Skoda Roomster test drive since 2006 -

In marital status

What is common between families? They say that everyone suffers the same, but everyone is happy in different ways. Which car will complement the happiness of avid summer residents? And which car will help preserve idyll in a businessman who has just been replenished? Which car to choose if the puppy selected by children on the street has grown in an 80-kilogram elephant? The answers to all such questions are given by seven cars that are not similar to each other, the best in their classes, in the basic configuration in the price range of up to one million rubles (so that the cult of the family does not turn into the cult of the family machine).
 
Opel Zafira
In Europe, the class of family minivans is so great that with all its relative unpopularity in Russia, almost all automobile companies keep 1-2-3 examples in their lineup. And only because in these cars the capacity/price ratio is the best. And the conversations that life ends with the purchase of a minivan is still greatly exaggerated. Mazda5 (115 hp from 745,000 rubles) and VW Touran (102 pp. From 798,243 rubles), and Opel Zafira has a modification of OPC (240 hp) in case , if parents immediately decided to prepare their children in astronauts.
 
With the backs of the rear seats folded, the volume of the trunk of the SAFIRA reaches the freight 1820 liters. This is a lot. Even too, therefore, every owner of the minivan must be an altruist who enthusiastically perceives the next request of relatives and even few familiar people to help take the cupboard. Or in general, some completely original load, the good of the possibility of transforming the salon allow. Practicality has a flip side. The rear seats are frankly inconvenient, but, according to the idea, children should be placed on their own royal thrones.

1. At first, the interface seems confusing, but, getting used to it, everything is quite logical. 2. The salon is spacious, functional and very boring. 3. You need to get used to the Opelian lever of turn signals. 4. Diesel cars do not serve all the services of official dealers, so more frequent compared to gasoline versions can be troublesome. 5. For a diesel engine, an automatic gearbox is not supplied, but the mechanic also leaves a pleasant impression
Another, from the point of view of the child and any normal adult, is a more serious drawback of too gloomy and boring interior decoration. Extremely black and gray tones are more suitable for special transport on the last journey, but here life is just beginning. But, however, spots from tomato juice are not visible.
The minimum cost of Opel Zafira (115 hp) is 648,000 rubles. For this model, you can choose the necessary additional equipment, ranging from covers to containers with a cooling and heating function. Only Citroen is no worse for this assortment, but the C4 Picasso minivan (120 p.) Is significantly more expensive from 814,000 rubles. Much cheaper than the Ford C-Max (100 l. P.) From 609,000 rubles. He has diesel versions: 110 liters. With. and 136 l. With. The cost of the magnificent diesel version of Opel Zafira, which we tested by us, starts from 895,400 rubles.
Diesel, according to the genre law, is necessary in a family car, of course, the legislator of fashion for the Volkswagen diesel fuel for the Touran: 105 liter minivan diesel fuel. With. from 1 036 405 rubles, 140 l. With. From 1 099 417 rubles, and with DSG Touran it becomes completely expensive from 1,151,063 rubles. There is no diesel on the Mazda5, but there is a 7-seater version (from 857,000 rubles). Fans of French cars are dedicated to Renault Scenic (110 hp from 785,500 rubles).
The minivans in general, and Opel Zafira in particular, are suitable for those who regularly transport many things, moreover, overall ones. The rear seats are usually inconvenient, so on long trips it will be comfortable only for passengers in their own children's seats
 
Skoda Roomster
A car, unambiguously resembles a commercial heel, is also suitable for a family breed if this car is Skoda Roomster. Recently, he had a serious competitor to PEUGEOT PARTner TEEPEE with a clearance of 180 to 200 mm, the luggage compartment volume from 642 to 3000 liters and at a price of 588,000 rubles. And Roomster clearance is only 140 mm.
 
But then, a giant panoramic roof is available for him at a price of 25,490 rubles, which means that when mom and dad will pull out a stuck car out of the country dirt, the child will not be capricious, he will dream of becoming an astronomer, an astronaut Or at worst an astrologer. Skoda Roomster belongs to the Mikrovenov class, which accumulated a lot of different in size and characteristics of single -combatants. There is a popular Nissan Note (from 562,500 rubles), and a completely new, built on its Citroen C3 Picasso platform (499,000 rubles). There is an old and terrible fiat panda (320,250 rubles per 54 liter p.), The brand new and fashionable Kia Soul (from 599,000 rubles) there.

