Excellent compact technology, which has serious indicators of cross-country ability, today can become the best option for city residents. Crossovers overcome city obstacles and can drive through any surprises on the road. Therefore, in Russia this type of car is the most valuable. Every month more and more Russians come to conduct a test drive of crossovers, ready to vote with their wallets for cars in this body.
We offer you a certain comparison of cars that are considered the most promising in terms of sales in Russia in the next few years. Test drive and video reporting is the only sane way to evaluate multiple different crossovers.
Chinese offers from Chery and Geely corporations
In 2014 talk about insolvency Chinese cars does not make sense, because all the proposals of corporations from the Celestial Empire are an order of magnitude more interesting and attract a buyer. More and more motorists are going to test drive Chinese technology, and videos of the owners of brand new crossovers satisfied with the purchase have flooded the Internet.
In 2014, manufacturers from China offer the following crossovers available for test drive in Russian showrooms:
Chery Indis is a strange car that is recognized in the body of a crossover only after reading the information on the price tag;
Chery Tiggo - comfortable and interesting car with good cross-country ability and good technical characteristics;
Geely MK Cross - compact crossover, off-road version of the MK hatchback;
Geely Emgrand X7 - beautiful car, all the delights of which are learned on a personal test drive.
Considering the real interest of buyers in cars made in China, the popularity of these offers and the number of test drive applications are constantly growing. Conversations about poor quality stopped, it's time to consider these cars as a serious alternative to more expensive transport.
A new offer from the Lada company - on the assembly line already in 2015
So far, only the Lada 2119 index is known more, but detailed information under the alternative name of the new crossover with increased cross-country ability from the company Lada is not. The car will be built on a proprietary platform Russian manufacturer which is being improved today in collaboration with Renault-Nissan engineers. Basic information about new Lada in 2014 the following:
Date of sale of the first crossover - not earlier than January 1, 2016;
the design is roughly known, but there may be certain changes;
the price is still a secret, but the basic version should not exceed the mark of 500 thousand rubles;
the volume of investments invested in the development and assembly of the first prototypes amounted to 680 million euros, a record for Russia.
Let's say right away that for 2016 the design of the Russian compact jeep turned out to be too simple. Even today it looks simple, but in a little over a year, it will be necessary to carry out a specific restyling. The main thing is that the model appears on the assembly line and costs available money.
GM Offers - Chevrolet Tracker and Opel Mokka
General Motors frequently launches two identical car under different brands. If you watch the video or go to test drive Chevrolet Tracker and Opel Mokka then you will realize that the differences between these crossovers end in design and price. All other transport features are exactly the same. The following similarities are especially noticeable on a test drive:
Same engines and the same interior space design;
ergonomics at the same level in two cars;
crossovers offer one complete set with some surprises and novelties;
in the dynamics, they can only be distinguished by the icon on the steering wheel.
Such interesting twins appeared on the markets of the CIS countries. True, the company is taking certain steps to avoid competition from its own divisions. In 2014, the Tracker crossover is not officially sold in Russia, and in the rest of the CIS countries there is no Opel Mokka.
Summing up
Interesting videos of test drives of beautiful and functional cars can help you decide which vehicle to buy for yourself. Often crossovers provide surprises in the form of not-too-high-quality travel with a very good design. Modern cars often have a not too powerful or insufficiently high-torque engine, which completely spoils the impression of a trip by car.
Don't just trust videos on the internet. Take a personal test drive of the crossover before making any conclusions about the need to buy it. This will help you assess the model sensibly and decide on its level and if all the advantages offered are worth the price.
Let's be honest: at the end of this test, we dispensed with the insidious schemes of how not to return the cars to the dealerships and keep them for ourselves. No wonder - after all, we are talking about massive compact crossovers, and even with far from the most powerful motors. You won't miss such. However, one of the participants stood out well against the rest - both in our and in your voting. But more on that later - in the meantime, let us listen to one more opinion of the editors of "Motor".
Just in case, we will repeat the introductory notes for those who tuned the receiver to our wave just now. In the next quadruple cycle, the most popular crossovers of Russia converged: Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Qashqai and Kia sportage... All polls - all-wheel drive, two-pedal and atmospheric gasoline engines volume of two liters exactly. By the way, in order not to get up twice, we will give answers to frequently asked questions in the comments.
