We're thinking of replacing the wife's Mazda Xedos 9, and having been very happy with Mazdas in general, we decided to have a test drive in a Mazda 6.
This was my first test drive ever, and I was pleasantly surprised. No hassle, just show my licence, fill in a quick form and off we went without the salesman. He was even happy for us to put the kids' carseats in the back (we've had problems in the past on this score with them not fitting well).
Off we went. We were driving a 2.0L hatchback manual. Now the manaual was a bit of a shock after three years of auto boxes, but with a lurch or two we were away.
In many ways the 6 impressed us. Very nippy, VERY big inside; the same size as the Xedos 9. Also, I was impressed by the airbags everywhere, such as in the windscreen (A?) pillars. So far so good.
But the RACKET! The noise from the tyres was nigh on unbearable. Even around town it was awful and once we got on the motorway we just couldn't believe it. Several of the roadtests had mentioned noise as a problem, but I took those with a pinch of salt. Climbing back into the 9 year old Xedos 9 was a relief.
So, we come to my question. Why, when cars seem to be becoming quieter by the year, would someone bring out a car with this level of noise? Is it the fashion for wider tyres, or just poor engineering? Or am I just missing the point and expecting luxury motoring just because a medium sized family car has expanded to the same size as executive cars used to be?
And, more to the point, will my test drive of a Mondeo over the weekend reveal the same problem?
V
|
Could be the choice of tyres/wheels. Also, as you said, you're comparing vehicles which although similar in size are very different. The Xedos 9 is referred to as being on a par to the BMW 5 series whereas the 6 is the Mazda equivalent of the Mondeo (I've nothing against the Mondeo I should add). Why do you want rid of the Xedos 9.
BTW had a very similar, relaxed and highly professional service from the Mazda dealer I purchased my MPV from. There may not be many around but they seem to be very good.
|
|
My ancient 626 has always been noisy, as well, and I'm not convinced that the 6 is as radically new as Mazda would have us believe. While I do get a lot of tyre noise, wind noise is also fairly loud. Even though the vehicles are in the same class, the Mondeos I have experienced are much more quiet.
|
I remember reading somewhere (may have been on the Diesel Car site, try the forum at www.dieselcar.com ) that there is indeed a noise problem with the tyres fitted as new to the Mazda. I seem to remember a comment from an existing owner that once he changed the tyres for a different brand, the cabin noise was much reduced.
Just a thought - I wonder whether this could actually be a ploy by parent company Ford to protect sales of the Mondeo, in the same way that the Octavia and the Golf are built on the same platform, yet the soundproofing on the Octavia is not as good as in a Golf to preserve that "bargain" feel. If the 6 is as big inside and as good to drive, but better looking and cheaper to buy than the Mondeo, perhaps this is something that will encourage people to the blue oval ...
--
andymc
Vroom, vroom - mmm, doughnuts ...
|
|
am amazed at how much tyre noise varies between different road surfaces - wonder if anyone is able to explain how many types of surface finish there are and whether perhaps cheapest produces most noise?
|
|
|
|
"Why do you want rid of the Xedos 9?"
It's 9 years old, so I feel things may start to go. When I found out that a replacement exhaust was £300 - £400 (rear 2 sections) I blanched. A replacement battery last year, while I can't remember the exact cost, hurt badly. Finally, I am told by ATS that I need to approach the bank and remortgage should I ever need to replace brake pads and discs.
Also, safety has moved on a little since in nine years, and it's pretty important to me.
So, good reasons to sell (IMHO) but I'm not going to change to a noisy replacement.
I'm testing a Mondeo tomorrow; if that fails, I'll be getting a second Omega. Gawd help me.
V
|
|
|
|
Im picking up my new Mazda 6 tommorow.Ive part exchanged my 1 year old Vectra for it.I too thought that the demo that I drove was slightly noisy,noisier than the Vectra. However I counter-balanced several issues :
For buying the Mazda :
Looks -im getting the Sakata-it really does look the business and not too many 6's around unlike the Vectra and as common as muck,handling and feel -ten times better than the Vectra, engine-im exchanging a 1.8 petrol for a 1.8 petrol but the Mazda appears much more responsive plus appararent reliability -so perhaps a certain peace of mind.
Against: Vectra much quieter both road noise and wind noise but the Vectra is heavily soundproofed- disadvanatage is that you hear every tiny niggling litte rattle-thats about it.
Until recently Ive driven a Mondeo at work,Vectra was quieter than the Mondeo which I would put on a par with the Mazda
Cheers
|
Vin, if your going Omega - try Volvo S80. Quiet is not the word and loads available at decent prices.
--
Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
|
Is this a self-fulfilling prophecy? Had you read the What Car report first?
I too test drove the Mazda and found exactly the same thing - excessive road noise, but I had previously read a report (I think it was What Car) which made reference to this very thing so I was particularly listening out for it...and wasn't disappointed. But, on reflection, was it so bad?
I drive the Mondeo now but, when I first got it, spent ages listening out for the imfamous door seal wind noise and this spoilt things for a while. But I got seriously side tracked by the fact it is such a good car to drive and now I have to say there is no noise issue.
Sometimes, comments from motor review journalists can unjustly tarnish a car's reputation.
Splodgeface
|
"Is this a self-fulfilling prophecy? Had you read the What Car report first?"
I know what you mean, and I was worried about this, so I didn't say anything to SWMBO. I left it till she mentioned it, so there was something worth mentioning. And, yes, it was bad. To compare it, we then drove home via the test route to compare the other way, if you like.
V
|
I picked up the Mazda6 this pm....leaving the 1 year old Vectra. First impressions....looks...fantastic! Obviously im looking at this vehicle with rose tinted spectacles however i hope my opinion is impartial.
The car had 4 miles on the clock....my test drive vehicle had 17,000 miles. As for road noise...totally non instrusive,took a spin down the by pass in todays wind, again suprised...minimal wind noise....car is eager and pulls well,responsive and sharp. The feeling of being in the soundproof Vectra bubble is recompsensed by the'feel'of being attached totally to the road.
This has taken me back years ago to my Lancia!Looks,handling and an attentive growl from the engine when you give it some poke!
Ive driven the Vectra for 7 months...Its like sitting in an armchair and driving from A to B with earplugs..if that is the future of main stream car design........I know what I prefer............
|
|
|
|
