We arrived in Minsk to take part in the presentation of the Belarusian market for a new car Mazda MPV, which occurred in the twentieth of December. Arranged a tour of our old friends of the firm «Holpi» - official Mazda dealer in Belarus. Minsk met us hard frost and high snowdrifts.

Mazda MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) - a multi-car. On the domestic, rather outdated classification, it can be attributed to the versatile high capacity, which is between the universal and the usual mini-venami. But apparently Mazda MPV looks something average between universals with a high roof and SUVs, particularly notice the increased ground clearance and wheel arches, capable of «capacity» progress suspension inherent off-road vehicles.

Debut Mazda MPV was held in 1989 at the North American market, then the car was introduced in Europe. The design of the car has been successful. In 1995, a restyling, modify the shape of the front wings, bonnet, front bumper, headlights and radiator lining. This gave some similarities with the MPV Mazda 929. The rear part of the body, too, has changed. They referred to the bumper and block lighting. Presented in Minsk car - last modified Mazda MPV, referring to the 1996 model year.

7-seat car, with three rows of seats, the first and second are calculated on two back - for three passengers. Middle and rear seats can be folded or removed. In doing so, formed a large compartment for luggage, which wants to call the premises, - the height of the cabin is that it can move freely, only slightly prignuvshis.

The seats are higher than in conventional cars, between the front and middle is the passage. It seems that you are in the cabin of a small plane. The impression reinforced armrests recline chairs. Seats second row are longitudinal adjustment, allows for them quite comfortably. At the gallery, it is also all right.

Mazda MPV Presentation was held at the technical center of the company «Holpi», therefore, been able to examine a car in every detail. Under the hood is a longitudinal V-shaped petrol six multi-injection. Engine capacity 2954 cm cube., L moschnost154. with. (5000 rpm).. Maximum torque of 228 Nm are 4000 rpm. Engine exciting.

Reduced to 8.5 compression ratio increases the service life and makes it possible to use gasoline with octane number 92, which is important, and in Belarus, and Russia. Each cylinder has a valve 3, all 18 valves are driven by three raspredvalami. Box manual, 5-speed.

When a car driven on the lift, found that it rear wheel drive, although the scale is changed and the wheel. Cardan shaft is provided with intermediate support, rear axle continuous. Dependent on the suspension kinematics scheme is similar to the well-known design FIAT, rastirazhirovannoy Volga car in millions of copies - longitudinal loads are transmitted to the body by four rods, and transverse traction Panara perceives.

Front brake mechanisms for the heavy (curb weight of 1720 kg, total - 2355 kg) vehicle ventilated disc with floating two-piston bracket. Rear disc too, but unventilated. Interestingly a drive pressure regulator rear wheel brake circuit. The role of the usual torsion spring has a cylindrical compression.

The fuel tank is installed under the seats, right hand and closed the plastic protection, and the left is the exhaust system. Such an arrangement was made possible by the increased height of the car floor. Full size spare hanging under the floor at the rear of the body at a turning arm which is lowered into the handle of the cabin near the rear door.

It takes the driver's seat. The seat has to adjust in length and seat-back, a range which is adequate for a person of any growth. Because of the fact that the seat raised above the floor than in cars, boarding, there is something on the bus, but the road in front of a car seen excellent.

Vision improves the large area of glazing. The seat is well «hold» the driver's hands and took a comfortable and natural position on the handlebars. Initially hampered by the left door, to which the driver's seat pridvinuto fairly close, but to get used to it quickly and start to use it as additional support.

Torpedo looks quite modern. Instruments on the mind and does not overlap the wheel even in the corners. Steering column is regulated. In the steering wheel hub - airbag, the second bag hidden at the top of the torpedo in the front passenger. All governments, as they say, at your fingertips. To the subject of comfort include power windows and remote control of the outside mirrors.

It is time to try the machine in motion. It was proposed route of tehtsentra «Holpi» to one of the houses in the picturesque outskirts of Minsk. Day issued an excellent - frost and sun. Start the engine, it works with a low roar, mitigating a good noise-protecting the passenger compartment.

Drive clutch pleased with the softness, while informative, does not interfere with snow shoes to feel the moment of the setting. Transmission is clearly the stroke arm is quite acceptable. When traveling through the city, a car stopped by traffic police, but as soon as the other cars poured journalistic brethren with cameras and camcorders napereves, inspector let us in peace.

Our route lies to the reservoir. The machine is confidently moving nakatannoy track forest roads, demonstrating the elasticity of the engine. Leaves on open ground, and the road disappears - the snow made its case. But the movement continued to rely more on intuition. After a while we did naleteli fallen asleep in the snow a little tube. Front suspension worked perfectly, and the rear of the car tryahnulo so that, with the seat sleteli not only luggage, but also the passengers.

We have long played a ski field, accustomed to the vehicle. The characteristics of the MPV is typical rear wheel drive, the car will be happy to put in the bank, and quite predictably responds to the actions of the steering wheel and gas pedal. Several spoils the picture is soft and insensitive helm - a strong power too easily turns the wheels in the snow. But you can adapt to this - turn the steering wheel should be made with some ahead, that's the whole secret. I must say that the cross-machine was higher than any praise - we never get stuck in a very deep loose snow.

Selected on the highway. The car demonstrates an enviable momentum, it is easy and fast typing speed (on passport acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h takes 12 seconds).. Within a rigid axle and provides the comfort and good handling. On asphalt force on the steering wheel has increased, but some «vatnost» left - seems to have made to American power drivers.

Brakes quite worthy, surely the car is slowing under the influence of easily dosed on the pedal. ABS has had to check in the textbook situation - with the exit road. The right hand wheel of the car was on ukatannom snow, and left - on dry pavement. And nothing - to stop, not a wag, just pedal to work a typical ABS vibration.

The last phase of testing took place at motokrossovoy trail. The first bulk hill, we were confident. Second - higher - was not on the teeth, the car touched the ground fuel tank protection. Freed from captivity, inspected the car - no injuries, only snow nabilsya between the defense and the tank. At the same time, we decided to finish. All the same MPV - not cross bike, but in real-world conditions-terrain vehicle is quite sufficient.

Overall, Mazda MPV - comfortable and roomy car for a big family, where you can leave town or go on holiday. And in the urban stream in this machine you will not feel flawed.

Front independent suspension - MacPherson, on forged powerful tools, consisting of two components that are rigidly connected by bolts. And the front and rear stabilizers are lateral stability, the front is even more powerful than the rear. In general, everything is solid and gives the impression of strength and reliability.