Renault Symbol test drive since 2008 sedan

Work force

If a domestic auto industry is transmitted to you, Chinese new items do not inspire much confidence, and the budget is still limited, to choose - with a high degree of probability you will be from this list. None of the test machines are collected in the historical homeland: three models are generally made in Russia and one in Turkey.
Shilds, crowning radiator grilles of the heroes of our dough, often decorate the FAS of a much more solid four -wheeled equipment. But all this does not prevent them from taking their place under the warm sun in the Russian market inexpensive and practical.
Chevrolet Aveo 1.4 l, 94 l. s., automatic transmission
Outside
Yes, this is no longer a Jujaro project. And Aveo is not as attractive as the new Mitsubishi Lancer or Honda Civic. But cars with the appearance that corrects the owner’s affairs in personal life are much more expensive. And Chevrolet is made for those who just need to move around the city. At the same time, its owner will not have to blush for his transport.
 
Aveo is relatively young and, perhaps, looks more stylish than most competitors in class and price. Uncommunicable optics, rounded contours of the roof and a front, a small spoiler on the edge of the trunk, 15-inch wheels (Star equipment) and a tight fitting of body elements bring the Korean assembly sedan closer to the European and Japanese vehicles more authoritative in the market. Although they do not equate.
Inside
   
The interior creates a good impression and looks high quality. The panels do not make any extra sounds, and the impression of a reliable and solid assembly is created by the touch.
Aveo has a lot of familiar details. For example, the steering wheel is large and unpleasantly thin, with the small buttons of the horn, quickly press which a real feat in an extreme situation. Or devices with red arrows and pale green backlight, equally looking both on Captiva with Epica and on Lacetti with Aveo. There are pleasant features in unification and pleasant features. Here she is the same as on some Saabi and Cadillacs! Although, for the owners of Caddy, this is not enough in this
The disadvantages are mainly characteristic of all cars worth less than 500,000: the steering wheel is not enough adjustment in length, on -board computer in information content, and tenacious seats. But the pluses are more significant: a pleasant sheathing, high -quality assembly, a pleasant type of interior, and most importantly, the opportunity to ride without discomfort inherent in many budget cars.
In move
Positive. A 1.4-liter motor does not even make you complex with a machine gun due to the dynamics of its own car. After all, 94 hp per ton with a little weight. Aveo is even and confidently accelerating up to 140 km/h faster to go faster, the unbalanced winter wheels did not allow. However, there are no miracles: it is better not to overtake this engine on the highway with a margin of really acceptable.
Chevrolet Aveo 1.4 automatic transmission
Specifications:
(manufacturer data)
Dimensions, mm (d x w x c) 4235x1670x1490
Road clearance, mm 155
Equipped mass, kg 1076
Trunk volume, l 375
Engine volume and power, l (l. P. At rpm) 1.4 (94/5600)
Maximum torque, NM at rpm 130 (3400)
Acceleration to 100 km/h, from 14.7
Maximum speed, km/h 170
Fuel consumption (city/highway) l/100 km 10.2/6.1
 
The automatic box was surprisingly quickly and clearly sorted out with four gears, on time and without critical delays, crossing and down. I was also pleased with the fuel consumption: in the city cycle, the car consumes 10 with a small liter of fuel per 100 km, and if you use the cado, then at the gas stations it will be possible to get bored.
Suspension and brakes without revelations. Small irregularities are voiced stronger than we would like, but on a highly broken asphalt you can not be afraid of either breakdowns or even a strong swing of the body. In the skid, the car goes quite early, but sliding is easily adjusted by the steering wheel and gas.
Total
In our four, this is the newest and most expensive of the participants. Interesting outwardly and inside the car for the corresponding money. Its appearance and interior design are not contradictory and most likely, much more consumers will like, as well as the balance of comfort and running qualities. No wonder Aveo is one of the twenty best -selling models in Russia!

 
Prices
With a 1.2 engine (72 hp) and the IAC CHEVROLET AVEO costs from 311,300. The packaging of the driver, the central lock, electric windows, immobilizer, radio and CD player with mp3 + 4 speakers, adjustable according to The height of the steering column, folding head restraints, electric seat belts, bumpers in the color of the body. With a 1.4 engine (94 hp) a car costs from 383,200 rubles, with an automatic box from 434,700 rubles (available with 1.4 engine). By the way, Chevrolet Aveo is the only car in our review that can be ordered in the back of the hatchback (cost from 281,400 rubles)
 
Renault Symbol
Outside
 
For many years of sales (since 1999), Symbol’s heavy stronghold of the Turkish assembly has already managed to become familiar. But it seems that designers consider their brainchild ideal. Otherwise, how to explain the fact that two restyling (in 2002 and 2006) the models left the puffy forms of Renault practically untouched
But, one way or another, the appearance of Symbol is recognizable, although not too harmonious. It is not surprising: the current sedan is a converted hatchback, and its proportions are clearly broken! Council to customers: Take a lot to order a car on wheels of larger diameter otherwise from the nickname of the hut on chicken legs, it will be difficult to get rid of the car.
Inside
 
