Test Drive Daewoo Leganza 1997 - 2002 Sedan

Three approaches to one concept

And what, by the way, unites our heroes? Sizes, weight, belonging to one intermediate class located between the D segment, according to the European standard, and the business class.
This time, three valiant knights, worthy of the representative of their glorious tribes, were taken to the ristar. One Harmhouse Harmor, although hiding the folk title, but force and dimensions almost aristocrat Volkswagen Passat. Another cunning samurai with the eastern squad and the predatory ruffle of Mitsubishi Galant. The third, arrogantly smiling Korean, who swollen from his own importance and feelings of superiority. How to ... Kim? No, Pak ... A, remembered, Daewoo Leganza. Sorry, Lord, and here heed, the third name is Doninvest Condor. Good name, like Russian. But, as you know, they are hit by passport ...
I want to make a reservation, the author is unconditionally an internationalist, but with an even-worthless attitude to races and peoples, it should be noted that each of this triple personifies its approach to the concept of the car.
So, Passat. Not new to our roads. I do not say, of course, about the preceding three-four-generations. But even in the current body in 5, the car is known for us quite well. The flagship of the family was able to overcome, finally, the vehicle complex. This is no longer a bent peasant, but a full-fledged, respectable burgger. And inside and outside each detail seems to say: and I passat. Execution All ingenious simply approaches him more than simplicity worse than theft. I would say without going into the details of the design, nor subscribe or add. The salon here is a continuation of the body, and sensations during the movement only confirm this conclusion. First, you sit where it is necessary. The hard armchair will not allow you, regardless of the complex, to enzyget there. Perfectly readable devices do not overlap with a beam. Just perfect in the section and the diameter of the steering wheel is quite sensitive in turns, that is, the amplifier helps you to twist the front wheels only to the extent that, not tightening, feel the change in the trajectory. At the end of the turn, it is enough to weaken the hands and add gas, as the machine returns to the initial rectilinear movement. Yes, and the column is adjusted with one lever and up and down, and back and forth. Choose to taste.
Instrument panels on most cars are glowing or yellowish, or greenish color. At one time, red lights on BMW also had a lot of followers and imiters. On the VW, the light and the violet altogether, and the arrows are bright-scarlet. But the eyes in the dark does not interfere at all. And if behind the windows, the darkness is impassable only twist the wheels of the rheostat, and the brightness of the shield will arrive. And in the rest of the instrument panel is just as laconic as high quality. The designers clearly did not seek to go on the fashion and dragged the torpedo. Even a beard is flat enough and a little bald, though, I do not argue, everything is comfortable here too. But the switching lever, located in the desired, by the way, the place, caused complaints from everyone who sat down behind the wheel of this crew. Move it hard. Tight transfer is included, and this, according to our impressions, lack of most Volkswagenes. We were explained that over time everything is developed, but, we admit, it is more likely to say, it is necessary to speak, wither. The knurling knob is convenient, but for some reason he spins around his axis, capturing with him and attached to it cover.
From other amenities, we note the heated of the front seats and two Eyrbega. About the condo I do not even say much so without it in the current heat! Yes, and competitors are also equipped with air conditioning. True, the position of the button is one-sole. Therefore, in a miley heat, so as not to freeze, the Condishn has to be disconnected periodically, but, on our happiness, it was + 32c. Even lightly interfere with the review front racks, arched forward in favor of design, circulating the roof line in the profile. Thank God, the roof slide does not limit the spaces in height for the rear passengers. On the second row of the seats, Pofolksvagenovsky is spacious and freely, it can be accommodated and threesome. And I'm not talking about superclock the trunk. Where is there so much places? Yes, another tiny stroke. Someone from the designers decided to save on the right mirror. It seems to be a perishable limb in a patient with polio. Although healthy panoramic, but so small that you have to continuously twist your head during rebuilding right. But perhaps it is useful. For neck.
Well, what can the Japanese be opposed to the standard of German technology? Galant got to us either not by chance. After all, Mitsubishi is compared with BMW. I would even compare Galanta with Alfa Romeo. So sporty and stylishly folded their body. And our whole and very special. With a sequental box: automatic, but with manual control mode. Now it is not uncommon, but in the greater class and for big money.