Where Hyundai Tucson? For him, the soplatform and more popular Sportage is blown away. Why Qashqai and not X-Trail? Because we like it better, the salons and equipment of the cars are almost the same, and the loss in the Qashqai's dimensions can be compensated by an attractive price tag. And also because the X-Trail 2.0 is a four-wheeled snail.
Why are all the cars in expensive top-end configurations that no one buys anyway? Because we were given such and there are no others in the press parks. What else? Oh yeah, here are the links to the previous parts of the test: one, two and three. Let's get down to the finale.
Kia sportage
1999 cm³, R4, 150 HP, 192 Nm
6AT
8.3 l. / 100 km., 0-100 km / h in 11.6 sec., 180 km / h
1496 kg
Alexander Miroshkin
The Kia Sportage is a good, competitive product. It is a product, but not a car. It has everything you could want, and even a little more. But running a Sportage is like drinking distilled water: you can, but why? It is clear that a generation has already grown up that does not care about handling. They will definitely like this Kia. But those who like to drive cars are still capable. And I did not appreciate this approach to design. Even if it's a necessary compromise.
Denis Gusev
The salon is excellent. It's literally a scaled-down copy of the Sorento's interior - well-built, made from pleasant materials, with all the premium options that come with it like a sunroof and seat ventilation. This is a huge step forward for Kia. But, unfortunately, the price of all these options, as well as some not very positive driving experiences, do not allow you to unequivocally answer whether you should buy the Sportage or not.
Efim Repin
It seems that everything is good and sound? It was not so. And where is the character, Sportage, why is everything so colorless? At first he frightened with his appearance, then he calmed down with the interior - a contrast shower, they say, is a useful thing, but then what? Then I would like to continue the banquet, but the "checkers" remain, and the "ride" is not fun. You get out of the car and do not remember how it drives.
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The growing popularity of CUV class cars is due to their adaptability to both urban conditions and suburban trips. The advantages include spaciousness, comfort and four-wheel drive this type of transport. SUV in most cases is perfect solution for big family as well as for bad road surfaces. Therefore, many are following with interest the developments in the market for these cars.
In part, the current rating of 2016 crossovers in Russia is determined, sadly, by the quality of the roads. Owner conventional sedan he knows very well that the possibilities of his car are limited either by an asphalt surface or by an even "primer". Therefore, many people opt for SUVs, here there is more ground clearance and better cross-country ability. At the same time, there is no need to sacrifice comfort and easy handling.
The first CUV models in the mid-90s were japanese models Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, which were very popular around the world. Now every self-respecting automaker has its own line of cars of this class. The term "crossover" today characterizes a car off-road frameless design and the following parameters:
- Two-volume body with options for transforming the cabin space.
- Upgraded body geometry characteristics, short overhangs and increased ground clearance.
- A load-bearing body, on some models there are reinforced floor spars.
- Possibility of choosing a drive scheme: mono or full.
The available review of 2016 crossovers demonstrates the fact that certain instances are equipped with permanent all-wheel drive and a lock or imitation of disabling cross-axle differentials with electronic systems that increase the cross-country ability. Therefore, it is somewhat incorrect to assume that the SUV is an unfinished SUV.
Be that as it may, such machines are in demand because they are somewhat versatile. It goes without saying that to compete in cross-country ability, for example, with
they can’t afford it, but the cost factor is of no small importance in this situation - solid sets of pseudoparketniks are now available for an amount not exceeding 1,000,000 rubles.
What budget crossover can you choose in 2016?
> Search inexpensive cars the increased cross-country ability in most cases leads to a large range of products from China. The bias towards its quality is a thing of the past, and the equipment is quite comparable to the options offered by eminent brands. The European auto industry is also making every effort in this direction and offers several rather profitable options.
- Vortex Tingo- a car of Chinese origin from the category of the cheapest, which is assembled at our TagAZ plant. The budget version of the Comfort equipment with a 1.8-liter engine and a mechanical "five-stage" will cost 499,900 rubles. This amount includes air conditioning, power accessories and two airbags. For a package of options Lux with an automatic transmission you will have to pay 554,900 rubles.
- - the second generation of cars with a stylish design also takes a leading place in the rating of inexpensive crossovers in 2016. The model is equipped with a choice of two 1.6 liter engines with powers of 82 and 102 hp. The power plant is aggregated at the request of the buyer or a five-speed manual transmission, or automatic transmission also at five speeds. The price of the basic version starts at 579,990 rubles.
