Renault Symbol test drive since 2008 sedan
Step-brother
Logan and Symbol surname like one Renault, but this is perhaps the only thing that is related, not counting the size. However, if the first with his uncomplicated Romanian origin is close to an inexperienced buyer, then the second, possessing a more refined French genotype, is intended for those who have already seen something in their lives. sunny Boy
To understand what he was in practice, I tried in the homeland of the cars, in Turkey, where at the largest foreign factory Renault in the city of Bursa, they are produced. Outwardly, the model is not at all like the first generation, which, despite the obvious punctures in design, nevertheless diverged with a circulation of 600 thousand pieces and lasted ten years on the conveyor. In the novelty, adults, as if slanting headlights borrowed from car classes. Large, but not rough optics of harmonizing, finally, with the body of the trunk. Clear, like a cord of the side line. Cast 14-inch discs, coloring of metallic light tones, brilliant overlays on the hood and trunk all this attracts the eye and does not cause rejection. Yes, now it is unlikely that anyone will say that Symbol is the personification of budgets and not the most exquisite taste. But behind all external metamorphoses, a secret is hidden: although elegant triangular windows appeared in the back racks, the backbone of the car
he remained the same. So, there is very deep, but still restyling? Even so, because the main claims were exclusively related to the appearance and decoration of the interior of the old Symbol. And in terms of unbeatability of the chassis, the volume of the trunk and general endurance, few of the analogues in the children's class could compete with him. Queen pendants
Turkish roads are good only between cities, almost like in Russia. Take a little to the right or to the left and no longer know what you will stumble upon. It is happiness that on test cars, not optional 15-inch discs with low-profile rubber are installed, but practical full-time. In tandem with a familiar combination of pendants: pseudo-maceson in front and half-dependent behind, they worked for fame. However, if the car is just excellent through the autobahns, although not as dynamic as we would like, then before the lanes with potholes and bumps, I with horror imagine how it will show itself. Yes, the novelty is intended for the city, but will there be at least one Russian person who abandones his iron horse on the border of asphalt and primer and goes to the country?
It would seem that a spacious 506-liter trunk is empty, it should be tossed in this stern, but the light Symbol is surprisingly stable and controlled. And most importantly, it does not shake even at the speed high for an openly bad road. Maybe this is thanks to chairs? Not at all, they are quite thin, do not differ in excessive softness and profile, however, with velor upholstery. The option, of course, is very pleasant. It is a pity that the only electrified function of the seats is heated, however, mechanical adjustments in the longitudinal and vertical positions do not particularly annoy. In the end, the money for the car is asked quite acceptable, and the driver of such a sedan is likely to be one. But the suspension, namely, is the main Symbol chip, and all passengers will be appreciated in the cabin. So, a man of 185 cm tall will fit without problems both in front and behind. Not at all in Kalashnikov
Despite the fact that the choice of engines for the car is limited (only a 1.4-liter 98-horsepower version is available for Russia), two gearboxes are offered: a five-speed mechanics and a four-speed machine. I preferred the latter. The automatic transmission, by the way, will be able to order even in the simplest and most inexpensive configuration, however, it worries what she will have with a low -volume motor. There are no problems on the highway and in the city: although the torque is small than 129 Nm, it is enough for Symbol to move smoothly, without jumping from the transmission to the program. But in the mountains, the character of the machine changes, and the machine does not work on the rises not in the best way.
Instead of quietly switching depending on the load on the power unit, he pulls, as much as he can, in the program in which he began the rise, and only when the speed drops, sharply jumps to the step, or even two lower. Savings are good, but we have a one and two at once or two. But such an algorithm is still surprising. However, maybe it was immediately worth transferring the selector to position 2 and cut off the two upper gears? However, the French automatic soul, as it turned out, is dark. Suddenly, I find that the case is also in the accelerator, sorted out for the sake of smoothness. Having pressed it stronger, I get the right moment and speed of switching, so only the steering wheel, fit into the turns and do not forget to brake smoothly and effectively. Despite the obviously calm character, Symbol performs all these dynamic exercises with ease. Actually, like his glorious predecessor. 
An affectionate deceiver Why didn’t I immediately remember that it is better to keep small engines in the range of medium and high speeds? Maybe because the entire Symbol interior corresponds to a more powerful and dynamic machine? So, a two-colored torpedo trim with metallized inserts, clearly marked monochrome scales of a tachometer and speedometer, climate control, an on-board computer, finally, a convenient small steering wheel with adjustment, however, only in height. About four electric windows and two airbags, probably, it would not be worth talking about, but they are already in the expression of expression. By the way, among the rotary steering wheel switches, there was even a place for the Audiosystem with MP3 with buttons and the wheel setting wheel. It sounds quite worthy, and looks modern. A minimum of round keys, a digital display and not the slightest hint of budgets! Eh, the choice of engines would be larger, but the Russian specification will most likely be complemented by only a diesel engine, and then not at once.
However, Symbol is good without it. And if you do not pay attention to the harsh plastic of the front panel and the monolithly laid back the back sofa, then there are no special complaints about the car. Even safety, which has always been a weak place in a small grade, in this model on top. After all, you can’t protect power elements of the body with programmable deformation even from the basic version of Ambiente, which is a very significant plus. There is no doubt that many owners of the previous generation will be transferred to the fact that many owners of the previous generation will be transferred to the new Symbol. Because the car allows you to feel the same comfort from driving, but it looks much richer. Will the model be able to win new admirers a different question. However, for many Russian fans of small -sized inexpensive sedans, the alternative today, perhaps, is still not there.
