Skoda Octavia II RS test drive since 2005 sedan
Golf class cream
The top models of the C segment, or golf class, often look very dynamic. This is quite logical, because such modifications are equipped with powerful engines. But do they all really have a sports character?Compare:
Ford Focus ST $ 33 970
The new hot Focus acquired a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, so it is not easy to compete with it.
Peugeot 307 Feline $ 33 650
The famous three hundred seventh, and even with a 180-horsepower engine is a wonderful combination of dynamics and style.
Skoda Octavia RS $ 34 500
Skoda Octavia is one of the most comfortable and spacious cars in its class, and in modification RS also has a sports character.
When the cost of a golf class car exceeds $ 30,000, the buyer has the right to expect something special from such a car. Some will have a luxurious equipment, while others are focused on sports in nature and powerful dynamics. For our test, we picked up cars in which comfort is not forgotten and dynamic qualities at a height. And here is the test participants themselves: Ford Focus ST, Skoda Octavia RS and Peugeot 307 Feline. The creators position these representatives of the golf class as models with a sports character. Indeed, equipped with powerful engines, with improved aerodynamics and configured with greater stability suspension, these models are simply designed to realize dynamic potential. And, of course, the image: the car should look more dynamic, at least in order to attract the attention of the buyer. After all, it often happens that it is the image component that becomes a decisive factor in the choice.
If you evaluate cars from this point of view, then Focus ST boasts the most successful design. He has the most dynamic and aggressive appearance from the entire three. Yes, and 18-inch wheels-just a sight for sore eyes! Here Peugeot 307 Feline looks almost like an ordinary three hundred seventh. Only the nameplate 180 on the front wings indicate that under the hood a 180-horsepower motor is hiding, by the way, the weakest of the entire three. Well, what about Octavia RS? Massive bumpers and the rear spoiler give the car a slightly more dynamic look, but they do not do more aggressively: the design is quite calm and very nice. Looking a little forward, we note that the characters and running qualities of machines fully correspond to their appearance. For example, a 2.5-liter turbocomotor mounted on a hot Ford hatchback, borrowed from Volvo, develops a capacity of 225 hp, and the maximum thrust of 320 N. M is reached at 1800 rpm. The transfer of all this power to the drive wheels is carried out by a six -speed mechanical transmission with perfectly selected gear rates. So powerful acceleration begins with the bottom itself, and only to 6000 rpm of revolutions slows down a little.
The Octavia RS engine is quite briskly spinning to maximum revolutions. Although the Skodovsky 200-horsepower engine is smaller, and the maximum torque is 40 n. M. lower than that of Focus ST, the Czech car is almost not inferior in the dynamics of the Ford Hatchback. True, at low speeds, the thrust is noticeably weaker than Fordovskaya, which is not surprising, the semi -liter difference in the volume of engines affects. The French hatchback Peugeot 307 noticeably loses in the accelerated qualities of two other participants in the dough. This is quite natural, because its motor is not equipped with a turbocharged. However, the power of this atmospheric is impressive - 180 hp. Do not forget that this power is achieved at 7000 rpm, that is, the Motor of the Frenchman is from the category of steep ones. At the same time, acceleration on the Peugeot 307 occurs surprisingly evenly - no sharp pickups at high speeds, in each gear you can twist the engine almost until 7500 rpm. It feels like the Frenchman is not as frishers as his rivals, nevertheless, this small and fairly lightweight car is quite dynamic.
True, there is one strangeness: in the transmission of Peugeot 307 there are only five programs. The trouble is not great, you say, just the scatter of gear rates will be wider. Only now there is no wide range: at 100 km/h in the fifth gear, the engine speed has already reached 3000 rpm. For a 1.6 liter motor, this would be normal, but not for a 2.0-liter! You instinctively reach for the gear lever to look for the sixth gear, but it is not. It turns out that the machine is well adapted for a fairly dynamic driving around the city, and on the highway already at 120 km/h the sound of the motor can annoy. It’s not at all difficult to buzz at all: the car accelerates perfectly to 150 km/h, and up to 200 km/h, just be prepared for noise.
At high speeds, the Peugeot 307 behaves quite steady: it holds the trajectory well and does not scour along the road. The suspension is not too hard, although the irregularities are still noisy. The most comfortable suspension in Octavia RS. Small bumps are almost not felt and practically not heard. But at the same time, even at high speed, the car, moving along the highway, inspires confidence and calm. The exchange rate stability is excellent, and protracted turns the car passes like along the rails. Ford Focus ST does not tolerate compromises. Hard suspension, low -profile rubber and acute steering make Focus ST reactions rather sharp and clear. At speed, the car sticks to the road and responds to the slightest turn of the steering wheel. Nevertheless, Focus ST behavior can not be called nervous, it is still quite comfortable in driving, as befits a car for a daily driving. But this car does not like the paved ruts in the asphalt: it starts to take it a little to the side, so it’s better not to get into them.
