Test drive fiat albea (siena) since 2005 sedan

Comparison of preferential cars. Socialists

We survived: now not only in the provinces, but also in the most white -stone products of the Volga auto giant, they again began to be considered cars. How else! The crisis is in the yard, in the pockets of many again, and does not rustle, as before, and suddenly such a gift: the Prime Minister promised to subsidize the loan to everyone who will buy a new domestic car at a price of up to 350,000 rubles
Participants in the test
Lada Kalina
Skoda Fabia
Renault Logan
Fiat albea
Kia Spectra
Hyundai Accent
Domestic is not only Niva, Lada Kalina or Priora. Domestic are also considered those whose production is established with us. For these framework, for happiness, those who have not yet left the idea of \u200b\u200bacquiring a car on credit, in our difficult time are the Kaluga Skoda Fabia, Moscow Renault Logan, Izhevsk Kia Spectra, Taganrog Hyundai Acents, and completes the Fiat Albegi social vehicle. Each of them was already on our test, but together we did not collect them. However, there is no thin one without good: crisis, 2/3 of the Central Bank refinancing rates, the authority of the prime minister than there is no reason to find out which car actually deserves to go into all the heavy. Well, so that our consumer comparison was correct, in one row with these machines we put the AvtoVAZ product. In the end, it is to him that we should be grateful for such a concess. After all, maintaining the demand for the products of the Volga auto giant and was the root cause of such a government decision.
With Lada Kalina and start. Why is she taken, not Priora? Be that as it may, Kalina is at a higher stage of development than a reincarnated ten. However, the freshness of this model is relative, a sort of back to the future. She would appear 10-15 years ago, and she would be called in the stream. Today, all what it is is in the literal and figurative sense of the past century. Nevertheless, it is, and many will have to eat it. It is likely that the majority would not have such a dish to taste if it weren’t for a serious gravy in the form of a large number of options. Moreover, even after filling the car to capacity, you will not come close to the treasured 350,000 rubles. You can not discount the fact that the car does not look like a white sheep. The design is quite modern, not a beauty, of course, but it is not a flower, but a berry. Ailled and interior. There is something modern in it, it is a pity that the materials from which it sewed cannot boast of novelty. Yes, and the quality of performance is not so hot: here and here there are oblast or inaccurate fitting of elements. As for convenience and space, the car has no special problems with this.
Problems begin when you go on the road. The trembling of the body and all that is attached to it as soon as the left leg begins to release the clutch, apparently, in no way embarrassed those who designed the transmission. Those who were developing an electric power steering electric power steering were not too puzzled. Excuse me, but when the steering wheel rotates, as if it was no longer attached to anything, it is not easy to control the car. But we received the most pleasant surprise when it was time to stop. To smoothly brake on the ice, no one did not succeed, the wheels were constantly breaking into the south. There is no information content of the pedal. Be that as it may, all this moves, which means that Lada Kalina can be considered as a means of transportation. Which, in fact, proves enough of them on our roads.
Hyundai Accent is also a lot on the streets. Which is understandable, because at the very beginning of his procession in our immense homeland, he, being a hundred percent Korean, became the first new foreign car for many. In Taganrog, the model was registered in 2001 and to this day is considered one of the best -selling domestic foreign cars. The popularity of Accent is also evidenced by the fact that, no matter how we tried to find a car with a manual box for the test, we could not succeed. Salons do not keep Accent at all in a test drive park, motivating this by the fact that the car is already known to everyone. In general, only one dealer found a free car, but with an automaton.
However, this time there was no particular need to compare cars according to the dynamic characteristics, it painfully picked up a motley audience, so they decided to be content with what was. Despite his years, Accent is still able to hook even a spoiled car soul. Not a star of the catwalks, of course, but certainly no worse than the same Kalina. As for the salon, it is cozy and bored at the same time. It seems to be convenient, but there is nothing to rejoice at the eye, and the place on the back sofa is not enough, in connection with which any stirring of the driver sitting behind the driver is given in the back of the latter sometimes not very pleasant massage. Well, at least such an option is available, but for the money that you need to meet, the car is not like air conditioning, even the driver’s airbags are not. Nevertheless, such a car may well be in the family. Moreover, there is no doubt about his reliability. The only thing that is somewhat alarming is that people are just a little higher than average and getting out of the car is not very convenient. Even with medium growth in the salon, due to the low roof, you have to literally crawl. But this is particular, because otherwise the car deserves only praise in its class, of course, for its money.
