Test Drive Dodge Caravan 2007-2009 Minivan

Two mini Wen, two lifestyles

The word mini-Ven invented the Americans. However, as the class of rolling cars, which is indicated by this word. In our country and Venany, and mini-Wenna were called without a job: minibuses. And if for WEN with their rectangular-boxed forms, this name was at least somehow appropriate, then for mini-WaNov it did not fit categorically. However, until a certain point, it did not worry anyone. And only after the emergence of the latter on Russian roads, everything became clear that it was mini-Wenna, and not minibuses at all.
 

The first mini Wenna appeared relatively recently, just a half dozen years ago. The areas of their use are from family rolling to the office on wheels. The idea of \u200b\u200bcreating such a car arose in 1974 in designers of Ford. The car was supposed to meet the three main requirements: a small height of the footboard, convenient for women in skirts; limited roof height, which would allow using a standard garage; A little stretched nose with the engine located in it - protection in case of an accident. Henry Ford project did not approve, and the first mini-Ven left in 1983 from Chrysler Corporation. It was the Voyager model (Caravan in the Dodge separation version).
 

A year later, a similar car, called Espace, released Renault to the market. Both models are still manufactured. Naturally, they were repeatedly updated. We get acquainted with modern versions of Dodge Caravan and Renault Espace. Their external similarity and layout identity are obvious.
 

Differences are mostly internal design. And if Espace is interesting primarily by new design finds, then the main thing in Caravan is a concern for a person. This does not mean that the French mini-Ven is uncomfortable in operation. Nothing like this. Just in the invent of cute little things, whose aggregate creates a magnificent atmosphere of comprehensive comfort, Americans are out of competition. At the same time, the design of the Dodge is quite conservative.
 

Espace seats are exceptionally comfortable. They are upholstered with textile material and with the help of an easy-to-reach transverse rod-key, no problems move forward-back. The chair is perfectly held by the lower back, the tilt of the back is fixed with a long lever without any effort. The main difference from them seats Caravan - in leather upholstery. Light color, it is extremely soft and to the touch resembles a husky.
 

In each car, three rows of seats. Rear - defective. These are just two removable folding chairs installed in the luggage compartment. It is convenient for them to just like only children. In the American mini-Wen, however, these places are equipped with ashtrays and cigarette lighter. If smokers want to open windows for venting, they will have to ask for the driver, because Servo control buttons - it. Rear passengers Renault is lucky - they can do it yourself.


Having folded the backs of the rear seats and securing a light shelf under the windows, you can throw several magazines or a basket with products for weekend. If the chairs are removed at all, you can put a whole stack of suitcases on the floor.
 

In the middle row is more fun. Passengers are provided with good comfort, almost the same as in front. In Caravan and here a little more convenient, the legs of his passengers are granted a little more freedom, but the windows here are deaf, and the sliding doors open-closes not so easily and relaxed, like swinging in Espace.

 
By the way, about windows. With toning, the Americans slightly overwhelmed - too shy from the invasion of their personal space. However, the passengers toning are not a hindrance, the external life is visible very good.
 

In the equipment of a driver's seat in mini WaNs a lot in common. In both cases, there are electric windows, mirrors with servo drive, air conditioners and radio tape recorders. To manage all this, of course, it is necessary in different ways, but this is not a fundamental difference. However, in the overseas car, all the buttons and handles look more understandable for the beginner. Torpedo in both machines without sizes and are made of almost the same gray-blue plastic, resembling the texture of the skin.
 

Traditional Dodge analog devices are located on the usual places, the speedometer is marked and in miles, and kilometers. Espace extravagant panel - almost upper cut - stretched digital appliances with green backlight. Thanks to the thoughtful schedule, their readings are read quite easily.

 
Under to become instruments and radio. With Caravan, everything is clear, the control panel is all in sight, twist and click - do not make a mistake. The French music is completely hidden in the glove compartment and, in addition to the remote control, it can be controlled by a pair of stealless buttons, which, if there is some skill, it allows not to tear off the palm from the ram, although first the control algorithm seems not very understandable.

 
Liked the Espace climate control, located in the left corner of Torpedo and equipped with easily readable pictograms. And at the bottom of the windshield Caravan there are heating strips - so that the wipers in the winter did not try.

 
Cleaning steering columns help with comfort. Caravan Steering Wheel is noticeably less, but the force applied to it is practically no effect due to the presence of a powerful hydraulic power. The hydraulicer naturally is in Espace.

 
Both machines have transverse power units: Espace - inline 2 l four with a mechanical five-speed box, Caravan - 3.3 liters V-shaped six with a machine gun. With such a volume of American, let not be much, but the french is chunning. The automatic box lever is put on the steering column - it allows you to manipulate them without taking your hand from the steering wheel, and there is more space in the cabin. The lever of French mechanics eats a significant part of the floor between the driver and the passenger. Espace motor unified with other Renault models (Megane and Sport Spider), despite the overestimated transmission numbers of the five-speed box, is weak for vigorous ride.

 
We visited our guests have many modifications discharged by the engine, equipping, options, and the potential buyer will always be able to choose what to taste and for money.
 

What is the difference between these, functionally similar, machines? Dodge is heavy, conservative and monumentally comfortable - in this his raisin. The Frenchman is extravagant and elegant, it is interesting for fresh designer strokes.
 

Two worldviews. Tradition and avant-garde. Old and new light. Your choice...
 

Alexey Rodkov

 
 
 

Source: Magazine Motor [№3 / 1998]