For the convenience of landing, Galant also succeeded. Maybe slightly in another spirit than VW. There are clearly planned American accents in the design. Wide instrument panel, soft seats, spacious pedals. You turn the engine and you can't hear it. Simultaneously with the launch, the instrument panel flashes. Before the dead black, it becomes noticeable even in a bright day. Such a feeling that is short-sized glasses. Each shortcut, each arrow and climb into the eyes. Even a quick glance is enough to remember all the instrument readings. Driving are sitting like a free. At the same time free and not straining. In this car, I want to relax, lazily move the lever of the PPC, drowned the large button in the middle, until it stops, to position D, and manage one hand. And the predatory muzzle will dissect the oncoming air flow, flowing along muscular, trained sides, stained with a sharp-cut trunk lid.
In our opinion, the tail looks concise and modestly the muzzle. And especially expressive profile. I want to compare it with an airplane wing, only with a negative value of an angle of attack. The steering wheel is even comfortable, but the reaction in turns slightly smeared. With comfortable mirrors and non-fourth rear racks at Galant, the best overview among competitors. Climate control in the frame of the tree panel. Chairs are not so tough as on VW, and extremely comfortable. I do not want to get out. A rare case, but on the Ergonomics of the salon we did not find something to find face.
And with Condor generally a separate story. Since on the territory of the former USSR, assembly auto plants began to be frozen, the most successful manufacturer of domestic many cars became Daewoo. Often customers are interested in: and the assembly is not Uzbek?. Rostovskaya replied proudly. And here it is necessary to clarify that all cars made in korea. Cutting down from the conveyor, they are only a little shaped on the way to Russia. Remove the motor with a box, unscrew the wheels, sometimes bumpers are dying. The main goal to bypass customs. Stormy activities are depicted, workers are employed at the factory. Grand plans are being built on the gradual outstanding of imported components of domestic and further reduction of the final product. In our opinion, put a line for the production of plastic, rubber products or auto glass directly from Korea and sculpt all this in Taganrog or Rostov elementary. I do not know who it is not beneficial to Koreans who do not want to share a profit, or our because of those who are unnecessary trouble, but maybe it is for the better. It seems that the consumer will only win if it receives the car of real Korean quality, without interference with the samplers, and on accessible money.
Honestly, Donvest-Condor liked. It was originally impossible to understand how the car is such a class, with a full set of options costs about fifteen thousand bucks. Let me announce the entire list of its merits. Climate control (the same as on Galant), power windows of four doors, central locking, alloy wheels, ABS and PBS, fog, radio tape recorders and a sideline in one device, pillow in the steering wheel and a lot of useful trifles. And the option with the skin and the machine will cost only two and a half pieces more.
The design of the body Korean cars rarely rise above the estimates three with a plus. Too they disclinished. But the Condor makes many and many passersby turn our heads after us. The stars from the sky, of course, the designers lacked, but above the level of previous models rose highly. Expressive, Fruit Silhouette even enters, without destroying the national traits of cars from the country of morning freshness. We also liked the salon, but he is more like an amateur. Lack of straight lines, solid bends and waves. The function is replaced with a clean aesthetics and, it seems to us, with this there is a bust here. Planting driving, at least for long-legged drivers, is inferior to competitors. Having moved away from the pedals as far as you want, stop getting to the steering wheel. But the column here is moving only at the height of adjustment in depth. Otherwise, everything is logical. There is even a panel under the tree, but, right, without them it would be no worse. About seats Separate conversation. The profile of the backs and pillows itself did not seem very convenient. But the adjustments change not only the position of the tilt of the back of the seat back and forth, but also the height of the pillow in front and behind separately, that is, it is changing both its angle and height. The mechanical gear lever is far away and before the third and fifth transmission must be stretching. The ignition lock is located in the phosphoresting ring, so that they do not miss the dark. Broastic for sample. The signal is liquid, inconsistent. I would immediately put another conquer. The quality of the finishes is lower than that of competitors, but not much. Rear is somewhat closer and darker. No, there is enough space for the foot, but the width of the space is less than the classmates.
Well, everything is enough to look at and suck. We will go, run. I invite.
