Test drive Fiat Brava 1995 - 2001 hatchback

A magnificent seven

Brief guide for the buyer
Cars in Russia are buying - this is a fact, and not only domestic ones - this is also indisputable. Many are seduced by foreign cars. Some take more than the size of more, and at the cost of cheaper - cars are used. Others, having gathered in spirit, purchase a new car in the car dealership and, as it turned out, often do not chase prestige and high cost. More and more often on the roads there are classmates of our Samara ...

The addictions in this class were revealed quite clearly: they are not least determined by the price. Hence the surge of interest in Skoda, Deau, Hyunde and other moderately expensive cars. It was with such cars that we tried to introduce readers in the first place. Over the past year, they visited the editorial office a lot: DEU Nexia (1996, No. 5), Fiat Brava (1996, No. 6), Skoda Felicia-Combot (1996, No. 7), Ford Escort (1996, No. 10). In the last fine days, I had a chance to travel to Seaty -Kordov, and the domestic novelty - VAZ 2110 has become reality for us. (About the last two cars in detail - in the nearest issues of the magazine.) It was the idea of \u200b\u200bcombining impressions of communication with cars, presenting the reader a review of the competitors of the VAZ. Of course, the domestic hit - VAZ 21099 did not ignore. So there was a magnificent seven. You can, of course, collected an eight, or even a nine, but here they decided not to write about what they themselves did not try. It is a pity that many interesting cars remained aside. But we do not forget about them - we have already begun to collect material for the next review. In the meantime, the seven as the result of our work in 1996.

NUMBERS
Let's look at the table. 1, in which the technical characteristics of seven cars are collected: which one is the most, at least on paper? At the same time, we will try to figure out what lies behind the numbers.
Machines with three different types of bodies are represented, namely: four sedans, two hatchbacks and one station wagon. We deliberately went on such disagreement. It would not be difficult to imagine the equally magnificent six hatchbacks or sedans. After all, the hatchback is not yet in the VAZ 2110 family, and only Felicia does not make the sedan with the body. But a direct comparison - someone is better, someone is worse - not our task, therefore, some multi -sized is quite acceptable. At the same time, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a particular body.
We immediately note: sedans and station wagons are longer, and this is understandable - after all, the trunk was set up. And the excess length is used in different ways: Nexia, Cordobes and native dozens have very voluminous luggage compartments. The ninety -ninth is clearly inferior - the age affects (although Nexia is also not the first youth). The latter, by the way, is the longest of the entire seven. She pleased with a long salon (there is where to put the knees), but the elbows had to be pierced - the width was not enough. Also, alas, age. Look: the narrowest car VAZ 21099, it is the oldest. The freshest Fiat brow car is the widest one, and the driver there is not pushing the passenger with his elbow.
The engines for all are four -cylinder in line, everything is installed transversely. Six out of seven - eight -valve and have been produced for more than one year. True, engines usually go through several modernizations and live for a long time, moving from one model to another. Sixteen -valve only for brava, but you have to pay more expensive for it. Note that, in addition to the Italian, all motors have German roots. Nexia is Opel, Skoda and Seat are equipped with Volkswagen engines, the European Ford is based, as you know, in Cologne, and to the VAZ 21083 engine, which works for the ninety -ninth and ten, Porsche specialists have a hand.
Vase and fiat motor are short -term, that is, the diameter of the cylinder is more than the piston. Therefore, the biggest lovers of high revolutions. The rest are long -term, they are better pulling at low speeds, the Volkswagen Motor Felicia is especially distinguished by this.
Carburetors live their age. This device is installed on a vase and on Ford. The latter has on modifications for banana countries. They master the injection in Togliatti. This system with the proper level of execution is very reliable and does not cause trouble.
Although the high-octane (AI-95) gasoline is spelled out to all not our engines, they do not differ a very high degree of compression and ninety-two, if necessary, digest. The exception is fiat, it has a higher degree of compression - 10.1, and, most importantly, even for Russia, a catalytic neutralizer is installed on the Italian car, which is categorically contraindicated.
To compare maximum speeds is a barren occupation. Only the suicide will squeeze everything possible on our roads from the car. We can say about dynamics that even the weakest - Ceata is enough so as not to fall out of the stream. There is nothing to say about Shustro brava.

