With the progress of science and technology, the transmission has entered a rapid development stage like other core technologies of automobiles, and the quietly rising gear number of manual transmission is one example. From the 4th gear initially adopted by Xiali, Jetta, Santana and other models to the most common 5th gear today, the performance of the car will be improved once the transmission is upgraded by one gear.
Although the 5-speed manual transmission is still the mainstream in the market, more and more models have joined the 6-speed camp. Compared with the common 5-speed transmission, the 6-speed transmission sets a more ideal gear ratio, which increases the opportunity of high power output of the engine and improves the acceleration and climbing ability of the vehicle. At the same time, by adjusting the transmission gear ratio, the quality and effect of vehicle power output have been improved. At present, in addition to mazda 6, which has already been on sale, and Pentium, which has been tested in this issue, there are also models equipped with 6-speed manual transmissions.
Junyi
Although Dongfeng Nissan Junyi is not the first model equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission in China, it is the first MPV equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission.
From the perspective of body size and wheelbase, Junyi is more like a hybrid car between compact travel car and MPV. Besides the headlights and air intake grille at the front of the car, you can find the design ideas of Tiida and Sylphy. Besides, the layout and working materials in the car are also very close to Tiida.
Although the wheelbase of 2 600 mm is the same as that of Tiida and Sylphy, as an MPV, Junyi still faithfully adopts the 7-seat design. In most cases, the car in Junyi will not be crowded as expected, and the position of the second row of seats can be adjusted back and forth like that of the Tiida high-profile car, so that the passengers in the last two rows can adjust their leg space in time, which is also the best scheme to excavate the three rows of seats with a wheelbase of 2 600 mm The third row of seats can be hidden under the floor when not in use, and this position is not obtained by streamlining the spare tire. It’s just that the driver’s seat that can’t be adjusted in height is somewhat regrettable.
Among all the products of Dongfeng Nissan, Junyi’s 1.8 L engine is "unique". This MR18D engine adopts C-VTC variable valve timing system, with a maximum power of 93 kW and a maximum torque of 174 N? M, the compression ratio is less than 10∶1, which favors the torque performance at low speed.
Because the gear ratio of the 6-speed manual transmission is tight, the speed drop of each shift is smaller than that of the ordinary transmission, and the shift process is more stable. The speed of 6-speed manual transmission at 3 000 r/min is about 120 km/h, which is the same as that of 5-speed of many cars, so the effect of 6-speed manual transmission on fuel saving at high speed is not particularly prominent. The acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is 10.5 s, while Junyi equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission is 12.2 s. Obviously, a 6-speed manual transmission is more suitable for squeezing out the power of the engine.
Junyi’s driving style is obviously biased towards comfort, and the power-assisted steering is very light. Even women can operate it with ease, but at the same time, it inevitably sacrifices some steering accuracy. Junyi’s engine and tire noise on the expressway are satisfactory. Although the chassis suspension lacks the obvious toughness of European cars, the adjustment is relatively solid and the road feel is very clear.
In terms of safety configuration, in addition to double airbags and ABS+EBD system, Junyi series is also equipped with BA braking auxiliary system. In case of emergency, BA system can actively help drivers apply greater braking force to obtain more ideal braking effect.
Like Yida and Tiida, if you like manual models, you should be willing to give up some configurations. At present, there is only one hand-held Junyi, and only the most basic configuration can be obtained. Intelligent remote control keys, engine anti-theft locking system, seat heating, front fog lights, side airbags and other configurations will not be available. In addition, Junyi’s full range of models currently have no skylights.
The manufacturer’s guide price is 138,800 yuan, and the warranty period is 2 years and 60,000 kilometers.
In China, the compact MPV is not an active market segment. Junyi with Nissan’s new generation engine and 6-speed manual transmission originally had a chance to make people shine, but the configuration table was too clear and watery, which made it difficult for people to make up their minds.
Mazda 5
As a new generation model of Prima, the new mazda 5 did not choose to be made in China, but came to the China market by importing. However, with the minimum price of 159,800 yuan (169,800 yuan for models with OBD), mazda 5 still has a chance to share the market share of domestic rivals such as Touran and S-MAX.
Compared with the previous generation, the new generation mazda 5 has not only increased in size, but also greatly changed in shape, making it more dynamic. Narrow and sharp headlights and trapezoidal bumper grille can also be seen in Ford’s models with "dynamic design" recently. Mazda 5’s tail shape is quite simple, and the white and red triangle taillights are very eye-catching and have a high placement position, which not only adds a lively effect, but also increases safety.
As a compact MPV on the same platform as Mazda 3, mazda 5 can’t see the shadow of any car inside or outside the car. The center console and transmission panel are T-shaped, with tough lines, which are completely different from the styles of mazda 6 and Mazda 3 that we are familiar with.
