Remote

Here is the translated test drive text into English: When choosing a car of the 'S' size, no one is ready to sacrifice comfort. Requirements for compact models are high today, and manufacturers try to meet them: small cars are becoming smarter and better equipped, and their top versions already claim serious attention. It is in such trims that the new models appeared before us — the related Ford Fiesta and Mazda2, as well as the popular Skoda Fabia, which is now assembled in Kaluga. If you compare hatchbacks by price lists, it is immediately clear that their starting positions are different — such are the features of Russian lineups. Fiesta offers a rich choice: three- and five-door bodies, five trims, four engines (including a turbodiesel). Mazda is only five-door, with two trims and one engine. Fabia is five-door, four trims and the same number of engines. Each model has a version with an automatic transmission. The cheapest is Fabia. Its initial trim is more modest and weaker than competitors, but the list of available equipment is huge: the car can be assembled to suit yourself. The most expensive in base is Mazda, although it is equipped minimally better than the others. Options for it are packed into packages with a fixed price. Fiesta is in the middle in price and basic equipment, but most of its equipment is available only for an extra charge. We tried to equalize the conditions. Both 'sisters' came to the test with a five-speed manual. Fiesta — with the most powerful engine 1.6 (120 hp) in the top Titanium trim with additional options, which pulled to $21,081 (168,642 UAH). Mazda 1.5 (103 hp) — in the Sport version, also with options, for 624,500. Fabia played it safe and prepared more seriously: 1.6 (105 hp) with a six-speed automatic in the special Sport Edition version for $22,268 (178,142 UAH). **FORD FIESTA** **Ford Fiesta — an effective, fashionable thing. The most original and noticeable** At the presentation abroad, designers clearly enjoyed the guests' reaction to the new Fiesta. Pleasant heaviness of appearance, beautiful details, chrome — the car is image-oriented, with pretension. A fashionable, flashy thing. Inside — a real celebration of creativity! The console resembles a mobile phone keyboard, reinforcing the feeling that Fiesta is an accessory. Colorful instruments under visors in the style of aviator glasses, diamond-shaped steering column stalks, a steering wheel rim with thickenings and recesses for a correct grip, a round 'climate control center'. At first, you just examine all the elements. Stylish. But a complete picture does not come together. Therefore, you get used to it here for quite a long time. However, this does not apply to seating: the steering column now also moves by reach, the seat is comfortable, with increased adjustment ranges. Out of habit, you feel slight confusion: there is too much of everything. The main thing is to learn to use the console-phone: remember the connection of the joystick with buttons, understand the Russified menu. The task is not as simple as it seems. But many features of the version, on the contrary, simplify life. For example, keyless access with engine start by button, heated windshield, parking sensors... In the number of compartments for small items, Fiesta wins over the Japanese sister. The trim plastic looks and feels nicer and more expensive than competitors, and the quality of part fitting in all three cars is the same — 'good'. And what about space? If there are four people of average height in the cabin, Fiesta does not seem cramped. Three in the back is already a bit tight — it presses in the shoulders. Well, basketball players better not gather more than two for training. By feel, Fiesta is the quietest: in the cabin, only the voice of the engine is heard. The suspension does not make noise and surprisingly calmly digests broken roads. Mazda2 seems like not a relative. After it, Fiesta seems heavy, too benign — even slightly imposing and lazy on the rise. Illusion! It is Ford that gives the driver the greatest pleasure. The engine spins evenly from the 'bottom' to the red zone, readily accelerates even in fifth gear. Fiesta passes high-speed corners very confidently, the steering provides the necessary information, the connection with the car does not weaken. On the move, it is the most interesting car of the trio.

	CHECKING THE LUGGAGE The dimensions of the opening and the capacity of the compartment (volume from 281 to 965 l.) – do not raise questions or surprise. Expected and convenient. The rear seat cushion is solid, but it can be removed. Under the floor – a space-saver spare wheel.
	CELEBRATION OF CREATIVITY The designers' imagination sometimes conflicts with function. The longest we figured out the 'phone' keyboard and menu. But there is nothing to seriously reproach the controls and instruments for. You just have to get used to it. Or not – for many, Fiesta will be the first car.
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER To sit in the back in three, you will have to squeeze in. Fiesta, like its sister Mazda, does not pamper with the convenience of entry-exit for rear passengers, but it conducts a less strict selection by height.

