PEUGEOT test drive 301 since 2012 sedan

Peugeot 301. The most affordable "lion"

The European automobile market is feverish fuel prices are growing, and more and more people refuse daily trips to their four -wheeled horses. It is not surprising that most manufacturers have sales falls a month from a month. Peugeot recession is no exception this year is a lot of 12%. But the situation in the Old World is already correcting the new hatchback 208. And to help the French in Latin America, China, Eastern Europe (including, of course, Russia) and the Middle East should another newcomer Sedan 301. Does he have the inclinations of the future bestseller? We found out on Turkish roads.


It is with Peugeot 301 that the new numbering of Peugeot models begins. From now on, the first digit means the dimensions of the car, and the final figure hints at its level. The unit is the most affordable Peugeot, the eight will be given to more expensive models in the framework of each segment

Russia and Turkey are at least two features of the popularity of inexpensive sedans, which, here, like ours, are cars for all occasions (naturally, due to not the highest incomes of the population), and the average quality of the road surface, it is worth moving from the highway to a secondary two -lane. The ideal place for testing such cars can be evaluated by the reaction of the public, and try out the suspension on the Shcherbat asphalt. In addition, in contrast to the recent test drive of the twin brother of the 301st Peugeot Citroen C-Yelysee, the organizers rolled out almost all possible modifications. By the way, there are not so few of them with gasoline engines (1.2 and 1.6 liters) and an option with a 1.6 turbodiesel. It was from the last option that my acquaintance with the car began.


Perhaps one of the main advantages of the 301st appearance. There is neither the simplicity of Logan, nor the Asian pretentiousness of Solaris. In addition, the muzzle received general features with the flagship model 508 a characteristic grille of the radiator and a similar substetrician on the hood. The Turks are also stared, although their car has already been sold from November 1. In addition, in the top complexing of PEUGEOT 301, it is equipped with 16-inch alloy disks, parking sensors with indication on the display, ESP stabilization system, an audio system with a steamed joystick and a cruise control that is not available even for a more status Peugeot 408! So the state employee


Does not dissonate with appearance and interior. The same calm forms and pleasant to the eye of the front panel are good for both the shape and the texture of the materials (although, of course, hard plastic is everywhere). Both two-tone coloring and an automatic air conditioner with a display are available (unlike climate control, it is not able to regulate the strength and direction of air flows), and the deflectors are finished with a fashionable a la swarming varnish now. But all this jewelry cannot hide the signs of saving the windows button (of course, they are devoid of automatic mode) are located at the gearbox lever (like in old BMW), and the speakers of the audio system are not located at the door, but on the front panel. Such solutions reduce the costs of assembly and electrical wiring.


I was uncomfortable in the front seats the upper back pressed on the shoulder blades. But otherwise there are no complaints. In expensive executions in the back, lateral airbags are built into the back. Height adjustment is in all versions, except for the most affordable.
The royal spaciousness and ... complete absence of additional amenities. No karmashkov in the doorway, no ashtray, no hinged armrest.
The buttons of the rear windows are located at the feet of passengers. A similar solution is used, for example, in Renault Logan

Further more. The front passenger is deprived of the ceiling handle, and the rear door, seized handrails and pockets for small things. Of course, the windows buttons and behind are located on the central tunnel to reach them. There is no third headrest and central armrest. And on the economy class, you can no longer write off the Volkswagen Polo sedan has everything listed, except for the folding armrest. Peugeot 301 takes others. Spacious! The wheelbase has a whole 100 mm (2652 mm) he surpasses the same German indicator, so even tall people will easily accommodate behind. Of course, the three of them will have to squeeze, but there are plenty of space for the legs! The French say that for this indicator they own the segment record, and you willingly believe in this.


A simple and informative instrument shield is one for all modifications, so the red zone begins with 5 thousand revolutions. The diesel engine does not reach this mark, and gasoline shuts up as much as 6.5 thousand. The coolant temperature sensor has no Peugeot 301.
The audio system delighted with the presence of a steering panel of control (it is the same as on many other Peugeot models), but upset it with a completely useless sound and a confused interface. Do you think a large round handle is responsible for the volume? Hell no! It is regulated by two small Vol+ and Vol- buttons. Well, at least, there is a USB input.
Mirrors are regulated by the joystick to the left of the steering wheel. Here is the trunk opening button and turning off ESP.
Let anyone not confuse the display is not at all climate control, the distribution of air flows will have to be independently. Especially for hot countries, there is an A/C Max button - in this mode, the air conditioner works especially diligently.