1. Management of the musical system and air conditioning system is as simple as the appearance of the buttons. 2. The chairs are wide, flat and without lumbar support, but, nevertheless, comfortable. 3. The screen, on which the testimony of the on -board computer is displayed, is the same as on all Audi and VW models, discreet and easily readable. 4. Many models will envy the choice of salon upholstery. (The one in the picture on the left is available only in the inaccessible configuration of Scout)
In the car, Skoda Roomster is by no means the shape of the body, but the shape of the front doors. The upper corner is too sharp, and therefore too dangerous. If leaving any other car and imported with some things, we risk knocking his forehead against the open door, then Rumster will knock out his eyes in this situation. Someone did not work out with this door at all. How much his window looks spectacular outside, just as ugly inside. The fact is that the inner door panel has no similar bend, and we have to be content with the contemplation of the black corner. All this, not being mortal sin, nevertheless spoils the general good impression. The ceiling of the Rumster is tall, the interior is spacious, and the trunk is huge despite the fact that the external dimensions differ from Fabia to a length of some 21 cm and 4 cm wide. Here it is, the city family machine, as in the textbook combining compactness and spaciousness, dynamism and low fuel consumption.
In Russia, Rumster has recently lost the SCOUT version. A gray plastic body kit, as in a car that participated in our test, you can still try to scrape away from the dealers, if it seems to someone that it increases off-road qualities.
If you allow yourself to add a little emotion, making such a practical choice as Skoda Roomster, in the interior of this car there will certainly be a rarity for such seats, upholstered in bright blue fabric.
Skoda Roomster is suitable for those who have dogs or hobbies requiring a large trunk; Those who are looking for a compact, but roomy car, as well as Volkswagen engineering solutions at a lower price

Nissan Qashqai +2
It always happens: someone expresses an idea, and someone brings it to perfection. The Nissan Qashqai mini-conservation was the first. Followed after him, the Ford Kuga, and the VW Tiguan, and Renault Koleos were trimmed.
 
They are newer, and in some ways more perfect. But on the unconditional, boundless and, it seems, the eternal success of the Japanese pioneer this does not affect. Buyers definitely know what they need. And they need Nissan Qashqai, and it doesn’t matter that alternatives have already appeared, they know one thing: Qashqai, yes Qashqai. Apparently, Nissan has brilliant experts not only on off -road and marketing, but also in hypnosis. But all this does not matter. It is important only one now Nissan Qashqai has become also plus two. That is, children in a family who acquired this machine, now it may simply not be counted.

1. Review through the rear -view mirror is bad, but parking sensors and rear view chambers help. 2. High landing allows many drivers to feel more confident at the wheel. 3. Particular attention to music is paid to the SV configuration. Many buttons and badges scares. 4. In 2WD mode, the front is front -wheel drive, in AUTO, the rear wheels are connected automatically if necessary, location of the blocking of the central differential. 5. On a small round display there is a lot of information
Dad with mom in front, three children in the back seat and two more in the trunk. They came up with the children in the trunk for a long time and, apparently, for a reason, and, for example, for educational purposes instead of a closet. There is not a single car except the bus where the third, the optional series of seats would not be like a circus shell. Undoubtedly, the young children there will be physically appropriate, but it is also obvious that they will definitely refuse to spend more than a couple of minutes there. There is cramped, dark and boring. It is cold, hot or stuffy there. It is noisy and shaking there. And, how many euroncap stars come on, not too safe.
However, Qashqai +2 is more than the third row of seats. In fact, it is Qashqai, increased here by tens of millimeters, then there are tens of centimeters. And not just stretched in length to sit, the body is hidden again. A little more space above the head, a little larger than the place for the legs of the rear passengers, a little more space for luggage. A little more cost from 777,000 rubles instead of 726,000. Which of this is felt more than a question that optimists and pessimists will give opposite answers.
The basic value of the all -wheel drive version is 936,000 rubles, and with a variator another 40,000 more expensive. This is a serious increase in price, but even more important adding to the car. The clearance of 200 mm asks all -wheel drive, and the variator helps to move the car really smoothly. If the final cost of your dream Qashqai is too high, it is worth paying attention to another Nissan bestsan -spacious Mikrenen Note or even more spacious minivans of other brands.
Nissan Qashqai +2 is suitable for those who are close to the idea of \u200b\u200ba compact city crossover, and those who are not indifferent to this machine. Everyone else will like a 200 mm clearance, the possibility of all -wheel drive and variator
 
