Test Drive Citroen C4 Picasso since 2007 Minivan

Comparison of 5 mini WaNov. Seven across the vowels

They say the demographic situation in Russia began to improve. Perhaps this is so. At least, mini-shops on the streets became bigger, and, give us, it is somehow interconnected.


Oleg Kalaushin, a journalist, 43 years old, a driver's length of 24 years, drives on Renault Logan.

Participants test
Opel Zafira Tourer from 799 000 r.
Mazda5 from 985 000 r.
Chevrolet ORLANDO from 719 000 r.
Citroen C4 Picasso from 755 000 r.
Volkswagen Touran from 845 000 r.


Comparison 5 mini WaN

And if so, why not collect the most striking representatives of this automotive pots and do not go to the traditional mileage for Karelia, where, as you know, not only beautiful, but also very significant, because there are almost all types of roads in small territory which can be found in Russia, starting with broken graders and ending with perfect highway. It is there that you can appreciate what a family car is suitable for which one or another, after all, who, if not mini Wane, is sharpened for long crossing the entire family.

This time the list of applicants was although not very large (sedans or crossovers incomparably more), but sufficient to choose. Given the relative popularity and novelty of cars, it was decided to take the following machines in the mileage: VW Touran because it is already a classic; Citroen C4 Picasso because it is not like everyone else; least similar to mini-Ven Mazda 5; Expressive Chevrolet Orlando and, of course, a novelty Opel Zafira Tourer, literally stuffed with innovations. As a result, one of the quiet autumn days a column of five mini-shops was put forward in the direction of the city of Sortavala.

Mazda 5.
Tikhon Sicolar, Art Director, 30 years old, Driving experience: 12 years, Personal car Ford C-Max


This comparison was waiting for interest: my diminist, I love mini-Wen. Especially if in addition to universal qualities, a small bus can also bring pleasure driving. Mazda 5 is just from such. Behind the wheel is spacious, but landing is not minivanic low. The sharp and informative steering wheel with a moderately rigid suspension allows you to fill in turns. According to the dynamic characteristics of Mazda, I justified the figure 5 in its name and from our quintet turned out to be the slowest. But thanks to the responsive pedal of gas, it was practically not felt, although it would like to be more distillation from the AKP.

An employee of a car dealership, who gave me the keys from Mazda 5, learning that we were going to Karelia, exclaimed: I would not drive there. And the spots of the five are not! Fortunately, both times the manager was wrong. Despite the small ground clearance and long front OTE with a low bumper skirt, Mazda 5 without problems overcame broken ground sections. Yes, and the spare track was: despite the presence of a third row of seats, the designers managed to hide the dock under the trunk floor, placing the niche from above for the little things. Leather seats seemed soft, with poor support. The middle row is more for two on the central part of sitting uncomfortable. But the most interesting sliding doors in this Mazda. In addition to the electric drive, they also stand out and the ability to lower the glass, which is rare for this type of doors, children will like.

Driving
The engine power is enough for a dynamic ride. Control and handling. Fairly effective brakes.
Salon
Spacious, but somewhat old-fashioned. Transformation is original, but not difficult.
Comfort
Noise insulation clearly could be better.
Safety
6 airbags, stabilization system, ABS.
Price
Comparison with the price of competitors.


How sometimes the classification spoils the life of the car! Judge: Mazda 5 on NATO terminology refers to mini-Wenam, but if you don't know about it, then no one will come to the head of this car in one row with those who are consciously bought in most cases when you have behind your shoulders At least one third of the life and seven on the becks. Outwardly, Mazda 5 is too rapid and squat to be justice for the whole family. Rather, this is a dynamic station wagon than family mini-Ven. And nevertheless it is. In any case, you cease to doubt it when you find yourself in the car's cabin. By the way, unlike the rest of the run, only Mazda access to the second row is carried out not through the swollen, but through the sliding doors. They are powered by electricity and can be opened remotely from the key fob. As it turned out during the test, this action still can lead to wild delight not only a resident of a remote farm. The advantages of sliding doors before swing and are not indisputable. First, it is a wide opening, and secondly, the possibility of landing - disembarking passengers in cramped conditions.


