Test drive Fiat Bravo 1995 - 2001 hatchback
Pret- A - Porte
Fiat Bravo SX In front, Fiat Bravo is very similar to his sister named Brava, but this, apparently, is the only angle when their closest relationship is striking. We will not compare the appearance of these cars, of course, the Fiat concern carefully worked out a 3- and 5-door car. We liked the 3-door hatchback more.
The side lines of his body are quite swift, the raised rear window looks very dynamic.
Friendly shall seem rounded forms of stern with rear lights collected under a drop -like glass.
Seeing this nice little car, I want to quickly climb inside. No questions about the appointment of any governing body arise - everything is familiar and rationally. The seat has two familiar convenient adjustments and good lateral support. Steering wheel? Clear business, with an amplifier, pleasant to the touch, the desired cross -section and diameter. Brakes? Of course, with ABS - here is the icon. Turners, light, wipers, mirrors, heater?
Everything is simple and clear. Music? Stop. Must be. Taking a closer look at the panel, we finally find it. The radio is not made as a familiar rectangular block, its fragments are scattered in the center of the upper part of the front panel in a fairly large space.
Well, we figured out music, you could go. But before that they decided to inspect the rear seats.
It is not very convenient to get to them due to the lack of rear doors, but, having overcome some difficulties, two passengers will be quite free. Looking at Bravo outside, you will never believe that here you can not rest your knees, but this is true. The trunk of this model is not very spacious, and when closing and the rear door you have to make great efforts.
Well, it seems, they found out everything, touch. Immediately note the excellent clarity of the inclusion of the gears. Let's try to switch quickly. Bravo acceleration dynamics with a 1.6 -liter engine and a capacity of 103 horsepower can not be called, but as soon as the revolutions are exceeded for 3.5 thousand, the car is noticeably frishes. In addition, the engine is quite burdened, so you can stick the fifth with 60 km/h, if, of course, you are not a very active driver. In the urban mode, special attention is needed - the car responds very sensitively to the slightest stroke, and the information content of the hydraulic booster in the near -mowl zone is extremely small. The Bravo suspension does not annoy excessive stiffness, but also does not allow the car to swing on longitudinal waves. We had to use brakes in the city quite often and intensively, but ABS Taknya did not turn on once. Well, very good, we move to a quiet winding path.
It was then that the problems with the hydraulic wrap and became especially noticeable and unpleasant. It is difficult to drive a car, practically not feeling the steering wheel. ABS also showed itself from the best. She provided a slowdown very good, but the machine with noticeable delay reacted to the beams of the lamb.
Despite this, the controllability of the car is rather worthy of praise. Of course, if the speed of entering the turn turned out to be overly large, the front of the car began to fall out onto the outside of the turn, but it happened very smoothly. The rapid reset and increase in traction at this moment provoked the car in slipping off the trajectory with all four wheels. This behavior will allow you to cope with the car not even a very experienced driver, and those who love the hotter will be able to pass turns very impressive. It is worth noting, however, that Bravo shod was in Goodyear Eagle. Perhaps on rubber worse, the car would not behave so flexible.
PEUGEOT 306 SL
This model appeared 2 years earlier than Bravo, but, comparing the appearance of the cars, you might think that between them the difference is ten years old. Peugeot has an obviously outdated design, but very strict and calm. Fiat is ultramoden, but behind his wheel you can easily imagine a tanned young man in Bermuda, but a person in a suit and with a diplomat - nothing.
Unlike Bravo, which was well equipped, Peugeot, which we inherited, was red -ky.
The only luxury is electric windows in the front doors.
An attempt to start a car did not lead to success. What's the matter? There seems to be gasoline, the starter is spinning properly ...
Soon, with great surprise, the handle of the suction was found. Not only is the engine carburetor, but also a manual suction is a clear anachronism for a modern European car, even a middle class.
Touching. The air damper has to be kept completely open, since the cold engine stalls with each revolution of revolutions. 1.4 liters are not enough to ensure good accelerated dynamics. In terms of acceleration and elasticity of the PEUGEOT 306 movement, the VAZ front -wheel drivers. Of course, Muscovites are left to Zaporozhye, but the 306th cannot argue with more serious equipment.
A hard suspension will annoy lovers of comfortable driving, but active drivers will clearly like it.
In urban conditions, the suspension responds to all the irregularities of the road surface, perfectly informing the driver about what is happening under the wheels, but not particularly annoying. But all the charm of the suspension of the 306th can only be felt in the landfill conditions. In extreme cases, an empty suburban road abounding with turns is suitable. This is where everything begins, and here you understand the entire character of this car! Peugeot machines have always been famous for their handling, and the 306th model is no exception. An excellent suspension, magnificent adhesions of the Michelin Mxt tires, a motor traction reserve from somewhere - all this provides an excellent movement in maximum modes. In the bend, the car clearly holds a given trajectory, as if moving along the rails, and very late and smoothly developing demolition of the front axle is easily adjusted with gas.
Of course, the Peugeot 306 SL was created for an unpretentious driver who sometimes loves to ride with a breeze. Aesli to this modification add an amplifier of steering, ashtrays and a radio, a good economical version of the city car will be released.
Cars are approximately the same. But they are designed for completely different consumers. And this is far from all that can be found in a small middle class. In principle, even the most whimsical client will be able to find a car to his taste. The exception is only sizes - lovers of large cars are ignored.
Dmitry Noskov, Grigory Kuznetsov
Source: Motor magazine [No. 9/1996]
