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Aristocrats tournament

Everyone wants to play golf. However, not everyone can achieve real heights in the game of aristocrats. So with the golf class. Each car manufacturer seeks to get into it, but not everyone gets a truly serious player. Who succeeded this to a greater extent, we will try to find out

Participants in the test
1) Mazda3 - 770000 rub.
2) VW Golf VI - 622335 rub.
3) Skoda Octavia - 755,000 rubles.
4) Ford Focus - 605100 rub.
5) Citroen C4 - 693500 rub.
6) KIA CEED - 599000 rub.

This time we got an international company. At the head of the standings is the VW Golf VI, the founder of the class and one hundred percent German. Following him, by logic and filling (one), a Czech is located in the image of Skoda Octavia. Citroen C4 continued the list of also a European, though with somewhat different ideas about the automotive design and the concept as a whole. Further, of course, it would be more logical to enter the Ford Focus, but its cosmopolitan entity (brand, school and assembly place) did not allow to take the honorable fourth place. We easily gave it to Kia Sed, a car, although Korean, but for the first time in the history of the brand oriented exclusively on the European audience. We took the fifth place to the new Mazda3, a representative from the east. Let it stand next to Ford Focus, all the more so that with all its innovations, and she has a lot of them, yet the platform remained the same, that is, the same one as the cosmopolitan.

We spilled this very table into many speakers and designated each of them by the most common categories, by which we most often judge the cars. We decided to arrange evaluations to each machine collegial. So, six cars, six members of the jury (people of different professions, mostly far from automobile journalism) and six hours of daylight. In general, let's go

The first, according to the table, is in line VW Golf. In vain, the jury was looking for a reason to enjoy the appearance of the sixth. His exterior has become simple and not interesting. The previous version of this auto-bil and then caused more emotions. The current Golf is simply lost in the city stream, and most likely, this is why their abundance on our roads is not felt. In general, four, no more, and that exclusively for previous merits. The interior is next. The main criteria according to which the impartial jury evaluated this parameter was a general visual perception, the spaciousness and volume of the trunk. The assessment was unanimously inscribed in this cell. There could not be otherwise when the Germans approach the quality and fitting of materials. According to the second indicator, a four with a plus was set. Perhaps, if the fourth passenger was slightly larger than the place, and there would be a hard five, but the feeling of the elbow on the back sofa when planting three in this car is felt in full. He did not receive a high rating for the trunk, since its volume of 350 liters was not the largest in this comparison. The next stage of the test was dynamics, handling, brake effectiveness and suspension operation. According to these indicators, the car has earned quite good grades, and the suspension and handling are completely excellent. She spoiled the picture except for the dynamics. It seemed not too impressive for a car with a 1.6 -liter engine. Somehow, it was really painful in the sensations of the car that the car was gaining its km/h. As a result, an average score for the founder of the class was an estimate of 4.5 points out of five possible.

Octavia was next in line. In the opinion of members of the commission, outwardly she looked much more interesting than a classmate who divided the platform with her. And although it cannot be called perfect, it is simply impossible not to notice this on the road. As a result, for this indicator, she received 4.5 points. The car interior was estimated more generously. The quality of execution and finishing materials is no worse than that of the patriarch, and the spaciousness of the salon and the volume of the trunk even deserved the estimates perfectly. And where can you go if the trunk alone is 560 liters. Yes, and on the back sofa, despite the fact that OSTAVIA is already the same Golf, it feels more spacious.

The dynamics and handling were checked on the same highway as the first car. It was noticed there that, similar to the founder of the class of the Skoda platform, is still different from it and, alas, not for the better. Heavy feed in steep turns and at a fairly high speed and strives to break into the skid. However, we must pay tribute to this moment. The car is not perfect in dynamics. The 1.6-liter engine somehow gives out 102 liters to the mountain. with. But we had a car with a much smaller motor and greater power. 1.4 liters and as much as 122 horses. Therefore, for the dynamics, the same assessment is clearly good, but with a plus in OSTAVIA, noise insulation also deserved. And comfort is completely excellent. The machine is ideal for long travel.