Easy to climb, but it's not very

But not only this may surprise the salon Mazda 5. So, for example, the second row can be both triple and double. No need, say, the middle seat, we learn the right seat and remove it into the resulting niche, after which we return the seat in place. Want to get a spacious mesh pocket between the seats? Not a question: We throw forward the left seat and from under it they pull out some kind of baby player for all things. And it is possible to leave the passage on the third row. By the way, the rear seats come out without problems both from the second row and from the trunk. That's just sitting on them, as, however, in other cars, not very comfortable. It does not save that for the sake of release of space for the legs, albeit slightly, but move the passengers of the second row. As for the trunk, then with the seven-bed version it is practically no.


The average seat may appear in this form

Despite the abundance of various kinds of chips and lotions, the salon of this Japanese still looks pretty old-fashioned. The feeling is that the Japanese in the design of the interior did not let nostalgia for zero. Does not save the position and trimmed multimedia complex. However, he, as it turned out later, is not a regular equipment and does not apply to the original elements, and therefore will not sharpen attention on it.


Being a car with a dynamic appearance, the five and calibration turned out to be so. In any case, what she could demonstrate on the road fully deserves praise. And even the automatic box almost did not interfere with the car to implement what the driver wanted from her. The steering turned out to be intelligible. Sometimes even very intelligible, because the reaction even on a slight feeling of the steering wheel was almost instantaneous. The car was carried out and on the grader. Contrary to expectations, she did not knock out the driver's soul. On the highway was also good. The only thing to complain about is insufficient noise insulation. You can still put up on the smooth highway, but it is worth getting to the skirt, and you can forget about sincere conversation with a fellow traveler. At elevated tones what a sincere conversation here! However, insufficient sound insulation is characteristic of almost all cars of this brand.

Chevrolet ORLANDO.
Andrei Mashnin, Deputy Chief Editor, 49 years, Driving experience of 13 years, Personal car Mitsubishi Galant


Previously, I did not particularly add attention to this car. In his image, he seemed like some kind of stateless, official, almost like a minibus. But now there was a meeting with an eye on the eye, and the impression has changed. Once alone with Orlando after receiving the car at the dealer, went around, sat on all the seats, explored the trunk and came to the conclusion that it was an ideal family for family life, and in different versions of its character. Those who are not a big company go to the city, those who older, can carry, except for children and relatives, a bunch of luggage on long journeys. No false daches nor lovers of outdoor activities, nor fisherman hunters will take offended. I liked the arrangement of a driver's seat, everything is clear and convenient, without surprises. It is a pity that the built-in navigator selects in the sun so that nothing can be seen on the screen. From bright features, I will note the strong noise of the motor with intensive acceleration. During the overtaking on a two-band track, this, of course, mobilizes, but the sound is still more like hysterical. But when moving with cruising speed of about 110 km / h in the salon, complete quiet and grace. To manageability, I personally have no complaints, adapted quickly. The suspension is also normal, without extremes. Good review, sufficient clearance, spacious salon, miracles of transformation Great machine.


The height of the car allows not much to strain when washing

Driving
Despite the rather powerful engine, the speaker is mediocre. Sometimes tupit gearbox.
Salon
Spacious and fairly cozy. Transformation is small, but thought out.
Comfort
Quite a comfortable car. The disadvantages include insufficient sound insulation of the engine compartment.
Safety
In the base of 4 pillows and ABS.
Price
Available.


Even if you remove a huge cross with a radiator lattice, there will be no doubt where this car comes from. And let him have long been european, American studies literally permeated with each element of the exterior. No less star-strip and interior. Everything is deliberately large here. It is immediately seen: a shortage of resources from a country producing such cars, no and can not be. Correspond to the overall stylistics and materials.

