Test Drive Citroen C4 Hatchback since 2010 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 not everyone does become a truly serious player. Who succeeded to a greater extent, we will try to figure out Participants test
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, we got an international company. The head of the standings is VW Golf VI, the founder of the class and one hundred percent German. Following it by logic and on filling (one platform, one) there is a Czech in the Skoda Octavia image. He continued the list of Citroen C4, too, the European, however, with several other ideas about the automotive design and the concept as a whole. Further, of course, it would be logical to enter Ford Focus, but its cosmopolitan essence (brand, school and assembly place) did not allow to take the honorable fourth place. I easily gave it to Kia Seed, although Korean, but for the first time in the history of the brand-oriented 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 distinguished this very table on many columns and designated each of them themselves that there are neither everyday categories for which it is most often tried about vehicles. Assessments to arrange 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, went
The first, according to the table, on the queue VW Golf. In vain sought the 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 is not felt on our roads. In general, the four, no more, and that is solely for the previous merit. In the queue interior. The main criteria for which the impartial jury estimated this parameter was the general visual perception, expanse and volume of the trunk. This cell was unanimously inscribed by the evaluation excellent. Other and could not be on the approach of the Germans to the quality and fit of the materials. According to the second indicator, four was put up 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 testing 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 the car with a 1.6 liter engine. Somehow it hurts reluctantly for the sensations of the car I gained my 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. At the view of the members of the Commission, externally looked much more interesting than a classmate that divided the platform with it. 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 interior of the car 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 did not deserve the estimates perfectly. And where are you going if only the trunk is equal to 560 liters. 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 highway as the first car. It was noticed that if the Skoda platform is similar to the founder, Skoda is still different from it and, alas, not for the better. Heavy feed in steep turns and at a sufficiently high speed it strives to break into the skid. However, it is necessary to pay the tribute to this moment predict. Not perfect car and dynamics. The 1.6-liter engine can be 102 liters on the mountain. from. But we had a car with a motor of much smaller volume and greater power. 1.4 liters and as many as 122 horses. Therefore, for the dynamics of one-known good assessment, but with a plus in the OTSAVIA, noise isolation. And comfort and at all perfectly. The car is ideal for long journeys.
Citroen C4 was also awarded a fairly high marks for the exterior. It is understandable to the 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 of the 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 behind did not want to see the third among themselves. Even less members of the jury liked ergonomics. The French governments clearly demanded addiction, and the instrument shields in the center of some were simply annoyed, for which ergonomics could not be estimated above three with a plus. As the way, by the way, the suspension was obtained. Excessive comfort seemed to members of the jury unjustified, because when maneuvering at high speed, the car was not good enough. Simply puts prone to the star, which in turn generates, though light, but destabilization. The steering wheel 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. It does not interfere with the four-stage automatic. Of course, that there is sin there, it eats some kind of power, but it practically does not affect the dynamics. Citroen C4 runs no better than others, of course, but also does not lag. Yes, and appetite beyond the decency 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 indicators such as ergonomics and visibility from the driver's seat. For the space of the cabin four with a plus. However, if to be completely impartial, places in a narrower Skoda on perception are still more than in thesed. Suffered quite smoothly seed shot through such indicators as dynamics, handling, brake efficiency and suspension operation. Over all disciplines firm four. There are not enough stars from heaven, but he is clearly not going to Chelntup. 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 it 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 sufficiently sincere. Otherwise, than explaining the fact that almost the year of the presence in our market the model has not gained the popularity of the previous treshki. Nevertheless, the new Japanese is not rotated in airlessness. Of course, the design of her is controversial, but a solid four deserves unequivocally. Salon and was awarded the highest ball at all, but exclusively for the non-triviality of the design. Ergonomics also did not cause strong criticism from the jury, but not enough informative additional display did not allow to set the maximum possible ball.