Citroen C4 was also awarded a fairly high rating for the exterior. It is understandable to the car with such forms cannot but catch your eye, and although the three -door option, according to the general opinion of the jury, looks even more advantageous, nevertheless I got its four with a plus a car for appearance. The car well deserved well for the style of the interior. But the spaciousness of the focus group in the C4 clearly did not seem enough. Two of the sitting from behind did not want to see the third among themselves. Even less jury members liked the ergonomics. The French governing bodies clearly demanded addiction, and the instrument shield in the center of some simply annoyed, for which the ergonomics could not be appreciated above three with a plus. By the way, the work of the suspension received the same amount. Its excessive comfort seemed unjustified to the jury members, because when maneuvering at high speed, the car was not good enough. Simply put, it is prone to buildup, which in turn gives rise to light, but destabilization. The steering wheel literally beats in the hands, especially if the wheels are asphalt with a quality far from the ideal. And the suspension itself works out the surface, although soft, but not silently. The steering itself suffers from obvious inertia. But no complaints about dynamics. 120 l. with. C4, as they say, by the eyes and by the ears. The four -speed automatic does not interfere with it. Of course, what is there to be sinful, it eats up some part of the power, but this practically does not affect the dynamics. The Citroen C4 is not better than others, of course, but does not lag behind. And the appetite for decency does not go out.

Next in line Kia SEED. The desire of the Koreans to do something that Europe will like, led to the fact that the appearance of this car does not cause either positive or negative emotions. Its appearance is simple, and at the same time you will not confuse it with any other machine. For which he was awarded an estimate of 4 points. The interior of the car was equally appreciated. Moreover, this applies not only to the appearance as a whole, but also to indicators such as ergonomics and visibility from the driver's place. Four with a plus for the space of the salon. However, to be up to the end of impartial, there is still more places in a narrower Skoda in perception than in SEED. Quite evenly, the SEED was shot in terms of indicators such as dynamics, handling, brake effectiveness and suspension operation. In all disciplines, a solid four. There are not enough stars from heaven, but it is clearly not going to hack. Manageability is at the level, the suspension is not soft, but not too clamped. Only insufficient rotation puzzled somewhat, which is not so bad, it would not abandon the turn without need to turn. The most pleasant impressions were left by noise insulation. The car is really very quiet, and this applies to both aerodynamic noise and noise coming from the motor compartment.

A huge smile of the radiator lattice of the new Mazda3, apparently, seems not sincere enough. Otherwise, to explain the fact that after almost a year of presence in our market, the model never gained the popularity of the previous threek. Nevertheless, reproaching a new Japanese woman in facelessness does not turn. Of course, its design is arguing, but the hard four deserves unambiguously. The salon was even awarded the highest ball, but exclusively for non -trivial registration. Ergonomics also did not arouse strong criticism among the jury, but an insufficiently informative additional display did not allow to set the maximum possible ball.

The spaciousness of the salon, especially the second row of seats, disappointed, for which the car received the rating satisfactorily, albeit with a plus. Not only that the third there is clearly nothing to do there, but there is also not as much space over your head as we would like. And only the driver adequately perceives the tightness of Kokpit. She is enveloping and tunes for a perky ride. The noise insulation of the jury did not please the Japanese clearly failed to improve this indicator, and the car significantly loses to its opponents in this discipline. Moreover, the most annoyed not aerodynamic noise or noise from the motor compartment, but the noise from the wheel arches. And if you can still put up with this on dry asphalt with this, then when driving in puddles it becomes simply unbearable.

But you can’t complain about the control of the car. The steering wheel is as heavy as it is required for the best feedback, and the reaction to its rotation is adequate, as much as it is necessary for a car of this class. The viscosity of the brakes was also pleased, and even more their information content ABS was practically not required to join the work. However, there were no minuses. The suspension configured for dynamic riding does not digest poor asphalt at all. No, of course you can go, but the desire to quickly get out of it simply dominates. On C4, for example, there is no such desire. There the car itself is on its own, and the asphalt itself.

Finally, it came to the favorite of the public Ford Focus. His presence on this test was akin to the presence of a specially invited star. The credit of the confidence that our automobile population issued him has become a kind of diplomatic passport. However, we deprived him of inviolability and subjected to expert assessment. For the appearance, Focus earned a solid four. It is moderately beautiful, moderately strict, with a slightly noticeable raid of glamor, and therefore both men and women look equally adequately behind him. Age does not matter. The interior was also appreciated well. Why? The fact is that the finish of the instrument panel in texture is very similar to the chirza boot, and this, according to most of the jury members, does not add a gloss to the car. The internal volume was not too pleased. Despite the dimensions (and Focus was one of the largest on the test), there was not as much space in it as it seemed. The trunk was one of the smallest only 282 liters. The focus group and dynamics did not inspire. It feels like a 1.6 -liter engine should accelerate the elderly. However, in fairness, we note that Focus has not one, but two 1.6 -litrous engines. And if the stubborn power unit does not suit, then you can consider the option with a 115 -horsepower engine. Against the background of the rest, noise insulation did not look in the best way. The main claims to the wheeled arches. Although a little better than Mazda. But there are no complaints to the controllability, as well as to the brakes. Unless ABS is more jealous of its service. Its chirping appears, you just need to touch the brake pedal on a slippery road. However, this is most likely a feature of winter tires.