The driver's seat is quite convenient, however, some details of the interior look like something very specific, and others are presented at all. For example, the instrument shield is very similar to a mask for scuba diving. Or take, for example, the central console. The upper part occupies an impressive active display. In addition to displaying the audio complex functions, the same monitor displays the information of the navigation system. By the way, the manufacturer preferences to Navitel as the navigation program. The latter is quite reasonable, since it is not better adapted to travel; In any case, the roads for which Mileage passed, Navitel knows good. The audio control authorities are located, and even lower climate control, and everything seems to be everything as usual, but ... In addition to the basic functions, another function is assigned to the audio complex control unit: it is also a secret glove box. After throwing it down, you will find a rather roomy box that can compete with the size of the glove box in other cars. In the same glove compartment lies and a bunch of tails for connecting audio devices.


Cache behind audio control unit

Being a mini-ven, Orlando is offered in a 7-seater version, but, like any other mini-Ven, such dimensions, it cannot offer a full-fledged third of the seats. To fit there even one person is not easy, not to mention two. Nevertheless, if you need to leave the big company close, it will be possible. Especially since the transformation of the salon from the five-seater to the triple here is surprisingly simply. No extra movements do not need: Press the key on the upper end of the back of the second row, and now not only the seat slightly moved forward, but also the back has been thrown back. As easy, the seat falls forward, turning the elephant of the car into a spacious van. Here is just one no hope: this is all transformation and ends. There are no fishechs in the form of appearing armrests or something interesting. Yes, and the floor of the trunk itself turns out quite high. But but even, and therefore, in such a car, it will be possible to spend the night with comfort, the benefit of the length allows, and the large glass, for example, will not break.


Instrument shield original, but not very convenient in operation

1.8-liter engine, which is placed on this car, not bad. In any case, it is not deprived of power and torque. But the automatic box is clearly not from this car. And if when driving in a calm mode with her work, it is quite possible to put up, then it is worth it, as the disappointment comes. Transfer switches reluctantly. The engine begins to go to the peak of revolutions, but besides the noise, it does not give anything. It does not heat up in this case and manual mode. To jarfish the handle, of course, it is possible, but if you take a car with a machine gun, you will be mostly on him, and here ... In general, if you think about the dynamics, it is better to take the car on the handle.


Transformation options are not much, but it is very simple and convenient

But the steering, unfortunately, cannot be chosen. And as I wanted, oh, as I wanted the steering wheel to be a little harder. An not: put his left hand on nine, relaxed and went to the oncoming machine. This is especially noticeable at high speed, when even a minor deviation from zero is enough so that the car moves to a couple of meters from the straight trajectory in a second.

But it can ride quickly Orlando, and even in bad roads the energy intensity of the suspension is enough. In any case, the grader did not arise the problems.

Volkswagen Touran.
Igor Kuznetsov, photo editor, 50 years old, driver's experience: 30 years, Personal car Skoda Yeti


Touran from the genus of Volkswagenov's tribe, and this has already said much. And the quintessence of the model can be expressed by a popular chocolate slogan: quadratic. Practic. Gut. At the same time, Wolfsburg mini Ven is not an alien aesthetics. Moreover, I suppose that a conservative test of Touran will seem not only cute, but also stylish. Kak and any other car, Touran on an amateur. For example, I like it. And in the complex. Because it is like not only an exterior, but also interior filling. And, run ahead, driving habits too. Turan salon Sample weighted approach to design. It is convenient for them to use in all circumstances: both for the passenger transportation, and for the transportation of goods. It is not surprising, because the transformation of Turanan salon can envy the transformer. Contemplate and feel the living area is also nice. Ergonomics of laconic governing bodies and nobility of finishing materials at the proper level. Driving a car very prisstly even with a 1.2-liter motor. Microscopic gasoline engine is stimulated by reducing. As a result, sitting behind the wheel, you are an equal member of the Automological Community. The chassis also worked on fame. Touran ruls clearly and understandable. Suspension elastic. Chain brakes. To make face nothing. It is confused only biting price. However, it is undoubtedly worth paying for Volkswagensky quality.


