Lexus SC test drive since 2005

5x Cabrio

Citroen C3 Pluriel
TRANSFORMER
Collective shoe-bearer

The thoughtful box is combined in Pluriel with a frisky and not a gluttonous motor

Engine
Type gasoline
Working volume, cm3 1587
Max. Power, l. With. at about./min 110/5750
Max. moment, NM at about./min 147/4000
Dynamics
Maximum speed, km/h 188
Acceleration 0100 km/h, from 13
common data
Fuel consumption (EU), l/100 km 5.6-8.6
Fuel tank volume, l 47
Wheel base, mm 2460
Length, mm 3935
Width, mm 1700
Height, mm 1560
A mass of equipment/full., Kg 1160/1515
Price, 17,000
 
The orange orange with a black crown with one of its colors captured attention. How fervently this semicircle of the roof looks like, dropping to the rear bumper! Pluriel are many of two cars in one. Because, sitting down in the morning, you will have to determine the type of body today before the trip. And with your own hands to make a solution to life.
Citroen, as always, demonstrates an original approach to solving the problem, offering the owner with his own hands to disassemble/collect the roof. You can look at the attached, rather sensible cheat sheet. If you manage to quickly deal with the locks and unfasten long removable arcuate sides, you will have to leave them in the garage (if you have one) or at home. Because there is simply nowhere to place these wings inside the car.
 
You will really evaluate such a design when, in the afternoon, many kilometers from the house, the sea cyclone will fly and it will rain. The owner of this car simply does not have the right to skip at least one weather forecast. Or forget about the convertible component and be content with the electrically removed cloth a la Citroen 2CV. Remember, there was such a funny post -war car with a tarpaulin roof?
 
In addition, you will have to conjure with a set of naughty plastic plugs, which should be covered by the naked traces of the execution you have done. Their hooks and latches are simply touched by the quality of the material and performance. As if all these are accessories of a toy car bought on the occasion of a repented child.
 
True, all this initiative has one very significant excuse price. And she is really small in the framework of our genre. To date, this is perhaps perhaps the cheapest of convertibles in our market. In addition, the main buyer of Pluriel youth will do this operation will not be difficult. A company of two unprepared people is able to disassemble/assemble the roof in no more than five minutes. In addition, simplicity is the key to reliability. There is simply nothing to break.
 
The standard for assembly/disassembly has been worked out. It's time and behind the wheel. Merifily buzzes the motor, selector in ... you will not find the usual drive here. The robotic transmission moves the car forward when the selector is put to position A. Thereby emphasizes the difference between the transmission and a conventional automatic machine. Strange, oh well. We’ll get used to it!
 
The most important differences between the robot is that he does not know how to maintain a car from rolling on a slope and does not have a Parking mode. Lovely girls! If you used to go on a regular machine, then crossing the wheel of Citroen, immediately get used to putting the car on a handbrake and stomp well on gas when touched to the mountain. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the rear bumper on the car following you.
Robototransmissance is accompanied by regular acceleration pauses, but we wrote about this more than once, and I do not want to go deeper into it. For racing races, this machine was not created, and the point.
And I would like to note the excellent aerodynamics of an open salon, a full -fledged rear row for two persons, a good trunk and a very moderate appetite of this transformer. A very cool car for good money.

The roof in the fold was found at Citroen before. The most memorable owner of the famous ugly duckling 2 CV

Long arcs of the roof should be removed and you need to put it carefully. One awkward movement, and a scratch on the wing is guaranteed.
Facelift will soon expect this Sitroen model. It is likely that Pluriel will receive an electrically cleaning top

Lexus SC
The choice of aesthetic
A cigar -shaped representative of a convertible

Smooth SC forms echoes the design of machines 70 years ago. But the filling of Lexus is super -modern
 
Engine
Type gasoline
Working volume, cm3 4293
Max. Power, l. With. at about./min 304/5600
Max. moment, nm at about./min 440/3400
Dynamics
Maximum speed, km/h 250
Acceleration 0100 km/h, from 6.2
common data
Fuel consumption (EU), l/100 km 8.6/16.3
Fuel tank volume, l 75
Wheel base, mm 2620
Length, mm 4535
Width, mm 1830
Height, mm 1370
A mass of equipment/full., Kg 1740/2110
Price, $ 105,000

The contours of this bright red carpet-cabriolet are associated from times when the chassis and body made different companies, and some depended little on others. The owner of the body atelier simply painted a line along which a dozen masters had a groaning any shape, if only it was beautiful. This is at first glance Lexus SC.
 