- Nissan juke- compact Japanese car excellent quality, the cost of which starts from 679,000 rubles. The basic version is equipped with an 84 hp engine. 1.6 liters, as well as four speakers and a media center. For those who like to drive fast, the car can be equipped with one of the 117 and 190 hp engines.
- Geely emgrand x7- front-wheel drive SUV with a wide selection power units... Two engines with volumes of 1.8 and 2.0 liters and powers of 125 and 140 hp. respectively. They are assembled by a mechanical "five-stage", and the price of the most affordable copy is 769,000 rubles. A six-speed hydromechanical automatic is paired with a 2.4-liter unit and a power of 148 hp.
- Skoda yeti- one of the most economical cars of its class - only 6.9 liters per 100 kilometers. A wide range of engines - 4 types with a volume of 1.4 to 1.8 liters. The transmission component can be implemented in three ways: a five-speed manual transmission, a six-speed automatic and a seven-speed "robot". The basic equipment is available with about 800,000 rubles.
- Hyundai ix25- luxury budget crossover 2016, which is going near St. Petersburg. Models are offered with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with 1.6 and 2.0 engines. Both transmissions are six-speed - both mechanics and automatic. The cost of the car starts at 860,000 rubles, but the top-end copies can hardly be attributed to the cheap sector.
- Chery tiggo 5 Is one of the few units that is offered with a CVT transmission. The initial model with a five-speed manual transmission will cost 870,000 rubles. The entire line is equipped with a two-liter naturally aspirated Acteco-SQR484F engine, which was developed by the Chinese in cooperation with the Austrian AVL company. The set of basic options is impressive - in addition to the rear view camera, there is ABS systems and EBD.
As you can see, some SUVs are already available in the segment up to 500,000 rubles, these are really budget models. More functional Japanese and European brands in this class will cost a little more, but still, their price does not exceed 1 million rubles.
What is the ranking of luxury crossovers in 2016?
Vehicles belonging to this type differ from inexpensive counterparts not only in price and size - this is a higher level of comfort and capabilities. This spectrum includes brands that pioneered the development of urban SUVs. This means that manufacturers know what to offer and how to present their product. It is not for nothing that the Russian motorist is increasingly looking towards these cars.
- Toyota RAV4- in the review of luxury crossovers in 2016, it occupies a leading position and is rightfully considered the ancestor of the class. The fourth generation of the SUV has become the embodiment of quality thanks to the implementation of advanced technical ideas. The popularity of the machine is proven by its growth despite the crisis in the country. The basic model with a two-liter engine and six-speed mechanics costs 1,281,000 rubles.
- Volkswagen tiguan- a practical urban SUV with the use of proprietary TSI and TDI developments, aggregated by a DSG robotic transmission with double clutch... In the arsenal there are three engines - two petrol 1.4 and 2.0 and one diesel for 2.0 liters. The variant with a 6-speed "mechanics" and a TSI-1.4 engine costs 1.29 million rubles.
- Mazda CX-5- the restyled model is rightfully considered one of the most driver's cars. The Japanese offer three types of power plants - two gasoline 2.2 and 2.5 liters and a diesel 2.2 liters. A mono-drive crossover in the base with a 2.2-liter atmospheric engine and a six-speed manual transmission is estimated at 1,349,000 rubles.
- Honda cr-v- the machine combines everything best qualities passenger car and SUV thanks to the technological suspension scheme. Power ruler represented by gasoline 2.0 DOHC and diesel 2.4 DI DOHC with capacities of 150 and 188 hp. respectively. The transmission can be either a 6-speed manual, a 5-speed automatic transmission and a continuously variable variator. The initial price of a copy is 1,529,000 rubles.
- Audi Q3- the famous German representative of the SUV-class in the ranking premium crossovers 2016, which already speaks of quality and reliability. The manufacturer offers three types of engines: two petrol - 1.4 TFSI (150 hp) and 2.0 TFSI (180 hp) and one diesel - 2.0 TDI (184 hp). The engines can be paired with either a six-speed "mechanics" or with a proprietary 7-band automatic transmission S tronic. The basic front-wheel drive equipment costs 1,795,000 rubles.
- Bmw x4- the younger brother of the BMW X6 traditionally has the richest line of engines. Arsenal: three gasoline unit TwinPower Turbo last generation with volumes of 2.0; 2.8 and 3.5 liters, as well as three turbocharged diesel installations- 2.0; 3.0 and 3.5 liters. The eight-speed Steptronic automatic with Launch Control option is fully capable of realizing the full potential of powertrains. The price of the basic package will cost the lover of the Bavarian brand 2 880 000 rubles.
