Renault Symbol test drive since 2008 sedan

Restyling symbol

The updated Renault Symbol is submitted by the creators as a new generation car. Well, the new body may not be the embodiment of sophistication and elegance, but more and harmonious than the old. And the chassis was completely the same, a reliable, time -tested trolley from Clio II.
The French consider the current Renault Symbol an independent model, and not a derivative of Clio, which was his predecessor. And at first glance, one cannot disagree with them. The appearance of the new car does not cause obvious rejection. The trunk of Achilles is the heel of the former Symbol does not seem to be a foreign element, the sidewalls are well worked out, and only a hypertrophied head optics slightly spoils the impression of an almost thoroughbred front.
Changes are noticeable in the cabin. No, not as materials and finishes: it is still poor, but clean here. However, the two -tone interior pleases the eye, and the stylish line on the seats looks by no means superfluous. Updated devices are flaunted by chrome rims, the central console crowned a different form monochrome display, informing about temperature overboard, time of day and current audio system settings.
From other innovations, the trained journalistic eye grabbed the labels of ISOFIX mounts in the rear seats and on the shelf behind them a three -point seat belt for the middle passenger.
Otherwise, unchanged. It is not recommended to sit back to people with tall: a low opening forces to bend their heads, and a small distance to the backs of the front seats to seek compromises with ahead. The luggage compartment, albeit that has lost 4 liters of useful volume during the update, is still impressively huge of 506 liters.
The flat bottom, a relatively small loading height and the width of the opening exceeding 1.1 m, make it very practical. And the entirely folding sofa would greatly facilitate the transportation of long -meters, do not save the designers with a powerful cross -member of the power structure of the body, leaving only a narrow gap between the trunk and the passenger compartment. However, according to representatives of Renault, only journalists are complained of this drawback, and customers from Russia, Romania and Turkey who participated in focus groups at the preliminary stage of developing the new Symbol, such trifles do not embarrass at all.
In general, according to the results of a superficial acquaintance, a car, albeit with a stretch, could be considered new.
But the dynamic presentation put everything in place. In running qualities, the novelty turned out to be the same painfully familiar Symbol. Sorry for the pun, the young was middle -aged. By the way, this is evidenced by the recordly short development periods (it took 26 months about everything about everything) and more than modest investment: the price of the input ticket to the market amounted to only 100 million euros. Moreover, this amount includes investments in production. Usually the launch of the new model is much more expensive. But the French found a way to save by hoisting the thoroughly redesigned body to the proven platform. That is, having supplied the new Symbol chassis from the old. More precisely from the CLIO of the previous generation.
However, back to the impressions of the trip. The suspension (pseudo-mcpherson in front and the N-shaped overloaded beam from the back) seemed to be reconfigured in accordance with the requirements of a different body, but the sedan, alas, does not shine, well. In a steep turn, the new Symbol is still unnecessarily roll and strives to abandon the trunk forward of the hood under the discharge of gas, and the steering lacks information content.
However, with too strict standards, you should not approach the car assessment. And may the option spoiler not mislead you on the trunk lid: the only 16-valve 1.4-liter engine with a capacity of 98 hp in the Russian range. It hardly disposes to aggressive, dynamic driving. Especially with a leisurely 4-speed automatic (although a 5-speed mechanics on the test sample left much to be desired).
The horse of the new Symbol, as well as his predecessor, the calm, measured movement of the owner, his passengers and their diverse baggage from point A to point B. It is in such a driving manner that all the advantages of this machine are revealed, primarily efficiency. According to the manufacturer, the Renault Symbol with a mechanical gearbox consumes in a mixed cycle of 7 l/100 km, and with an automatic transmission 7.3 l/100 km. And the suspension, which does not have enough composure at high speeds, perfectly manifests itself on a broken lane: on cars for a third world that does not indulge their citizens with good roads, the French ate a dog.
As already mentioned, the new model will still be supplied to Russia with a single 1.4 liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 98 hp. (Subsequently, a 1.5-liter 85-horsepower diesel will appear.) Authentique car with ICD-5 will cost 371,275 rubles. By paying 29,000 rubles, you will receive the same car, but with an automatic transmission. (By the way, now you can equip any Symbol automatically, and not just a top version.) Well, for the most expensive sedan performed by Privilege, dealers ask for 483,275 rubles.

SPECIFICATIONS
Renault Symbol*
Dimensions (mm) 4261x1940x1439
Wheel base (mm) 2473
Mass ** (kg) 980 (1010)
Trunk volume (L) 506
Working volume (cm3) 1390
Max. Power (L.S.) 98
Max. Moment (NM) 127
Max. Speed \u200b\u200b(km/h) 186 (181)
Acceleration 0100 km/h (c) 11.2 (13.6)
Cf. Fuel consumption (l/100 km) 7 (7.3)
Price (rub.) From 371 275
* In brackets, data for a car with automatic transmission.
** Without a driver.
Andrey Tsybulsky
 
 

Source: Mkobil magazine [October/2008]