Its body is painted with perfect gloss, the white skin of the interior decoration is pleasant to the touch. Valuable woods are delightful, like juicy soft plastic. Not a car palace.
He floats smoothly over the road. Smoothly responds to the movements of the steering wheel. It is quite sharply on the gas pedal. With the top raised in it, quietly and lully coolly. With a dazzling dazzlingly light from the mass of white surfaces.
 
The steering wheel with polished inserts is elegant, but it slides too much in his hands. But the body thoroughly blown in the aerodynamic pipe allows you to rush with an open top at speed good for a hundred and not fear for drafts in the cabin. For this, a very stylish vertical glass is installed between the rear head restraints.
 
Excellent sound insulation leads to the fact that at idle engine speeds it is not heard at all. Even if you are standing next to the hood, a powerful red -legged pipe roar appears only with sharp acceleration, and even then all it remains behind. The inhabitants of the salon will hear only a quiet murmur from under the hood.
 
But with a closer acquaintance, some solutions were discovered, which on the cars of this price group look at least strange. For some reason, the excellent audio system Mark Levinson has volume and settings, confused in places. Of course, there are duplicate buttons on the steering wheel, but I still want to see the volume on the left in a European way, and the setting on the right.
 
The advanced multi-stage antenna of the receiver and small, low-haired background flashlights look at all like an anachronism from the 80s of the last century. As well as the complete absence of parking sensors on a far -extinguishing stern. When handing back, it is just right to exhibit a full -time observer, in order not to spoil the bumper on the curb. With its impressive size and base, this convertible is by and large a double account. Only a child can fit on symbolic rear seats, and under a grand lid of the trunk of free space is found exactly for your umbrella. The paradox, but the entire space behind is given a vertically standing spare, the folding mechanism and the roof itself.
 
At one time, Lexus released a modest batch of 400 copies of the top version of SC performed by PEBBLE Beach. The car is distinguished by the color of the body in black, the red skin of the salon and special disks of Pebble Beach Azure Pearl. Largely thanks to Run-Flat tires, on which in the case of a puncture you can go another 200 km at a speed of 80 km/h, and the absence of a spare wheel, there is enough space for baggage in these machines.
 
The Lexus SC made in the American manner can be praised or criticized, but one thing is undoubted: this car will definitely remember! Which, in fact, is required.

The optimal age for the passenger of the second row is seven years. Everyone who is older or younger is offered places in the ground.

BMW Z4 Roadster
Fast Stelaaga
Gasoline with shark blood in half

 
Supply with muscles, a frisky convert rushes forward. And collects long glances after.
Engine
Type gasoline
Working volume, cm3 2996
Max. Power, l. With. at about./min 265/6600
Max. moment, nm at about./min 315/2750
Dynamics
Maximum speed, km/h 250
Acceleration 0100 km/h, from 6
common data
Fuel consumption (EU), l/100 km 6.5-13
Fuel tank volume, l 55
Wheel base, mm 2495
Length, mm 4090
Width, mm 1780
Height, mm 1300
A mass of equipment/full., Kg 1310/1610
Price, 57 100

The Bavaret with the Z index is primarily a way to increase adrenaline in the blood, and only in the second convertible. With an open roof and a gas pressed pedal, sensations, especially in some kind of alley, come close to motorcycle. The same whistle of the wind, the roar of exhaust and instant accelerations. It is worth, however, to accelerate a little in a hundred, there is a desire to close the roof. Or let the gas release, because almost aircraft twisters begin around the driver's head.
 
Use Z4 carefully, with understanding and proper attitude. Because even a slight movement of the steering wheel is regarded by others as an attempt to overtake. After you can not even press the gas anyway. Caution, the aggressor driving. Is it so?
 
Not at all necessary! Of course, the car provokes to break into the full and, by and large, indulges in these jerks and a perfectly configured suspension, and a powerful engine with a nimble box. Filigree rudder and tenacious brakes will also come to earth. But the victorious kilometers were passed, the defeated enemy under the joyful cry of your companion was hopelessly behind and surrendered, entangled in levers and pedals. His image in the mirror has long melted in the haze of a hot exhaust. Maybe it's time to put a girlfriend behind the wheel?
 
Easily! It turns out that the BMW Z4 is ready to be obedient and delicate female hands. And he begins to behave on the road differently. Noticeably more friendly. Even for a while ...
Incidentally, comfortable seats, wonderful music and an electrically departing roof can also configure in a walking way. The elastic motor is perfectly pulled from the bottom. Speed \u200b\u200b70, the wind does not blow the little things from each gap, the sun around and curious eyes.
 