Square, especially the second row of seats, disappointed that the car was evaluated satisfactorily, albeit 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 closeness of the cockpit. She is envelopingly pleasantly and configures on 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 car charter does not fall over. The steering wheel is so hard as required for better feedback, and the reaction 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, and without minuses did not cost. The suspension tuned under dynamic ride 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 by itself.
Finally, it came to the pet for the public Ford Focus. His presence on this test was akin to the presence of a specially invited star. Credit loan, which issued to him by 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 earned a firm four. Moderately beautiful, moderately strict, with a slightly noticeable collapse of Glamor, and therefore, both men and women look at its wheel equally adequately. Age does not have the value. The interior was also rated on well. Why? The fact is that the finishing of the instrument panels on the texture is very similar to a Kizzy boot, and this is, according to most of the jury members, 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 engine, the car should accelerate the eases. 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 to wheeled arches. Although a little better than Mazda. But to the manageability of claims, like brakes. Is that ABS more zeroly carrying their service. Its rift appears, it is worth 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 a more spacious Skoda Octavia will bypass 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, it loves people to receive large cars for relatively small money), but that That Ford Focus will not enter the first triple, for us it has become, to be honest, a complete surprise. The undisputed leader of sales, universal pet 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 pattern. 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, it is also clear here too. A new car in no way be worse than the previous one, whatever they spoke. Although it can 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, Rides on VW Golf V
I didn't like an externally, the car did not like, with this approach it was possible to change anything at all, but I'm 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 doors under aluminum are 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 are 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 lying, jumps and sharakhans from side to side.
Driving
Practically flawless. It is equally good both in the urban time and on the highway.
Salon
It looks slightly conservatively, but it is generally not good for what. Ensure only a small trunk volume.
Comfort
Compared with the models of the previous generation, it became more comfortable, but noise insulation of the engine compartment is not so good as you want.
Security
ABS and 7 airbags can be considered quite appropriate for 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, rides 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. Excellently 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 a dynamic ride in both the city and on the track. A 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 that this process is predicted.
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.
Security
In the Base of ABS 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
Delicious extravagant C4 for 5 years no longer causes such violent emotions, and the recent rastling only has just slept 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. To the central location of the liquid crystal devices you quickly get used to, 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 couch is drowning and relax. However, on the move 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 automaton, suddenly cheerfully accelerate the car, which is great for a dense city ride.
Driving
Compared to competitors, the car does not shine handling. Similarly, there is an excessive comfortable suspension.
Salon
It is quite spacious and quite comfortable, glairily 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.
Security
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 dug, and the truth of life came to replace the enthusiastic exclamations. The car undoubtedly succeeded. It is convenient, spacious, not badly assembled, 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. Everything else CEE`d rulits good and competently manages its 122 horses. Slightly spoils the overall picture of perception only a four-step 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 does not lag much.
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.
Security
Basic equipment involves the presence of ABS and six airbags.
Price
Competitory prices are comparable.
Mazda3.
Igor Kuznetsov, 48 years old, journalist, driving experience 31 years old, Rides on Nissan Qashqai
New treshka began to look exquisite. But fans of the 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 move 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 stiffness 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 the ergonomic miscalculations are not deprived. 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.
Security
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 old, drives for Ford Focus II
Recent restyling Focus went to him. He began to look sports, youth. The cabin also became more comfortable, the type of dashboard, the radio and 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 sparkle instead of the sink. However, I do not have serious problems. The suspension copes well with our roads, a little harsh, but it allows you to believe turns and does not swing on the waves of asphalt. The engine goes well in the tension and easily spinning to the cut-off.
Driving
The carbalability 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 minor volume of the trunk.
Comfort
At the level of competitors, but with one reservation: the noise insulation of the wheeled arches is clearly insufficient.
Security
The basic package includes ABS and two airbags.
Price
It is quite high, however, compared to competitors is quite acceptable.
Author: Oleg Kalaushin
Photo: Igor Kuznetsov
A source: Magazine 5 Wheel [February 2010]
