Test drive Kia Spectra 2004 - 2009 sedan

VAZ did not stand here

Economy class of the Russian auto industry
The year 2005 will enter into the consciousness of Russian buyers as a turning point. Two new budgetary brands of our budgetary ones appear on the market: Kia Spectra and Renault Logan. And the queue on Ford Focus II is stretched for six months. At the same time, folk-nuclear IZH disappears at the same time, and Vazovskaya viburnum causes only bewilderment among the inhabitants of the capitals.
Who is what
Renault Logan
The price of a tested car is $ 13,739
Max. Power 90 liters. With. at 5500 vol./min
Max. Speed \u200b\u200b175 km/h
Acceleration 0100 km/h 11.5 s
 
Kia Spectra
The price of a tested car is $ 13,320
Max. Power 101 l. With. at 5500 vol./min
Max. speed 186 km/h
Acceleration 0100 km/h 11.6 s
 
Ford Focus
The price of a tested car is $ 14 190
Max. Power 100 liters. With. at 6000 vol./min
Max. speed 182 km/h
Acceleration 0100 km/h 12.0 s
 
All three tested machines with a 1.6 liter engine and a mechanical box, even the price is almost the same. But how different they are! To start with the fact that manufacturers attribute their creations to different classes. But in its dimensions, the whole trinity falls into the modern segment S. Pravda, at the same time, Logan is slightly shorter than competitors, and the long Kia had the shortest base.
Renault Logan everything is honest
It is necessary to pay tribute to the French what they achieved, then they received at the exit. Logan is a really budget car for third world countries. Everything is evidenced by everything: the unsuccessful decoration of the front panel is the cheapest plastic, and a felt ceiling, and nominal soundproofing, and an angular design. Obviously, Logan was built around a huge salon. The places in it are enough for five men 195 cm tall. Hence the vertical landing, and the side racks almost without tilt from the outside Renault are the most controversial and angular from the top three, it is perceived above and wider than the rest.
High landing is an amateur, you can lower the driver's seat lower, but the steering wheel will block the working sectors of the speedometer and tachometer, and there is no adjustment for the angle. On the other hand, I’m sitting highly far away, but this is right on the course and a little to the side, but with visibility back not a fountain: the side mirrors are small, but the intra -sulfate copes with its task for the four, the wide rear racks interfere. The simple profile of the seats combined with gray tissue upholstery does not cause joy.
The steering wheel gives pleasant tactile sensations, and the Verenov ventilation deflectors and an ashtray is beyond praise. In addition, it is extremely pleasant to hold the ignition key with a massive metal keychain in the form of a company emblem. And they will often have to wield: in addition to the doors and the ignition lock, only they can open the trunk. The trunk itself is huge (510 l), but the back of the rear seat does not fold, nullifying the hope of transporting long -breeders.
Logan is much lighter than rivals, and the fact that its 8-valve engine develops only 90 liters. p., does not affect the tangible loss in dynamics, but I don’t want to go too much too noisy, the engine complains to its hard share too loudly, and the wheel arches are not silent, and there are aerodynamic noises against this background. The energy intensity of the suspension is striking: most of the usual hatches, tram tracks and bedsid policemen can be held at a fairly decent speed, without causing unpleasant sensations.
Renault designers had the task of making the cheapest, modern car capable of transporting five adults on broken roads, and they decided to brilliantly.
Ford Focus Favorite
After the launch of the plant in Vsevolozhsk in Russia, the golf class disappeared. The main measure of automobile values \u200b\u200bin the segment C was Focus. He has the most modern and harmonious design, excellent handling, and most importantly, it has no equal in terms of price/quality ratio.
If even with closed eyes to sit in Focus, you still understand that you are in the Ford diocese. The characteristic shape of the steering wheel, known for Mondeo and C-Max, German rigidity and the profile of the seats all this unequivocally declares generic affiliation. Ergonomics is close to the reference, the machine does not require pedal effort, unlike Logan, expected and predicted. The supply of space on the rear seats is no less than in Logan, but due to the inclination of Focus racks, it is perceived as a closer, and the reserve is clearly less here. Logan is not inferior in terms of trunk volume, but in the Comfort configuration, the back of the rear seat is folded in a ratio of 2/3, which significantly increases the volume used.