Assessments and comments
Assessing a particular car according to the five -point system, we tried to be as objective as possible. But subjectivity, no matter how fought with him, is inherent in every person. Therefore, their rating of cars was accompanied by this extensive commentary to the table. 2. Recall that just a good car gets four. An excellent car is something perfect and sinless, which should be striving for, but it is hardly possible to achieve.
In the nomination of the body, the appearance and quality of manufacture, the convenience of planting and the size of the cabin, the volume of the trunk, the possibility of its transformation are evaluated. The leaders here were the seals and Skoda who joined the Volkswagen. Dis sure and somewhat conservative externally, they are distinguished by as discreet in style and decoration, but quite cozy salons. If the trunk of Sedan Cordova is great, then the universal Felicia is simply huge. And in that and in another car, the back seat you quickly and conveniently fold both entirely and in parts. Fiat Brava is the owner of indisputably outstanding external data. But it is less functional - the same separate back of the rear seat is the option.
Nexia after restyling cannot be recognized. Postetsk Opel Cadet became an outwardly solid sedan. The salon, however, is narrow, as already mentioned. The trunk is roomy, but its opening is narrowed with lanterns. The escort is a pretty, but discreet car. But the salon is crowded: the rear passengers feel like in an eight or nine. You should not spread about VAZ 21099 - everyone saw it, and many know well. We note the main disadvantages: it is not very convenient for passengers from behind, a moderate trunk capacity, things in which you have to load through a high threshold. A dozen does not suffer from this. And the trunk here is large, and it is easy to load, and the rear seat can be folded in parts, and even the hatch in the back for transporting long objects is provided. But the quality of the body manufacturing, first of all, the fitting of the panels, leaves much to be desired.
As for the driver's workplace, there are at height cars of German origin. At the wheel of Ford, Seata and Skoda you feel at home. Brava was upset by a limited review back: wide racks interfere, and in the rear window a high lower edge. The driver's seat pillow seemed short. Nexia has a long and absolutely invisible trunk. It is not the best of the gear lever that is not in the best way, and the manipulations are difficult to limited to the width of the cabin. The disadvantages of VAZ 21099 are known. This is the absence of a tachometer to parts of cars, not a too comfortable seat, a steering wheel resting on the stomach, an uncomfortable location of the gear lever. A dozen is better balanced, although the seat on it is still ninth with all its minuses. Working a lever is also not particularly convenient.
In motion, each car manifests itself in its own way. Brava is a fast, dynamic, with sharp steering control, a clear short -crossed box. Her element, first of all, is speed. Skoda, on the contrary, is the best tractor: the motor adapts perfectly to the change in the load. The leisurely measured riding for Felicia is pleasantness itself. Although if you need to click, the motor will respond. Seat, despite the weakest engine, does not seem to be on the road. The engine combines its good traction characteristics with sufficient abuse. And the gear rates of the transmission are selected very well. Approximately the same is characteristic of the Nexia motor. Plus, she has a very soft, comfortable suspension. Because of this, however, sharp maneuvers at high speed are accompanied by noticeable and not too pleasant rolls. The escort in its style is so normal that there is nothing to note. Only standard rubber disappointed - squeals in a bend even on dry asphalt. And the speed is small, and the car is already swimming along the road.
The ninety -ninth and tenth models of the vase are equipped with the same power unit, so the speedy and dynamic qualities of machines are close. VAZ 21099 is more acute in management, crushes more strictly on bumps. VAZ 2110 is softer than its predecessor, not so vividly reacts to the steering wheel. In ordinary driving, it is more comfortable, but in extreme situations, the nine seems more predicted. Maybe it's about habit?
By the level of comfort, the leader was broken by CAAT. A pleasant, moderately soft suspension, solid finish, good sound insulation. Although the rest are not far. Nexia is very soft, but the interior is somewhat old -fashioned. Brava on most of our broken roads shakes, which is accompanied by a roar. Ford is also not the most comfortable suspension. In Skoda, it shakes the rear passengers, in addition, some useful options - air conditioning, for example - are not installed on it. VAZ 21099 is distinguished by an old -fashioned interior and low quality of the finish. A dozen is conceived more fatal, but the performance of the eyes is not pleased.
From the point of view of operation, our machines are on top. Everywhere there are spare parts, a service of some kind of country. Foreign cars are also provided for both, but this applies mainly to large cities, and repair and maintenance are more expensive. A small remark relative to VAZ 2110: the car is already sold, but with some details, as usual, there may be problems at first. Ford carries a narrow incompletely spare wheel in the trunk, this somewhat limits the freedom of movement, but you can go in case of something. But if in the tank of Fiat, equipped with a neutralizer, ethylated gasoline will flood somewhere in the province - this is already a serious nuisance.

