Test drive Citroen C4 hatchback since 2008 Hatchback

Tournament Aristocrats

Play golf want everyone. However, it is not possible to achieve real heights in the game of aristocrats. So with a golf class. Each automaker will seek to get into it, but it is not a truly serious player. Who succeeded to a greater extent, we will try to find out

Participants dough
1) Mazda3 - 770000 rub.
2) VW Golf VI - 622335 rub.
3) Skoda Octavia - 755,000 rubles.
4) Ford Focus - 605100 rub.
5) Citroen C4 - 693500 rub.
6) KIA CEED - 599000 rub.

This time, our international company has come up. The head of the tournament table is VW Golf VI, the founder of the class and one hundred percent German. In the following logic and on the filling (one, the platform is one) there is a Czech in the Skoda Octavia image. He continued the list of Citroen C4, too, European, though with several other ideas about car design and concept as a whole. Further, of course, it would be logical to enter Ford Focus, but its cosmopolitan essence (brand, school and the place of assembly) did not allow to take the honorable fourth place. His we easily gave Kia Seed, the car, though Korean, but for the first time in the history of the brand oriented exclusively on the European audience. The fifth place we took the new Mazda3, to the representative from the East. Let stand next to Ford Focus, even more so that with all his innovations, and she has a lot of them, still the platform remained the same that is the same as the cosmopolitan.

We rated this very table on a variety of columns and designated each of them themselves that there are no everyday categories for which it is most often tried about vehicles. Assessments to place each car we decided to collegially. So, six cars, six members of the jury (people of different professions, mostly distant from automotive journalism) and six hours of daylight. In general, let's go

The first, according to the table, on the queue VW Golf. In vain, I was looking for a jury reason to enjoy the appearance of the sixth. His exterior has become simple and not interesting. The previous version of this car and then caused more emotions. The current Golf is simply lost in the urban stream, and most likely, that is why their abundance on our roads is not felt. In general, the four, no more, and that is solely for the previous merit. In the interior queue. The main criteria for which the impartial jury estimated this parameter was the general visual perception, space and volume of the trunk. This cell was unanimously approved the evaluation was perfect. Other and could not be at the approach of the Germans to the quality and fit of the materials. On the second indicator there was a fourth with a plus. Perhaps, be for the fourth passenger a little more space, and there would be a solid five, but the feeling of the elbow on the rear sofa when landing three in this car is fully felt. He did not receive high marks and for the trunk, since its volume of 350 liters was not the largest comparison. The next step of checking was the dynamics, handling, brake efficiency and suspension operation. According to these indicators, the car has deserved fairly good assessments, and the suspension and handling and perfectly perfectly. Spoiled the picture except dynamics. It seemed not too impressive for a car with a 1.6 liter engine. Somehow painfully reluctantly, the car has gained his km / h. As a result, the middle score for the founder of the class was the estimate of 4.5 points out of five possible.

The queue was Octavia. In the view of the members of the commission, externally, she looked much more interesting than a classmate who divided the platform with her. And although it is also impossible to be called perfect, but it is simply impossible to notice this on the road. As a result, according to this indicator, she received 4.5 points. The car's salon was rated more generously. The quality of execution and finishing materials are no worse than the Patriarch, and the space of the cabin and the volume of the trunk and at all deserved estimates perfectly. And where are you going if only the trunk is 560 liters. Yes, and in the rear sofa, despite the fact that the Otavia is already the same Golf, feeling spacious.

Dynamics and handling were tested on the same track as the first car. There was noticed that if the Skoda platform is similar to the founder, the Skoda platform is still different from it and, alas, not for the better. Heavy food in steep turns and at a sufficiently high speed it strives to break into the skid. However, you need to pay the tribute to this moment forecast. Not perfect car and dynamics. The 1,6-liter engine is somehow issued to a 102 liter mountain. from. But we had a car with a motor wherever smaller volume and greater power. 1.4 liters and as many as 122 horses. Therefore, for the dynamics of one-known well, the same assessment, but with a plus in the OTSAVIA, it also deserves noise insulation. And comfort and completely perfectly. The car is ideal for long journeys.