Chevrolet Captiva
It is almost impossible to buy a medium -size all -wheel drive SUV for less than a million rubles. But there is an opinion that if at least one child was born in the family, then without such a car you can’t live. The Chevrolet Captiva saves from the plight at a price of 903,700 rubles.
 
As well as Opel Antara (from 857 900 rubles), Mitsubishi Outlander XL 2.4 (from 899,000 rubles) and Kia Sorento (from 839 990 rubles). The main question is how much these cars will cost in the final configuration, taking into account the minimum options. Another question follows from this slippery number: is it necessary to carry children by fail on the road? Otherwise, why do you need an SUV?
It is roomy, and it is also reliable in terms of active and passive safety.

1. Even at the maximum level of configuration, the interior of this American-Korean crossover remains rustic and unpretentious, which, however, does not harm him at all. 2. From the driver's seat, the dimensions of the car are felt well. 3. Power of 230 hp It is lost due to an anachronous machine. 4. The parking brake is a handbrake, not a pedal, as in most American cars 5. In its consumer properties, Captiva does not lose much to its more expensive classmates
Yes, but you can argue. The child is not an elephant, but a folding baby stroller is not a wardrobe. In terms of active security, a good help is the driver’s head, capable of making correct decisions and not to overestimate his abilities and abilities of his car. And the child’s passive safety is a largely selected and correctly installed children's chair. And an SUV for those who really have enough for him, and also for gasoline, money, as well as for those who really often travel on really bad roads.
To give advice what to choose a Chevrolet Captiva or Opel Antara, no one can. This is the same machine that, according to GM employees, is different in different ways. In addition to formal, meaningless moments, it is not possible to identify a fundamental difference due to the lack of it.
Other twins have Mitsubishi Outlander XL 2.4 and Peugeot 4007 cards are completely different. The Japanese SUV in the basic version is cheaper than French, but looks more intelligent. But he does not have a lively and economical diesel, as at 4007, he has only gluttonous gasoline.
A simple interior and a little brutal outwardly, the Chevrolet Captiva SUV does not seek to seem something more than it really is. He is good. In the top version with a 3.2-liter engine, automatic and leather (practical) salon, it seems to be a well-balanced car without excesses and without serious drawbacks. In this form, it is already impressively 1,205 500 rubles.
Chevrolet Captiva is suitable for those who are more confident at the wheel of a large car; those who believe that a large car guarantee is a guarantee; Those who travel a lot on bad roads or are often chosen into nature; those who travel the whole family
 
Volvo V50
The Volvo V50 station wagon in the configuration we tested costs 2 013 892 rubles. This, of course, is not according to the rules, but the price of the basic version of the model (1.6 liter engine) starts from 902,300 rubles. In addition, the test of family cars without a representative of the Volvo brand is just nonsense.
 
Since in 1959, it was Volvo in 1959 for the first time produced serial cars equipped with seat belts, cars under this brand are considered a standard in the field of passive safety. However, over the past 50 years, many companies have been able to catch up and at least not lag behind. That's what Volvo cars are an indisputable standard, it is on the safety of passengers from the risks of an allergic reaction to the materials of the car and air in it. (Full study of the topic cars for allergy sufferers in cars No. 6/2009.)