In terms of riding three heroes differ significantly. No, they have one class, but engines ... the weakest VW-Passat with a 1.8 liter engine and 125th forces. Double-liter Daewoo-Doninvest has already 136 horses under the hood, and the Mitsubishi Herd of Tabun in 163 horses. Objectivity here not to achieve. Yes, and their prices differ great. Let's try to evaluate everyone by itself. Let's go to boost.
Condor seemed to us simple and easy to drive a car, with clearly predicted behavior. But the power of the motor, oddly enough, he is missing. Not knowing passport data, I would appreciate the engine from the strength of the horses. Although, if you spin up to high revolutions, it runs acceptable. What you can not say about the suspension. Troubles in Moscow roads are great, despite the great moves of springs and shock absorbers. I would like to robustly. Many polish and Russian-speaking nameplates on the trunk lid. The buyer gets very cute and spacious, and, most importantly, a shed car for more than a modest price.
Passat, despite the smallest volume, accelerates quite adequately. And slows down even better. Hard, as if the designed steering wheel allows you to perform turns and rearrangement at considerable speed. With this engine in the city provided good, comfortable ride. Not in Volkswagenovsky, the energy-intensive suspension keeps both small and strong blows of fate. There would be a more powerful motor (and in the range there are several of them), it would be possible to drag on the full program, but for this, unfortunately, you have to pay extra money. I think, acquiring Passat-5, you make a long-term and advantageous contribution. After all, these cars are famous for their reliability. Maybe Passat does not have a pronounced individuality, but by trading a couple of days and in Moscow traffic jams, and in the Moscow region, I will say this sample to the imitation of other manufacturers.
I can not say that from Mitsubishi we wait for supernatural results. But, conveniently sitting behind the wheel of this beautiful and rapid car, I exclaimed this is my car. Having mounted in order for the beginning of the CAT handle to the final position D (and the fixation on the 2nd or 3rd gear) is not here), nadavim on the accelerator pedal. So confident start reminded me of a speed set of powerful electric locomotive, without composition. Up to one hundred acceleration proceeds easily easily and almost the same continues. Everything happens very gently. We go to one hundred forty smooth right turn, which did not cause us any fears. And suddenly, at the end of him, we understand that the body was so tamed on the front exterior wheel, which the opposite rear right lost contact with the road. Stop. Brake. It is good that the coating is dry, and the road is empty. Whew ... Pottrack from his forehead and estimate the situation. First, as in the anecdote: isn't I running too fast? Perhaps yes. The speed on Galant is clearly blown. Well, secondly, the suspension is slightly soft. As you know, setting up springs and shock absorbers. Eternal compromise between extremes: or comfortable softness, or shaking on the pits, but the perfect passage of turns and rearrangements. What to choose? A matter of taste.
The second time we trudge is already quieter. Moreover, we are very curious across the sequential box. Take the lever right from the position D. There is the second slot with the positions +, n and -. How faster than on the usual automatic can be closed, if necessary, reduced transmission? After all, it stops the experienced driver when buying a machine with automatic transmission. And what if, in case of extreme necessity, will not be able to sharply accelerate on overtaking? Let's try to simulate a similar situation. We move to the left row and at the speed of about a hundred slowly go around Ikarus. Imagine that at a short distance, the meters of Stark for three hundred, the counter transport was drawn. On the mechanics, we would have a short movement threw the third and rushed forward. On the machine, it is necessary to put gas in the floor and wait for the kick-dowdow and not good. Here quietly pull the lever to minus. Yes, almost immediately the engine roared, the turns were pulled above, closer to the zone of maximum power, and slightly pressing on the pedal, we go ahead and occupy our row. It seems, here the switching speed is average between the two familiar options, and this will arrange a lazy driver, and a rider.
The choice concerns all the three car discussed complex pieces. Moreover, they are not competitors to each other. Yes, look at prices. We reviewed only three different approaches to design, configuration, trading policy for specified external sizes. Each of our heroes is a worthy car for their money. True, it is now customary to live economically.
Vladimir Smirnov
Photo by Alexander Nosdrin
Driver-consultant Sh.Mukhomideev
 

 

Source: Cars