing the standard basic equipment, Mazda 6 should be preferred here. And in order to bring the Insignia equipment to the level of the basic “six”, the buyer needs to pay about five thousand euros. The difference in price does not look so terrible if you know that the Insignia costs 3820 euros less than the "Japanese". To all other german car has a larger list additional equipment these are: airbags located on the side of the passengers, latest system lighting, a system that allows you to correctly and quickly park the vehicle.

For example, the Mazda ideology of Kodo (for those who have just left the bunker, I remind you that this term is translated as “spirit of movement”) works perfectly: there are already plenty of “Sixes” on Moscow streets, but the eye still clings to the predatory squint of headlights, a slender “body” and bodybuilder front fenders. She will look great for a long time - I bet that even after the end of the conveyor life, her appearance will remain fresh and relevant. Beauty, you know, is an extremely time-resistant thing. And in the case of the Mazda6, one can even talk about a family tradition - even the first generation cars are pleasant to look at to this day.

Opel has a more complicated tradition: after the harmonious Vectra B, frankly no Vectra C appeared - and here it would be possible to put an end to faith in the future of the mid-size Opel, if not for the Insignia. Along with a new name, she also got the honor of trying on a fresh design that sent broken lines and flat edges to a landfill. And it helped, and how! Recent restyling has made only minor adjustments (remember, for comparison, how the face of the last Vectra was completely changed) - and Insignia is still modern and attractive, and this is in its sixth year of life!

In the cabin, by the way, age is also not felt. Non-banal architecture with a "Jaguar" belt under the windshield, cool finishing materials, wonderful seats with retractable cushion segments, a beautiful meaty steering wheel... And gadgets. The gadgets that appeared after restyling are both an entertaining feature and the main scourge of the new Insignia. We have already described in detail about a pair of large displays and a new multimedia system with original control via the touchpad in the report from the first test drive, and therefore here in Moscow, for a week in the company of the car, all that remained was to confirm the observations. Or refute.

Paradox: both happened. That same touchpad is really capable of driving even those who know Zen into a state of passion - its reactions are so unpredictable and delays in responses are great. But the touch screen slows down less than it seemed before! More precisely, only navigation slows down, but it does it from the heart. So much so that it is more convenient to enter the address in handwriting through the hated touchpad - and this is the only case when, as if having forgotten, it works flawlessly.

It is absolutely impossible to achieve the desired option, but you will learn about many fun settlements that the car will offer instead of Tverskaya Street or Leninsky Prospekt; where you will begin to perceive female logic much more calmly; Finally, have fun. Because the navigation dialogs look something like this.

Name the address.

Vyksa, Alley of Metallurgists, 7. Right?

Name the address.

Moscow, Mozhayskoye highway, 9.

Toropets, st. Berdyshi, 33. Right?

No, dear, it's wrong!

And so on ad infinitum. I'm not exaggerating, everything is really so funny, and Insignia really asks hopefully every time if she understood me correctly. Already directly pity takes.

Nothing has changed with the climate touch buttons working through the stump deck: they reacted to pressing not the first time, and they do. And a funny glitch was found on our car. There is an assistance system for landing and disembarking (cool, like in adults!), Which pushes the seat back when the engine is stopped and moves it, respectively, when the ignition is turned on. Everything works fine except for one scenario. We stop, turn off the engine. The chair moved back. We get out of the car and, without locking the doors, sit back. We turn on the ignition. Do you think the chair has moved forward? And figurines, if you please, reach for the key and move your throne on your own.

It is clear that all these are childhood illnesses, easily removed by updating the onboard “software”. And this update is promised to us in the near future, but for now, the owners of such machines will have to get along with the understanding that all these displays, sensors and other gadgets look much better than they work. Well, to console yourself with the thought that as soon as Opel releases a new firmware, Insignia will turn into one of the most technologically advanced and advanced players in the class. If not himself.

Mazda6 prefers not to show off - dashboard it does without a built-in TV, screen multimedia system smaller, the graphics are simpler, the functionality is thinner. The salon itself is a collection of quotes from respected authors, mostly German. And it works! All buttons are in their places and perform their functions without question, the menus are logical and understandable, and indeed to inner world"Six" longer than fifteen minutes will not have to get used to. Is it that the round washer of the controller on the central tunnel (who said MMI?) is more for show-off than for meaning - it's Audi with BMW you can wander through multimedia for hours, and it's easier to poke a finger in three and a half sections of the Mazda system. However, having a choice is always better than not having one.