**MAZDA2** **Mazda2 gives the driver a feeling of lightness – it is the most playful! And not cheap** A toy! A little car! Let's ride! In appearance, Mazda2 is the slimmest, liveliest, and most dynamic. In fact, it is the smallest and lightest. But in our trio, it seems... frivolous. Responsible household errands are not for it. The trunk is the least capacious, the fifth door has to be unlocked with a button, and lifted by the edge, while wiping the bumper with your hand. Places for small items are few (although the 'half-open' glove box is originality itself). The 'two' is not as hospitable to rear passengers as Fiesta. And the driver's seat at the first minute surprises with minimalism. And why is such an attractive and cheerful Mazda on the outside finished with such dull plastic inside? Having settled in behind the wheel, you become much more tolerant. Let Mazda be the only one that does not adjust the column by reach — a comfortable position on the small seat is selected without problems. There are also no difficulties with controls, special thanks for the location of the gear lever on the console ledge. And you cannot reproach the version for the simplicity of equipment. For example, Mazda also starts without a key — by turning the ignition lock plug. It seems there is one answer to all questions to it: 'Let's go! Let's ride! Let's ride!'. As befits a toy, the 'two' brings joy. It does not matter whether you want it or not. It is so actively eager to drive that it seems it is about to jump out of its own body. At least at first, do not rush to release the clutch pedal and press the accelerator, otherwise you will get wheelspin and yaw at the start. However, further the little car will not let you get bored. It instantly responds to the slightest movement of the steering wheel, and in a fast turn it tends to wag its tail. It has fun, tries to involve you in the game! A driving breed. The key definition of the model is lightness. It is felt in everything: in acceleration, in handling, in gear changes. If you roll from an energetic pace to a more measured one, you can afford to reach for the lever less often — the engine, without much strain, will pull even on a 'forgotten' high gear. All great, but the flip side of lightness is a noticeable lack of solidity. The suspension is the least comfortable: the 'two' reacts somewhat harshly to bumps of any caliber. At the same time, there are rolls, although not annoying. And also, alas, in our company, Mazda is the noisiest. Perhaps, of the trio, it is the most ambiguous.

CHECKING THE LUGGAGE Opening the door is inconvenient. The most SKODA FABIA Skoda Fabia of Russian assembly attracts with stable prices. And practicality Red body, white roof. 'I want to be a MINI!' In our test, Fabia, on the contrary, is a 'maxi'! The most impressive and spacious, it is also maximally 'correct' in terms of cabin layout, driver's seat organization, and attention to details. The high seating position combined with the mass of the front panel evokes associations with a compact crossover. Everything here is big: the steering wheel, instruments, seats, adjustment ranges... You can settle in the cabin without looking at your build and height, and the driver's seat is the most problem-free. True, the dimensions are felt worse than in the other two cars, despite the high seating position. Of the three top versions, this one is the best equipped. The cornering light system is especially useful. Fabia is the most economical: the glove compartment is two-section, there is a central box-armrest. The luggage compartment is the envy of others. A family friend? Undoubtedly. Being the most correct, Fabia is the least emotional. Including on the road. No, it's not a MINI, no matter how much one might want it! Skoda takes corners without much enthusiasm, rolls, although the suspension can't be called ultra-soft... But on bumps it maintains enviable composure. And it lacks some informativeness. But in comparison, this is not so much a problem of the Fabia as an advantage of the Fiesta. The engine-automatic combination is not the best in terms of coordination, but the convenience of city driving is undeniable. Moreover, the sport and manual modes here are not a compensation, but truly "energizers". It's a bit noisy, though. For comparison, we also drove the manual. And we remembered the Fiesta: the same smooth pull with slight laziness at low revs, the same convenient shifts. The only thing is that the Skoda's lever travel is a bit long, but this is compensated by selectivity. YOU'RE IN ORDER Skoda is German-correct, interior details are precise. The cabin is planned so that every "cube" of space works to advantage. CHECKING IN THE LUGGAGE The widest and tallest opening, the most spacious compartment (volume from 300 to 1163 l). The shelf attaches at two different levels. The folding seat scheme is the best. The spare wheel is full-size. NOT LITTLE! Our assessments? If "quality of life" comes first, then Fabia is more attractive. If it's more important to stand out and enjoy, the best of the three is Fiesta. Well, Mazda... If you get along with its character, you'll likely never trade it for anything else. Manufacturer's data Ford Fiesta ■ ENGINE 1596 cm3 petrol, 4 cylinders, 120 hp at 6000 rpm, 152 Nm at 4050 rpm ■ TRANSMISSION Manual, 5 gears, front-wheel drive ■ DYNAMICS max speed – 193 km/h acceleration time 0-100 km/h – 9.9 s ■ DIMENSIONS (mm) length – 3950 width – 1973 height – 1481 ■ ECONOMY average consumption – 5.9 l/100 km Manufacturer's data Mazda 2 ■ ENGINE 1498 cm3 petrol, 4 cylinders, 103 hp at 6000 rpm, 137 Nm at 4000 rpm ■ TRANSMISSION Manual, 5 gears, front-wheel drive ■ DYNAMICS max speed – 188 km/h acceleration time 0-100 km/h – 10.4 s ■ DIMENSIONS (mm) length – 3900 width – 1958 height – 1475 ■ ECONOMY average consumption – 5.9 l/100 km Manufacturer's data Skoda Fabia ■ ENGINE 1598 cm3 petrol, 4 cylinders, 105 hp at 5600 rpm, 153 Nm at 3800 rpm ■ TRANSMISSION Automatic, 6 speeds, front-wheel drive ■ DYNAMICS max speed – 185 km/h acceleration time 0-100 km/h – 11.5 s ■ DIMENSIONS (mm) length – 3992 width – 1886 height – 1498 ■ ECONOMY average consumption – 7.6 l/100 km