True, your girl, especially if her car experience is small, will quickly begin to complain about poor visibility. But such is the law of the genre we sit low, in front of the in a room under a predatory hood, and the gaze through the mirrors back in a closed car rests on the overhanging roof and close -uped small mirrors. So look only forward, dear! And it is unlikely that anyone will catch up with us. Unless an employee of the traffic police on Belo-Sinem, instilled with flashing lights Mercedes. Yes, and he will be more interested in whether this masterpiece flows in the rain and now how much this masterpiece.
And it costs a lot. True, he goes exactly on all the money spent on him.
 
Created from the very beginning in the back of the Roadster (about the BMW Z4 M Coupe that has appeared relatively recently on page 4041) This car received an exceptionally hard body. In addition to the most accurate rudder directly arising from this, there is a pleasant property that adds confidence to the owner of BMW: the body perfectly opposing the twisting loads does not walk at all when passing irregularities. And the margin of strength is valuable quality for reckless machines and people!

Even a three -liter Z4 loses a motorcycle slightly in dynamics. The sensations of a car with an index of M are truly biker.

In the cabin, everything is simple and at least forms. So that nothing distracts from the road.

Examination on the sidewall that imitates the threshold is very expressive and gives the machine visual stability.

Wet out without looking? No real biker of his two -wheeled friend will never exchange for the car. Next time we will definitely take the Bimer motorcycle with us!

PEUGEOT 307 CC
CabrioPractic
Beautiful lion cub with wide possibilities
 
Two of a casket for folding this top is not needed. The electric drive works quickly and clearly.
Engine
Type gasoline
Working volume, cm3 1997
Max. Power, l. With. at about./min 140/6000
Max. moment, nm at about./min 200/4000
Dynamics
Maximum speed, km/h 207
Acceleration 0100 km/h, from 10.1
common data
Fuel consumption (EU), l/100 km 6.2-11.3
Fuel tank volume, l 60
Wheel base, mm 2610
Length, mm 4345
Width, mm 1760
Height, mm 1420
A mass of equipment/full., Kg 1455/1830
Price, $ 23,500
From the compartment to the convertible and vice versa, this machine turns in just twenty seconds. Another couple will go down/ raising the side glasses. Conveniently, you say you will not be mistaken. Even with the advent of the first rigidly folded converts, it became clear: the age of a classic cloth roof stretched on the angular knees of the frame ended. From now on, despite the catastrophically dried trunk, the transformer roof becomes the norm. And who, if not Peugeot in this field, build. Of course, the first -born of this design was Mercedes SLK, but the merit of mass implementation undoubtedly belongs to two hundred and sixth with a memorable and cool SS index.
 
Three hundred and seventh, it seems, took into account some lessons of its smaller predecessor and boasts not only the presence of a formal trunk, but also almost conscientious two places of the second row. Be that as it may, but two representatives of our editorial office of a decent size and, to the best of those who are well -fed after another, fit. Not comfortable, but tolerant. And to put two slender girls back and is not a problem at all.
 
In many ways, this was possible thanks to some overflow of the salon forward. Because of this, it became more difficult to leave the front seats. Long and heavy doors do not contribute to the departure procedure. The scope of one and a half meter panel is not weak, like its result. Girls! Leaving the 307th SS, take care of the edges of the doors and sides of other cars!
 
And of course, Peugeot 307 CC is perfectly controlled. Cars of this brand have always been famous for high obedience and adequate reactions to the actions of the driver, and the 307th is no exception. The fair sex will especially like the enviable course stability, which is not terrible neither the longitudinal track of the left row, nor all kinds of potholes and a light obedient steering wheel.
With an open top and a hundred seven -year seven forces under the hood, the car jumps into the bead of streets. Review, the dynamics are all on top. Formal city clog. The upper edge of the windshield hanging right above the head, although it inspires some fears with its firm intimacy, nevertheless, perfectly protects the company in the salon from the hurricane even at speeds over a hundred. Only one small remark. Five gears of the mechanical box, with all its clarity, somehow quickly end during acceleration. The speed is short, I want to turn on the sixth, but it is not. Although a reasonable restriction is probably for the better.
 
Contrary to the widespread opinion that the long nose of Peugeot deprives the cross -country car, I want to notice: with neatly, even the forest paths of this nosed cimulus do not care. As it has nothing to do with various bumps and joints. Si-si-fusion swallows them at a time. Such, so to say, is useful in the household of converters.
 
