Test drive Ford Kuga since 2008 SUV

Renault Koleos, Peugeot 4007, Citroen C-Crosser, Ford Kuga: And three musketeers

On the test there are four crossovers that appeared in Russia in 2008. Three of them are French, the fourth European with American roots. But actually, too, the car of the Old World. In general, some parallels with the legendary heroes of Dumas suggest. Well, given that the writer drew portraits of famous musketeers in detail not to use his genius in our test would be strange. We used.
He was a young man of about twenty -two or twenty -three, with a simple -minded and somewhat sweet expression on his face, with black eyes and blush on the cheeks (Aramis) Renault Koleos
Outside
The Croissant on the wheels Renault Koleos fully justifies the title of the first crossover with a truly French design. The impression that the old Clio was puffed through the exhaust pipe, and then they gave the overgrown forms even more rounded features, to everything else, significantly raising the car above the roadbed.
Its appearance is difficult to call dynamic, but for a family car it is quite harmonious. And, unlike Peugeot or Citroen, Renault Koleos is original and in no way hints at the Platform Donor Japanese Nissan X-Trail.
Inside
The quality has become the new priority of Renault, which can be seen with the naked eye. Soft plastic elements are impeccably fitted and good to the touch, and pleasant shades act directly tonic.
It sits well in a comfortable chair, which can be lifted quite high, providing bus visibility. I don’t want to sit in another way, going down, you begin to feel uncomfortable under a high ceiling, and the steering wheel will block the instrument shield. Not everyone will like this landing.
But I definitely liked the climate installation block with unassuming, at first glance, windows framed by neat handles. Convenient, visual, pretty.
The door handles are seized, the armrests are comfortable, the transformation of the cabin occurs one or two, there are plenty of space. There is not enough highlights, a designer notes, but, in general, the interior is present in a positive mood.
In move
Comfort and calm. So you can describe the behavior of a crossover on the road. The variator extremely smoothly transfers the moment from the 171-horsepower engine to the wheels; He is echoed by tinctures of the chassis. You can’t call it tough on the contrary, everything is sharpened for comfort.
Hence, possibly, some awkwardness with dynamic restructuring, but this turned out to be a transient phenomenon. Everything is simple: during bus landing, the vestibular apparatus reacted anxiously to sharp actions. And in vain: the Renault Koleos steering wheel is quite sharp, and the intellectual drive and the course stability system are reliably protected on slippery coating.
To the place, there is also the possibility of manual control of the checkpoint during the descent from the mountain, the machine quite confidently slows down the engine, thereby expanding the off -road potential. The clearance is 206 mm quite a decent indicator.
Renault Koleos
Specifications:
(manufacturer data)
Dimensions, mm (DHSHHV)
4520/1855/1710
Equipped mass, kg
1 655
Road clearance, mm
206
Trunk volume, l (min)
450
Engine volume and power, l (l.
2.5 (171/6000)
Maximum torque, Nm at rpm
232/4 100
Acceleration to 100 km/h, with
10.3
Maximum speed, km/h
188
Fuel consumption (city/highway), l/100 km
12/9.5/8
 
Total
The Aramis of our test pleasantly surprised: from a car with such a heavy, discreet appearance you do not expect balanced running qualities. It is a pity that there is no choice of motors yet: a 2.5-liter version is the only one. But for an adequate price, this offer looks at least interesting.
The car is equipped with only a 2.5 liter gasoline engine and two transmission to choose a 6-step manual transmission or variator. The minimum price for a mechanical gearbox is the simplest set of Exsprepersion 869,000 rubles. In the Dinamique configuration, the variator is more expensive than 40,000 rubles. And the car costs 949,000 rubles. The maximum version of Luxe Privilege will cost the base version of 1,074,000 rubles. The base of this version includes 17 inch alloy wheels, a leather salon, bixenon, side compounder, headlight washers, fog lights, climate control, seats, an audio system of Bose, hatch, front passenger chair, transformed into a table, 6 pillows, and much more.
 
