Test drive Chrysler Voyager 1999 - 2000

Caravan Sarai

These cars were originally addressed primarily to people leading an active lifestyle, traveling with the whole family, suburban picnics, trips to the country, but you never know what else ...

A layer of such consumers is just beginning to form, and minivans are still more often purchased for official use. But interest in these cars from the heads of families and households (wives, children, grandparents, etc.) is already waking up, and therefore the time has come to get to know the minivans better. And in order to make a more accurate idea of \u200b\u200bwhat such machines are capable of, we picked up three completely dissimilar ones related to different weight categories of the model.
The question may arise: how did Renault Megane Scenic get into this company? And by what criteria can the car be classified as the minions? In our opinion, machines of this type are combined by three common features of a single -luminous or semi -roll layout, more vertical, compared with cars, planting a driver and passengers, as well as rich possibilities for transformation of the salon.
The Trinity we selected just meets all these qualities.
Renault Megane Scenic
Aesthetics
These grace and extravagance are perhaps the two main distinguishing features characteristic of French design are completely inherent in Renault Megane Scenic. The stylists of the company center managed to give the car a completely original and unusual appearance. And at the same time, Scenic leaves no doubt about its belonging to a large and friendly family Renault Megane. This has been achieved through the use of unified style solutions and some common elements, for example, such as rear lights.
In general, the car was a success, especially when you consider that its creators had to go by unanimous paths by the time Scenic had no analogues.
Honored 10 points!
General assessment of the design
Mechanical filling of Megane Scenic is made at a good modern level, although without special technical delights. A in -line four -cylinder engine with a 2 -liter working volume, transversely installed in the front overhang and tilted back. To comply with the EURO 96 emissions, the motor is equipped with distributed fuel injection and a catalytic neutralizer, and the gas distribution system used on it with one camshaft and two valves on the cylinder is still often found on French cars.
On Scenic, either a mechanical five -speed box or a four -speed machine is installed. The front suspension is traditional MacPherson, but the back is made on torsiones, which you do not face often. Due to this, it was possible to increase the already considerable volume of the luggage compartment. The ABS system is included in the list of options (it was installed on the tested car), ventilated discs are in front, and drums behind. Since the mass of the loaded Scenic can reach 1900 kg, disc brakes would be more appropriate behind, especially since they are available in the arsenal of the Megane family, they are equipped with charged versions of the coupe and convertible. Given this, the technical perfection of Megane Scenic can be estimated at 7 points.
Suitability for Russian conditions
The Renault Megane Scenic supplied to our market is appropriately adapted to domestic specifics at the factory. The so -called Russian package includes a body galvanizing, plastic shelves in the arches of the wheels, increased to 15 cm clearance, adaptation to gasoline with octane number 92, and filters and gaskets used in units are selected taking into account the local climate. The unconditional advantages should be attributed to the protection of the crankcase pallet, and the full -sized spare wheel located in the trunk under the floor, and the gas tank hatch locked by the central locking system. It turns out that Scenic is ready to fully meet the surprises of Russian exploitation. For this, he receives another 10 points.
Comfort in the cabin
The car that has been in our hands was equipped with air conditioning, an electric drive of external mirrors and glasses of all doors, a triple-computer, a central locking lock built into the ignition key, immobilizer and security alarm. In addition, a driver’s pillow, a power steering, fog lights and audio training were installed on it.
In addition to the listed equipment, the convenience of passengers is the internal environment of the cabin thought out to the smallest detail. Here you can find truly countless different compartments and departments, where it is easy to add everything that will be needed on the way. In addition to the traditional glove compartment on the front panel, there is a advanced box under the driver's seat, three containers in the floor, and two in the side linen of the trunk, as well as almost a dozen pockets of different sizes scattered throughout the cabin. Folding tables are built into the backs of the front seats, and there are two positions in height at the shelf covering the luggage ...
All this could be listed for a very long time, so we decided to just give Megane Scenic 9 points. (One point remained in stock. Simply because it happens even better.)
Ergonomics
The driver’s seat has manual settings, with which you can change the position of the pillow in length and height, the back tilt and the back in the lower back. The angle of inclination of the steering column also changes, and the headrests move in two directions. All adjustments have a sufficient range, so for the driver of any physique it will not be difficult to choose the optimal landing.