1. From a very simple Volvo car, you can make a completely chic car. 2. Regardless of the materials of interior decoration and design solutions, the Volvo salon is extremely safe for allergy sufferers and asthmatics. 3. The menu of the on -board computer is Russified. 4. The rear seats, transforming, can safely be used by children. 5. The list of options of various kinds has no end
Draw a generalized portrait of an average European family. A reckless labrador, cheerful, frolic kids in bright color costume, a stately man and a charming young woman, who, hugging, admire the sunset. Something is missing? Yes, the Volvo V50 station wagon parked near the green lawn. Or Volkswagen Passat Variant. Perhaps the universals of Audi A4? Maybe! Perhaps Mazda6 station wagon. But only the station wagon!
Now look at some kind of engagement party (now it is fashionable)! Suppose the groom is the name of Dima Melnikov, and the bride, for example, Natasha Korniyko. Now Natasha is traveling on a Mercedes convertible, but since there was an engagement in a European manner, then after the wedding to go for her products on the Volvo V50.
You can’t get anywhere, the process is launched. There would be a happy end in the cinema, and their happiness will continue. After all, the V50 is really very nice to ride. Oddly enough, but in management this machine is better than its more popular S40 prototype in our country.
Family is the most accurate and complete definition that can be given to Volvo cars. This is a compliment and a detailed description, despite conciseness. No other company has rear seats that would be transformed into children's chairs in a second. The front edge of the lower pillow shifts up and back, ensuring the high position of the child for the optimal functioning of the seat belts and head restraint. Naturally, a special child seat can be installed in the car. Volvo experts consider it the most correct to plant a child in a chair against the movement of the machine.
The Volvo V50 wagon is suitable for those who care about their safety and the safety of their health; Those who prefer Swedish design and highly appreciate the Swedish know-how; Those who are looking for a high-class car at a more or less democratic price
 
Suzuki SX4
Suzuki SX4 hatchback is a unique car. Firstly, this is the most affordable car with all-wheel drive. Secondly, this is the most compact car with a clearance of 190 mm. What to do with this wealth, there are no questions: of course, to park on a snowdrift and go to the country. If neither one nor the other is required, you can choose a front -wheel drive version with a clearance of 175 mm. The gourmets are offered even a sedan who looks the same as all the other hatchbacks, who for no reason, for no reason, jumped up in the back of the back.
 
Cars are produced in Japan and in Hungary, and Japanese (front-wheel drive with 5-speed mechanics and 4-speed automatic) cost cheaper than Hungarian. Full -wheel drive is made in Hungary and are only on mechanics. A 1.6 -liter engine (107 hp) does not make the impressions of an angry beast, although it growls from any pressure on the gas pedal. So do not be afraid, this is a very sweet, quiet and friendly machine.

1. Simple plastic, unprincipled design, but ergonomically and comfortable everything was traditionally in Japanese cars. 2. The seats have neither lumbar nor lateral support, but people of different complexions are placed on them. 3. The car is quite jumping, jumps on each bump, while the interior details do not particularly rattle. 4. There are several cup holders, a glove box, pockets in the doors. 5. The power of the climate control is small, so the fan is very noisy, but copes with the work
By capacity, it will be exceeded by the new Citroen C3 Picasso compactwane, in popularity and unambiguous definition of the Nissan Note family car, in terms of democracy of the price tag Ford Fusion, and Honda Jazz in dynamism. But none of these or other competitors have, it has never been and will never be all -wheel drive.
The interior of the car of modest external dimensions (4140/1495/1620 mm) is organized successfully. It’s not crowded in the cabin, there is a lot of light and air. The trunk is very small, but the backs of the rear seats fold.
Despite the fact that the model is far from new, it looks quite modern. In statics and in the dynamics of the Suzuki SX4 hatchback, it looks collected and strong. A light off -road body kit gives a fraction of style. Of course, we are not talking about conquering an off-road, but such a beaten problem as a broken road to the country is easily solved by this machine.
The dream of a much more expensive Suzuki Grand Vitara, a very ambiguous crossover in its characteristics, can be safely replaced by buying SX4 with an honest and simple car suitable for both young people and grandparents.
It turns out that this is almost a perfect and unique car. Of course, it is not quite hard, and the motor is frankly weak. But you can not be afraid of fences of the suspension and do not spend much on gasoline. Although the Suzuki brand has never been frantic in Russia, a couple of years ago there was a queue for the SX4 long a year. And this says a lot.
The Suzuki SX4 hatchback is suitable for those who choose the car for the future, travel both around the city and out of town, knows about the advantages of all -wheel drive, but is ready to control with mechanics; Those who really look at things and do not expect from the car for 475,000 rubles. Mercedes level and qualities
 
Toyota Avensis
The competition in the D-class is impressive. Here are direct competitors of the new Toyota Avensis sedan about fifteen. Some of them are produced in the back of the station wagon, some are not, but one way or another, in Russia, the sedans become the only car in the family.
 
