Test Drive Chevrolet Lacetti Sedan since 2004 Sedan

New Russian

Covers soon will happen in his life, it will receive Russian citizenship. Rather, it is worth mentioning about this event. In the past time, the first Lacetti had to go off the conveyor in Kaliningrad in March.
 

It does not promise any global change, screw the doors and install the engine will be able to and with us. But still, you can formally say that the Korean stage is passed, and therefore it makes sense more closely to look at the next New Russian.

 

Laccetti handsome man. For our consumer, it is important, we love including beautiful eyes. Elegant headlights, pleasant body lines, harmonious appearance and front and back stop, what am I talking about? Oh yeah, about hatchback. But we have a sedan! There is a smaller beauty in it, and all because of the stupid dubbing bumper, making the front of the car similar to the face of a person with an irregular bite. And the headlights are not so elegant here, and the appearance is much more brutal. But it is quite original Italians from Pinifarina tried that in itself inspires respect.

 

Lacetti ergonomics are also impeccable. I did not like the big steering wheel well, it was worth making it at least a betrayer more modest. The shape of the gearbox lever is an inverted truncated cone is also not an optimal solution. What form should be gripped hands under it? Fissure seats are soft and do not provide the desired side support.

  

True, the overall impression when you already got behind the wheel, remains surprisingly positive.
 
Prices:
The minimum price of the Lacetti sedan is $ 13,790 per pack of Plus with a hydraulicer, two pillows, ABS, CDs, front windows, immobilizer and a 94-strong 1.4-liter engine. The most accessible version with a 1.6 liter engine costs $ 15,590, the most inexpensive car with a machine gun will cost at 17 590 USD. The test car cost $ 16 born.
 
The workplace is harmonious and does not impress the impression of the world on the thread. We see space with a well-read instrument panel, a modern central console, a convenient location of the pedals and understandable, well readable and pleasant to the touch by the controls. It is very possible to adjust the driver's seat in height, and the steering column in height and departure. A positive impression enhances the fact that Lacetti has a large salon. And not even just a big huge: you can not say that this is a golf class. Sitting after me, you get a pretty decent space for the legs, and in the width, the distance is sufficient. True the picture of the trunk of 405 liters, hiding, alas, the dock. True, there is enough space for a normal wheel.
 

Minus Chevrolet on the road the noise of the engine, penetrating the cabin, after the mark of 2,000 revolutions. Eh, cute, thundered you at the sports outside, reminding everyone about your approach, and not inside! They say, many ordered additional noise insulation, and, having driving even a few kilometers, these people can already be understood. But this is an additional consumption, which means the lack.

 

Pluses in dynamics can be noted much more. What Russian does not like quick ride it, including about him, Lacetti. 1.6-liter aggregate issues an increase of 109 hp, and behind these figures is a great acceleration and a trap. Acceleration turns out very frisky, albeit without obvious jerks, the absence of which pleases or grieves depending on how strong the racing vein is strong. But the main thing: the car makes it possible to express itself, which is not enough for all cars of this class.
 

And how about the new Russian attitude with domestic roads? Here we have a classic road, asphalt on which does not allow to relax for a minute. And then the joy of the skier: the raven snow with pieces of ice, dirt and other charms of this spring. Let's try 40, 60, 80, 100 more something you do not want. And what is the result? Rather, noisy than Dergano. A moderately rigid chassis does not sin with a lack of comfort, providing permissible rolls with rapid rebuilding and a toal earthenware of small road irregularities. Changing as a road surface is smootically transmitted to the steering wheel: shots should not be shifted, but when you will understand it under the wheels or slippery plot and take measures. The same steering wheel, which I previously criticized the dimensions, was very sensitive and pleasantly heavily at high speeds.

 

The reduction in speed pleased less than overclocking. The brake pedal seemed to be wadded, ABS enters into battle with some intake, which, however, allows you to vary the style of braking depending on the driver's desire.
 

P.S. To compare Lacetti, we were not going to anyone. But the opportunity introduced himself: another Chevrolet Togliatti Viva went on the road with us. It turned out fun: two foreign cars with a Russian passport. Both with a cross on a radiator grille. The difference in prices is small. They talked about both as a candidate for the title of folk. And the result is so different!
 

The main thing (and almost the only advantage) Viva is a 125-strong engine, already on the 2nd gear providing a pressing acceleration. But, apparently, this plus is not a strong argument in favor of Russified Astra on an impressive price that the manufacturer does not all decide to change.

 

With all the small disadvantages of Lacetti, much more modern car, despite the fact that there is nothing revolutionary. Assessing the car with a 1.6-liter 109-strong motor, air conditioning, two pillows, ABS and small joys, such as anterior armrest, conductor with heated and power windows, can not be rejected by its balance.
 

It is a pity that he does not bear any national flavor. Well, really, what is Korean in it? Russian, though, too, a little. Except that passports.
 

The car for the test is represented by the official GM dealer, the Pragmatics Auto Center


Text: Igor Frolov
Photo: Roman Stunnin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A source: Magazine "Wheels" [№102 / 2006]