In general, the Mazda6 is simply more convenient. For example, you only like driving in an Opel until you change seats in a Mazda. It turns out that the chair in Japanese sedan can be lowered lower, and on the arms and legs to get better. Behind the "Six" is more spacious and along, and up, and across, and there are more places for any small things in the cabin. Even visibility is better. Why "even"? Because at Mazda it is actually far from ideal, primarily because of the smallish mirrors of not the most optimal shape. But at Opel they are even smaller, and besides, they significantly “zoom” the picture - as a result, the number of excusable activations of the emergency gang when driving around the city begins to exceed the boundaries of reason.

Speaking of her. About driving, I mean. The forces of our test couple are not quite equal: if under the hood of the Insignia there is a 1.6-liter turbo engine with a capacity of 170 hp, then the Mazda6 is armed with a two-liter 150-horsepower “aspirated” engine. But everything is fair: there are such cars with six-speed “automatic machines” and full stuffing, including all kinds of electronic systems driver assistance, almost equally. "German" - 1 million 329 thousand rubles, "Japanese" - 1 million 352 thousand rubles. So, we will compare with a clear conscience!

With regards to pure dynamics, everything is natural: according to the passport, Opel accelerates to 100 km / h in 9.9 seconds, and Mazda in 10.6. In reality, the difference seems even greater - the turbo engine, as it should, pulls from the very bottom and therefore more actively presses into the chair. But this is if we talk about overloads, which, as you understand, cars with a ten-second acceleration to hundreds are not strong. But the Mazda6 brings more emotions and simple human joy again - it has an unexpectedly groovy voice (hello, 4-2-1 exhaust manifold), deliciously clear fuel responses and amazingly linear acceleration. Whatever you say, even the third-generation “Six”, which has pretty much settled down compared to its predecessor, still remains the most mischievous D-class sedan. Even with a "vegetable" two-liter engine.

Insignia is different. The sound of the engine is clearly distinguished only when accelerating to the floor, and the transmission, unlike the Mazda one, is tuned here with an emphasis on comfort: when quiet ride everything is soft and smooth, but when trying to light it, no, no, yes, it will twitch at random or oversleep the moment when it would be worth lowering the gear. And the toad prevents driving the Opel. She joyfully pulls her green paws to your neck, barely seeing the city fuel consumption of 13-14 liters per hundred, while in Mazda6 this parameter does not exceed nine liters. The difference, however!

So on the "Insignia" - only decorously, nobly, smoothly and not in a hurry. It generally disposes to such driving: shaking, especially small ones, reaches the passenger compartment less, the tires almost do not make noise compared to the Mazda (and what did you want from the Japanese woman, albeit settled down?), And even the somewhat overweight steering wheel is almost completely isolated from external disturbances. Last fact, of course, cannot but affect the driving pleasure - Insignia is perfectly balanced and stable in corners, but to a certain extent "virtual".

Mazda6 against this background is not a sports car, of course, but the nature is much more lively - the steering wheel is almost flawless in terms of effort, accuracy and information content, and the car's tread is much easier. In the sense that she dives into turns much more willingly and jumps from lane to lane, naturally demanding a fee for this in the form of a little less smooth ride by irregularities. Here it is important to understand this: while the fans complain that the “Six” is no longer the same, I repeat, it remains the most driver among competitors. Especially after what happened with the Honda Accord.

And most importantly - she is in perfect harmony with herself. The debut of this Mazda at one time was accompanied by a ridiculously large amount of talk about premium, but in reality it turned out to be just a beautiful and spacious car with a truly high-quality comfortable interior and a harmoniously dynamic driving character. The biggest argument against buying one is the brutal insurance rates.

Both with gasoline engines, With automatic boxes gears and in solid trim levels. Initially, we planned to test sedans, but Opel Insignia in the test park it was only in the back of a liftback, with a beveled rear overhang and a lifting, like the Octavia, fifth door. Mazda 6 in addition to the sedan and station wagon, it also happens to be a liftback, but in our market in the current generation it is available only in a three-volume body. Such is the state of our market.

Design

Opel Insignia is a landmark car for the company from Rüsselheim. Shown in 2003, the Insignia Concept by Mark Adams symbolized new chapter at Opel. That is why the concept was called the “emblem”, as Insignia is translated from English. The car really turned the public's idea of ​​​​the appearance of previously boring Opels. No wonder the Insignia still looks fresh and inviting despite being production model appeared back in 2008 and was not as expressive as the concept. Last year, the family experienced a fairly successful restyling, which not only noticeably refreshed the exterior, but raised the interior to a qualitatively new level.