There are no significant complaints about the instrument information and the location of the governing bodies. Well, except that the sound signal button is located in the French manner in the end of the left steering wheel switch. Out of habit, you first press the steering of the steering wheel and only then remember the stupid button ...
The good overview of the driver’s place suffers only only because of the massive sprouts of the windshield, the left sometimes interferes quite strongly, especially in corners. But with this, alas, you have to put up on most of the similar machines.
The comfort of the rear passengers was on top. All the seats here can be independently moved back and forth from each other, and the extreme ones also have two positions of the back of the back of it can be slightly thrown away. In order to sit the three of them, not to push your shoulders, it is enough to dilute the seats along the length, for example, to advance the average. By the way, it is noticeably smaller in width and is apparently designed for the child. If you dismantle it, then the extreme chairs can be moved closer to the middle, and then the level of comfort will be no worse than in some limousine. To obtain all other options for transforming the salon, you need to either fold or completely dismantle any rear seat. Or all at once. In the latter case, the trunk practically doubles its useful area, which is already impressive, especially if you recall that the length of the car only slightly exceeds 4 meters.
Given the size of the car, ergonomic indicators deserve an estimate of 9 points.
Security
As already mentioned, our Scenic is equipped with a pillow for a driver. In addition, seat belts with ronacers and effort limiters are ready to help passengers in difficult times. By the way, on all five seats there are adjustable headrests, and the belts have a three -point mount and inertial coils. And although the front passenger pillow is included in the list of options, the level of safety can be estimated as very high. Total 8 points.
Dynamics
The power of a two -liter engine is quite enough to confidently feel at the wheel of Renault Megane Scenic. One hundred and fifteen horses accelerate the car to a hundred in a little more than 11 seconds. The gearbox in French is stretched, but in moderation not so that it already annoyed. In addition, the decent traction of the engine on the bottom allows, when accelerating, it is quite early to switch to the following gear, which even more masks the nature of the box.
With a more active driving, the engine becomes quite vocal already somewhere after 4000 rpm. True, by this moment it is already possible to switch to increased gear by the rate of speed set from this will not suffer too much. Manipulating the gear lever with a seized handle, short moves and excellent clarity of turning on was very convenient. The brake pedal is also good, the efforts on which are perfectly selected and provide excellent feedback. The brake effectiveness is quite sufficient, but the imagination is not amazing. 8 points.
Shodal qualities
The behavior of the machine in motion and its handling simply conquered. Suspension setting is close to optimal. (Perhaps here the adaptation to Russian conditions affected.) Energy -intensive, but by no means a rigid suspension without unnecessary noise swallows the flaws of the road surface. It was possible to avoid unnecessary buildup and excessive shaking. It seems that the car simply clung on the road. The turns are held like rails, so you might think that you are in an ordinary passenger car. And only increased rolls remind of a high center of gravity.
The steering also does not leave anything disarmed. Excellent feedback and the almost complete absence of delay on the actions of the steering wheel turn riding into pleasure. 9 points.
Renault Megane Scenic RXe
The number of places and doors 5/5
Engine volume, cm3 1998
Power, L.S. 115
at rpm 5400
Twisting, NM 168
at rpm 4250
Octane number of gasoline 92
The number of programs is 5
Tire size 185/70r14
Wheel base, mm 2580
Wheel track, mm: front 1450
rear 1485
Road clearance, mm 150
Length, mm 4134
Width, mm 1719
Height, mm 1600
Trunk volume, l 410/1800
Fuel tank volume, l 60
Equipped mass, kg 1345
Maximum speed, km/h 185
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, from 11.1
Fuel consumption, l/100 km:
in the city 10.7
at a speed of 90 km/h 6.7
at a speed of 120 km/h 8.9
Retail price, $ 24500
 
PEUGEOT 806
Aesthetics
The 806th looks somehow very utilitarian, beautiful, but still a bus. The reason for this lies on the surface, because the Peugeot 806 is collected at a joint venture, from which two drops of water Citroen Evasion, Fiat Ulysse and Lancia Zeta come from the conveyor. The differences between all machines are mainly reduced to the details of the design. So the fantasies of the designers were not up to the rampant to maintain recognition. They managed the latter, so for the appearance of 7 points.