The wheelbase size of 2 750 mm enables mazda 5 to create rich spatial changes. Among the three rows of seats in the car, the first two rows are left and right independent single seats, and the third row is a bench for two people. The most ingenious seat design is the second row, with a multifunctional storage box and a small seventh-person seat hidden under the two seats. When the left seat cushion is opened, the hidden seventh-person seat can be opened, while the second row of central armrests will be changed into seat backs. Although the seat area is not large, the second row of seats will be enough for three people to ride. If there is a third row of passengers coming in and out, they can be put away to create an in-vehicle passage. Open the seat cushion on the right side, and the built-in storage box can hold small items that you carry with you, which is convenient and practical. In addition, the second and third rows of seats can be completely laid down, forming a super-large storage space flush with the trunk floor. Mazda 5’s car doors are also worth mentioning. Instead of using the traditional car door opening method, it uses sliding doors, which is convenient for the rear passengers to enter and exit. However, because it is not electromagnetic, it takes some effort to close the door.
All three imported mazda 5 models are equipped with 2.0 L engines, which are basically equivalent to the 2.0 L engines used in domestic Mazda products, so it is not difficult to drive a 1.5 t body. With the cooperation of 6-speed manual transmission, the maximum speed of mazda 5 manual transmission can reach 188 km/h, and the acceleration time of 0~100 km/h is 11 s, so the power performance is enough for ordinary families.
As an entry-level vehicle with emphasis on cost performance, the comfort equipment of manual comfort mazda 5 is reduced, but the safety equipment and humanized equipment are retained. Although it is imported, mazda 5’s sales are through FAW Mazda’s channels, and the maintenance and repair work is also completed through FAW Mazda’s after-sales system, and the prices of related accessories and working hours are basically the same as those of domestic mazda 6 standards. Since only 700 vehicles were introduced to the domestic market in mazda 5 in the first batch, there was no preferential price, and the manual transmission model sold for 159,800 yuan.
The warranty period of mazda 5 is 3 years and 60,000 kilometers.
With good handling and creative combination, mazda 5 is undoubtedly a pleasing MPV, but the price of vehicles with OBD in Beijing market is 10,000 yuan higher than that announced at Guangzhou Auto Show, which gives us a modest surprise and reduces our price competitiveness.
Corolla
Since its birth in 1966, Corolla has developed to the tenth generation, which also shows the success of this model from one side. Although in appearance, Corolla is quite different from the previous generation models, and she successfully took off the hat of moderation and became younger and more dynamic, which is exactly the superb place of the designer. Through the local changes of the front and rear light groups and bumpers, Corolla has been completely transformed, but if you look closely, you can still find traces of the previous generation from the A-pillar, C-pillar and the proportion of the car body. In this case, the size of the Corolla has not increased much, except the width has increased by 55 mm, and the length and height have basically not changed. The wheelbase size of 2 600 mm is also inherited from the previous generation. The obvious increase is the kerb quality. The kerb quality of the two 1.8-L handbrake models is 1 285 kg and 1 310 kg respectively, which is basically close to the European rivals, which also shows the change in the design concept of the Corolla body.
Like the appearance, Corolla’s interior is not reinvented, and all the trends in the car are based on ingenious improvement. Compared with the 1.6 L model, the Corolla 1.8 L interior has changed a lot, and the center console is X-shaped, which is more scientific and technological. Japanese cars can be in a strong position in the market competition, which naturally has its advantages. In addition to the humanized design of double-layer glove box, cup holder and storage compartment, the designer has also made great efforts on the back floor of Corolla, which is completely unaffected by the layout of exhaust system. The nearly flat floor is not far-fetched when it is full of three people, and there are not many A-class cars that can compete with Corolla in this regard.
Corolla’s 1.8 L engine adopts Toyota’s dual VVT-i technology, which can adjust the intake and exhaust timing respectively, with a maximum power of 100 kW and a maximum torque of 175 N? M, but because it is located at home, Corolla’s power is not obviously abundant at low speed, but when it is above 3 000 r/min, the power output is the smoothest, and the 6-speed manual transmission is also easier for the driver to control the speed. At low speed, Corolla’s sound insulation and noise suppression performance in the car is quite outstanding, which is also one aspect that Japanese cars are superior to European models.
It should be noted that the Corolla manual model needs to step on the clutch to ignite. The 6th gear of the 6-gear transmission is suitable for high-speed cruising, and it is unlikely to be used in urban road conditions. On the highway, the speed of the engine reaches 120 km/h at 3 000 r/min, which is not much different from the other 5 gears. The shift is clear and smooth, but the stroke is not compact. In addition, the reverse gear adopts reverse ring design, which needs to be adapted in the early stage.