The center of one of the most lively groups was a tall musketeer with an arrogant face and in an unusual suit that attracted the total attention (Portos) of Peugeot 4007
Outside
We have already talked a lot about the 4007th on the pages of the wheels. It is all the more interesting to look at him against the backdrop of competitors.
How to characterize the car on the outside? Memorable? These definitions can be either with a plus sign or minus.
The PSA concern had the opportunity to touch only the front of Mitsubishi Outlander, but here they came off in full! The face is decorated with chrome, a wide mouth of a massive chrome grate and hefty elongated headlights.
All this does not fit too much with a tightened body that has been obtained from the prototype, but the branded features of Peugeot on the face of the crossover are present in abundance. Plus this or minus depends on your attitude to the style of the plant’s products as a whole.
Inside
Engineers did not change the PEUGEOT 4007 salon or at least bring in accordance with the branded style of the brand. Inside you will meet the same motorcycle front panel as in Mitsubishi Outlander, the same steering wheel (though with a lion cub instead of a trilian); The same seats; The same finish.
Designers say that the coating of the instrument panel in the upper part has changed and it became slightly softer. We did not notice the interior, but ergonomic and convenient: the average console is not overloaded, devices, in neat wells, are read well.
But formally, the 4007th is seven-seater: under the floor of the trunk, a folding chair is neatly hidden. And the salon can be given some individuality by ordering a multimedia system with a touch screen. For the Japanese prototype, this option is not available.
In move
On the go, Peugeot behaves more impressive than C-Crosser. This is largely due to the softer settings of the steering electrical power. A great option for maneuvering in the city crowd, but on the highway the steering wheel would like more heavier and more informative.
The 2.4-liter motor is characterized by a balanced, elastic character, and in addition, confident traction and good dynamics.
But the Frenchman’s settings have their own, and they, I admit, pleased. The main difference was possible to slowly slow down with an engine without fears that the electronics will suddenly switch to one virtual gear above at the wrong time. Yes, and forced blocking of differential, although it does not save from hanging, in the mud there is a conscientious one more plus in the piggy bank of the off -road qualities of the car.
PEUGEOT 4007
Specifications:
(manufacturer data)
Dimensions, mm (DHSHHV)
4 635/1 805/1 670-1 715
Equipped mass, kg
1 790
Road clearance, mm
210
Trunk volume, l (min)
510
Engine volume and power, l (l.
2.4 (170/6 000)
Maximum torque, Nm at rpm
232/4 100
Acceleration to 100 km/h, with
9.6
Maximum speed, km/h
191
Fuel consumption (city/highway), l/100 km
12.6/7.6
 
Total
Soft, but rather collected and thought out, Peugeot 4007 has three main trump cards: it has a third row of seats, there is a diesel in the line of its engines, and outwardly the crossover tries to look a little more expensive than it really is. On the other hand, Citroen in this regard is no worse only looks more modest. And in this case, it is the modesty that decorates.
The most affordable Peugeot 4007 costs from 965,000 rubles. For this money, the buyer receives a 2.4-liter gasoline engine, 5 manual transmission, 6 safety pillows, ABS, ESP, cruise control, steering wheel amplifier, adjusting the steering column in height, MP3-magnet with 6 speakers, adjusting the driver's seat in height. A similar equipment with a variator (automatic transmission) costs 1,002,000 rubles. For the maximum version with gasoline 2.4 Premium Pack will have to lay out 1,103,000 rubles, and for the minimum, but with a 2.2-liter turbodiesel from 1,030,000 rubles.
 