General assessment of the design
The constructive solutions used in development are largely echoing with those on Renault Megane Scenic. The machines have the same layout with a transverse arrangement of the in -line four -cylinder engine, which just also has two valves on the cylinder and distributed injection. True, with exactly the same working volume, the return of the Peugeot engine is 10 hp.
And the fundamental difference is only that the 806th set exclusively mechanical five-speed gearboxes, and springs are in the rear suspension. In all other respects, the complete analogy of the front suspension is MacPherson, the brakes are disk in front, drum on the back, but ABS is already basic configuration. Accordingly, the assessment is the same 7 points.
Suitability for Russian conditions
Adaptation to the conditions of Eastern Europe, which is designed by Peugeot 806, is not quite the same as the Russian package. From the fact that it makes life easier on our roads, there are only covers in the niches of the front wheels. And all! The reserve hangs from behind under the bottom, and its fastening is such that only a magician can not get dirty when replacing the wheel. There are 7 points, no more.
Comfort in the cabin
The SR version that has come to us for the test is the simplest possible, and therefore does not have siberia. There is an immobilizer, a driver’s airbag, a power steering, front windows and a central remote control castle, which is mounted in a very peculiar folding ignition key.
It is interesting that only five individual seats are installed in the basic performance, and the three -seater sofa standing behind us is an additional equipment for which we need to pay extra.
The next level of configuration also includes electric drives of external mirrors, rear windows and glasses in medium doors (that they also fall in the shift doors are quite unconventional). Fighting headlights and velor upholstery of the seats are also added here. Air conditioning, audio system, headlight washer, heating seats and even the trunk shelf all this is already custom -made equipment. Of the other options, it is worth mentioning two electric hatches, rotating front seats and the ability to order separate chairs instead of a triple rear sofa.
What else? The place under the absent radio is covered with a lid, which should mask the presence of equipment in the cabin. A pair of messages is mounted in the front panel, one standard, and the other on the site of a passenger airbag. Two closing compartments are in the sidewalls of the luggage compartment, and there are pockets in all doors. Moreover, in the shifts they are very voluminous and complemented by compartments in which it is convenient to put large plastic bottles of water.
Given the wide possibilities of choosing various equipment, in accordance with the needs of the customer, comfort deserves 8 points.
Ergonomics
A very high landing of the driver again causes bus associations. Nevertheless, it is very convenient and gives advantages in visibility. By the way, windshield racks do not interfere here very much. The front seats themselves have a couple of traditional adjustments and are characterized by noticeable lateral support.
To free the passage between them, the designers went to certain tricks. The first gearbox lever was placed on the front panel. It turned out, by the way, it turns out to be great at hand all the time, and it is very convenient to use it. The second handbrake also moved to a new place, now it stands to the left of the driver's seat. By the way, we got a story ...
Remember the custom rotating seats? So, in case of installation, the handbrake is made with one small nuance so that the chair can easily turn, the lever can be lowered from a protracted position, leaving the parking brake involved. We were not aware of such subtleties, and when the lever was accidentally sank, and the car remained inhibited, we decided that the handbrake was simply jammed.
It was outside the city. The car cannot move on its own. What to do? Call a tow truck? In short, the situation ... Hence the conclusion so as not to get into trouble, read the instructions.
But back to our Peugeot 806. Regarding the placement of the rear passengers, one can only notice that with such sizes of the car there will be no closely anyone. But how is the best enemy of good. If the third row is absent, then the seats of the second can be installed away and at the same time also remove the middle seat. The remaining slightly shifting and we just get royal comfort sitting in front will only remain to envy.
It is difficult to list all the redevelopment options to list who will know us well with combinatorics. After all, each armchair of the middle row can be folded or dismantled regardless of others. The same with the rear sofa or separate seats installed instead. Well, about the size of a cargo site that is released, if you remove all the furniture from behind, probably even to mention unnecessarily.
Summing up everything, we get 9 points.
Security
With any option to layout the salon and the number of passengers, all places turn out to be equipped with headrests and seat belts. In the front riders, they are adjusted in height, and in the two rear rows there are light discrimination sitting with the edge of the edge of three -point belts, while in the center there are only waist. The inflatable pillow of the front passenger must be specified especially when ordering. In general, security can be considered compliance with the obligatory norms for today and evaluated at 7 points.