Driving
The engine is powerful not to call, but the dynamics of the car does not suffer from this. Controlly gorgeous on any coating.
Salon
Spacious and comfortable, although it looks quite simple. Removable second row of seats significantly increases load capacity.
Comfort
There are no complaints about this.
Safety
In the base of 6 pillows, ABS, ESP.
Price
In the basic configuration is not very expensive, but in the maximum speed


Classic, they say, always in price. Well, quite reasonable statement, and it can not be better suited to Touran. Looking at him from the outside, you do not feel any doubt that you are mini-Ven before you. A small hood, a high roof, almost vertical rear racks All these are classroom challenges. However, it does not mean that VW looks archaic. On the contrary, it is like time, and modern trends that today seized the minds of designers, here appear, as if successfully selected Hightec cake to the classic costume. What are the taillights of the taillights: during the day of inconspicuous, but as they spectacularly look at dusk and at night!


The climate control unit is extremely simple and therefore well understood

No less classically looks like a car and inside. You can say even too classically. However, here, as they say, you are checked or riding. And go when everything is simple and understandable, where as calmer and safer than when you have to get used to everything. In VW it is not necessary to get used to anything. A set of designer delights is minimal, but ergonomics is adjudiced to the smallest detail, in connection with which it is worth only to get behind the wheel, as you understand what you are in your plate. There is even a gas pedal with a long and pleasant trip, because it is outdoor. And which convenient central armrest is wide, is adjustable in height and in the longitudinal direction! In general, in the long road to go to such an atmosphere. Required engineers and passengers took care. First, on the second row, each of the three has a full-fledged separate seat, secondly, any of them can adjust the tilt of the backrest and move in the longitudinal direction. And thirdly, if it is necessary, the second row can be easily dismantled. And remove the seat in any sequence. Unfortunately, the car that went to the test, the third row of the seats was not, and with the accuracy to declare how passengers feel there, we cannot. But, given that the volume of the trunk here is about the same as the opponents, it can be assumed that it is also possible to dream about full-fledged places. However, it seems to us, on this dreams and regret the owner and will end.


Each of these seats can be pulled out separately.

By and large, it does not have to regret it even that at one time he looked somewhat and did not take the car with the engine more than 1.2 liters. This kid is surprisingly well relieves a rather heavy car and at the same time not very voracious. In any case, without lagging behind, and sometimes asks the pace of the entire column, Touran consumed almost a quarter less fuel than its gasoline rivals. Pretty pleasant impressions remained from the suspension: even on a broken grader in the car, it was quite comfortable. It was worth going to a good asphalt, as the trip literally passed to the flight phase. Founding reviews deserved and steering. Especially its quality manifested themselves on serpentines. Effort on the steering wheel is optimal, just as optimal and gear ratio. Even in the coolest rotations, the steering wheel was not intercepted. Brakes were distorted. Nevertheless, one spoon was found in the lack of parking sensors. Even somewhat strange that the car, which even fog, if they are not included, perform the function of illuminating the rotation, and there is no parking sensor. In such machines, in our opinion, he must be a priori, given the dimensions and contingent of drivers.
 
Citroen C4 Picasso.
Alexey Smirnov, designer, 40 years old, driver's experience 10 years old, personal cars - Volvo 940, Renault Logan


At first, setting around in the womb of this car, I felt my fish. Not ordinary trifle on Zoryanka, and a collective some kind of jaw-loving view in a piece aquarium. And this is despite the fact that Picasso had no hatch. Sliding sunscreen visors that increase the area of \u200b\u200bglazing windshield to indecency, huge light openings at the front racks, deliberately rounded body forms, thin air lines of the salon elements all this gave the feeling of air and ease. Coming with very friendly governments, I decided that it was more logical to present myself a researcher of deep-water Batiscopa.


There is such a control unit and the front passenger

Places where you can put all sorts of trivia, even too much easily forget what I shoved. Not to all control keys located on the fixed hub of the steering wheel, it is easy to reach out, especially in turns. A bright, well-readable display is quite informative, the truth is somewhat rustier. I expected that there will be rolls due to the high center of gravity, however, with high-speed maneuvers, the car is stable, the suspension is moderately rigid. At first, a thoughtful robot was annoyed, but, having faced with a submissive petal of the forced reduction of the transfer, found that the car became much more revealed. In general, a pleasant device. Just need to get used to some things and be able to maximize the benefit of them.