A musketeer, impeccably dressed and, as always, fit (ATOS) Citroen C-Crosser
Outside
From the trigo of Peugeot-Citroeon-Mitsubishi, the C-Crosser turned out to be less defiant than the 4007th and more stylish than Outlander XL. However, this is a subjective opinion. Only the Schilde pair and the wide smile of the air intake with the picket fence of polished teeth that have no Citrooen do not have PEUGEOT C-Crosser.
But there are many parallel horizontal stripes of chromium stretched throughout the front. Bright and catchy. But still modestly so that Citrooon was not a pioneer of a negative idea of \u200b\u200bFrench design.
Inside
If from the outside I gave a reason to speculate about the difference in the design of Peugeot and Citrooen, then his interior forces to find another topic for conversation. For example, about the simplicity of human adaptation in a new salon for him.
In this, if not the main for authors of the nomination, the French salons from PSA are on top. There are very few buttons and control handles here, and most importantly, they are perfectly distinguishable against the background of the front panel.
Against the background of Renault, Citroone devices look stylish, next to the Ford shield, on the contrary, is uncomplicated. The main thing is no problem with readability. The presence of seats can not but rejoice; True, they are in all other cars
In move
On the asphalt of the C-SROSSER is not at all: it provides sufficient riding comfort and good handling in equal proportions. Renault Koleos is smoother and softer, and Kuga is more interesting and obediently controlled. The opposite is valid: Citroeon diplomatically allows competitors to exceed it in separate running qualities, but in the amount of the SS, perhaps, is not inferior to anyone.
The tracted 2.2-liter diesel is confidently pulling from 2,000 revolutions. It is noticeably more cheerful than the Kuga unit, but it works louder and gives slightly more tangible vibrations.
The gearbox has to be used often when driving conditions require a complete stop or emergency maneuvers for a diesel engine with mechanics is a familiar phenomenon. At the same time, the third gear is perfect for the role of universal for unhurried driving along free city streets: 90-degree turns can be held on it and go with a flow rate of 70-80 km/h.
The presence of an alternative front -wheel drive and blocking of the inter -normal differential is an undoubted plus. But from hanging one of the wheels, this does not save this minus. However, the car is well controlled outside the asphalt and confidently crawls up the little slides. Even despite the relatively small clearance of 174 mm.
Citroen C-Crosser
Specifications:
(manufacturer data)
Dimensions, mm (DHSHHV)
4 645 x 1 805 x 1 670
Equipped mass, kg
1 675
Road clearance, mm
174
Trunk volume, l (min)
441
Engine volume and power, l (l.
2.2 (160/4000)
Maximum torque, Nm at rpm
380/2000
Acceleration to 100 km/h, with
9.9
Maximum speed, km/h
200
Fuel consumption (city/cf/highway), l/100 km
9.6/7.3/6
 
 
Total
Perhaps the main plus of the SS is its balance, both in appearance and in dynamic characteristics. There is nothing to blame him for, but there is nothing to fall in love with him. Sightly, burdened, moderately economical and in some places a comfortable crossover. Impeccable and fit. The way the musketeer should be
As part of the seasonal reduction in Citroen C-Crosser prices today (in mid-November) costs 915,000 per rub. that is cheaper than the basic Peugeot 4007. In addition to the 2.4 liter engine and five-speed manual transmission, Citroen offers ABS, EBD and ESP, front, lateral and safety curtains, a complete set of electricians (except for front chairs), MP3-magnet and 16 -Inch alloy wheels.
For a crossover with a variator, you will have to pay its price of 952,000 rubles, and for the maximum equipment of Exclusive (leather interior, front seats electric drive, Hi-Fi system, xenon) another 126,500 rubles.
A 2.2-liter 160-horsepower diesel engine is available only with a six-speed mechanical gearbox. Citroen with a diesel engine is estimated more than other modifications of 1,111,500 rubles. But he also has a rich mentioned exclusive.
 