Dynamics
By a speed set of 100 km/h, PEUGEOT 806, we compare with domestic front -wheel drive cars, which, apparently, should be considered acceptable for a machine with such dimensions and weight. Those who seem insufficient should think about the Peugeot 806 with a turbocharged engine that develops 150 hp. In this case, one hundred kilometers per hour are recruited in 11 seconds.
But the numbers are numbers, and according to the subjective sensations of the 806th, it seems even more quick. In any case, in the city stream he behaves very confidently, and you almost always feel a reserve under the pedal of gas. Therefore, probably, a dynamic riding on the Peugeot 806 does not require excessive stress. Well, the brakes that provide good slowdown and allow us to conveniently dose it, only add confidence.
Honest 7 points.
Shodal qualities
Good handling has always been a strong side of Peugeot cars. Our ward also did not shake the honor of the family, showing everything that he was capable of. And although minivan is difficult to enroll in the Drivers Car category, you feel at the wheel of 806 that the car is ready to reliably fulfill all your commands. If you try to express our sensations in one word, then most likely we would call the Peugeot 806 obedient. This is probably his main feature. Everything else is secondary.
The suspension was a little softer than we would like. On some irregularities, a slight longitudinal buildup appears. Otherwise, there is nothing to complain about. Moreover, the soft nature of the suspension has a positive effect on general comfort.
Another 8 points in the piggy bank Peugeot 806.
PEGEOT 806 SR
The number of places and doors 8/5
Engine volume, cm3 1998
Power, L.S. 125
at rpm 5750
Torque, NM 170
at rpm 2650
The degree of compression is 9.5
Octane number of gasoline 95
The number of programs is 5
Tire size 195/65r15
Wheel base, mm 2824
Wheel track, mm: front 1534
rear 1540
Length, mm 4454
Width, mm 1834
Height, mm 1714
Fuel tank volume, l 80
Equipped mass, kg 1510
Maximum speed, km/h 172
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, from 13.8
Fuel consumption, l/100 km: in the city 12.5
at a speed of 90 km/h 7.7
at a speed of 120 km/h 9.5
Retail price, $ 31048
 
Chrysler Voyager AWD
Aesthetics
If in Europe the Italians are recognized car couturiers, then in the American large three, the Chrysler concern plays a similar role. Its designers are constantly surprising the world of some unusual concept punishment. In extreme cases, they develop very stylish serial products. So, when changing voyager generations, they again created a memorable image that caused a lot of imitations.
10 points.
General assessment of the design
Chrysler Voyager is the largest of our trinity, and is also technical. First of all, this applies to engine volume. Under the hood of Chrysler, a V-shaped six of 3.8 liters. It is located transversely and has two valves on the cylinder, the lower location of the camshaft and multi -point fuel injection.
The gearbox on this version is installed only an automatic four -speed, and the drive on all wheels in Chrysler Voyager AWD is constant. His front suspension is independent, and behind the rear there is an uncertain bridge suspended on springs.
In the Voyager gamut proposed by the Chrysler, there are also versions with the drive only on the front wheels, with mechanical gearboxes and various execution of the body with two or one side sliding door. There are even two options for a wheelbase elongated by 15 cm in the Grand Voyager model. And four more different engines to choose from.
So, despite individual anachronisms, such as springs, the design of the design deserves an estimate of 8 points.
Suitability for Russian conditions
The Chrysler Voyager has plastic shelves, but compared to all -wheel drive, which is simply invaluable in our winter, this already seems to be a trifle. The pluses include engine operation on 91 gasoline.
And also attracted attention that on the windshield in the parking area of \u200b\u200bthe wipers, electric heating was installed. Enviable thoroughness in the little things! It spoils the rainbow impression of the reserve hanging under the bottom. Nevertheless, Chrysler Voyager is quite worthy of 8 points.
Comfort in the cabin
That's where the truly American scope and a tendency to luxury are felt! It is probably easier to list what is not here, because there is everything in the Chrysler Voyager salon! This is an air conditioner with separate temperature adjustment for the driver and front passenger, and an audio system with acoustics from Infinity, and by itself the leather upholstery of the seats. In the first two rows, there are folding armrests on them.