Citroen C4 was also awarded a fairly high marks for the exterior. It is also clear a car with such forms can not not be rushed into the eyes, and although the three-door option, according to the general opinion of the jury, it looks even more advantageous, nevertheless, he received his four with a plus a car for appearance. Solid well car deserved for the style of the interior. But the exposure of the focus group in C4 was clearly not enough. Two of the sitting from behind did not want to see the third among themselves. Even less jury members liked ergonomics. The French governments clearly demanded addiction, and the instrument shield in the center of some was simply annoyed, for which ergonomics could not estimate above three with a plus. As the way, by the way, the work of the suspension also received. Excessive comfort seemed to members of the jury of unjustified, because when maneuvering at high speed, the car was not good enough. Simply put, prone to the star, which in turn generates though the light, but destabilization. The steering wheel is literally beats in his hands, especially if the wheels are asphalt with quality, far from perfect. Yes, and the suspension itself works out the surface although gently, but not silently. The same steering suffers with explicit inertia. But no complaints about the dynamics. 120 liters from. C4, what is called, for the eyes and for the ears. Does not prevent a four-stage automatic. Of course, that there is sin to hide, it employs some kind of power, but it practically does not affect the dynamics. Citroen C4 runs no better than others, of course, but does not lag. Yes, and the appetite beyond the propriety does not come out.

In the queue Kia Seed. The desire of the Koreans to make something that Europe will like, led to the fact that the appearance of this car does not cause any positive nor negative emotions. His appearance is simple, and at the same time it is not confused with any other machine. For which he was awarded the estimate of 4 points. The interior of the car was equally appreciated. Moreover, this applies not only to the appearance in general, but also such indicators as ergonomics and visibility from the driver's seat. For the space of the cabin four with a plus. However, if you have to end with impartial, places in a narrower Skoda on perception are still more than in thesed. Suffered quite smoothly SEED shot through such indicators as dynamics, controllability, brake efficiency and suspension operation. For all disciplines firm four. There are not enough stars from heaven, but he is clearly not going to Halturient. Handling at the level, the suspension is not soft, but not too clamped. Several puzzled only insufficient turning, which is not so bad, will not throw without need. The most pleasant impressions left noise insulation. The car is really very quiet, and this applies to both aerodynamic noise and noise, which is coming from the engine compartment.

A huge smile of the radiator lattice of the new Mazda3 many, apparently, seems not so sincere. Otherwise, than explaining the fact that almost the year of the presence in our market the model has not yet gained the popularity of the previous treshki. Nevertheless, the new Japanese is not rotated in airlessness. Of course, the design of her controversial, but a solid four deserves unequivocally. The salon was completely awarded the Higher Bala, but solely for the nontriviality of the design. Ergonomics also did not cause strong criticism from the jury, but not enough informative additional display did not allow the maximum possible ball.

Last Salon, especially the second row of seats, disappointed that the car was evaluated satisfactorily, although with a plus. Not only is there anything to clearly do the third there, so many places above your head, as I would like. And only the driver adequately perceives the closer of the cockpit. She is envelopingly pleasantly and configures to a perky ride. Noise insulation jury did not please noticeably improve this indicator Japanese was clearly failed, and the car significantly loses in this discipline to his opponents. Moreover, the most annoying is not aerodynamic noise or noise from the engine compartment, but the noise from the wheeled arches. And if on dry asphalt with this somehow you can still put up, then when driving on the puddles, it becomes simply unbearable.

But to the handling of the car do not fall over. The steering wheel is so hard as required for better feedback, and the response to its rotation is adequate, as far as necessary for the car of this class. I was pleased with the viscosity of the brakes, and even more of their ABS informativeness was practically not required to join the work. However, it did not cost without minuses. The suspension tuned under dynamic driving is completely not digesting bad asphalt. No, of course, it is possible, but the desire to quickly get out of it simply dominates. On C4, for example, there is no such desire. There is a car in itself, and asphalt itself.

Finally, it came to the Pet of the public Ford Focus. His presence on this test was akin to the presence of a specially invited star. Credit loan, which gave him our automotive population, became something like a diplomatic passport. However, we deprived him of inviolability and exposed to expert assessment. For the appearance of Focus deserved a hard four. It is beautiful, to moderately strict, with a slightly noticeable collapse of Glamor, and therefore it is equally adequately behind its steering wheel, both men and women look. Age does not have the value. The interior was also rated on well. Why? The fact is that the decoration of the instrument panels on the texture is very similar to Kizzy boot, and this is, according to most of the members of the jury, does not add a glosk car. Not too pleased and internal volume. Despite the dimensions (and Focus was one of the largest on the test), the places in it turned out not so much as it seemed. The trunk was one of the smallest only 282 liters. I did not inspire a focus group and dynamics. Feels like a 1.6 liter motor, the car must accelerate the eau. However, justice, we note that Focus is not alone, but two 1.6-liter engines. And if the melting power unit does not suit, then you can consider the option and with a 115-strong engine. Against the background of the rest, noise insulation did not look. Major claims for wheel arms. Although a little better than Mazda. But to manageability of claims no, as well as the brakes. Is that ABS more zeroly carrying their service. Its rift appears, it is only to touch the brake pedal on a slippery road. However, it is most likely a feature of winter rubber.