Everyone chooses alone
Which car of a magnificent seven is better? Do not expect a direct answer to this question - we did not promise it. Each car has its own strengths and weaknesses, each occupies its own niche, which means that each has its own buyer. After all, you can evaluate the car in different ways: exalt or drown it. If you want an example - please! VAZ 21099 is the cheapest, most secured by spare parts and service - on the one hand. And on the other, the non -modern externally, poorly decorated, cramped. VAZ 2110 - well conceived, but so far it is not very well sewn. Ford escort is a modern, fast European car that carries the world famous emblem. And at the same time nondescript and not very spacious. Fiat Brava is the fastest, most stylish, the most modern, but the most shaking and the most expensive. Nexia is great, spacious, has a significant appearance, but its ancient cadet is based on the model of the 80s! Seat -Kordova is a pleasant, balanced car, but where is the power, acceleration? Skoda Felicia-Combanes of one will please with cargo and traction qualities, and another does not need this at all.
Everyone has their own view of the car, everyone has their own requirements. Therefore, everyone solves the problem of choice himself, based on his desires and capabilities. You can and even need to listen to the advice, but, thoughtlessly following it, it is easy to make a mistake and buy the wrong one. Finally, another important factor is the price. The cheapest are domestic machines. The most expensive (but also the most modern) is fiat. The rest are approximately the same for the price. Having chosen a simpler modification, you can save, however, however, having lost in comfort and running qualities. After all, Escort-1,3, Nexia-hatchbek, Skoda-hatchback with a 1.3 l engine, fiat briva-1,4, and ninety-ninth can prefer the eight can be sold. The choice of a car is not easy and relying here only on yourself. And our article is rather a small guide to the sea of \u200b\u200bcars. The choice is yours. Fortunately, now there is something to choose from.

VAZ 21099
Advantages:
a rather modern, frisky and economical engine; Excellent controllability, accessibility and wide selection of spare parts and accessories, service provision, the ability to drive bad roads.

Flaws:
unknown driver’s landing, close rear seat, low decoration quality, the absence of additional equipment offered by the manufacturer, a high trunk threshold, an integral back of the rear seat, fuzzy gear, a tendency to overheating of the brakes.

Summary:
For those who, for any reason, do not want or cannot purchase an imported car, a front -wheel drive VAZ is the only alternative to domestic production.

VAZ 2110
Advantages:
modern interior design, good aerodynamic indicators, a spacious luggage compartment, wide possibilities of its transformation, in the future - the proposal of a number of options. The interchangeability of many details with the previous family of VAZ cars.

Flaws:
low assembly quality, rough finishes, miscalculations in ergonomics, problems with brakes inherent in VAZ 2108, 21099 cars.

Summary:
The car is clearly better than executed, child diseases are a whole bouquet. But a dozen brought to the mind will undoubtedly win in many respects from his predecessors.

Ford escort-1,6
Advantages:
a convenient workplace of the driver, good speed and dynamic indicators, moderate for a European car of this class price.

Flaws:
a close rear seat, not too comfortable suspension, is not the best option for transforming the luggage compartment.

Summary:
With all its advantages and disadvantages, the escort is one of the cheapest Western Europeans in our market.

Fiat brow
Advantages:
original, modern design, excellent engine, high speed and dynamic indicators, perfectly clear work gear shift mechanism, excellent handling.

Flaws:
shaking and noise from the operation of the suspension on an uneven road, a bad review when moving in reversing, high price.

Summary:
NOTSHEV, well, what do you want - a car of the year after all. Forture, temperamental Italian. For the pleasure of driving, the driver will forgive him a lot.

Dau Nexia
Advantages:
A solid appearance, a large volume of the trunk, a comfortable soft suspension, a painful engine.

Flaws:
a few old -fashioned interior of insufficient width, the narrowed opening of the trunk that makes it possible to load, large overhangs, an integral back of the rear seat.

Summary:
German, albeit not the latest, the design is plus Korean, not the highest price. Successful restyling gave the appearance of the car solidity - many like it.

Seat-Kordova
Advantages:
convenient and functional driver’s place, a large transformer trunk, a successful selection of gear rates of the transmission.

Flaws:
incomplete -size spare wheel, shortcomings in ergonomics, noise in the cabin at high speeds, moderate engine power.

Summary:
If the Volkswagen is collected in Spain, he, as it turned out, will not lose anything. A German Ordnung is felt everywhere. The car is not amazing, but pleasant in all respects.

Skoda Felicia-Combot
Advantages:
a painful engine, a spacious interior, a huge luggage compartment, a comfortable driver's seat.

Flaws:
small road clearance and large overhangs limit movement along country roads, passengers in the back seat are noticeably shaking, the list of offered options is limited.

Summary:
A solid, slightly conservative car. Passes to the degree, measured movement. Having such a trunk, he could become a summer cottage machine No. 1, if not for the limited possibilities as a rogue.
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Testing department
Photo by Vladimir Knyazev,
Sergey Ivanov

Source: The magazine "Driving"