If on public roads all three cars behave generally confidently and reliably, then in the limit modes that can be identified on a special site, the difference in the habits of the test participants becomes very noticeable. The traditional snake puts, as they say, everything in its place. When passing this exercise, Skoda Octavia RS begins to slide the rear axle, and although between the cones the machine is nevertheless entrusted (precisely due to the sliding of the rear), you need to be on the alert all the time, constantly pulling out the car from the gas addition. If on Octavia RS to pass a snake under constant dosed thrust, then insufficient workload of the front axle leads to its demolition. In addition, the softness of the suspension affects. PEUGEOT 307 does not create the impression of a soft car, but it is clearly not enough loading the front outer wheel. The anterior reptile stabilizer is soft, and a strong diagonal roll appears in the bend, even the rear inner wheel sometimes breaks away from the ground. Three hundred seventh begins to slide too early, and the speed of passage is small. The car is not inclined to slip the rear axle, so this insidious phenomenon on the Frenchman can not be afraid.
The most stable and fast turned out to be Ford Focus ST. The well -chosen rigidity of the anterior pine stability stabilizer allows you to sufficiently load the front outer wheel, and the machine willingly rolls into each turn of the snake. And the speed of passage is very high. Demolition of the front axle occurs only at too high speed, but the sliding of the rear axle can only be triggered intentionally, and having tried thoroughly.
However, if you think that such sports stiffness makes Focus st uncomfortable, then you are deeply mistaken. Leather chairs in this car are so convenient, and the salon is coat that you can easily forgive a little shaking when passing irregularities. And the ergonomics are simply magnificent: no matter how much you are driving Focus ST, you will never get tired. Even despite the fact that the clutch pedal here is strictly tough. But it has an optimal move, and the leg stand is at the same level with it. In a word, everything is designed for the natural movements of the body, and nothing more, and this is the key to comfortable driving. A little does not reach Focus in terms of ergonomics of Skoda Octavia RS. Everything would be great if not for the clutch pedal. The fact that, unlike Fordovskaya, it, on the contrary, is too light, does not yet trouble, but its incredibly long move is indeed an unpleasant thing and even tiring. When driving in the city, this begins to annoy this after fifteen minutes. The seats in Octavia are no less comfortable than in Focus, albeit not with such developed lateral support, in addition, the interior is more spacious for Fordovsky. In general, the Czech car could be the most comfortable of the whole three, if not for this ill -fated clutch pedal.
As for the Peugeot 307, there are no obvious disadvantages, although minor inconveniences were still discovered. The niche of the pedal node is somewhat crowded, so in the fifth -fifth shoes you will have to be more accurate. High landing improves the review, but the convenient position is a little more difficult than in Octavia or Focus, although there are plenty of driver’s adjustments. The salon can be considered spacious only in front, but the space is not enough behind. What are our tested cars are really similar is in price and configuration. The equipment is almost the same: six discs for six discs, the leather finish of the cabin and even climate control for everyone is two-zone, that is, separate for the driver and passenger. Prices are also as a selection: the cheapest - Peugeot 307 Feline ($ 33,650), and the most expensive is Octavia RS ($ 34,500). Focus ST in a test configuration will cost $ 33,970. As you can see, the price of prices is very small. Well, the easier it will be to make a choice. We have already done our own: Ford Focus ST is an ideal combination of comfort and sports qualities, multiplied by a magnificent sports image. What could be better?
Cars for the test provided:
Ford Focus ST-CJSC Ford Motor Company, tel.: (495) 745-9700; Peugeot 307 Feline-LLC Peugeot Rus Auto, tel.: (495) 981-1410; Skoda Octavia RS is the company Skoda Auto Russia, tel.: (495) 234-4912.
Ford Focus ST
PER
Powerful accelerated dynamics, honed handling, comfortable interior, magnificent sports design.
AGAINST
Insufficient smoothness, sensitivity to ruts on asphalt.
In the cabin
The Focus ST salon is very comfortable, and only three things give a sports image to the interior: a three -spoke wheel, seats with strong lateral support and three arrow indicators above the central console: oil pressure, oil temperature and turbine pressure, just like in real sportsmen. A trifle, but nice.
Dynamics
Focus ST acceleration is very powerful. The craving is already manifested from low revolutions, and the rolling rod of the configured exhaust pleases hearing. Focus ST is controlled, as is appropriate for a sports car: acute and rather tough. The rolls are very small, the exchange rate stability is just excellent.
PEUGEOT 307 FELINE
PER
Attractive design, elastic high -cost engine, rich equipment.
AGAINST
Diagonal rolls in corners, a tendency to demolish the front axle, lack of sixth gear in the transmission.
In the cabin
The leather decoration of the salon in brown tones gives the interior a noble view. A large area of \u200b\u200bglazing and high landing improve the review. The spaces are not enough behind the back, but the front is very spacious.
Dynamics
The Peugeot 307 Feline accelerates quite briskly due to the high -cost motor. Acceleration is even, without catching and failures, which is why the car seems calm. With sharp maneuvering, diagonal rolls are noticeable, which make the rear inner wheel tear off from the ground, which does not contribute to the course stability.
Skoda Octavia RS
PER
Excellent dynamics, spacious and comfortable interior, smooth move, good stability when driving along the highway at high speed.