The interior of Renault Symbol is simple and friendly. Some details, such as the radio control panel, can be found on models more sainless (like Megane), which, of course, does not honor the latter, but for the baby Symbol just right.
The most strong disappointment in the cabin is, perhaps, a driver's place. Looking at the tall roof of Renault, it seems that even a basketball player will take off comfort. But this is not so a man of medium height confidently rests his head against the roof. And from this situation, somehow without much hunting, you already note a quality interior, a convenient steering wheel and good visibility. But everything is correctly necessary to order a car with a micro -lift.
The pedal node of the pedal is not in the most successful way is located too close to each other. But this drawback only applies to a car with automatic transmission, there is no such problem with an automatic machine.
The salon is closely close, but the trunk in Symbol is perhaps the most convenient of the four competitors, spacious, with a wide opening.
In move
The Clio model, from which Symbol grew up, was originally developed as an affordable sport. Actually, the sedan from this got a little displaced amusing (in favor of the rear axle), plus an enlarged clearance does not contribute to good controllability. But against the background of the rest of the small class fighters, the Frenchman looks very, very worthy. The suspension showed a good energy intensity, but its moves are still small. At speed, the car does not scour along the road, but confidently holds the trajectory, although Symbol is not as acute as the steering of Symbol as, for example, with Accent.
Renault Symbol 1.4 (16V) automatic transmission
Specifications:
(manufacturer data)
Dimensions, mm (d x w x c) 4171x1639x1437
Road clearance, mm 165
Equipped mass, kg 1055
Trunk volume, l 510
Engine volume and power, l (l. P. At rpm) 1.4 (98/6000)
Maximum torque, NM at rpm 127 (3750)
Acceleration to 100 km/h, from 11.2
Maximum speed, km/h 186
Fuel consumption (city/highway) l/100 km 5.4/9.9
 
With a machine gun, the car thinks more than what is desired, so it’s better not to drown it at the wheel, but to handle the accelerator pedal carefully, there are no complaints about the car.
It is also necessary to carefully tighten and the brake pedal of the pads settled quickly, and the sensitivity of the mechanism requires a habit.
Total
In general, Renault Symbol has established itself well in communication with Russian roads. The Frenchman looks fresh and interesting, one -year -old, and offers a good set of options. True, he has to withstand serious intra -family competition (one superpopular Logan is worth it!). And the indisputable lesion of symbol in this dispute suggests that the difference is 15-20 percent of the cost in this class.

Prices
Renault Symbol 1.4 in the simplest performance costs from 329,000 rubles. With a mechanical box, hydraulic wrap, a central lock and a driver’s airbag. Air conditioning, electric drives of mirrors and front glasses, as well as the rear head restraints and a column adjustable in height will appear in a car cost from 371,400 rubles. Symbol with 420,400 rubles with automatic transmission. The ABS system is available only as an option for 10 450 rubles.
 

Hyundai Accent
Outside
 
This car began his career in 1999. Since 2002, the car received a Taganrog residence permit, a year later she survived restyling. Now it is produced only in one body sedan.
Hyundai Accent Legies: From our four, he probably looks most modest. Unlivable, angular shapes and a low hanging trunk send us straight in those times when Korean developers tried to prove their ability to make a quality product with all their might, not taking care of grace too much. And they succeeded - outwardly, the car looks at least neatly, and does not look like a foreign element on city roads.
Inside
 
Crossing the Accent salon from other duelists unusually open the door and literally fall into the chairs! The glasses are low, so there is no problem with visibility, and you can sit here much more convenient than in Fiat, Renault or Chevrolet. There can be no talk of a margin with a margin with a margin and in height. True, here it will be hardly stunted for drivers who will have to not look at the road, but rather peek out.
Hyundai's ergonomics did not cause complaints, but rather due to the fact that there are not a lot of levers that have to be contacted in the cabin.
The plastic in the cabin is soft, and, importantly, rather viable - a test copy ran more than 10,000 km, and it still had a completely commodity. And the terrible look of the steering wheel actually turned out to be very convenient and enjoyable for the hands.
In move
Motor Accent 12-valve with a capacity of 102 hp It differs quite lively, but flexible disposition. Confident craving on the bottom is adjacent to good overclocking indicators. According to the passport, the car in automatom accelerates to a hundred in a solid 12.8 seconds (with mechanics for 10.5), but in the sensations even faster. Such a discrepancy between the desired and valid is caused by a weak sound insulation of the salon: the engine speed can be quite accurately determined by ear.
Hyundai Accent 1.5 automatic transmission
Specifications:
(manufacturer data)
Dimensions, mm (d x w x c) 4235x1670x1395
Road clearance, mm 170
Equipped mass, kg 1176
Trunk volume, l 375
Engine volume and power, l (l. P. At rpm) 1.5 (102/5800)
Maximum torque, NM at rpm 136 (3000)
Acceleration to 100 km/h, from 12.8
Maximum speed, km/h 181
Fuel consumption (city/highway) l/100 km 10.9/7.2
 
The Hyundai Accent management did not cause complaints in the city. The hydraulic wrap on the car is already placed in the database, and the car is quite sharp. But the energy intensity of the suspension is enough only for a more or less even coating; Deep pits, with which our streets are flavored in abundance, were given to the back of the body with deaf blows.
Total
They meet on clothes, escorted by the mind. Seeing Hyundai Accent, just did not want to and all because of the highest level IQ that this car conquered. Not attractive from the outside, Accent pleased with good dynamic qualities, and a comfortable, practical salon. Say, outdated? Perhaps so, but another car with a motor for a hundred strength and for that kind of money is not easy to find.