But Fiat albea is still too early to think about such enviable popularity as that of Accent. In Europe, the model has been known since 1996, but in our market it appeared two years before the start of assembly in Tatarstan, that is, in 2004, and had a Turkish residence permit. However, most likely, even this does not even allow the car to take a leading position in sales. The FIAT brand is what, if it does not repel, then they certainly be alarmed by many. As they say, they ate. Meanwhile, despite its 13 -year history, Albea has established itself as a completely reliable car. Not without sins, of course, but nevertheless, it is quite good to become loved and the only one. And even if he is not as beautiful as his other Italian relatives, it is still clear that they were engaged in the design of this machine. Without much enthusiasm, but still. This is especially noticeable in the interior. There is something in it that forms a positive image of the car as a whole. I liked, in particular, the instrument shield: a visual example of a designer approach that does not go against functionality. Everything is in order and with internal dimensions. Even a tall person does not put pressure on his head. But in the width of the place is not enough. In any case, the three in the back seat is crowded. Not bad Albea and in motion. However, in view of a sufficiently large clearance in the turns, the car is tangibly falling. But on a bad road due to a long -flowing suspension, it was perhaps the best. The 77 -horsepower engine was not too stupid. 13.5 seconds to hundreds, of course, is not the most enviable result, but the tasks before this car are completely different, and it is completely coping with them. And the insignificant fuel consumption should completely make this car that the car.
Everyone liked it. The quality of execution, erected into the cult of patronizing Germans, literally saturated this Slavic car. As the saying goes, with whom you will be, you’ll get from that, and glory to the creator that you have gained just what is needed. Here you will no longer find a protruding or an adjacent glove compartment. However, this very quality played a cruel joke with the car. The fact is that only two configurations are suitable for the same 350,000 rubles. Not only do they not amaze with an abundance of options (for which Skoda dealers call them viburnum), but also have only two 1.2 -liter three -cylinder engines with not the most enviable characteristics in the arsenal. Of the pluses, only more than modest appetite can be noted. There are no cars in such a configuration in the test parks, they are imported by units, for an amateur, so to speak. More or less clockwork Fabia becomes only with a 1.4 engine. It is then that the potential embedded in this car begins to be revealed by designers. But the price of a stronger car in a preferential loan, alas, does not fall. So, in order to enjoy the car fully, and not to feel sick in the right row on the highway, you will have to give all the best.
Renault Logan looks most profitable in this party. To begin with, it was originally created as a social car. Plus, for the money that is voiced by the Prime Minister, this unprecedented car can be taken in a rather advanced configuration and with a fairly powerful engine. Yes, Logan is also not a handsome man. And to this day, many for this call the choice of a factor's click. However, a huge number of logs on our roads indicate the demand for this particular Renault model. A voluminous trunk, like bins of the Motherland, a spacious salon, which can be obtained practically without bending, and an extremely comfortable and long -playing suspension did their job. However, this does not mean that the car is deprived of shortcomings. For example, how could this happen that the angle of inclination of the central console is negative? This is not only ugly, but simply inconvenient, because it was at the very bottom of this beard that the control system control and air conditioning system was located. Or why does the steering column do not have adjustment, at least in the corner of the inclination? Yes, it is convenient to sit behind Renault Logan, but it would be even more convenient, and regardless of growth and complexion. After all, he is one of all who is deprived of this opponent. And why the normal size of the external mirrors suddenly became an attribute of prestige. It seemed to us that this is, first of all, the attribute of security. Nevertheless, if you discard all these little things, Logan can be called a truly folk car.
Kia Spectra before the start of production on Izh-Avo was familiar to our consumer only in vile. Meanwhile, at one time this car was nothing more than Mazda 323. In 1993, it began to be assembled on Kia as Sephia. In 2002, he was rethought and, having received a new, enlarged platform from Kia Rio, was renamed Spectra and became, by the way, in America a real demon-seller. That is why the model interested the group of companies SOK, which at one time revived OJSC IZH-Auto. Outwardly, the machine does not make a strong impression. The usual wrap, which in the 90s of thousands stamped in Japan. They could not seriously change the appearance of the car and a huge number of plastic surgery, which, during their triumphant procession in the North American market, was Spectra. But with all this, the car looks neat and even solidly affect its size. There are no designer delights inside, everything is just as simple and even dull. However, this does not make the salon uncomfortable or non -functional. Being Japanese at one time, Spectra has not lost these features until now, in connection with which rationality is in the first place. The result is all reasonable, simple and reliable. The car is also pleasant to control. Nothing outstanding, but quite acceptable. The presence of an independent suspension is affected both in front and behind. The car writes turns easily, without special rolls, and that is the most pleasant without unprofitable demolitions. Moreover, the suspension itself provides a comfort sufficient for our roads.