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This is not the whole list of premium SUVs - the most popular options are presented. If you have a more impressive amount in your pocket, the boundaries of choice expand significantly. Nevertheless, even the listed cars surpass their budget counterparts in terms of comfort and reliability by a level.
What will the review of the domestic crossover Lada X-Ray say in 2016?
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The novelty surprised many of our car enthusiasts with its unique dynamic design. Although the car is shaped like a hatchback, the 195 mm ground clearance speaks of the off-road inclinations of the model. The five-seater saloon differs significantly from previous VAZ developments, the design uses an electronic front panel of a multilayer type and a retractable color touchscreen display in the middle of the dashboard.
Literally all reviews of inexpensive crossovers in 2016 mark wide choose light fuel power units:
- 1.6 liters with a capacity of 106 hp;
- 1.6 liters with a capacity of 110 hp;
- 1.8 L with 122 HP
The first two options work in tandem with a five-speed manual transmission, and the most powerful motor- with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The price of the car starts at 539,000 rubles. There are four configurations in total, but the last two can be called truly functional - Top and Top Prestige. The latter includes:
- ABS and ESP systems.
- Climate control and rear parking sensors.
- Multifunctional steering wheel.
- Navigation system.
- Light and rain sensors.
To the merits new car experts attribute good capacity, attractive interior trim and energy-intensive suspension. The exterior also deserves only positive reviews... The lack of more powerful engines and diesel units are called weaknesses.
conclusions
Functional and quality crossovers- the thing is not cheap, but for those who are especially suffering there is a way out. It consists in choosing a car from a more affordable segment, since the range is only increasing every year. It is important that inexpensive transport does not cause discomfort due to the lack of familiar options.
If you have no more than a million in your wallet, but you want a city SUV, then you will have to look at the models budget class... Among its representatives there are good options with a good set of options, especially the automakers from China have succeeded in this.
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"Really turned out to be severe: frost -10-15 degrees (at night it was -20) plus a lot of snow. But you can't miss this: three days at the most different cars and driving in a variety of conditions - all in order to answer the question: who drives how off-road? In this article, you will not find a detailed overview of any particular model, but you will find a "quick glance" and features of the off-road systems of many crossovers and SUVs.
But the company has gathered a notable: BMW X3, Ford ranger, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-9, Mitsubishi pajero Sport, Renault Kadjar, Subaru outback, Suzuki vitara S and Suzuki SX4, Toyota Land Cruiser prado and Toyota Highlander. As you can see, typical light crossovers and full-fledged frame SUVs and pickups are mixed in one bottle. Therefore, the organizers prepared two tracks at once: a relatively easy one for crossovers, and a heavier one for frame SUVs and pickups. An easy track included X-shaped beams (imitation of protrusions-bumps on the road in a checkerboard pattern), a "bench" for driving on one side of the car (the front / rear wheel is alternately hung out on one side), and a snowy-icy "snake", where you could slide to your heart's content. It all started from this track ...
Bmw x3
It just so happened that I spent the morning of the test day for driving a BMW X3 and on interesting serpentines near the Bukovel resort. Sitting in comfortable soft-brown leather chairs, gripping a heated M-steering wheel in your hands, enjoying the turns (I can't believe that a crossover can drive like that!) Switzerland? Unfortunately, but BMW price X3 is also far from the reality of the Ukrainian middle class: test car- which is pleasant and gives the impression “this is how the BMW X3 should be, if you don’t save money” - costs almost 2 million UAH.
CrossoverBmw X3 of the new generation is unambiguously claiming the title of “one of the stars” of the event. But the presented car is estimated at almost 2 million UAH, which is due to the equipment: cool seats, heated steering wheel, many M-parts, a powerful engine (2.0 liters and 252 hp); for each such "Wishlist" and an extra "sneeze" in the packageBmwyou have to pay pretty much. There is no special off-road mode in the car's settings, but the X3 passed the test track without any problems: a minimum of slippage in the snow and a rear-wheel drive character on the "snake".
Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-9
“OK, Google,” but is there something like a BMW X3, only cheaper - for the rest of the middle class? The Mazda CX-5 crossover is aimed at this segment, which has already been written about twice: and. This event was decorated with a “fire-red” Mazda CX-5 with a 2.5 liter gasoline engine: everything is good and excellent, except for the point noted earlier - for such a chic chassis, and even on mountain serpentines with a lot of ascents, I want to “ more »motor. There is enough of it on the highway and in the city, but there is still a feeling of “give more power"And the Mazda CX-5 will become the BMW X3 for the people."
