In the «Engine» 2, we presented several car company Mazda. Among them were a family of 323 models with P (CD) and F (hatchback). At Sedan time travel is not possible, but we filled a gap in the beginning of 1997. This was not a normal sedan, but it changed with the proud title of Silver Stone, which seems to be suggesting the legendary British racing track and high speed capability of the car.

At this time, did not have to go to Minsk, our path lay in the vicinity of Podolsk - Äóáðîâèöû estate, famous for its Znamensky church, built at the turn of XVII-XVIII centuries. In the church and held our acquaintance with the Mazda 323 S 1,5 Silver Stone.

And a car, you can tell, met «on clothes». The appearance of the Mazda is quite modern, in the spirit of the latest stylistic trends - the body has a smooth rounded shape. At the same time, the front of the car got a few aggressive. Silver Stone changed the surface differs from the basic model, the presence of spoiler in the boot lid with integrated stop lamp and decorative caps wheels.

Could put the alloy wheels, but as it turned out later, the wheel has changed himself the owner of the car. Maybe everything in the engine? Open the hood and see a trite 16-valve power unit working volume of 1598 cubic cm. Mounted across the engine compartment.

Let me give a few figures. The engine develops power of 90 liters. with. at 5300 rpm., and the curve peak torque 135 Nm, the value is in 4000 rpm. Not bad, especially considering that this motor is very simple serial configuration.

What is more interesting? At the engine is 4-point electronic fuel injection, show the upper support racks MacPherson-type front suspension and steering mechanism with a hydraulic booster. As the amplifier will work, it turned out later, but still look in the trunk. It was quite roomy - especially when stacked split rear seat back.

The rear suspension, and front, independent type MacPherson. Maybe less would be low stabilizer lateral stability, but the Mazda 323 was made for city streets and suburban highways with good coverage, as it is necessary to remember, go on a bad road.

To get in the cabin thanks to a convenient handle and a wide door gap is not working. Driver's seat has three adjusting the length and inclination cushion and backrest. This allows you to quickly establish a convenient position for the rights of any growth. The road in front of a car show, the same can be said about the type of analog devices.

Accessibility of controls indicates a good ergonomic study of the cabin. A car body sedan, which provides enough space for rear passengers in height. There is a desire to learn how to adjust the front seats under dvuhmetrovy growth reflected in the rear passenger. I must say, the problems they did not arise. This spacious cabin on such vehicles, we have not yet met. But the length of the machine barely exceed 4.3 m at the base of 2605 mm!

Again appear at the wheel, noticing in passing at the base of the seat handles remote trunk opening, and the filler neck, and run the engine. Mignuli indicator light on the combination of devices, thus indicating that all is well, and motor is running without a wince, and vibration. Rotate the wheel on the ground with the engine idle was quite tiring, but as soon as the engine alive, «in the body, a nice flexibility» - force on the steering wheel significantly decreased.

And what will be on the move? For starters, perhaps. The engine responds quite sensitively to sudden pressing the accelerator pedal at idle speed, and produces the characteristic sound of clinking fractional inherent mnogoklapannym motors. Clutch operates smoothly and precisely, near the pedal is a platform for lock left foot - a pleasant trifle. Programs are easy. Yes, I almost forgot: a convenient and functional Torpedo plastic - under the skin.

It is time to start. The machine is easy to bias the first gear, demonstrating excellent maneuverability. Overview ago is not worse than the first. Parking in this car - a pleasure. And we continue to move. The engine spins up obediently, turn in second gear, then third and then on the fourth (a total of five). Switching occurs clearly.

The speed is growing rapidly, but the machine keeps excellent way, her behavior gives us confidence in safe and fully verifiable movement, suspension copes well with a few irregularities and did not allow separation of the wheels when moving sections of the road with a pronounced «terrain», and in high-speed bend. Significantly increased effort on the steering wheel, he lost «vatnost» and became a sharp and clear - power was variable characteristic.

Despite the fact that the car peredneprivodny, in turns, he shows almost neutral povorachivaemost that only adds the thrills of the management of this meeting. It is possible that the result of a stabilizer lateral stability of the rear suspension.

Even before the turn a little late in the wheel, then this error can be corrected quickly: slight movement of the steering wheel, adding «gas» - and the car obediently lured into a turn and will be in the position where it will send a driver. Brakes work by becoming a pendant and steering control, ensuring a stable and accurate deceleration, despite the presence of drum brake mechanisms on the rear wheels.

How can we think of such a dynamic and a compact sedan may be interested primarily business people, leading an active urban lifestyle, and relying largely on its own. A proactive way of life is unthinkable without a car for the driver, which can be attributed Mazda 323 S.

Entrance examination Mazda has successfully withstood. Let's see what happens next, because more and more car brands that appear on our roads. We will inform readers about the long-term operation of these machines in an environment different from the conditions of Japan, Western Europe and America, where Mazda has received rave reviews.