Dodge Journey test drive since 2008 SUV
Family affairs
The meaning invested by the car manufacturer in the name of his next model is often inaccessible to understanding by simple mortals But in the case of Dodge Journey and Renault Espace, everything is clear: Journey translates as a journey and an espace space.
When Dodge Journey took the first steps on the world automobile market last year, the public was presented exclusively as a crossover of increased comfort with the corresponding wheeled formula and appearance. But from cross -tavern attributes only appearance reached Russia. And everything is in order with her: the car looks exactly the way the modern American jeep should look. Journey looks like a big SUV. The car has impressive wheel arches, easily accommodating 19-inch discs, and a good road clearance of 182 mm. A chrome gigantic grille of a radiator with a stylistic solution characteristic of modern Dodge in the form of a well -recognized cross -shaped structure. If a person is impressed by an archetype uncle in a jeep, then this car is for him. The car is noticeably from afar, and it has a definitely brutal look. At least the neighbors in the stream perceive Journey that way.
Unlike the American Renault Espace, not a newcomer in the market. This is the fourth generation of the model. It has been produced since 2003, only in 2006, having undergone a small restyling. If we talk about the exterior of Espace IV, then he completely and completely fits into the stylistic line of the brand, putting his blood connection with Megane and Vel Satis for public display. We have all the same harsh lines and faces here. When looking at the front of the car, attention is concentrated on a characteristic shape of the headlights and a huge panoramic windshield. Large wheels, slightly protruding for the contours of the body, create a feeling of aspiration forward.
In the profile, this impression is enhanced by the reverse tilt of the back of the body and remotely resembling the tail plumage of the rocket with stamping on the hind wings. It is curious that, in the presence of all these, the sharp elements of the design is perceived as exceptionally friendly.
The ease of access to Dodge Journey is provided by wide doors, opening almost 90 degrees. In American, strict plastics reign in the cabin. Moreover, it is impossible not to notice that, although a short -term, but the official marriage between Daimler and Chrysler, owning the Dodge brand, clearly benefited American cars both in terms of constructive solutions and in design. The interior of our hero is perceived quite harmoniously. And the square panel of the devices, and the thoroughness of the large steering wheel, and the pretty central console unequivocally say: the Germans visited. The location of the automatic transmission between the front seats also testifies to the European orientation of the car. And the chairs here, by the way, remind of the American roots of the car.
There are no complaints about the ergonomics of the driver’s workplace: everything is in its place, you don’t need to get used to anything. The rear view camera helps to park this station wagon-overgrown. Four-zone climate control, coupled with a multimedia installation on the ceiling, are designed to brighten up the lives of the rear passengers. To brighten up because with all the impressive width of the posterior sofa the legs of the second -line riders more than 180 cm will not experience special comfort, despite the possibility of longitudinal adjustment of the rear seats. This fact surprises exactly until the moment you find the presence of the third row of seats, which in a folded state form an even surface with the trunk floor. Most likely, the designers slightly squeezed passengers of the second row exclusively to equip the car with an excess pair of armchairs located almost in the luggage compartment.
Renault Espace as a worthy successor of the traditions of a well -deserved minivan dynasty must simply be a bus. The corresponding sensations arise immediately as soon as you are driving a car. Here you have a bus planting of the driver, an impressive area of \u200b\u200bglazing, and four personal chairs for passengers of the second and third row. The dashboard is located in the middle of the front panel. Its electronic icons are unobtrusive and easily read. Among the highlights of the car, you can name the climate control control panel taken on the driver's door, and the emergency alarm button, permitted on the ceiling in the area of \u200b\u200bthe rear-view salon mirror. If it were not for the automatic transmission selector between the front seats, then from the driver’s place it would be possible to reach the rear door of the car on a flat floor. And if you open all five messages of the front panel at the same time, there is a persistent feeling that you have the most natural chest of drawers. Apartment motives enhance the functionality of the passenger seats of the second and third row. They can be rolled on longitudinal rails in the salon floor, folded, rearranged backwards or even dismantled, the benefit of each about 25 kg and any manipulations with seats do not require the bodybuilding of the past.
On the front-wheel drive Dodge Journey (exclusively such cars are supplied to Russia) behaves quite predictably, that is, in American. A six-cylinder V-shaped 2.7-liter 185-horsepower gasoline engine gently accelerates the machine. Slowly swaying on the waves of asphalt, she swallows any potholes and bumps quite loudly. The shedding steering does not contribute to active steering, but largely, thanks to him, the car does not pay attention to such trifles as inescapable ruts on domestic routes. The Americanity of the suspension is also manifested in corners in the form of early rolls and a tendency to demolish the front axle. When trying to ride an active style, the machine does not have time to turn on the reduced gear in time. Therefore, it is better to use the manual automatic transmission. However, be prepared for the fact that in this case the average 15-liter AI-95 consumption will increase even more.
A curious fact: the behavior of Renault Espace on the road is very much like Journey. There are almost the same slightly inhibited reactions of a two-liter 170-horsepower gasoline turbo engine to press the gas pedal. The same yacht rolls in corners due to the high center of the weight of the bus body. About the same fuel consumption. But there are nuances.
Espace suspension seems more collected, or something. Oddly enough, but the Renault bus seems more nimble. It is easier to act in the stream compared to the American. The back of this property was the sufficiently high sensitivity of the Frenchman to rut. By the way, the car that has been on our test was not equipped with parking sensors, although it will not hurt such dimensions at all.
Dealers offer the domestic buyer Dodge Journey the choice between two gasoline engines. We are talking about a 4-cylinder 2.4-liter 170-horsepower engine, developed in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz, and a 2.7-liter 185-horsepower V6. Both cars are equipped exclusively by automatic transmission. Dodge Journey prices swim in the interval of 1,009,0001 236 375 rubles.
Renault Espace is sold with us only with a 2-liter gasoline turbocharged unit with a capacity of 170 hp. Unfortunately, the 2.2-liter 150-horsepower diesel is exclusively suitable for this machine is available only to European customers. Renault domestic dealers offer customers car with both a mechanical and automatic gearbox at a price of 1,295,800 to 1,430,000 rubles.
Dodge Journey Crash Test
Dodge Journey crash test was carried out according to American Nhtsa. The machine showed excellent results during tests on the frontal and lateral clashes, having received the maximum possible five stars in each of the disciplines. The car is equipped with original multi -stage airbags for the driver and front passenger. There are special air bags to protect the chest.
Renault espace crash test
Renault Espace became the second minivan in the five -star list of cars according to EURONCAP (following Peugeot 807). At the same time, Espace set a record of EURONCAP tests, crossing the threshold of 35 points, earned 35.11 points. He received 15 points for the frontal blow, and for the side 18.
Among the features of the machine are double -mode frontal airbags.
Dodge Journey
+ Off -road image. Energy -intensive and comfortable suspension. The abundance of comfortable options.
- slurred steering. Mediocre dynamics. Little space for the legs of the rear passengers.
Renault Espace
+ Many options for transforming the salon. Good handling. Thoughtful and fairly original ergonomics.
- insufficient engine power. With laid out passenger seats, there is little space for baggage.
Alexey Batushenko
Photo: Armen Meitarjan
Source: Mkobil magazine [June/2009]