Compared with the previous generation, Corolla’s suspension structure has not changed much, and it still adopts the structure combination of front McPherson and rear trailing arm. The only difference is that the rear suspension adopts the design of separating shock absorber and spring, but the chassis adjustment styles of the previous two generations are quite different. Corolla didn’t completely compromise on comfort, but was tougher, which obviously helped the handling.
Although there are two 1.6 L models that hold the bottom end, 1.8 L is the main product of Corolla, and there are also two hand-held models. Although the quality of Toyota products is excellent, compared with some competitors, Corolla’s configuration performance is not outstanding. The GL-i with a price of 144,800 yuan has no electric sunroof, leather seats, seat electric adjustment function, self-luminous instrument panel, 6-disc CD stereo, side airbags and side air curtains. If you want to get these equipment, you can only turn your attention to the GLX-i model with a price of 156,800 yuan. Compared with other brands, Toyota controls the prices of its 4S stores more strictly, but there is still a discount of about 5,000 yuan in the Beijing market.
The warranty period of Corolla is 2 years and 50,000 kilometers.
Although the sales volume is far ahead of the competitors, the price/performance ratio of Corolla is not outstanding. As Toyota’s most successful A-class car, Corolla’s global best-selling reasons are not only stable quality and balanced performance, but also good quality and low price. However, in China, Corolla’s positioning of itself is obviously quietly on a higher level.
BMW 3 Series
In order to make the price of BMW 3 Series approachable, the 320i elegant model abandons a series of luxury configurations, but for drivers who emphasize the sense of control, those comfort configurations are far less attractive than BMW’s 6-speed manual transmission, and the manual gear makes the 3 Series, which is good at control, more pure.
The elegant 320i is priced at 308,000 yuan, which can be said to be the cheapest BMW car, but its birthplace is not Shenyang, China, but BMW’s German regensburg factory. Compared with the 3-Series luxury models, the elegant 320i is simple in everything, with no angel xenon headlights in the front, and i-Drive operating system in the car. The seats are made of fabric, and even the CD player is single-disc. However, if you look closely at the configuration list, you will find that the bottom line of BMW’s configuration is not low, but many safety equipment are not revealed, such as dynamic stability control system (DSC) and cornering brake control system (CBC). In addition, the elegant 320i has as many airbags as the 330i worth 580,000 yuan.
From the tone of the interior, you can see the ability of 320i to create an elegant sports style. Except for the titanium and silver plaques, the whole car is mainly black, and without luxury, you can only concentrate on driving. Like other BMW products, the 320i elegant model also uses the push-button ignition mode, but the driver also has to step on the clutch when igniting.
Compared with competitors with the same displacement, whether it is the maximum power of 110 kW or 200 N? The maximum torque of m, BMW’s 2.0 L engine is not a dazzling star, but with the help of electronically controllable valves and dual camshaft variable valve timing system, the elegant power of 320i will definitely be convincing. Regardless of the speed, the 2.0 L engine can make people feel abundant power. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h provided by the manufacturer is 9.0 s, which is 0.8 s faster than the automatic transmission model of 320i.
The 6-speed manual transmission is the core selling point of the elegant 320i. The gear ratios of the 2 nd and 3 rd gears are very suitable for speed increase, and the rotation speed will rise quickly. However, in cities, the utilization rate of the 6 th gear will not be too high, and drivers should pay special attention to the positions of the 1 ST gear and the reverse gear, because they are placed on the left side, and the reverse gear has no obvious protection mechanism, so they need to be careful, otherwise it is easy to make dangerous mistakes.
In order to emphasize the maneuverability, many adjustment settings of BMW products are very individual, especially the elegant 320i model. Besides the heavy steering wheel, the clutch pedal at the foot is also full of strength. Therefore, for most lazy people, it is not really a happy thing to drive a BMW on a congested road.
Recently, the 3-series manual transmission model has been further improved, and the 325i elegant model, which is also equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, has also been sold as an imported car, with a price of 399,000 yuan. Although the inline 6-cylinder engine equipped with 325i is BMW’s technical signboard, in terms of configuration, this elegant 325i continues to play the old idea of "emphasizing safety and neglecting convenience", and even lacks automatic air conditioning and rear air conditioning outlets. Compared with the 325i fashion model produced by BMW Brilliance, the cost performance is not outstanding.
BMW’s warranty period for these two manual transmission 3 series models is 2 years, unlimited kilometers.
Whether for brand appeal or handling performance, the manual gear of BMW 3 Series is full of temptation, but before you start, you’d better consider clearly whether these pure sports styles of the manual gear 3 Series can be readily accepted.