I am not a fan of separating cars into male and female, but the Mazda 6 is definitely “she”! Against its background, quite elegant, with interesting design finds, Opel looks like a rude man. I have not seen such a beautiful and elegant sedan as the "six" for a long time - bravo, Akira Tamatani! I don’t even know what and how designers will be able to improve during the restyling, which is expected in a year according to the plan, but so far Mazda is already fresh. And especially good in this red Soul Red Mica, like Lady in Red from Chris de Burgh's song, and even on high 19-inch "heels"! You just can’t take your eyes off, from whatever angle you look - a grateful object for a spoiled photographer.

Salon and trunk

Armchairs in Insignia after modernization now better support the body in turns. The quality of the interior trim has also improved, the squeaks have diminished, but the designers could not refuse plastic wood as an interior decoration. The center console has changed drastically, the only pity is that the test car did not have a new 8-inch multimedia touch screen, thanks to which it was possible to “fire” a lot of physical keys. However, after the update, their ranks have thinned out considerably and the former heap is no longer there. Now all the buttons are located quite logically, they are located at a glance.

Gallery: Opel Insignia - salon | 19 photos |

Among the innovations are touch-sensitive “buttons” located along the edges of the “beard” for adjusting the temperature of separate climate control and separate three-stage heating of the front seats. Here they cause increased attention due to the fact that they react to touch with a noticeable delay, in contrast to the usual buttons for setting the fan speed and airflow direction located in the center. Especially in frosty winter time when you have to drive with gloves on. By the way, among the options there is a heated steering wheel.

It seems that some of the buttons from the center console have moved to the multifunction steering wheel. It is a pity that its shape has not changed: too wide knitting needles do not allow you to conveniently grab the "steering wheel" with a natural grip, and not every pianist will reach the buttons farthest from the rim. By the way, after restyling, the instrument panel has changed, in the center of which there can be a decent-sized screen, but, again, the test car had the usual “tidy”, and digital beauty remained in the list of additional equipment.

Gallery: Mazda 6 - Salon | 22 photos |

Driving a Mazda even though she newer Opel, the space around the driver is organized much more familiar. As soon as you sit down in the driver's seat, you feel at home. Everything is clear, everything is at hand and you don’t need to look at anything and study the functionality for a long time. Maybe the interior of the "six" will seem rustic to someone, but just right for me - reasonable minimalism and sufficient functionality. And most importantly, your hands rest on the steering wheel as easily, as if you are wearing gloves sewn for you. Before your eyes are ordinary pointer devices with a simple on-board computer, but they are simple, understandable and easy to read. Mazda's driver's seat has a little less adjustment, but it seemed to me more comfortable. And it should be noted the beautifully finished bright interiors of both cars, but in Mazda I liked the combination of colors and materials a little more.

Gallery: Opel Insignia - trunk | 8 photos |

Passengers will not lie that there is noticeably more space behind the driver in the Japanese sedan, although visually Opel seems larger and more spacious. Did the designers give preference to the trunk?

If we evaluate the luggage capacity, then the sedan will always lose to a more practical liftback, and in this case the score is 489:530 in favor of Opel. Even if we had Insignia sedan, it would still be more spacious, but only 11 liters. Another thing is that if you fold the Opel rear sofa, you get three times more usable volume - as much as 1470 liters! Not every wagon has such an indicator.

Drive

Beautiful Mazda is available only with petrol engines: base 2.0 with 165 hp. and the top 2.5 with a return of 192 hp. Moreover, if a two-liter sedan can be bought with a six-speed "mechanics", then a more powerful "six" is equipped with only a six-speed "automatic". Those who remember the Mazda 6 of the past generation will sigh in disappointment, remembering how pleasant it was to drive a powerful car with a “manual” gearbox. Especially one as obedient and responsive as the Mazda 6.

However, the “six” of the new generation did not let us down. Despite its solid dimensions (length 4870 mm), driving a large sedan is as easy as a cart in a supermarket. Dimensions feel good, visibility is noticeably better than Opel (Insignia is distinguished by beveled mirrors and a narrowed window tailgate), responsiveness atmospheric engine It is quite easy to predict, and the "machine" works logically.