The controllability of the second generation Focus, compared with the predecessor, slightly moved towards comfort, but with such settings it is the best among applicants. Subjectively, Ford is perceived by the most dynamic of the three, but even those numbers that the manufacturer declares say the opposite. The features of the chassis are much exceeding the capabilities of the engine, and if you are a supporter of the sports style of driving, then a 115-horsepower version is more suitable for you. A special mention is deserved by the KP lever. This is one of those cases when you do not regret the absence of a machine gun, the process of switching itself gives a lot of pleasure.
Oddly enough, Focus did not seem the quietest, when acceleration, the engine is well audible, although many will just like it: the soft rumbling baritone does not irritate.
Focus gives a feeling of a modern high -quality car, even the sound with which the doors are slammed, more than a minimum to the class.
Our conclusions only confirm the queues from the voting ruble, stretching until June 2006.
Kia spectra signs of age
Spectra certainly looks like a native of the past, from the time when Korean cars did not shine with either the quality of the design or the traction of the engines. The main weapon for the Koreans was then the price, and now they are trying to make a second victorious entry. Philosophy is simple: a large car for little money.
The quality of plastic is clearly higher than in Renault, but there is not enough feeling of freshness. All these decisions are known for other cars. The quotation collection is comforted by the fact that there are no wood inserts, often visually reducing the salon. The seats with a non -small upholstery, in my opinion, are not enough fixation. The landing is low, and when you climb inside, you polish the openings of clothing with the floors of clothing, both from behind and front. Slippery steering plastic. There are no complaints about overview, I especially liked large external mirrors.
Kia turned out to be the closest among the participants in the test. It is convenient here only four, it is problematic to go to the country in Moscow traffic jams. But you can arrange the load in all possible options: the rear seat is folded in a 2/3 proportion. By the way, Spectra is the only car in the test in which you can open the trunk and a gas tank hatch without leaving the car. True, the trunk here is the most modest 440 liter, and access to it is cut with rear lights.
The KIA engine has a very narrow operating range from 4500 rpm to 5500 rpm, so it has to be constantly unscrewed so as not to fall out of the stream. And to move in a hill without pogazovka is generally a problem. After a working day, in a traffic jam at the entrance to the metromost, this annoys.
Spectra is the most imposing, soft and quiet of tested cars. He with lulling comfort is lucky his riders, but hesitibly rolled in corners. The combination of soft suspension and uninformative steering does not imply sports habits.
Most likely, this machine will be in demand among people with conservative views, and there are many of them in our country.
Configurations and prices
In this test, Renault Logan was in the highest possible configuration. Judge for yourself: pillows of the driver and passenger, adjusting the driver's seat in height, ABS, GUR, air conditioning, a full electric glass of glass+mirrors (with heating), CZ with DU+Antheard, Metallic coloring (+bumper), fog lights, tinted glass and tinted glasses and tinted glasses and Carter steel protection, alloy wheels 15, 4x15 W CD magnet and heating the front seats. For all $ 13,739.
Kia Spectra in the configuration for the optimum for $ 13,320 will also have two airbags, gur, adjustable steering column, air conditioning, heated mirrors, fog and radio training. But the ABS, heating the front seats, the telescopic antenna and a 4-speed automatic is already a luxury set and they ask for $ 14,320, which is quite comparable to Focus.
Focus sedan in the Comfort configuration with a 1.6 engine (100 hp) costs $ 14 190. From the benefits of civilization at this price, there is: adjusting the driver's seat in height, air conditioning, the front -line electric detergents, the driver’s airplane, the Central Control Gus, the Central Complex, the immobilizer adjustable in two The planes of the steering column and the back of the rear seat are divided 2/3. You will have to pay extra for everything else. You can fit into the price of Logan, but then you will have to take a 5-door hatchback.
SUMMARY
In my opinion, it is not worth buying Logan in the maximum configuration, he is the king of a lower price category. Spectra, as marketers hoped, will be in demand in the provinces. And for this money, Focus becomes an unconditional favorite: he has practically no competitors in terms of price/quality/pleasure.
Renault Logan