Conducts Peugeot in motion. The turning of the ignition key wakes up a 92-horsepower turbodiesel with a volume of 1.6 liters. Can you hear how to hide on idle? Of course, for the hood is deprived of any isolation. However, it surprises a small level of vibrations, which are practically not transmitted to the pedals or to the lever of five -speed mechanics. By the way, the massive handle (the prerogative of expensive sets) turned out to be very convenient, but the mechanism itself remained traditionally for Peugeot long -term. Someone will not like this, but this option reduces the risk of error when turning on the desired transmission. One way or another, it is not possible to wield a lever so often for a diesel engine the engine gives 230 N ∙ m already at 1750 rpm and is cheerfully twisted up to 4.5 thousand. Therefore, even in the hill, you can safely go to the third stage, provided that the tachometer arrow will not drop below the mark of 1500.


The diesel Peugeot 301 was generally unexpectedly nimble thanks to this torque you do not feel superfluous even on serpentines. The steering electric power steering is also to match, which provides sufficient feedback to attack protracted high -speed turns. It is only necessary to get used to the body rolls, but this reason for criticism has evaporated, it was worth getting to the broken section of the road. This is the energy intensity! PEUGEOT 301 in this aspect, and the proven fighter Renault Logan, and the older brother of Peugeot 408. The suspension does not pay attention to small bumps or large potholes and does not complain about life with a loud roar, and the steering wheel does not seek to break out of his hands. The omnivorous chassis provokes a juper on primers, especially since the Peugeot 301 is not averse to throwing the tail for gas discharge. But to outright hooliganism will not be guarded by a strict ESP system, which turns off at speeds up to 50 km/h.


As for the engines, we will probably have a 115-horsepower atmospheric gasoline 1.6 diesel engines will probably be more expensive than brothers, so more than 10% of sales will hardly have to. The French say that a 1090-kilogram sedan with a driver on board should accelerate to hundreds in 9.4 seconds! But such loud statements to justify the gasoline 301st cannot come to life only at medium-speeds, it constantly has to twist it. It is not surprising, if you look at the characteristics of the torque of 150 N ∙ m reached at 4000 rpm, and the peak of power is completely 6050 rpm! And let the instrument shield are not embarrassed, where the red zone begins from a 5 -mark, it is unified with a diesel version.


Cruise control, parking sensors with display indication, 16-inch alloy wheels, the concept of budget models has clearly changed in recent years, buyers require both design and comfort. Less expensive versions are content with 15-inch discs (below), and basic and completely stamping

Therefore, on the mountain paths, it is more often used to use reduced gears, which inexorably leads to an increase in fuel consumption. If the 301st diesel, with unceremonious treatment of the accelerator pedal, ate no more than 7.5 l/100 km, then gasoline was not shy about consuming 2 liters more. But it is quieter, although this is weak comfort, because at speeds of over 100 km/h it does not start at all the noise of the engine (although the sixth gear for the track is asks here), but the rustle of the hard tires of Michelin Energy Saver on the rough Turkish asphalt. The insulation of wheel arches leaves much to be desired. However, this is relevant for any representative of the class. If you move on to normal coating, how is the situation improve, but how many smooth asphalt in Russia?


The massive lever of mechanics (the same as that of the Peugeot 208) is installed on more expensive versions of Peugeot 301. On the right, well familiar to the owners of Peugeot and Citroen, the handle of a four -band machine

It was possible to test the Peugeot 301 with the same 115-horsepower engine, but already paired with a machine gun. The box of the four -band AL8 unit, which is placed on the model 308/408 and is a modernized version of the well -known automatic transmission AL4. What can I say? For a calm movement of the capabilities of such a power unit, enough with a more broadly car confidently starts, and the machine does not annoy with excessive shocks and jerks. Plus sports, winter and manual modes. Of course, the four steps are not enough on the highway are high, and acceleration from medium speeds is not easy. But this is also part of the savings, because the new automatic transmission would inevitably increase the cost of the car.