And after all, Mazda already has a similar engine - the older model CX-9 proved: similar four cylinders and 2.5 liters of volume, plus a bonus in the form of a turbine. Power has increased from 194 hp. up to 231 hp, but most importantly - the torque has increased from 257 Nm to 420 Nm! This motor "headlong" is enough for a huge 5.1-meter 7-seater crossover, which I will describe in detail in a separate article in the near future - wait, it will be interesting.
Mazda CX-5 there is a reason - this is the newly-minted owner of the title "Car of the Year 2018 in Ukraine" among all crossovers! There is a reason: the car is commendably agile on the road, quite comfortable and spacious. WhereinMazda CX-5 in the maximum version is estimated at just over UAH 1 million. and offers an all-inclusive package. Older sister"Mazda CX-9 is remembered for its size outside, spaciousness inside, and also a powerful turbo engine. Both cars ride on a special track in the same way: a short slip of the front wheels and the subsequent quick connection of the rear wheels; neutral and understandable behavior on the snake.
Subaru outback
Among the competitors of the Mazda CX-5 is the Subaru Outback, and for the Mazda CX-9 - Toyota model Highlander. What can I say about these cars? Crossover-station wagon Subaru Outback is called "station wagon" for a reason: initially (from the mid-1990s) it was an off-road version of the Legacy model; and even though in recent generations the car was allocated as a separate model, the essence of the station wagon remained. For example, the Subaru Outback is smaller in size Mazda models CX-5 and Honda CR-V, but offers the highest ground clearance in the trio due to the very "raised" body stance. The suspension is commendably energy-intensive and, it seems, is simply "impenetrable" - in this, the Subaru Outback model can only be compared with frame crossovers... And in general - the essence and strength of the Subaru Outback is that "I'll take you out": do not expect smart passenger habits on the road; but the confidence in reaching the final goal of the route is colossal here. Upon first acquaintance, Subaru Outback reminds: a very soft, comfortable, confident car. But the remark is the same - I would like more power: the question is not driving fast on serpentines, but in confidence when overtaking. Although 2.5 liters was enough: the "forester" is 100-130 kg lighter.
Subaru Outback- this is space and comfort, driving at a leisurely and medium pace; plus a huge sense of confidence "we'll get there." On the crossover track in normal modeOutbackbehaves like many other crossovers: initially riding on the "front end" and connecting rear wheels in fact the front slip. But the button changes everythingX— MODE- the car preemptively, in advance, prepares for off-road, sending more torque to the rear axle: in the endOutbackturns into thatSubaruwhich we are waiting for! Plus there is a system of assistance when descending from a slope and a large ground clearance (213 mm).
Toyota Highlander
Large Toyota crossover The Highlander is a little longer than the Outback and noticeably less than the CX-9, a seven-seater saloon, an automatic transmission, a 3.5-liter V6 engine and four-wheel drive. It seems that there is everything here to become a “Ukrainian's dream”: an ideologically correct crossover, which, at first glance, has no weaknesses. On the second - too. Adequate habits on the track (although I note that I drove a little on it), good comfort, passing obstacles without problems, understandable behavior on the "snake". And the technique is interesting: combined injection fuel D-4S (distributed and direct), variable valve timing system VVT-i, as many as eight steps in the automatic transmission ...
CrossoverToyota Highlander- large, roomy, powerful. There is a blocking of the "center", assistance when descending from the mountain, automatic transmission sport mode. The track passes without problems, the suspension is energy-intensive. In a word, everything is fine. In addition to the fact that in the whole company of cars it isToyota Highlander, perhaps, causes the least emotions, questions, reflections. Maybe I "rolled in" a little? Or maybe someone will decide that driving without emotions is a blessing? Maybe so…
Renault Kadjar
Honestly - even leaves behind a more noticeable mark in the memory. Moreover, the Renault Kadjar was front-wheel drive, powered by an EDC "robot", with a 110-horsepower 1.5-liter turbodiesel. Most weak car in company. Along the way - and one of the most affordable: 770 thousand UAH. But it’s far from the worst! Moderately comfortable on the road, with a pleasant interior, amazing efficiency (consumed 5-6 liters on the highway versus 8-10 liters for others compact crossovers). Clearly, with front-wheel drive, the Renault Kadjar simply didn't stand a chance even on the light SUV track; the organizers initially did not even want to release it further than the snowy "snake". But then - everything went: with the hanging of the wheels, slippage, flying flakes of snow! To the credit of Renault Kadjar, he drove the track in the hands of each of the test participants. Moreover, from what I saw, Renault Kadjar was desperately skidding, but never demanded to be pushed out of the snow captivity.
