Nissan Almera Classic, Renault Logan, Kia Spectra: From loaves to sedans
A bun for three pennies, a loaf for thirteen, half black for nine … Even these simple figures are remembered with difficulty. Now a different time, different prices. And “for thirteen” they buy not a ribbed loaf, but a budget sedan with a 1.6 liter engine. “KIA-Spectra” just in the right price range, “Renault Logan” gets there only the upper edge, “Nissan Almera Classic”, on the contrary, only the lower level of configuration.
Alas, in the park of missions – only expensive performances, and the test had to take a richly equipped version of the SE.
We will keep in mind that the owner of the base – PE will miss ABS, audio systems, alloy wheels, electric drive and heated mirrors, air conditioning, heated front seats, and a flap in the back of the back sofa.
“KIA-Spectra”, of course, not the most fashionable car of the year. But in the budget class, solidity is put above originality. Lightly seasoned with “crystal” headlights, the “Spectra” fully meets expectations. But upon closer inspection, you note that the body gaps are clearly larger than those of the opponents, and the coincidence of the panels is by no means perfect everywhere. However, on the background of the cars that Izhevsk produced independently, the current products are not even a step, but a giant leap in quality of assembly.
Front in the “Spectrum” is quite spacious, although it is not so easy to sit down. The steering column is too low for a full driver, and the seat itself makes you squat fairly when landing. But the impressive range of longitudinal movement, unexpectedly large and long cushion pleased – especially tall and long-legged drivers. But under the full cushion flattened out, and the handbrake is already under its edge. The pedal assembly is very compact, so owners of large or coarse shoes will not be delighted, especially with a short stroke clutch pedal and an unintelligible force. The standard “Japanese” scheme of the steering column switches does not require adaptation, but the adjustment of the intermittent mode of the wipers is not provided.
In the back seat with a very sloping backrest two passengers of very impressive dimensions can sit more or less comfortably, the three of them are cramped.
On the go “Spectra” does not force to change the view of yourself. A simple and honest car without any frills is distinguished by a minimum of features, and not all of them are pleasant. A good smoothness is combined with a limited power consumption of the suspension, the frisky after 3500 rev / min motor becomes annoyingly noisy just above this mark. Convenient for a long trip, the driver’s seat when cornering refuses to hold the driver.
However, handling does not provoke “steep turns” and is described by a single epithet “reliable”. In the extreme bends, the Spectra hangs out the inner front wheel, effectively dumping excessive traction, and with sharp movements the wheel noticeably lags the reaction. But for the average driver, it is more important not to control the slip, but that it is very difficult to provoke a car to a sharp drift, even on wet asphalt. But the lack of ABS significantly affects the stopping distance.
The best impression of “Spectra” makes on a straight, not too good suburban road. There is enough power, and the engine still does not roar, and the suspension copes. In general, for its price worthy choice for those who often have to make long trips.
If you add all available options to the 1.6-liter “Logan” for $ 12,099, that is, passenger airbag and ABS, heated seats, electric adjustment and heated mirrors, coupled with rear electric windows, as well as light-alloy wheels, car for $ 13,659.
In this case, the credo of “Logan” – the maximum cheapness. In our country, a uniquely low price could not be reached, but it turned out to be a simple and roomy car, the optimal configuration for which we considered the Expression with a 1.4-liter engine. But we don’t think it is worth while to turn the practical “Logan” to the eyeballs. And that’s why…
The 1.6-liter engine, of course, is noticeably more powerful than the 1.4-liter. But when measuring, the advantage of the more powerful “Logan” turned out to be small – up to 100 km / h, he played 1.4 seconds, added crumbs to the maximum speed – a couple of kilometers per hour! Is there really any difference? Of course there is – a gain in elasticity: the acceleration time in fifth gear from 80 to 120 km / h was reduced by almost a third. But still, with the 16-valve “Logan” is too tough. And its forms do not contribute to high speeds …
ABS brakes are subjectively excellent, but the results are not impressive. I am afraid that the Romanian Montana M801 tires took over the baton from compatriots under the brand of Victoria, who once surprised even experienced drivers with the stopping distance of…
In the expensive “Logan” driver’s seat height adjustment allows you to lower it by 25 mm, but there is enough space above the head and in the base car. But to find the optimal fit behind the wheel has become more difficult.