Lada Kalina. 314347 rub.
Driving
Empty steering wheel, non -informative brakes. Of the pluses only more or less frisky dynamics. In general, you need to constantly be behind the wheel.
Salon
It is quite spacious and even convenient, it is also pleasing that the volume of the trunk can be varyed by manipulations with the backs of the back row of seats.
Comfort
As they say, it is better to go badly than to go well. However, there is everything that is needed in the maximum speed.
Safety
The car is equipped with everything that AvtoVAZ has today.
Price
Attractive.

Opinion
Igor Kuznetsov, 47 years old, automobile journalist, driving experience for 20 years, travels to Nissan Qashqai
From the side of viburnum looks quite durable. Of course, there’s nothing to catch on the eye, however, the proportions and forms of the Volga low -profile are in balance with each other. In general, the car does not cause many emotions. But, most importantly, there are no negative ones. The salon is woven from contradictions. The layout is at the level, and the performance is so -so. Especially depressing the quality of the materials used and assembly. During movement, the sensation of the semi -finished essence of the machine intensifies. Shocking vibrations on the lever box and fuzzy inclusion of gears, completely empty and therefore incomprehensible steering wheel, inadequate and non -informative brakes are far from a complete set of pleasures. In general, managing Kalina, you will not have to miss. And only the price is pleasing in this machine.
 
 
Hyundai Accent. 329 700 rub.
Driving
In handling, this car of stars from heaven, of course, is not enough, but there is no problem to feel confident at the wheel in this car.
Salon
An acceptable quality of execution, as well as a fairly thoughtful ergonomics, allow the member of the focus with certain comfort.
Comfort
The air conditioner that is absent in the configuration for this money will not add comfort.
Safety
If the seat belts can console you, then there should be no problems.
Price
At the level.

Opinion
Andrey Mashnin, 45 years old, releasing the editor, driving for 10 years, travels to Mitsubishi Galant
As a person who has long and finally switched to the automatic transmission, he asked himself for this test the only car with a machine gun. I had to go through the whole city back and forth, so the idea of \u200b\u200bthe model received quite sufficient. There were doubts whether the machine would pull with the engine only 1.5. While one was driving, everything was fine. Peppy starts from traffic lights, no stray. But when they returned to the three -shift car, the engine began to be annoying to buzz on acceleration. The salon is modest, the appearance is also none, but if you need a car to just drive, then Accent is a very suitable option. There is no negativity at all, and if you recall the Zhiguli from which I started, so any foreign car seems perfection. The ideal option is a good, modest car for a good, modest person.
 
Fiat albea. 339000 rub.
Driving
Despite the rather dead engine, the car nevertheless confidently holds in the stream. The well -selected gear rates of the gearbox and gears are affected.
Salon
You can’t call it especially spacious, but for four places enough.
Comfort
Even in the basic configuration, the car is quite seriously equipped with various kinds of options. Lack of air conditioning minus.
Safety
The driver’s airbag is already something.
Price
Competitive.
 
Opinion
Tikhon Sikuler, 26 years old, designer, driving experience of 8 years, travels to Ford Focus II
Inside, Fiat albea looks more fresh and solid than outside, with its sufficiently ordinary appearance. Ergonomics are also not bad: a good, chubby steering wheel, the box lever switches easily and clearly, a comfortable driver's seat has side support rollers that will help to stay in the saddle, because in the turns of Albea it is noticeably rolling. True, with my height of almost 190 cm, the seat had to be moved back to the end, and you won’t envy the back passenger who had sat behind me. And for three passengers, the rear sofa is cramped. On the move, I liked Fiat: the 77 -horsepower engine unexpectedly allowed to stay confidently in the city stream, and in corners, despite the rolls, the sedan is reliable and predictable. High clearance and a large energy intensity of the suspension allow without fear to overcome a broken country to a summer residence.
 

Skoda Fabia. 334000 rub.