The body hardness of the body, of course, was not expected in 307 SS. With an open top, the front and rear parts freed from the roof tightening their roof are noticeably even on small road irregularities. Nevertheless, the Peugeot 307 CC is a good and harmonious car that can deliver a lot of pleasure even to a demanding client.

The tilt of the glass at the Wrap is so great that the wind does not fall into the salon. Even at the back is quite calm.

With a powerful motor, the 307th also turns into a rather nimble car, which easily plays speeds for 150

Sunny baths in Peugeot 307 CC are conveniently taken. In a few convertible days, we all tanned great. Another valuable quality of the cleaning roof.

Honda S2000
A drop of mercury saves our sinful souls

The hood hides the engine compartment almost two -meter length, in which the engine itself, far pushed behind the front axis, occupies no more than half. The entire grand nose of this car is no more than a fairing of radiators, air filter, etc.
Engine
Type gasoline
Working volume, cm3 1997
Max. Power, l. With. at about./min 241/8300
Max. moment, NM at about./min 208/7500
Dynamics
Maximum speed, km/h 240
Acceleration 0100 km/h, from 6.2
common data
Fuel consumption (EU), l/100 km 7.8-13.9
Fuel tank volume, l 50
Wheel base, mm 2405
Length, mm 4135
Width, mm 1750
Height, mm 1200
A mass of equipment/full., Kg 1250/1535
Price, $ 60,000

Before the appearance on the site of a low and rapid Honda S2000, a Bavarian convertible stood as if apart. Like rope horses, sensing a worthy opponent, a Japanese and German, spreading his nostrils, began to sniff with long noses.
 
Honda is extremely squeezed from all sides. In the species and color resembles a sports plane. Her thin and swift body shakes the power hidden under the hood. Moreover, experienced hands worked on this instance for a long time and successfully, with each approach, taking away from the acceleration number to a hundred tired 0.1 seconds. And you can order a stunning body kit. And drop another 0.1.
The steering wheel is nerve! Thin, just under the coverage of the fingers. The skin is so tender not otherwise like. The handle of the box is a minimum of stroke and maximum clarity. Well, this is Honda. How can it be otherwise?
Silver red black. Classics of the genre. Stylish interior embodiment of the driver high. Convenient, although crowded. We try to sit down with a closed roof we get the edge on the head. Low or squat? Sloped suitable word!
 
Start key! And the start itself with a red button, to the left of the steering wheel. Stylish. The motor is not too noisy, although up to hundreds of only 6.2 s. This is with a regular copy. And this, tuned to 5.8. But inside the motor is no-no. What is created by Honda mechanics is very difficult to improve. And spoil once spit.
 
In a long engine compartment, the engine itself occupies no more than half. Completely pushed into the base, it leaves a lot of free space in front of him, in which, for example, you can place a turbocharger.
But is it necessary?
 
The reserved motor reluctantly pulls from the bottom. His song begins with three and a half thousand, and ends at almost fantastic 9200! Excellent acceleration. We unscrew the motor almost to the ringing. Tachometer! Where is he? A string of luminous stripes at the top of the devices during the day is almost not visible ... It remains only to listen to the sound.
 
We translate the spirit. Brakes who would doubt the level! The suspension, which seemed tough, in flight acquires softness. Although with the bedroom police on Honda you have to be more careful. It will not seem a little to shake.
 
Remove the roof. We hide from the wind behind a rather steep windshield. And we listen, listen to the song of the motor. Aerodynamics of the salon is not so hot. But whether she is here ...
 
The fighting character S 2000 provokes a driver to a quick assertive ride. Slick-shred gear. You can go to the fifth, or you can go to the second. It all depends on the desired acceleration. No need to be lazy to pull the pen. It’s not possible to go quickly in another way. A car for a professional.
 
I have nothing against the girls driving, but this car will not suit most. Here everything is sharply sharpened, like a good pencil, which is ready to leave on the asphalt a rapid thin line of the trajectory. Verified and fastest.
 
And imagine, she has a real trunk. At least a couple of sports bags will fit there. What else do you need for happiness? A little more gasoline in the blood? Or wheeled nuts with transparent heads for ruby? With them will the beauty become 0.1 faster? Eternal pursuit of time. We will want to! Honda law.
 
   
The face of the S2000 is deceptively friendly. However, it should be considered in the rear -view mirror properly.

... And the real fans of the brand waved his hand ready for anything for their car. In this guise, this copy lives the last season. Next summer, the branded body kit and the setting of the car will allow it to become even faster and more obedient.
Text Eugene Khapov
Photo by Leonid Grandfather

 

Source: Cars