And that's not all boxes that can be found in the car.

Driving
The engine is not bad, but all spoils the operation of a robotic box in automatic mode.
Salon
Overloaded visually. However, it does not prevent him from being comfortable and spacious.
Comfort
If it were not for the suspension, the car could be recognized quite comfortable.
Safety
In the database of 7 pillows, ABS, ESP.
Price
Reasonable price for a well-equipped car.

It is more correct, of course, it would be in the mileage of Grand Picasso, but the will of the case at the time of the start of the free car did not turn out in the dealership center, in connection with which I had to be content with what is. As a result, the place in the column was not 7-, but a 5-seater car. What, however, was not so critical, because besides a somewhat different form of the back of the body and the absence of a third row of seats, a five-line one from the seventexes in principle is no different.


To such a selector choice of work of the RCP get used to not quickly

And since I went about the appearance, then let's say it: those who do it, and those who do not like it, actually divided equally. No less disputes about the design and functionality caused the interior. The abundance of buttons, displays, handles that are scattered almost all over the cabin can put in a dead end and sophisticated in human cars. The same, who is the first time turns out to be in the cabin, just takes off. And if you still open all the boxes that are equipped with only the front panel, then you will have to take a handle and write down, where I put it, otherwise forget. Before, at least the second row of seats is folded more or less intuitive. I jerked for the appropriate ribbon, and then the seat drops on the floor, and on top of the top and the back falls. All three seats here are separate and can develop both all together and separately. The floor of the trunk with fully folded seats becomes smooth and rather low. The fifth door is equipped with a glass discovery, which simplifies the process of loading small things in the cramped conditions.


Table in the back of the seat of a trifle, and nice

To admit, from Citroen, we waited for the most comfortable ride, but from the first meters of the way our expectations did not come true. Firstly, all whoever sat down behind the wheel of this car very tightened the lever of the work of the robotic box. It was very unconventional he had a switching algorithm, compared with the usual automata. As they say, and God would be with him and the algorithm of the robot's work was not at the height. Almost all the switches were accompanied by strong nodes, which, as you understand, did not add comfort. Plus, the robot did not always correctly picked up the transfer, which was especially noticeable on serpentines: you need a thrust, but it is not, the car is unpacked and only then, as if having thought, goes to the step below and, exploding the engine, starts pulling into the hill. In general, after some time, everyone decided to ride this car exclusively in manual mode and a miracle happened: the car seemed to be replaced and runs well, and pulls in the mountain perfectly, and the dynamics are very different. The main thing is to pull either for the left or for the right-hand driven petal. And what is the review! Huge windshield, turning into a roof, exactly what you need when traveling in Karelia. With the usual glazing you will not see and half of the one that opens a breath behind the wheel of Citroen. It is only necessary to get used to two additional front racks. If they, they have to literally look at the serpentine to correctly evaluate the road atmosphere. Being a car with the legendary suspension, Citroen on the asphalt no surprises presented the car was really very comfortable. But it was worth moving to the grader, as something unimaginable began. The blow to the blow literally shakeped the body, and it was not about the test. Just too hard shock absorbers did not allow the springs to adequately react to irregularities. As a result, in order not to handle the car, the pace of movement had to be reduced. However, it was on the way there, and the return journey passed on the rolled grader, and the speed of movement of the column from Citroen did not depend on C4 Picasso flew along the primer on a par with everyone.



Opel Zafira Tourer.
Maxim Fedorov, journalist, 34 years old, driver experience 8 years old, Personal car Ford Focus


The king makes the retinue, and the car motor. Blowing with a candle with almost idling torque torque of two-liter turbodiesel burdens turns family mini-Ven into a real missile! But, unlike the dynamics, the price of such a version does not please: in the standard configuration it will cost 1,135,000 rubles. Because of the heap of additional options, the test machine was even more expensive, despite the fact that many persons here are clearly unnecessary. For example, a low-resolution navigator and a weak knowledge of the roads of the Leningrad region and Karelia, or a road marking system. But the radar cruise control was useful: it is very comfortable to go along the highway. Salon Zafiri on the background of competitors looks the most stylish and modern, but at the same time it is far from the most convenient. The Flex7 transformation system for calibration was too limited. To fold the seats of the middle row, you need to apply strength and smelting, although there are no such problems in the covrolet orlando ratio. The third row in Zafir for a tick: Pillows Chairs are so low that sitting here is uncomfortable even a child. Among other miscalculations of designers overloaded with buttons, the central console and a large zone in the right side of the windshield, which do not get the wiper brushes. Nevertheless, despite the shortcomings, among the tested mini-Wanes of Zafira, I liked the most.