The basic version of the Peugeot 301 has a regular, round handle of the gearbox lever. The air conditioner also does not try to deceive anyone with three steeps, mechanical control of the lefus of the recirculation system. The compressor is turned on by pressing the button inside the central circle. The front doors are deprived of comfortable massive handrails

And under the curtain, I poured one of the basic modifications of Peugeot 301. Inside, an ordinary air conditioner with rotating handles instead of buttons and display, comfortable door handles seemed to be licked, and the wheels are already 15-inch. But the main thing is hidden under the hood of a three -cylinder engine with a volume of 1.2 liters, which produces 72 horses and 110 N ∙ m of torque. Not impressive? However, such a 301st feels very good in the urban environment. Yes, acceleration to a hundred is painfully long 14.2 seconds, but to 60 km/h the sedan accelerates quite briskly under the characteristic strip of an odd engine. And all would be nothing, if not vibration. Despite the presence of a balancer shaft, he sausages and rubs it worse than a diesel engine! And what will happen in the cold?


Even the most expensive versions of Peugeot 301 are deprived of isolations on the hood, but the diesel engine is covered with a half -dead lining, designed to slightly extinguish unwanted noises. The three -cylinder engine (below), although lighter than 25 kg than gasoline 1.6, but transfers noticeable vibrations to the body. Apparently, without a balancer shaft it would be even worse ... By the way, next year, a robotic checkpoint will be proposed for version 1.2.
The gas tank plug, as well as that of the Peugeot 408 sedan, opens without a key

However, the French thought about this all the more, they already have the experience of Russian adaptation of the sedan 408. Peugeot 301 for our country will receive a metallic protection of the crankcase (they promise that the clearance under it will be at least 142 mm), as well as the electric heating of the salon and the lower parts of the windshield (in the rest zone of wipers). Plus a more capacious battery and frost -resistant electrician. But on the main question, whether the PEUGEOT 301 bestseller in Russia people from Peugeot cannot answer, although in 2014 they expect to realize 150 thousand copies in all markets.


PEUGEOT 301 boasts a decent volume of trunk (506 l), but the opening is narrow, and the loops enter the hold, eating part of the space. The lid is devoid of cladding, but two comfortable plastic handles are provided. Outside, you can open the lid with either the button to the left of the steering wheel or the key on the key. The underground is full -size reserve.
The window in the salon pleases with its size, but in basic performance the back does not add up this privilege of more expensive versions. The split back is even available only in top complexing

Prices are interfering with forecasts. More precisely, their absence. The fact that the second pancake did not come out lumpy (recalling Peugeot 206 Sedan) is a fact. The car really turned out to be a competitive spacious, with good smoothness, energy -intensive suspension and a large trunk. And a calm design may be liked by many of our compatriots. But the production of Peugeot 301 is established in Spain, so the sedan will be imported into Russia. Such a step will hardly allow you to compete with local Hyundai Solaris, Kia Rio, Volkswagen Polo and Renault Logan.


PEUGEOT 301 is built on the same PSA PF1 platform as the Peugeot 208. But under the sedan body, it underwent a number of changes in the wheelbase increased by 112 mm, the mcPherson suspensions are changed in front and a semi -volatile beam from the rear. Peugeot 301 4442 mm length, which is 58 mm more than a similar dimensions of the Volkswagen Polo sedan and 72 mm exceeds Hyundai Solaris

The first alarm call is the price of a twin brother, Citroen C-Yelysee: at least 455,900 rubles. And to give such money will have to be for a three-cylinder 72-horsepower modification with mechanics. It turns out that Citroen is 6 thousand more than the Volkswagen Polo sedan, which is equipped with a 105-horsepower 1.6 engine! However, the French are not in a hurry to announce what is included in the C-Yelysee equipment for this money, so the final conclusion will have to be postponed until the list of equipment included in the basic package of Peugeot 301 for Russia.