 
Prices
Hyundai Accent price tag starts at 299,700 rubles. Of the useful in this machine, you will find a column adjustable in height, seat belts and immobilizers. Want the driver's airbag? Then prepare from 362,700 rubles. In addition, get ABS, a set of electric drives and air conditioning. The cheapest version with an automaton will cost 359,700 rubles.
 
Fiat albea
Outside
 
The Fiat Palio World Platform gave rise to many clones around the world. We are in front of us one of them. A car, on the narrow shoulders of which Severstal-Auto marketer, has triggered the most difficult task to return the lost popularity of the entire brand in Russia. And, it seems like things are going well manufacturing Fiat Albea at the facilities of the plant of small vehicles (in Naberezhnye Chelny) is gaining momentum.
It would be naive to look for interesting designer finds in Albea's appearance, but to find them completely with a revelation. It looks like a big soap dish the presence of smooth forms is primarily, there are no hints of fashion. But to put such a design in peak, for example, the angular forms of Hyundai Accent, and then, perhaps, a soap opera from Fiat can charm the customer?
Inside
 
As you know, almost everything is made from oil, including medicines. What our age can be completely called synthetic. Albea salon can be called the same synthetic. Visually, everything is great: the matte front panel looks solid, and the upholstery of the doors is neat and modern. But to the touch it all turns out to be very chemical. And the steering wheel generally began to literally melt in the sun, leaving plastic dust in his hands. But it is difficult to find fault with the assembly quality assembled on conscience, without unnecessary crickets and gaps. And in the end, you can put on a cover on the steering wheel and the problem will be solved.
Planting in Albea is quite acceptable for people up to 180 cm tall, the same who was not lucky enough to meet this framework will have to put up with the car hanging over the head of the ceiling. It would be more convenient to lower the chair by 5-8 centimeters, and the landing would become more convenient, but the budget has a budget, and Fiat has a driver’s microlift only in the most expensive configuration.
Sitting from behind, the length of the cabin is enough, but the tall passenger will still have to slide a little forward, otherwise he will inevitably support the ceiling with his head.
In move
Old man 8-valve with a capacity of 77 hp He showed himself not only noisy, but also rather nimble. A mechanical box with stretched gear numbers allows you to accelerate, not so often disturbing the switching lever, but there is not enough traction to the engine, especially on the bottom. If the motor believes that it should work in the second gear, and you turn on the third, then your mistake will remain without understanding to pull the car the engine will no longer be able to. But if you do not experiment, and go exactly, out of the shortcomings, only the already mentioned noise will remain.
The manual box requires addiction, it sticks with a tangible effort, and the lever move is quite large. The information content of the steering is sufficient for a calm driver, but the brake pedal and especially clutch seem empty.
Fiat albea 1.4 manual transmission
Specifications:
(manufacturer data)
Dimensions, mm (d x w x c) 4186x1703x1490
Road clearance, mm 170
Equipped mass, kg 1120
Trunk volume, l 515
Engine volume and power, l (l. P. At rpm) 1.4 (77/6000)
Maximum torque, NM at rpm 115 (3000)
Acceleration to 100 km/h, from 13.5
Maximum speed, km/h 162
Fuel consumption (city/highway) l/100 km 8.2/5.0
 
The road turned out by the workers revealed another Albea quality where the colleagues who went in front touched the defense of the poll polling poll chart, Fiat passed without problems. Short overhangs and high clearance will help out and in the parking lot of the snub nose of the car imperiously freezes over the insidious curb. Well, cars for third countries have their own specifics
Total
Fiat albea inside offers more than outside. And, perhaps, its main drawback is that the car was late with the entering the rapidly developing Russian market for 5-6 years. Offering the necessary (and quite acceptable) set of consumer qualities, Albea, nevertheless, did not become the legislator of the mod in a cheap small class, such as Hyundai Accent. Although, maybe, there was just little time?

Prices
The base price for Fiat albea 1.4 starts from 326,000 rubles. In this configuration, the car is equipped with a body painted in the color of the body and door handles, an on -board computer, a central lock, a power steering and a driver's pillow. After paying 364,000 rubles, you will, in addition, will receive an electric drive of mirrors and front glasses, more expensive doors upholstery, as well as the front fog. And for 386,000 rubles. There is also a second airbag and two additional adjustments to the driver's seat.
 
Cars were provided for test by Atlant-M Lakhta (official GM dealer), Autoprodix (official dealer Renault), Aurora Autocenter (official dealer Hyundai and Fiat)

Text: Alexander Korobchenko Alexander Mikhailov,
Photo: Roman Ostanin
 

Source: Wheel magazine [No. 126/2008]