Under the hood
Renault Logan

Engine: working volume 1598 cm3,
compression degree 9.5: 1,
max. Power 90 liters. With. at 5500 vol./min,
max. moment 127 nm at 3000 rpm/min
Fuel consumption (EU): 5.8/10 l per 100 km
Fuel tank volume: 50
Maximum volume: 510 l. The trunk is one of the largest in the class, but opens only with a key
   
The number of places 5
Front drive
Suspension
Front MacPherson
The back is semi -dependent
Gearbox fur. 5 st.
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h km/h 175
Acceleration to 100 km/h, from 11.5
common data
A mass of equipment./Full, kg 980/1535
 

The city is quite enough for the accelerated dynamics of a 90-horsepower engine
Avtoban is not the element of Logan, all the advantages become obvious on the broken asphalt and lane
Something, and the identity of the design is not to occupy this Renault, 100%recognition

Kia Spectra

Soft suspension and not too informative steering wheel so combination does not tune in records
A large car with a modest engine is in Korean
The engine is a narrow operating range forces to move off with the hazard
The design is conservative, but perhaps it will seem elegant to someone
 
Under the hood
Kia Spectra

Engine: working volume 1594 cm3,
the degree of compression n. d.,
max. Power 101 l. With. at 5500 vol./min,
max. moment 145 Nm at 4500 rpm/min
Fuel consumption (EPA): 6.0/10.5 l per 100 km
Fuel tank volume: 50 l
Maximum volume: 440 l. The trunk is not the largest, but it opens with a lever from the driver's seat. The lid drops to the bumper, but the lanterns narrow the opening
   
The number of places 5
Front drive
Suspension
Front MacPherson
The back is multi -link
Gearbox fur. 5 st.
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h 186
Acceleration to 100 km/h, from 11.6
common data
The mass of equipment./Full, kg 1094/1600
 
Ford Focus II

In Focus, you are not leaving the feeling that you are driving a class on a car higher than the declared segment with
Subjectively Focus is perceived as the most dynamic among applicants, but the numbers talk about the opposite
According to the dimensions of Focus II, he practically caught up with Mondeo, and there are many common features in design
 
Under the hood
Ford Focus II

Engine: working volume 1596 cm3,
compression degree 11: 1,
max. Power 100 liters. With. at 6000 vol./min,
max. moment 150 nm at 4000 rpm/min
Fuel consumption (EPA): 5.5/8.7 liters per 100 km
Fuel tank volume: 55 l
Maximum volume: 526 liters, but this is with a complement, and the Russian equipment involves a full -sized spare wheel. But so it is clear that there is enough space, and if not enough, then you can fold the back of the rear seat in a 2/3 proportion
   
The number of places 5
Front drive
Suspension
Front MacPherson
The back is multi -link
Gearbox fur. 5 st.
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h 182
Acceleration to 100 km/h, from 12.0
common data
A mass of equipment./Full, kg 1286/1750
 
HOW DO THEY LOOK
Nikita Rozanov
Renault Logan
The beginning of production (Dacia) 2004 Benoi Jacobe Design (Benoi Jaqobe)
Kia Spectra
Hyundai-Kia Europe design under the leadership of Michael Kink (Michael Kink)
Ford Focus II
The beginning of the production of 2004. Design under the leadership of Martin Smith (Martin Smith)
 