Our verdict
The results of the comparative test are more or less predictable, but this time there were no surprises. The fact that the more spacious Skoda Octavia will bypass the smaller ones in terms of dimensions and, alas, a more faceless Volkswagen Golf VI, we suggested at the very beginning of the event (well, we like to get large cars for relatively little money), but that, but that, then That Ford Focus will not enter the first three is, to be honest, a complete surprise for us. An indisputable sales leader, a universal favorite of the public, and just fourth place? Somehow it does not fit, but the numbers talk about something else. But the fact that Citroen C4 was at the end of the list is most likely a pattern. The growing rhythm of life dictates the more stringent rules of the game, including on the road where there is no place for softness. But if you suddenly want to comfortably move from point to point, then we assure you, Citroen C4 is unlikely to surpass this indicator. And outwardly, it still looks quite stylish. As for Mazda3, then everything is clear here too. The new car in no way can be worse than the previous one, no matter what they say there. Although he can do not go to the pillars for some indicators. And one of these indicators was noise insulation. As for the appearance, this is most likely a matter of time. Well, Kia Ceed got up where he should stand. Namely, in the ranks of solid goodists. After all, the car is good, which is being said by its sales.

Volkswagen Golf
Yuri Klyuyev, 31 years old, leading specialist, driving 13 years old, travels to VW Golf V

Outwardly, I did not like the car, with this approach it was possible to change anything at all in design, but I am delighted with the interior. Everything is very high quality, expensive materials. All controls at hand. Perhaps only small buttons of climate control and disharmony in decorative materials were upset. The inserts in the doorway for aluminum are not very great with shins on the steering wheel and a lever of automatic transmission, and even more so with a glossy outlet of the audio system. No, a 102-horsepower engine with a volume of 1.6 liters did not present any surprises. Management, noise insulation, the comfort of the suspension, the security system are all over, there is nothing to complain about. The car willingly dies in a turn, no fits of the pendants on the pits, no screening, jumps and rummies from side to side.

Driving
Almost impeccable. Equally good both in the city crowd and on the highway.

Salon
It looks slightly conservative, but in general, it is especially nothing to complain about. Only the insignificant volume of the trunk is embarrassed.

Comfort
Compared to the previous generation models, it has become more comfortable, but the sound insulation of the motor compartment is not as good as you want.

Security
ABS and 7 airbags can be considered quite appropriate for the base.

Price
Approved to the price of competitors.




Skoda Octavia
Alexey Velchinsky, 36 years old, director of the company, driving experience of 18 years, travels to VW Golf v GTI

My feelings from the car remained twofold: Skoda Octavia in its design resembles a clumsy cow with sad eyes. Getting into the salon, you feel like in a well -finished apartment. There are no doubts about the quality of the finish and technical filling of the car. A perfectly balanced and moderately rigid suspension, borrowed from Golf V, allows you to easily control on the road. An economical engine of 1.4 liters with a capacity of 122 liters. with. It is quite enough for dynamic driving both in the city and on the highway. A huge amount of trunk will allow you to take with you on a trip, perhaps everything that you may need. My opinion is an excellent balanced car in every way for every day, for both the driver and for the whole family.
Driving
The behavior of the car on the road cannot be recognized as reference. In steep turns, feed strives to break into the skid. It only saves that we predict this process.

Salon
Spacious and convenient, a truly huge trunk deserves special praise.

Comfort
Due to the large mass, the car is quite comfortable even on roads with a dubious coating.

Security
In the ABS database and two airbags.

Price
It is quite acceptable, provided that for this money you get a fairly large car.