This is a car of the head of the family on which he drives to work, so the color of this car is either black, or gray, or silver metallic. As their modest wives sincerely admit, such a car is enough for them for family needs. The trunk is large, there are ISOFIX mounts on the rear seats, and the front passenger airbag is usually forcibly disconnected to establish a children's chair.
In the price range of up to 1,000,000 rubles, Car and D-class cars turn out to be the most advanced in terms of technical equipment.

1. It is impossible to intuitively understand the management of the musical system and navigation. 2. Design and even the texture of plastic a large step forward for the Toyota car. 3. This car can be equipped with various options, ranging from the function of memory of the driver's seat adjustments, ending with steering wheel transfers 4. The luggage of the sedan is 509 liters, the station wagon is not fundamentally more than 543 liters, but it has the backs of the rear seats, and then the volume of the volume equal to 1609 l
In general, they are well managed, which means that the driver, easily controlling the behavior of his machine, ensures the safety of movement. Obviously, with the advent of one or two children, there is no need to change the sedan to the minivan, unless, of course, the birth of babies did not arouse their own desire to change the car class.
The new ANENSIS is proposed in three versions: a 1.6-liter engine (132 l.) + 6-Test. Manual transmission; A 1.8-liter engine (147 p.) + 6-Test. Manual transmission or variator; Two -liter engine (152 l. p.) + Variator. In terms of power, dynamics and fuel consumption, these versions are almost the same, but the buyer has a pleasant and unreleal choice. There are six fixed sets, the maximum includes, among other things, the navigation system and the rear view camera. 1,289,000 rubles costs a car that has been on our test and left a very pleasant impressions.
The variator provides both dynamics and comfort at the same time. But there are also disadvantages. For example, the air conditioning system, as well as on all Toyota brand models without exception, is quite overdrying the air. The navigation system is also not perfect. But the optimal adjustment of the suspension of this machine, which allows you to do several things at once: swallow the irregularities of Russian roads, carry passengers so that they do not rock them, transport a bunch of things in the trunk, and at the same time deliver a certain pleasure from managing the driver. Those fans of fast driving, who traditionally call Aensis the most boring machine in the world, did not go to it with young children who will never let them get bored.
The Toyota Avensis sedan is suitable for those for whom it will become the only car in the family; Those who do not have large dogs and a monstrously broken road to the country; Those who expect reliability, comfort and practicality from the car
 
Summary
Only the person who chooses it to himself can choose the best family car. Like boots. Like a hobby. Like friends. It all depends on specific goals, on preferences and circumstances. Regardless of this, the best car is the one you like, and it is impossible to explain what. The best car is the one that is bought on favorable terms and is easy to sell when tired. The one that is economical and safe. The best car is the one that can make life easier and bring joy. After all, family means not only practical, but also beloved.
Having processed an infinite number of opinions, collecting a whole cloud of comments, digesting the data of the manufacturers, considering, measuring, having shouted, having traveled, after a pause, talking and thinking, I finally became convinced that the family car is a marketing bait. A buyer who is a really difficult task of choosing a really difficult task is put on a hook of a pre -ready answer. The answer to the question, which was not only not asked, but has not yet been formulated. Thus, cars are successfully sold that, without a correctly told fairy tale, they would not have been a decisively any success.
There are a bunch of practical and compact hatchbacks, there are a cloud of almost bottomless minivans, there are a lot of universal universals, there are hordes of fashionable city crossovers and completely real SUVs, there are finally banal sedans. In general, there is something to choose from. Choose what is right for you, and not to the collective image that the seller masterfully composed. Be yourself in everything, do not succumb to stereotypes!
 

Source: Cars