Our verdict
The results of the comparative test are more or less predictable, but without surprises it did not cost this time. The fact that the more spacious Skoda Octavia will cost the number of points less than the dimensions and, alas, more faceless Volkswagen Golf VI, we have also suggested at the very beginning of the event (well, loves our people to receive large cars for relatively small money), but that That Ford Focus will not enter the first three, for us it became, to be honest, a complete surprise. Undoubted sales leader, universal public favorite, and just fourth place? Somehow does not fit, but the numbers speak of a friend. But the fact that Citroen C4 was at the end of the list, most likely a regularity. The growing rhythm of life dictates more stringent rules of the game, including on the road, where there is no place for softness. But if you suddenly want to move with comfort from point to item, then we assure you, Citroen C4 for this indicator is unlikely to surpass. Yes, and externally, it still looks stylish enough to this day. As for Mazda3, then everything is clear here. A new car in no way be worse than the previous one, whatever they say. Although he may be pregnant to the pillars for some indicators. And one of these indicators was noise insulation. As for the appearance, it is most likely a matter of time. Well, and Kia Ceed got up where he should stand. Namely in the ranks of solid good. After all, the car is good, what to say its sales.

Volkswagen Golf.
Yuri Klyuev, 31 years old, leading specialist, driving damp 13 years old, goes to VW Golf V

I did not like the car out, I couldn't change anything at all in the design, but I was delighted with the interior decoration. Everything is very high quality, dear materials. All controls are at hand. Perhaps, only the small buttons of the climate control unit and disharmony in decorative materials were upset. Inserts in the doorway under aluminum is not very cool looking with shiny on the steering wheel and the AKP lever and especially with the glossy edging of the audio system. No, no surprises 102-strong 1.6 liter motor presented. Controllability, noise insulation, the comfort of the suspension, the security system is all at the height, nothing to complain about. The car willingly overtaken in turn, no peasants on the pits, no digging, jumps and sharakhans from side to side.

Driving
Almost flawless. The same is equally good both in the urban time and on the highway.

Salon
It looks slightly conservative, but it is generally not for what. Ensure only a minor volume of the trunk.

Comfort
Compared to the models of the previous generation, it became more comfortable, but noise insulation of the engine compartment is not as good as you want.

Safety
ABS and 7 airbags can be considered quite relevant to the base.

Price
Approached to the price of competitors.




Skoda Octavia.
Alexey Velchinsky, 36 years old, director of the company, driving experience 18 years old, goes to VW Golf V GTI

My sensations from the car remained double: Skoda Octavia in its design resembles a clumsy cow with sad eyes. Finding into the salon, you feel like a well-finished apartment. There is no doubt about the quality of finishing and technical filling a car. Perfectly balanced and moderately rigid suspension borrowed from Golf V makes it easy to manage on the road. Economic engine 1.4 liters with a capacity of 122 liters. from. It is enough for dynamic ride in both the city and on the track. The huge volume of the trunk will allow you to pick up with you on the trip, perhaps, everything you can need. My opinion is excellent in all respects a balanced car for every day for both the driver and the whole family.
Driving
The behavior of the car on the road can not be recognized as reference. In the steep turns of the feed, it strives to break into the skid. It saves only the fact that this process is predicting.

Salon
Spacious and comfortable, special praise deserves a truly huge trunk.

Comfort
Due to the large mass, the car is sufficiently comfortable even on the roads with a dubious coating.

Safety
In ABS database and two airbags.

Price
It is quite acceptable, provided that for this money you get a fairly large car.





Citroen C4.