Driving
The car is well balanced. Perfectly ruling, superbly slows down, and diesel and at all above all silence.
Salon
Interest not only visually, but also from the point of view of transformation.
Comfort
Confinten on roads with any coating. Good and noise insulation.
Safety
In the basic configuration of 4 pillows, ABS, ESP.
Price
It is quite explained and reasonable.


We do not know how you, and our design of this car is associated exclusively with a high-speed train. Agree, there is something from a locomotive in Zafira. And how many speakers give her image combined with a boomeranga head optics! Or take a huge windshield, passing into the roof. Yes, and the color in which the Zafira appeared in front of us on mileage, ordinary black metallic, she really goes. It seems to see the machine and behind, especially if instead of ordinary rear lights are upgraded LED, as in our version. The fact is that we went to the test to the test in the maximum configuration, that is, with all the charms, which can only be stuffed with a huge glass roof and ending with a radar of active cruise control. And with the inactive display. The last is very uncomfortable, especially considering the fact that navigation provides in the car. And controlled with Navitel, as is known, easier with the active screen. In fact, the buttons and keys on the central panel and the beard here are also enough, but such a stupor, as in Citroen, does not arise here. Everything is more or less intuitive, and with many can be understood even in motion, that is, practically without distraction from the road. But the salon transformation system requires a thoughtful approach. Unlike the ORLANDO Nostlatform, where everything is simple, just-two, here the mind will have to so much. What to say, if only the front armrest has three levels and can be transformed into any form convenient for the driver. In general, Zafira can be both a 7-seater and 1-bed. That is, if necessary, you can be folded and the front seat, thereby getting the opportunity for the transportation of longs. No less interesting transformation of the second row. It can be both three and double. In this case, the average optional seat turns into two separate chic armrests, and the side seats shifted to the center of the car. At the same time, the seats can move in the longitudinal direction, releaseing a place for the legs. But the passengers of the third row are unlikely to be delighted with this, even though Zafira Tourer was the largest car from those involved in run.


This protrusion can be sensitive to

It was this car and another difference from the rest. Opel was the only one who instead of high-octane gasoline consumed the diesel fuel. That, however, did not completely prevent him from being on a par with everyone both in terms of dynamics and comfort. Noise from a two-liter diesel engine was not much more than from gasoline cars, and 130 forces and 300 nm of torque were enough to not only disappoint, but on the contrary, admire dynamics. Well, of course, it was impossible not to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of this car. With a 58-liter tank, it has a significantly greater reserve of the course than say, the same ORLANDO. Unwittingly comparing Zafira with a community, we marked the fact that these cars rushing completely differently. The German is more clearly held by the trajectory, and it is somehow less in the suspension in the suspension, while I won't call it hard, and even on the killed road he keeps well. In addition, the suspension can be configured, just press the corresponding button on the central console. By the way, in the mode of sports, the instrument panel is immediately painted in red. Of the active assistants, it is also worth noting the system of warning about objects in the blind area and active cruise control. The latter is very convenient, especially when you go to the column.


In such a huge armrest can turn the middle seat of the second row


The multi-level armrest is not only interesting, but also convenient

Our verdict
As in the past times, a large test allowed us to fully appreciate each of the cars presented in this material. There were findings, there were also frank disappointments, but in one we are exactly sure: mini Wenna, as before, one of the most versatile cars, and if you need a car for all occasions, it is necessary to look at this class of machines. Moreover, they are in a manufacturing program for almost all manufacturers.

A source: Magazine 5 Wheel [November 2012]