Small, soft, EuropeanRenault Kadjarwith turbodiesel and "robot"EDC- this is about the "ECO" button and multi-colored devices, and not about hanging the wheels and sliding on the "snake". All I can do off-road is to manually select the appropriate gear. But, to our creditRenault Kadjar, the car did it - which, in the conditions of its front-wheel drive version, is comparable to a small feat.
Ford ranger
The complete opposite is large frame models: Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Pajero sport, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Their own track was prepared for them: steep descent; slippery climbs (snow and ice); pits and bumps in a checkerboard pattern, where the car rides on two wheels; a couple of additional obstacles. The first model on my list of frame vehicles was the Ford Ranger pickup. There were no questions on the off-road track: it goes down without any problems, goes up, hangs the wheels. The only question was in size, since the Ford Ranger pickup truck with a length of 5.36 m is a good half a meter longer than the already rather big Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Okay with the size, you can get used to; but what about the behavior on a good road? The Ford Ranger pickup feels very heavy: weak acceleration, slow turns, simple interior trim. Of course, the suspension is impenetrable on any irregularities, but other pickup trucks can drive through holes just as well.
PickupFord RangerIs cool exterior design and unusual solutions in the cabin: for example, a dashboard with a circular speedometer and two LCD displays on the right / left. Drive system - with three operating modes (2H, 4 H, 4 L, i.e. lowered row); there is a rear differential lock and a downhill assist system. Off-road - king-king, but on ordinary roadsFord Rangerit seems too "cargo": there are pickups that cost only a little more, but go much better; there are pickups, which are also "cargo" in habits, but their price is much less. The place forFord RangerI haven't found it yet; if it works, we will return to this model in a separate article.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
The next full-fledged SUV was - and with only a slightly higher price than the previous pickup (both cars 1.1-1.2 million UAH), this car gave completely different impressions. Firstly, it already rides well on a normal road: it turns, accelerates, does not shake. Secondly, in his salon at least creates the appearance of what more than 1 million hryvnyas were paid for. Thirdly, a track for off-road Mitsubishi Pajero Sport drove not that easily, but generally openly playing giveaway. Example: at some point, the car hovered on two wheels and stopped; what to do - rear diff lock? No, I just hit the gas harder. Downhill Assist System? Yes, it is; but why, if the car crawls down / up very slowly on the "lower". Climb up steep slope? No problem at all! “A-ah-ah, what, hung the wheels? No, I haven't heard of that with long suspension travels. " V Mitsubishi models Pajero Sport has a lot of interesting off-road systems, but in the case of all-wheel drive with a center lock, a lowered row, huge toothed wheels - they all serve as "additions" and not "determinants" of cross-country ability, as in the case of passenger crossovers.
SUVMitsubishi Pajero Sport- this is, first of all, initially a huge reserve of cross-country ability "on iron": permanent four-wheel drive, blocking of the center and rear diff, lowered row, long suspension travel. And alsoMitsubishi Pajero SportI like the ratio of the feeling of the car and the price: simple, clean, no overpayments.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
It should be admitted that the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado looks even more epochal, in terms of the degree of "steepness" Prado is only half a step lower than the LC200. And driving on the road is similar: measured, unhurried, with dignity. The salon is similar in space to a small apartment; taking into account the finishing - it becomes clear that this is a trendy studio apartment in the city center. And there are also many, many road systems: pneumatic bellows for rear axle to adjust the fit of the body (useful with a heavy load); buttons behind the automatic transmission lever for complex car settings (comfort, eco, normal, sport, etc.); smooth and soft 6-speed "automatic". And there are many, many off-road systems: permanent all-wheel drive plus a low range; type selection system road surface MTS (Multi-Terrain Select, choice of "dirt", "stones", "bumps", etc.); Crawl Control function (maintaining a constant speed off-road); video review of MTM (Multi-Terrain Monitor), where it is especially worth noting the front camera plus a drawing of the position of the wheels.
