Test Drive Citroen C8 since 2002 Minivan

On all hands master

Life is extremely different, and Citroen C8 does not lag behind it. It will have to come to meet important guests and to check out the city of a large company, and for the transport of bulk cargo.
 
Our new acquaintance, carrying a double chevron, seems to be inherent Citroen. Meanwhile, it has three (!!!) twin brothers who grew up in other families. The car has already become classic for minivans layout: a short motor compartment does not take up much space, and all the space behind the front axle is given to people and their needs. About two thirds of the surface area of \u200b\u200bthe body accounted for on the door or sliding panels, which allows you to introduce in C8 the cargo of the most bizarre form and make the landing of passengers as convenient as possible.
 
The front seats are heated, armrests and a complete set of electrically regulating. There is enough space between the seats to put, on occasion, the average size of the suitcase.
 
Two-storey torpedoes - unusual, stylish. The combination of devices consisting of three convex worst is located in the center. From the point of view of informative, such a solution is not very convenient. However, the person gets used to everything, and it will not require the driving of a minivan of every second control over the speedometer or tachometer. Bully below, behind the opened hatch, the regular magnetol Clarion fit. Computer screen and signal lamps block - on a small panel under the steering wheel.
 
The role of the center console is played by a vertical stand, which runs from the bottom of the torpedo to the floor. Here are a microclimate control unit with separate adjustments for the left and right sides, as well as the rear of the car. Climate installation with air conditioning is controlled both automatically and manually. Gearbox lever, ashtray, pull-out drawers and a roomy container for small beds at the bottom are easily accessible from the driver's seat. Under the legs of the front passenger - the lid of the battery pack; Thus, the battery is always clean and warm, it is also very easy to remove.
 
Going to the side door, a slightly pulling the handle that causes the association with the refrigerator zil so that the massive panel independently (under the action of the electric drive) continued its path to full opening. The door control is duplicated on the side pillar of the passenger part of the cabin and the front cutting cut.
 
The decor of the back of the machine is configured in accordance with the needs in a matter of minutes. The basic equipment includes three passenger chairs, but there are places to install three more, which can be ordered. Installation and disassembly of seats are simplified to the limit, and their weight is small.
 
The floor of the luggage compartment is absolutely smooth. The slots for the installation of the chairs are closed from mudding with metal shields. All furniture is equipped with folding tables, getting rid of it, you will get a cargo vehicle. To get to a full-size spare wheel hanging under the floor, you need to use a special key.
 
We have been looking for a hood opening handle for a long time: it is located to the left of the driver's seat and covered with a plastic panel. The point of the engine compartment is remembered by a towing bracket fixed on the engine cover. It is convenient, and it is impossible to lose it.
 
Easy pedals, but informative, that's just the use of them difficult - the lower edge of the lining of the cabin is interfered. My feet remains a meager supply of space over the playgrounds, so men (and to someone else to drive a cargo-passenger car!) In large shoes there are very close - you have to use your finger technique. The KP lever lies well in hand, but has stretched moves and not too distinct fixation. The parking brake handle is at the bottom to the left, which requires addiction and is not very convenient in the case, say, starting on the climb from the handbrake.
 
The C8 engine with a five-speed transmission has shown themselves sufficiently comfortable. The nature of the mechanical filling of the car allows you to forget about it and from the first minutes to go, not paying special attention to the management process. In the corners, the stabilization system will inspect (it surprised that there was a disconnected ABS on such a car), the abs will help it on braking. Parktronic will help to stand in a parking lot in a close city. Live, rejoice and do not worry about anything!
 
It turned out that the new Citroen, which in his status had the right to be just a car, endowed with magnificent driving qualities. He willingly overtaken in the turn, it is imposed on a straight line and constantly informs the driver about the current state of affairs, passing a small reactive force on a comfortable steering wheel. The solid angle of rotation of the controlled wheels allows you to turn around in one reception on a conventional two-band road. Gur has a variable effort, which allows you to maintain the convenience of control at any speed.
 
Citroen C8 is really a master on all hands. Friendly car created for people. He is not averse to take the dawns of the entire yard in the zoo, deliver overall loads, go to a long journey, work in business. Add here a little pleasure driving, a little external charm, and get a full portrait of C8.
 
Specifications Citroen C8
 
Body - 5-door minivan
Number of places, people - 5-8
Curb weight, kg - 1612
Dimensions (Length / Width / Height), mm - 4726/1854/1856
Maximum speed, km / h - 188
Overclocking time up to 100 km / h, C - 12.2
Fuel control flow (mixed cycle), l / 100 km - 9.1
Engine:
- Type - gasoline., Inline, 4-cyl.
- Working volume, cm3 - 1997
- Power, hp at min-1 - 138/6000
- torque, nm at min-1 - 190/4100
- Power system - multiple. Electric. injection
Transmission - Mechan., 5-speed
Tire size - 205 / 65R15
Wheel suspension:
- Redern - McPherson
- Women - dependent, spring
Brakes:
- Rare - disk, ventilated
- Dynamic disk
Steering - Rake gear, GUR with a changeable effort
Price, $ - 29990
 
In one volume
 
Minivan fans can rejoice: sales of another such model began in Russia - Peugeot 807.
 
Missed it seems that the face of the novelty is wung in the image and likeness of the 607th, however, coming closer, you understand - Peugeot 807, like any other representative of the lion's family, is just like himself. However, there are also family features - in feline alternate headlights and coat of arms on the facing of the radiator.
 
Unlike such competitor models like Volkswagen Sharan or Renault Espace IV, the rear side doors of the 807th sliding. The electric drive allows you to open them without touching the handles using the remote control, which is built into the ignition key, or from the cabin.
 
By the way, there is an extra panoramic mirror in the cabin: you can watch what happens on the rear seats. Those who have little children will appreciate such a bauble.
 
Peugeot 807, a five-seater standard, designed to install the third row of seats. It can be a three-seater sofa or two individual chairs. The second option is preferable because it provides passengers more comfort and expands the possibility of transformation. The front seats, although they are not removed, can be deployed around their axis by 180 degrees.
 
The bulk of separations for small things is located on the front panel. Upstairs - two shallow gloves, where you can put a mobile phone, keys and documents. A giant glove box is capable not only to absorb several bottles with a gas and beer, but also cool them.
 
At the 807-m with a gasoline engine 2.2 (158 hp) and a five-speed mechanical CP, vibrations of a working four are practically not felt. The secret is that this power unit is equipped with balancing shafts.
 
A motor that has a system of changing the phases of gas distribution, already in 2000 min-1 develops 90% of the maximum torque, which is a passing library driver in choosing the gear. Confidently ride on such a car even newcomer. Just need to closely monitor the high-speed mode: on a good road 807th, it is easily gaining 200 km / h (this is a speedometer, and on the passport - 196), thanks to not only a powerful engine, but also good body aerodynamics.
 
Now the most interesting is the prices. Our peugeot 807 (with climate control, velor interior, electric circuit and drive side doors) is offered by the dealers for $ 29800 plus 800 per extra row of seats. Turbodizel 807th with 2.0 HDI engine (direct fuel injection, 109 hp) by $ 200 cheaper. Minivan with a two-liter engine (135 hp) in the simplest configuration (air conditioning, front electric windows, fabric interior) will cost 27,000.
 
Text: Dmitry Sokolov
 

Source: Magazine 5 Wheel [12/2002]