Citroen C4

Tikhon Sikuler, 27 years old, designer, driving experience 9 years, travels to Ford C-Max

The extravagant C4, which has become so stormy emotions, who has become so far -haired over 5 years, and the recent reastaling only slightly updated the exterior. The ergonomics of the driver’s place, despite the large number of non -traditional solutions in the interior, did not cause large complaints. You quickly get used to the central location of liquid crystal devices, a motionless steering hub over time is no longer of interest, but reproaches to use buttons located on the hub is inconvenient. In French, you drown and relax with a soft chair C4. However, on the go, the car does not have an active passage of turns, the suspension is soft and comfortable. But the 1.6 -liner engine, coupled with a 4 -speed automatic, suddenly cheerfully disperses the car, which is great for a dense city ride.

Driving
Compared to competitors, the car does not shine with handling. The fault of this is an overly comfortable suspension.

Salon
It is quite spacious and quite convenient, the second row of seats is not as spacious as we would like.

Comfort
At a very high level, which is primarily determined by suspension and sound insulation.

Security
In the basic configuration of ABS and two airbags.

Price
Not as small as we would like, but for this money the car is quite tightly packaged.
 




Kia Cee'D

Oleg Kalaushin, 40 years old, journalist, driving experience for 22 years, travels to Renault Logan

Initially, when Kia Cee`d just appeared on our streets, there was much more interest in it. However, over time, the excitement was decreased, and the truth of life came to replace the enthusiastic exclamations. The car was undoubtedly a success. Convenient, spacious, well assembled, thought out from the point of view of ergonomics. And the basic equipment is very extensive, there is even a multifunction steering wheel. Safety systems also look worthy. To everything else, Cee`d steer well and competently manages its 122 horses. It spoils the overall picture of perception of only a four -speed automatic. Tumors during switching, although not obvious, but they are still felt, especially with dynamic acceleration. Nevertheless, in general, the machine makes a very favorable impression.

Driving
The car did not demonstrate anything supernatural on the road, but it is not far from competitors.

Salon
It was made in the best traditions of European architecture and primarily captivates the quality of materials.

Comfort
Good soundproofing, comfortable seats, a large number of options included in the basic equipment make the trip pleasant.

Security
The basic equipment involves the presence of ABS and six airbags.

Price
Comparable with competitors' prices.



Mazda3

Igor Kuznetsov, 48 years old, journalist, driving experience 31 years old, travels to Nissan Qashqai

The new treshka began to look more refined. But fans of the new corporate style have already appeared many opponents. Inside, the car is also worked out with the times. But here it was not without blunders. So, an additional information shield, or rather the icon on it, looks rather sloppy. Ergonomics is quite acceptable. The front seats are quite spacious. But the back is tangibly more closely, besides, the ceiling hangs. Despite the declared improvement of sound insulation, extraneous noise penetrates the salon significantly. On the go, Mazda, despite the more softened suspension, is still shaking. Acceleration with this engine is mediocre. But the controllability at the height, which is due to the rigidity of the suspension and the low center of gravity.

Driving
The car is adequate, which is predetermined by the correct suspension settings. However, the dynamics could be better.

Salon
Initially causes a storm of emotions, but is not devoid of ergonomic miscalculations. And the second row of seats is not as spacious as you could.

Comfort
The main drawback is insufficient sound insulation. However, not much worse than that of the same Golf.

Security
In the ABS, ESP base, as well as six airbags.

Price
One of the highest.
 



Ford Focus

Ilya Kazankov, 31 years old, engineer-programmer, driving experience of 9 years, travels to Ford Focus II

The recent Focus restyling has benefited him. He began to look more sporty, younger. The cabin also became more comfortable, the type of dashboard, radio and climate control unit harmonizes with the appearance of the machine. Focus ergonomics at a height, find the desired button or consider labor information. The salon is moderately spacious, with a height of 190, I am comfortably sitting in a driver’s place, while I can sit along with myself normally. Only a small trunk at the hatchback due to a full-fledged spare wheel instead of a doctrine is depressing. However, this does not cause serious problems to me. The suspension copes well with our roads, is a little harsh, but it allows you to confidently go through the turns and does not swing on the waves of asphalt. The engine goes well and at the same time easily spins before cutting off.
 
Driving
The controllability of the car deserves praise, but we can talk about acceptable dynamics only in relation to a engine of 115 liters. with.

Salon
Spacious and convenient. The disadvantages include only a small amount of trunk.

Comfort
At the level of competitors, but with one reservation: the soundproofing of wheeled arches is clearly insufficient.

Security
The basic configuration includes ABS and two airbags.

Price
It is quite high, however, compared to competitors, it is quite acceptable.




Author: Oleg Kalaushin
Photo: Igor Kuznetsov

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [February 2010]