Tikhon Sicolar, 27 years old, designer, driving experience 9 years old, goes to Ford C-Max

The extravagant C4 percentaged for 5 years no longer causes such violent emotions, and the recent rastering was only slightly updated the exterior. Ergonomics of a driver's seat, despite the large number of unconventional solutions in the interior, in general, did not cause large complaints. You quickly get used to the central location of the liquid crystal devices, the fixed hub of the steering wheel is no longer an interest, and the reproaches located on the hub buttons to use it is inconvenient. In french, the soft chair C4 is drowning and relax. However, on the go, the car does not have to actively pass the turns, the suspension is soft and comfortable. But the 1.6-liter engine, with a 4-speed automatic, suddenly cheerfully accelerate the car, which is great for a dense city ride.

Driving
Compared to competitors, the car does not shine handling. It is too easy to comfortable suspension.

Salon
It is quite spacious and quite comfortable, the second row of seats is not as spacious as I would like.

Comfort
At a very high level, which primarily determined by suspension and noise insulation.

Safety
In the basic configuration ABS and two airbags.

Price
Not so small, as I would like, however, for this money, the car is quite tightly packed.
 




Kia Cee'd.

Oleg Kalaushin, 40 years old, journalist, driving experience 22 years old, goes to Renault Logan

Initially, when Kia Cee`d appeared on our streets, there was much more interest in it. However, with the time of the excitement, it was divered, and the truth of life came to replace the enthusiastic exclamations. The car undoubtedly succeeded. It is convenient, spacious, not bad, thought out from the point of view of ergonomics. Yes, and basic equipment is very extensive, there is even a multifunctional steering wheel. Security systems and dignity looks. Everything else CEE`d rulits good and competently manages its 122 horses. Slightly spoils the overall picture of perception only a four-stage automatic. Thicks when switching, though not explicit, but they are still felt, especially with dynamic acceleration. Nevertheless, in general, the car produces a very favorable impression.

Driving
Nothing supernatural on the road did not demonstrate a car, but also from competitors is not far behind.

Salon
Made in the best traditions of European architecture and primarily bribes the quality of materials.

Comfort
Good noise insulation, comfortable seats, a large number of options included in the basic equipment make a trip pleasant.

Safety
Basic equipment involves the presence of ABS and six airbags.

Price
Comparison with competitist prices.



Mazda3.

Igor Kuznetsov, 48 years old, journalist, driving experience 31 years old, Rides on Nissan Qashqai

The new treshka began to look exquisite. But fans of a new corporate style have already appeared a lot of opponents. Inside the car, too, worked with time. But here it was not without blunders. So, an additional information shield, or rather the pictograms on it, looks pretty sloppy. Ergonomics is quite acceptable. The front seats are pretty spacious. But behind the back tangible closer, and also hangs the ceiling. Despite the declared improvement in noise insulation, outsiders penetrates the salon noticeably. On the Mazda, despite the more softened suspension, still shakes. Acceleration with this engine mediocre. But the control rate is at the height, which is due to the rigidity of the suspension and the low center of gravity.

Driving
The car is adequate, which is predetermined by the correct suspension settings. However, the dynamics could be better.

Salon
Originally causes a storm of emotions, but is not deprived of ergonomic miscalculations. Yes, and the second row of seats is not as spacious as it could.

Comfort
The main disadvantage is insufficient noise insulation. However, not much worse than the same Golf.

Safety
In the ABS, ESP database, as well as six airbags.

Price
One of the highest.
 



Ford Focus.

Ilya Kazankov, 31 years old, programmer engineer, driving experience 9 years, drives for Ford Focus II

Recent restyling Focus went to him. He began to look at sports, youth. The cabin also became more comfortable, the type of dashboard, the radio tape recorder and the climate control unit harmonizes with the appearance of the machine. Focus ergonomics at height, find the right button or consider labor information does not constitute. Salon in moderation is spacious, I, with an increase in 190, I sit comfortably at the driver's seat, while I can sit normally behind myself. Deludes only a small trunk of hatchbacks because of the full sparking instead of the date. However, I do not give these serious problems. The suspension copes well with our roads, a little harsh, but it allows you to confidently undergo turns and does not rock on the waves of asphalt. The engine goes well in the tension and easily spinning to the cutoff.
 
Driving
The controllability of the car deserves praise, but we can only talk about acceptable dynamics in 115 liters. from.

Salon
Spacious and comfortable. The disadvantages include only a slight volume of the trunk.

Comfort
At the level of competitors, but with one reservation: the noise insulation of the wheeled arches is clearly insufficient.

Safety
The basic package includes ABS and two airbags.

Price
It is quite high, but compared to competitors is quite acceptable.




Author: Oleg Kalaushin
Photo: Igor Kuznetsov

A source: Magazine 5 Wheel [February 2010]