SUVToyota Land Cruiser Pradocool, what is already there. Off-road passes easily; but there is a feeling that his place is in the parking lot of some ministry or near a business center. Indeed, with the price of the maximum versions of the car about UAH 1.6-2.1 million. - namely, these versions include systemsMTS, Crawl Control- you will think a hundred times before going off-road, where these systems will really come in handy. For selection desired system and the mode of its operation, you must first press the corresponding button, and then rotate the upper handle-drum. And here is an overviewMTM (Multi— Terrain Monitor) Is a real little revelation: you can immediately see where the nose of the car is going, whether the wheels are in a rut or not, that is on the right / left. In my opinion, there is more benefit from this than fromMTSandCrawl Control.
According to the plans of the organizers, after the main program, an optional course was provided - a ride along a mountain pass: not a special track, but there were enough snow-covered ascents and descents there. Again, according to the plans of the organizers, only three frame vehicles, described above, were supposed to go to the pass. But there were a lot of people who wanted to, so a couple of crossovers went too. It is interesting that where the Subaru Outback could prove itself best, he just did not go - the problem is in the long overhangs, which could interfere with the bends-holes (and there really were such places).
Honda cr-v
But suddenly a couple of other crossovers drove to the pass, one of which is a Honda CR-V. It would seem to be just an urban crossover, where items such as a touchscreen display, interior spaciousness, rear seat adjustment, LED headlights mean much more off-road cross-country ability. So in the morning on the crossover track model honda CR-V skidded a lot with its front wheels, waiting for the tailgate to be connected; and there is no separate mode (button) for locking the central clutch. All I could do was put the automatic transmission lever into sport mode so that the variator was in no hurry to change. ratio("Upshift") and did not fail the engine speed. But in the end, how many times did we push the Honda CR-V out on the pass? Zero! We drive carefully, we do not reduce the speed, we try not to "bury ourselves", there is enough geometry with beveled bumpers - that's the result.
CrossoverHonda CR— VI went where, in theory, I shouldn't have gone. Drove and drove! And it also has an unusual interior trim, an interesting LCD display for the driver in front, backrest adjustment and heated seats in the rear, a proprietary "blind spot" viewing system on the right, plus the mentioned LED headlights - all this creates an impression very modern model... At the same time, under the hood - a traditional "aspirated" (2.4 liters and 186 hp) paired withCVT- variator. Deserves a discussion in a separate article ...
Suzuki Vitara S and Suzuki SX4
The second crossover, which passed the pass, turned out to be "kid". Strongly knocked down, angular, tucked in from all sides (except that the "lip" of the front bumper protrudes slightly). But under the hood - a lively 1.4 liter turbo engine; paired with him - automatic transmission and all-wheel drive ALLGRIP. Along the way, another Suzuki car was presented at the event - an updated SX4 with a similar engine and transmission configuration.
In short, the Suzuki models are a small revelation that many people are not looking forward to. On the test track for crossovers, they do well: yes, the ground clearance is 18 cm, but the overhangs are short too; the all-wheel drive system has a LOCK mode to lock the clutch center differential... On ordinary roads, they drive briskly and incendiary: the power (140 hp and 220 nm) is quite a lot for such light cars (1.26 tons). Of course, a simple salon and the lack of any unique equipment ... But this is explainable by the price (650-700 thousand UAH), and in its own “ automotive essence»On the highway and off-road cars work off the money paid in full.
CarsSuzuki Vitara SandSuzuki SX4 are identical in technology: motor, automatic transmission, four-wheel drive. But they differ in layout:Suzuki Vitara S- shorter, but higher, there is a more vertical fit;Suzuki SX4 - longer and lower, more traditional fit. And they also differ in the mood in the salon:Suzuki Vitara Swith red details "lights";Suzuki SX4 with a more traditional finish soothes. Although both on the track and off-road, both cars go commendably boldly and boldly.
As you can see, some of the cars are already well known to the readers of the site, others were passed only in a “quick glance” format. So in the future I will try to return to some of the cars from this report and talk about them in more detail. Don't switch!
Crossovers continue their victorious march across Russia. In January - February, the RAV4 became not just the most popular Toyota model, but managed to take the seventh place in the overall standings of all cars on the market. Of the all-wheel drive, only the much more affordable Duster is in front, and the Lada 4 × 4 and Chevrolet niva moved to the rank of catch-up. When else was this?
Honda CR-V also ranks first among the company's models, of which there are only three left in our market - but the sales volumes are far from Toyota's.