For example, in the Turkish market, the initial performance of Access includes ABS, frontal airbags, air conditioning, ESP stabilization system, CD/MP3 Magical Magnetol, anterior electric windows and ISOFIX mounting on the rear sofa. They will offer the same thing in Russia? Then the 301st has good chances. And if the equipment is similar to the basic equipment of competitors, then the Lion can hardly become the king of the segment. And here it can only help reduce prices due to production in Kaluga, although so far the French do not have such plans. Are they so sure of the success of the novelty? We will learn this by the coming in the spring of PEUGEOT 301 sales will start in April.

Vadim Gagarin
Photo by the author

ALTERNATIVE
Inexpensive sedans in the Russian market today many most popular models include Hyundai Solaris, Kia Rio, Volkswagen Polo, Renault Logan. Chevrolet Aveo is sold with us, and soon Nissan Almera and Chevrolet Cobalt will join it. Do not forget about Citroen C-Yelysee. But which of the rivals will the Peugeot 301 be closest to? We definitely will not know before the prices of prices, but we will mention the main players.

Hyundai Solaris
The Korean family is already sitting closely on the heels of AvtoVAZ products, occupying a leading position among foreign cars. The secret of success in many modifications is two powerful engines (1.4 107 hp and 1.6 123 hp), two gearboxes (mechanics and a four -band automatic machine) and four available configurations. You can choose for every taste. Prices for the Solaris sedan begin with 445 thousand rubles per car performed by Classic 1.4 with a manual transmission. The basic equipment includes frontal airbags, ABS, front electric windows, a full -sized spare wheel. Supplement for air conditioning 20 thousand. Another 35 thousand will have to throw another 35 thousand for the machine. And the top version of the Family 1.6 AT will pull 659 thousand, but at the same time it will have six pillows, ESP, climate control, rear parking sensors, a comfortable access system, heating the front seats and the lower part of the windshield, as well as music with 6 speakers, USB -Net and Bluetooth.

Kia Rio
The twin of Solaris under the Kia brand is sold worse than 79 thousand cars against almost 104 thousand. The reason lies in prices and in a smaller number of possible options. So, for example, a sedan with a similar engine 1.4 is available only in the Comfort configuration for 479,900 rubles. Although it already includes air conditioning, a route computer, an electric drive and heating of the lateral mirrors. And 40 thousand will have to pay extra for the machine. The top modification of the Kia Rio Premium 1.6 AT will cost 900 rubles more than a similar solarium 659 900.

Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo sedan gained momentum for a long time, but thanks to optimizing the levels of equipment, he took off in 7th place in the list of the most popular cars in Russia with a result of 64 thousand cars (though the hatchbacks are also included in statistics, but their sales are small). The most affordable Polo sedan is estimated at 449,900 rubles. Trendline equipment with a 105-horsepower engine 1.6 (this is the only motor for Polo) includes front pillows, ABS, four electric windows and, attention, adjustment of the steering wheel and in the angle of inclination, and in departure! Plus a central castle with a remote control and a full -size reserve. Supplement for air conditioning 35 thousand. But the Polo sedan with a machine gun will be significantly more expensive than 576,800 rubles, because It is proposed at least performed by Comfortline. At the same time, electric drive and heating of the side mirrors, heating the seats and fabric injector, airfield and an audio system are added to the equipment. But the box of Polo is modern, six -band (surcharge for mechanics in similar versions is 46,700 rubles). The top modification of Polo Highline with automatic transmission without taking into account additional options costs 641,200 rubles.

Renault Logan
The French sedan is slowly preparing to give way to the new generation machine, production at the Moscow factory Autofram is reduced in favor of the Duster crossover. Therefore, Logan rolled away in tenth place in the top-25 of the best-selling cars (54 924 copies for 11 months of the current year). And in terms of Renault Logan, the interior is already inferior to more modern competitors is too simple, Logan is devoid of side pillows, ESP, climate control and a number of other comfortable options. Nevertheless, it remains one of the most affordable cars in our market. The price starts from a mark of 339 thousand rubles for a 75-horsepower Logan 1.4 with mechanics in the bare performance of Autentique, which includes only the driver's pillow. A comparison with the basic versions of the competitor version of Expression with front pillows and ABS costs 394,800 rubles. And the most expensive Logan with an engine 1.6 (102 hp) and automatically pulls 488 thousand without taking into account additional equipment.
 

Source: Auto.mail.ru