Driving
Of course, it does not delight with the engine of 1.2 liters of the dynamics, but it is impossible to complain of either manageability or brakes.
Salon
Not the most spacious, but the highest quality. Plus, the folding backs of the second row of seats allow this to easily turn a family car into a family van.
Comfort
Everything would be fine, but noise insulation clearly does not reach the general level of quality of the car.
Safety
For this money, only belts and a driver pillow.
Price
High.

Opinion
Oleg Kalaushin, 39 years old, automobile journalist, driving experience for 21 years, travels to Renault Logan
In Skoda Fabia, almost everything likes. Its design is modern, its salon is practical and thought out, and the materials from which it is hidden is not given with cheapness. Fabia is easily and almost impeccably controlled. There is no need to get used to it, just sat down and went. However, what is not enough in it is the place. The driver in the body at the wheel is no longer as spacious as we would like. If the passenger comes down next to the same complexion, then it even becomes closely. The lower part of the central console will definitely interfere with the tall to the driver, you touched it every now and then. In this regard, it will put an eye on it, I recommend first of all to sit down in it, and not only by myself, but, so to speak, the crew in full force, and only after that make a final decision.
 
Renault Logan. 340200 rub.
Driving
We predict enough the car, in connection with which there are no problems with management. The 1.6 liter engine is enough.
Salon
The most spacious of those that participated in this comparison, but not folding, and the removable back of the second row of seats does not add convenience of use.
Comfort
The biggest plus is the suspension. Even on openly broken roads, the car does not dance along the road.
Safety
For this money, there is only a driver's pillow. The second pillow and ABS option.
Price
Adequate.

Opinion
Alexey Smirnov, 37 years old, designer, driving 7 years, travels to Volvo 940, Renault Logan
Perhaps the most strong impressions are the suspension. Logan is even pleasant to move through bumps. Plus, the trunk: 510 liters do not have a much higher car higher. A decent clearance, again, knows his job! There is also visibility: magnificent in all directions. Logan can boast of the salon. Comfortable and spacious.
Global minus not laying backs of the rear seats. You can only unfasten a single element using a wrench. Moreover, if something needs to be transported, this back will have to be left somewhere. Unknown. As for the interior decoration, they could have covered a little more pelting. It seems like it turned out a little hastily. In general, the car is worthy. Nice impressions.
 

Kia Spectra. 349000 rub.
Driving
An independent suspension of all wheels gives the car with good handling. It is worthy of praise and dynamics, however, at speeds above the average, the motor begins to vote.
Salon
Moderately, moderately convenient and moderately modern. The presence of 40/60 back seats folding in the proportion adds convenience of use.
Comfort
A long journey should not become burdensome. In any case, for the driver.
Safety
Two airbags.
Price
Competitive.
Opinion
Stanislav Shustitsky, 55 years old, automobile journalist, driving experience 24 years, travels to Chevrolet Lanos
When buying a bet on Spectra, you need to clearly decide in the priorities. It is unlikely that her appearance will turn out to be winning, and the interior does not shine with innovative solutions. But the motor is good, he works well on the bottom, and quite cheerfully accelerates the car. And the street racers will respect the RS nameplate, fixed on the lid of the trunk of Spectra. True, only increased engine noise at high speeds can speak of a charged car. The work of the suspension for a hard four: moderately soft, but, nevertheless, she successfully copes with the irregularities of our roads. Rolling power steering with good feedback good exchange rate stability in general, the whole thing is the priorities.
 

Our verdict
So what to prefer? We would not give unambiguous advice, but if we properly prioritize, then we would still put Renault Logan in the first place. He has the largest of all those who were in the test, the salon, and he is one of the few who is really well equipped for this money. In addition, it is well adapted to our realities. We will give the second place, perhaps, Fiat albea. She is not so spacious, but what a clearance and size of the trunk! Yes, and the interior is noticed. The third place is definitely for Skoda Fabia. With such a motor, of course, it is difficult for her to compete with the rest on an equal footing, but you can’t argue with, it is with the quality of performance. By this indicator, she definitely went far ahead of her opponents. As for the Koreans, they both are on the same level. And let Spectra more Accent, however, that the first, that the second car is no longer the first freshness. However, old people to this day can give a head start to others, much more modern machines. In particular, purely Russian Lada Kalina. Today, alas, she is competitive only in price and in the number of options that have been filled into it.
 
Author: Oleg Kalaushin
Photo: Igor Kuznetsov
 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [April 2009]