On the ceiling, six individual lighting plafones mounted at the same time with folding handles are installed, and a tripping display is located above the rear-view mirror. A little behind him compartments for the remote control of the garage gates and for glasses. And since it came to the secretary, then they can be found more than five. In addition to the traditional glove compartment, there is a advanced box under the seat of the front passenger, a couple of closing containers on the sides of the back row and the compartment for audio cassettes at the very bottom of the front panel. Uf! And in the cabin there is a cup holder for each passenger.
At Chrysler Voyager, almost everything that is possible was electrified. The driver’s seat is equipped with electrical adjustments, there are servo drives on front door glasses and rear windows, and even external mirrors not only configure, but also folded by pressing the button in the cabin.
10 points. No comments.
Ergonomics
If you carry out parallels with the Peugeot 806, then in Chrysler Voyager landing on the front seats and in the second row is much closer to the passenger. This, of course, is more convenient, but slippery leather seats and the lack of lateral support spoil the impression. The position is somewhat straighten by armrests and handles on the ceiling. Now it’s clear why there are so many of them here!
Black matte plastic, which is a massive front panel, is faced with American-American, should fight the glare, reflected in the windshield in sunny weather. And he mostly succeeds. There are also no serious complaints about visibility, and from additional amenities you can distinguish the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel.
Due to the fact that in the second row there are only two chairs, you can move around the cabin without leaving the car. Naturally, talking about cramped at the same time is simply inappropriate. Moreover, both the rear sofa and the seats of the second row are equipped with sleds and, moving them, it is easy to achieve space, freedom and comfort at all levels (especially below, in the legs). And, of course, both back rows are easily dismantled.
9 points.
Security
Two airbags, head restraints have all passengers, three -point seat belts (only in a waist in the middle in the middle of the last row) adjustable in the first and second rows in height, all these are significant arguments in the struggle for safety.
Accordingly, the rating is 8 points.
Dynamics
Decent power of 166 hp And a very large torque is doing their job the dynamics of acceleration for a car with their own mass of two tons is simply impressive. Especially when the kik downs is triggered. In this case, you notice only a few scum before switching to the next gear, when the sound of the engine running at high speeds breaks into the salon. Nothing else. No jerks. Only powerful smooth acceleration.
The brakes also smoothly and gently work smoothly. Maybe before I would like to enter the work of ABS, but it also works very softly and unobtrusively.
Of course, you have to pay for everything pleasant. In this case, gasoline consumption.
9 points.
Shodal qualities
What can you expect from an American? When you just get into the car, you are already subconsciously preparing for the fact that the steering wheel will be light and cotton, and the suspension is soft and slanted ... And suddenly everything turns out to be completely different! Chrysler Voyager suspension is rather harsh. On the move, the minivan stands perfectly on the road and does not swing at all. Well, it is excellent now for passengers is not afraid of marine illness. Fortunately, the car did not become and you will notice a shaking passage through irregularities rather by ear. And this sound accompaniment is perhaps the only drawback.
Efforts on the steering wheel are also larger than usual on American models, which makes Chrysler Voyager behavior in corners well predictable. Apparently, Voyager did not have such a character not by chance, because a car intended for Europe visited our hands. Therefore, his settings were appropriate for what Europeans prefer.
Chrysler Voyager AWD
The number of places and doors 7/5
Engine volume, cm3 3778
Power, L.S. 166
at rpm 4200
Torque, NM 307
at rpm 3100
Octane number of gasoline 91
The number of programs 4
Tire size 215/65R15
Wheel base, mm 2878
Wheel track, mm: front 1600
rear 1626
Length, mm 4733
Width, mm 1950
Height, mm 1740
Fuel tank volume, l 76
Equipped mass, kg 2000
Maximum speed, km/h 180
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, with N.D.
Fuel consumption, l/100 km: in the city 18.0
on the highway 11.1
Retail price, $ 48500
Summary
A small, but excellently thought -out Renault Megane Scenic is a car for just starting their family careers, whose households are still in a five -seater car. It is logical to assume that these are young people who value the pleasure of driving. And here Scenic will justify their expectations.
PEGEOT 806 is already designed for a larger family, in which, moreover, the 806th car is very practical.
Well, for those who are in the first place, and who is ready to pay for them, the luxurious Chrysler Voyager is intended.
 
Alexander Stolyarov
Photo by Alexei Skirdov
 

A source: Cars