Who has a chance to reach the "rafik"? "Koreans"! The fresh Hyundai Tucson is picking up a good move. But today we are primarily interested in the freshly baked Kia Sportage. Last year, only the RAV4 surpassed its predecessor. New Sportage did not rise in price very much, and therefore we took it for the test with special enthusiasm. Moreover, we managed to get it even before the start of sales.
All cars are equipped with two-liter gasoline naturally aspirated engines close power. RAV4 - with a variator, the rest - hydromechanical automatic devices. Top-end configurations. In general, everything is on an equal footing.
Fashion is not for everyone
Remember how six years ago the Sportage of the last generation made a rustle with its extraordinary appearance? The new one also makes you turn around! The bright front with a huge mouth of the radiator grille and high-set headlights is aggressive (it just seems to me, or is there really something from the Subaru B9 Tribeca in this "look"?), And the stern is elegant. Leave the car for a minute at the store, and the curious will gather.
Built on the same platform is not a miss either. But the updated RAV4 really surprised me: the narrow lighting technology captivates from afar. Only the Honda CR-V does not catch on - it has become familiar.
Sportage fourth generation debuted at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, and sales in Russia began in April 2016. For the first time in the history of the model, it is also offered in the sporty version of the GT Line.
Engines:
- petrol 2.0 (150 HP) - from 1 189 900 rubles.
- petrol 1.6 turbo (177 hp) - from 2,069,900 rubles.
- diesel 2.0 (185 hp) - from 1 819 900 rubles.
With its interior, the Sportage makes an even stronger impression. Cockpit! The center console slightly turned towards the driver, the L-shaped automatic selector, the round steering wheel hub and the floor gas pedal create a sporty atmosphere. But most of all, the materials and build quality captivate: like more expensive crossovers. Pushbuttons with verified feedback, decorative overlays with plasma-ion spraying, contrasting piping on the armchairs. The former shy guy turned into a real dandy! And sitting behind the wheel is comfortable, except that the seat cushion is a little short. The front seats are equipped not only with heating, but also with ventilation - in this segment only Tucson can boast of such luxury.
He made his debut last year. For the first time, a Korean car of this type tried on a gasoline turbo engine and robotic box gear. But the main demand is for modifications with aspirated and automatic.
Engines:
- petrol 1.6 (132 HP) - from 1 199 900 rubles.
- petrol 2.0 (150 HP) - from 1,400,900 rubles.
- petrol 1.6 turbo (177 hp) - from 1,585,900 rubles.
- diesel 2.0 (185 hp) - from 1,710,900 rubles.
Hyundai, despite the ventilation of the seats, works a little easier. Or is it intentionally done so that nothing is striking? Only the cyanotic illumination of the instruments was forgotten to "turn off" - it hurts the eye (in Kia it is red). But these are trifles, a matter of taste. And in the "fundamental sciences" - ergonomics, equipment and choice of materials - Tussan's interior is no worse. And how could it be otherwise?
Fourth generation Japanese bestseller debuted in 2013. At the end of 2015, a modernized version entered the market. So far, RAV4 is being imported, but in a few months it will begin to be assembled at a plant in St. Petersburg.
Engines:
- petrol 2.0 (146 HP) - from 1,281,000 rubles.
- petrol 2.5 (180 HP) - from 1,829,000 rubles.
- diesel 2.2 (150 hp) - from 1,829,000 rubles.
After restyling, the RAV4 finally got rid of the ancient electronic watches that became the talk of the town and got hold of more pleasant finishing materials. Redecorating spiced up with all-round cameras, a traffic sign recognition system and a system automatic braking in front of the obstacle. And under the center console, they provided a platform for wireless charging of smartphones. However, my 5-inch did not fit there - the owners of newfangled phablets are asked not to worry.
The world premiere of the latest generation CR-V took place in 2012. The car was modernized last spring. At the moment it is the most compact and affordable Honda on the Russian market.
Engines:
- petrol 2.0 (150 HP) - from 1 399 900 rubles.
- petrol 2.4 (188 HP) - from 1 849 900 rubles.
Honda makes the most humble impression. Tiny doors look flimsy. The machine selector is not based on the central tunnel, but on the tide of the front panel - a solution that other manufacturers have long abandoned. Multimedia system looks alien, as if it was installed not at a factory, but in a nearby car service. A thin steering wheel with unpretentious buttons completes the picture. Towards the curtain, the electric drive of the wipers dumbfounded with a boring and loud buzzing. Well, yes, the CR-V salon has nothing to oppose to competitors.