Interestingly, Mazda traditionally does not have a Sport-mode box, but in manual mode, the electronics do not interfere with the operation of the box, providing the driver with a full range of revolutions and does not try to change gear instead of a person. Like, if you want full control over the car - get it, but watch the tachometer! Fortunately, you can change gears both with a lever and with convenient paddle shifters. On the other hand, the “automatic” works so smoothly and at the same time quickly that there is no particular desire to take control.

Test Mazda 6 on winter tires was equipped with an inch smaller wheels than it should be for a sedan in the top configuration, dimension 225/45 R18. At the same time, in appearance and handling, the “six” not only lost, but gained confidence in front of our road conditions. It’s hard to find fault with the smoothness of the ride, even the angular protruding hatches and the icy ledges of leaky roads the sedan passes with the dignity of a gentleman who picks up his lady in his arms to carry him through a puddle.

Opel Insignia was equipped with more than wide tires, but with the same profile and radius - ContiWinterContact dimensions 245/45 R18. A reputable manufacturer justified the hopes for traction in winter and handling, but I did not wait for comfort, but this is already a stone in the Opel suspension garden. I also drove a pre-styling Insignia, both in summer and in winter, both in front-wheel drive and with all-wheel drive; and my colleagues and I were happy with how the car behaves in extreme situations. But somehow the “iconic” model didn’t work out with comfort, even when I had a car with an adjustable FlexRide suspension in my hands, I didn’t notice much improvement in ride smoothness. Apparently, there are not so many sections with calibrated irregularities on Opel's test sites, or they are so German-calibrated that they simply do not occur in our unpredictable conditions.

Opel suspension is transformed on a good road and at speeds higher than urban ones. Then Insignia becomes elastic, like trained muscles, and the steering wheel is filled with juicy effort. It seems that last year's restyling did her good when the angles of the front wheels were changed and reconfigured steering. Moreover, rear suspension was changed by 60% and for good reason: even good move the silence in the cabin is pleasantly surprising, including due to changes in the suspension, which they tried to make more comfortable and quieter. Changed levers, stabilizers roll stability and shock absorbers.

The new family of turbo engines SIDI (Spark Ignition direct injection) are also silent. Test Opel Insignia with gasoline engine A16XHT 1.6 SIDI Ecotec with direct injection and turbocharging produces 170 hp. and 260 Nm of torque in the range from 1650 to 4250 rpm. Not only is the torque akin to diesel, it is also available in the widest rev range. In practice, you almost always have enough traction for your eyes. True, there is one “but”: this motor is almost twice as voracious as a comparable diesel unit and in the city in winter it consumes about 12 l / 100 km. To meet the promised 9.1 l / 100 km, you have to try very hard, and not everyone will succeed, because the motor is clockwork!

And it’s not in vain that I forgot about the six-speed “automatic”, because it does not remind of itself, it works quickly and almost imperceptibly, in the background, as the programmers say. Including thanks to the high-torque motor. By the way, one of the advantages of Opel is the widest choice power units. Petrol engines 1.4 (140 hp), 1.6 (170 hp), 1.8 (140 hp) and 2.0 (250 hp). Including factory-installed HBO, Start-Stop system, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. And as many as 7 versions of a two-liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 110 to 195 hp. I am sure that everyone will be able to choose a motor to their taste!

Conclusion

Both cars are easy to imagine in the same family: Opel Insignia for the serious pragmatic father of the family, and Mazda 6 for the beautiful wife. Moreover, red, to match the best outfits. But I don’t see myself in any of them: Opel upset with a wasteful gasoline engine and sophisticated info-multimedia with panic attacks. Still, constant warnings about ice or that the washer fluid has run out and gasoline is running out are annoying, and annoying warnings can only be turned off by satisfying the requirements of the car. This is how capricious women behave when they really want something. In my opinion, a car worth more than half a million hryvnia should be more accommodating. By the way, with regard to luggage, the Insignia family has an attractive station wagon with a two-liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 110 to 195 hp, including all-wheel drive - a very relevant option in our latitudes!

But the diesel Mazda 6 is not offered at all on our market, although the company has an excellent 2.2 Skyactiv-D unit with a capacity of 175 hp. The same one has been installed on the CX-5 crossover since last year and already has a lot of adherents. And if I needed a sedan, then I would order a diesel "six", even with an overpayment for an individual order. And it would be absolutely wonderful to diversify the line with a practical and no less beautiful station wagon Mazda 6 Wagon. Here is such a car, and even with mechanical box gear, I would consider as a life partner!