AGAINST
The tendency to drift, the large course of the adhesion pedal.
In the cabin
A spacious and comfortable salon is one of the main advantages of Octavia. Excellent quality of materials and excellent assembly give the interior even more comfort. The ergonomics of the driver’s place would be wonderful if it were not for the clutch pedal.
Dynamics
The 2.0TFSI turbo engine is very briskly promotes, giving Octavia RS good acceleration. At speed, the car is quite stable, however, when the snake is passing, the rear axle tendency to slipping is manifested.
Summary
Ford Focus ST, Peugeot 307 Feline and Skoda Octavia RS - cars for those who like to quickly leave the traffic light. Octavia RS, thanks to a spacious salon, can, in addition to this, act as a family car. Focus ST is more likely to prefer those who appreciate the honed controllability. In turn, Peugeon 307 Feline is a great compromise between dynamics and efficiency: the fuel consumption of the atmospheric is much lower than that of the turbo engine.
Ford Focus ST 5 Stars our choice! PER
Powerful accelerated dynamics, honed handling, comfortable interior, magnificent sports design.
AGAINST
Insufficient smoothness, sensitivity to ruts on asphalt.
Peugeot 307 Feline 4 stars for Attractive design, elastic high -cost engine, rich equipment.
AGAINST
Diagonal rolls in corners, a tendency to demolish the front axle, lack of sixth gear in the transmission.
Skoda Octavia RS 4 stars
PER
Excellent dynamics, spacious and comfortable interior, smooth move, good stability when driving along the highway at high speed.
AGAINST
The tendency to drift, the large course of the adhesion pedal.
Ford Focus ST
PEUGEOT 307 FELINE
Skoda Octavia RS
General assessment
5
4
4
Appearance
5
4
4
Interior
4
4
4
Comfort of the salon
5
4
5
Ergonomics
5
4
4
Luggage compartment
4
4
5
Accelerated dynamics
5
4
5
Controllability
5
4
4
The smoothness of the course
4
4
5
Brake dynamics
5
4
4
Safety*
4
4
4
Specifications
Ford Focus ST
PEUGEOT 307 FELINE
Skoda Octavia RS
type of drive
Front
Front
Front
Engine
Gasoline, in order
Gasoline, in order
Gasoline, in order
The number of cylinders
5
4
4
Working volume, cm3
2522
1998
1984
The number of valves
20
16
16
Compression ratio
9,0
n/d
10,5
Maximum power, L.S./at a speed of rotation, rpm
225/6000
180/7000
200/6000
Maximum torque, N.M/at a speed of rotation, rpm
320/1800-4000
202/4750
280/1800-5000
Maximum speed, km/h
241
220
240
Acceleration time 0-100 km/h, with
6,8
8,2
7,3
Fuel consumption, l/100 km:
City cycle
13,8
11,8
10,9
Country cycle
6,8
6,5
6,2
Mixed cycle
9,3
8,4
7,9
Fuel tank capacity, l
55
n/d
55
Body
5-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
Dimensions: length/width/height, mm
4362/1840/1497
4211/1757/1530
4578/1769/1447
Wheel base, mm
2640
2608
2577
Trunk capacity, l
385
n/d
560/1420*
Equipped mass, kg
1317
1305
1475
* with folded rear seats
Equipment
Ford Focus ST
PEUGEOT 307 FELINE
Skoda Octavia RS
A
Automatic transmission
--
--
--
B.
Four-wheel drive
--
--
--
C.
Alloy wheels
C.
C.
C.
D/E
Air conditioning/climate control
E.
E.
E.
F/g
Luke (fur./Electr.)
--
--
--
H
Power steering
H
H
H
I/J/I
Reg. steering column
I
I
I
J/K
Alarm/immobilizer
J.
J.
J.
L/m/n
Safety pillow (driver/pass./Boks.)
L/m/n
L/m/n
L/m/n
O
ABS
O
O
O
P.
Antiprobux. SISTEME
P.
P.
P.
Q/R
Electric windows: front/rear
Q/-
Q/-
Q/R
S/t
Electric drive of mirrors/heating
S/t
S/t
S/t
U
Radio
--
--
--
V/w
CD player/CD changer
W.
W.
W.
X/y
Seats adjustment: fur./Electr.
X
X
X
Z
Leather seats
Z
Z
Z
a
Folding. The rear seats
a
a
a
B/C.
Center. Castle/Center. Castle with DU
C.
C.
With
D.
Xenon headlights
D.
D.
D.
Service maintenance
Ford Focus ST
PEUGEOT 307 FELINE
Skoda Octavia RS
Interior
Mileage, km
20 000
20 000
15 000
TO-1
$140*
$140
5900 rub.
TO-2
$140*
$220
8600 rub.
TO-3
$140*
$140
7000 rub.
Guarantee
2 years 100,000 km run
2 years without mileage restriction
2 years without mileage restriction
*The cost is indicated without taking into account additional work, the list of which is determined individually.
Denis Zvolinilin, photo by Sergey Gavrilenko
Source: Whatcar magazine?