OUTSIDE
It is difficult to imagine a more disadvantageous situation for a peculiar design of Renault Logan. And here is Spectra with her claims for the day before yesterday’s fashion and yesterday's style. Completely inappropriate. Although, how to look. It is when compared that it becomes obvious that Logan is practically deprived of the advantages that distinguish an individual means of transport from vehicle transport that performs social functions (especially the option with unpainted cladding and bumpers). But such a design is a conscious choice of Renault professionals, and as a result, the appearance is perfect, for example, a taxi, or any special service transport of the police, medical service or mail. Your individuality will not emphasize your personality, but only humiliates a reminder of the cut budget, which led to such an acquisition. In this regard, Logan's face, although it will be remembered, but, alas, not at all like the face of Renault, drawn by the team of stylists of the brilliant showman Patrick Le Keman. Focus, on the contrary, is resembled by each line and detail the current Ford family and its corporate features, ranging from the expression of the eye-far and ending with beautiful strokes of drawing the body of the lines. It is curious that the SPACTRA style from the neighborhood with the utilitarian-budget Logan wins little. On the contrary, attempts by Korean marketers to give personality to a person (and to the whole car as a whole), with techniques and means, become more noticeable. All this has already been. It is this design that professionals call secondary ones. On the side, the picture is aggravated by gross static proportions and the absence of nuances in the silhouette of Logan, against which even indifferent to the modern SPectra style looks completely good. Focus is simply worthy of a high -design prize. On the back, the trinity fixes the impressions received, no more. Although in 3/4 the spectra trunk even looks elegant, and Logan finally demonstrates a branded sinker Renault V-shaped a la le keman over the bumper.
INSIDE
The integrity is a characteristic feature of the Logan design. Kazenino ascetic appearance fully corresponds to the interior decoration. Flat panels of the door upholstery are as if borrowed from the cabin of a truck or even agricultural machinery (take a look at least at the armrest!). The instrument panel is ingenuously symmetrical, and the console really hangs without reaching (in order to save?) A few centimeters to the floor tunnel. The buttons and rounds of defroster are extremely interchangeable and functional. From this dull, but efficiently and purely made. Spectra again demonstrates the secondaryness of its design, and, for example, the architecture of the instrument panel will remind several addresses at once, where similar solutions appeared much earlier. In comparison with all this, the inhabited space Focus deserves another prize in the field of design.
SUMMARY
The professionalism of the design is high, but the tasks set for the developers were clearly different. Logan response to a utilitarian task, and this is a great car for a taxi. Spectra is addressed to unpretentious customers for whom nothing is image and fashion. Well, the appearance of Focus is good in all articles that characterize modern design.
 
Renault Logan

Wheel base, mm 2630
Length, mm 4250
Width, mm 1735
Height, mm 1526
Clearance, mm 155
We must pay tribute to the French: Logan is an honest car, which they conceived, so built
The front panel is cheap on the definition, air conditioning, CD magnet and decoration for aluminum destiny of expensive versions. The steering wheel is pleasant to the touch
The reserve of space in the rear seats is enough for anyone in length and height, and racks without tilt give a real chance to accommodate three large men
Devices do not glance and are easily read, in expensive versions there is a route computer, but a person without musical hearing picked up the sound accompaniment of the turn signals
The tissue upholstery of the seats looks poor, and their profile is simple, but not perfect
 
Kia Spectra

Wheel base, mm 2560
Length, mm 4510
Width, mm 1720
Height, mm 1415
Clearance, mm 156
A guest from the last century, although this conservative appearance will seem elegant to many
Somewhere I saw all this? The interior collection of quotes, thanks to without a film under the tree, the quality of the plastic is quite acceptable. Sliped plastic steering wheel. The information content of the KP drive leaves much to be desired
In the back seat it will be convenient only two, and there is practically no stock in length and height
The instrument shield is somewhat archaic, the eye cuts the location of the fuel and temperature level sensors, the double digitizing speedometer overkill
Seats with a rather successful profile, but there are not enough fixation
 
Ford Focus II

Wheel base, mm 2640
Length, mm 4488
Width, mm 1840
Height, mm 1497
Clearance, mm 156
Some asceticism of the design does not harm.
In size almost mondeo
By ergonomics, Ford earned a solid five, but the texture of the front panel plastic will collect dust, so prepare polish and cleaning products
At the back of the place no less than in Logan, but when the three of the shoulder and head are planted, they rest against the inclined glass and rack
Devices are easily read, although someone will say that they are boring. The computer in the Comfort version is not provided
The seats in German are hard with a successful profile, but the tissue upholstery by car of this class looks an anachronism

 
Text Max Sergeev
Photo by Leonid Grandfather
 

Source: Cars