Imagine Don Quixote at the age of eighteen, Don Quixote without armor, without lat and nabbaths (d Artanyan) Ford Kuga
Outside
Expressive and, at the same time, strict design, the entire spectacular component of which is expressed in the famous Ford Cinotic term. The shape of the headlights, the characteristic lines of the trapezoids of the radiator lattice, the cuts on the hood were drawn carefully, inspired, but was initially subordinated to a strict plan, therefore no way out of the framework.
Strange, but the Ford kinetic design, which until recently seemed almost on the avant -garde, is now almost a model of severity and automotive chastity.
The crossover with a blue oval looks more compact than other participants in the dough, and in numbers you can find confirmation of this: Kuga is no longer than the modern class S. Class Sedan hint at the opportunity to move off the highway, but optionally installed threshold pipes are repelled by the hunt to start all heavy.
Inside
And here is the triumph of kinetic design! Talking about its features, Ford representatives indicate the lines, strips, bends, which, otherwise, would not pay attention to. And so you look and the secret of harmony is revealed before you.
The combination of black plastic, dark upholstery of seats and silver inserts of the central console and rims of devices is a rather banal option, but there is nothing to complain about. Everything is correct and strict. Even too much
Being not only shorter, but also its competitors, Kuga does not demonstrate the miracles of the appearance of free space. It is cramped here, especially the three of the back seat. However, two rear passengers will not have to complain about discomfort, even if their growth reaches 180 cm.
In move
In the asphalt jungle of Kuga, almost like a city sedan (or even a hatchback). Which is not surprising, given her technical kinship with the focus. Small rolls, an obedient reaction to the turn of the steering wheel Kuga is able to give pleasure.
It is a pity, the 2.0-liter diesel is not as frisky as that of Citroen (only 136 hp), which is why Ford accelerates without extreme. And the lower gears are quite short, which creates well -known problems in the city: all the time you have to pull the gearbox lever.
But the noise insulation is laid for the Fords perfectly: the engine works quietly, almost without vibrations. In addition, external noises from the road almost do not get inside.
The 195 mm road clearance can initially move the driver of the Kuga in the off -road direction. Alas: according to all indicators, the conqueror of the virgin lands from Kuga is not enough: the all -wheel drive system does not have locks, and the transmission of the lowering gear.
But, to our surprise, the crossover easily and at ease took all the obstacles set before him, climbing into the hill (by mud): due to the electronic coupling and the ESP assisting it.
Ford Kuga
Specifications:
(manufacturer data)
Dimensions, mm (DHSHHV)
4 443 x 1 842 x 1 677
Equipped mass, kg
1 573
Road clearance, mm
195
Trunk volume, l (min)
360
Engine volume and power, l (l.
2.0 (136/4 000)
Maximum torque, Nm at rpm
320/2000
Acceleration to 100 km/h, with
10.7
Maximum speed, km/h
180
Fuel consumption (city/highway), l/100 km
8.1/6.4/5.4
 
Total
Kuga looks stylish and much better than rivals feels on the asphalt. Ford is excellently controlled and, moreover, provides a high level of acoustic comfort. But the only affordable engine and manual checkpoints are inferior to competitors in dynamics and ease of overclocking. In addition, completely and completely trust the electronics on the off -road, the matter is risky.
The SUV received the long -awaited continuation in the form of a new engine and an automatic gearbox. Therefore, depending on the type of engine, transmission and configuration, Kuga is offered in 6 versions, and its price varies in the amount of 881,000 from 1,051,000 rubles. Versions with a new 220-horsepower engine of 2.5 liters are more expensive than cars with a 2.0-liter diesel for 50,000 rubles, and an automatic transmission costs another 40,000 rubles.
Two options for two: Trend and Titanium. The first: easily upheated wheels of 17 or 18 inches, tinting the rear window, ABS, EBD and ESP, electric package, front fog lights. The second offers leather upholstery of seats, sports seats with developed lateral support, electric-regulation of a driver's seat, cruise control, windshield electric heating, and tire pressure monitoring system.

A source: Wheel magazine [November 2008]