Let's be honest, two-door cars look a lot better than sedans. Many will agree with this, but will also add that coupes and cars cost a lot more than sedans. There is some truth in this, but in order to become the owner of a stylish coupe, you do not have to break the bank, because even in this segment there are inexpensive models that even a middle manager will be able to afford.
We have a list of the 10 cheapest and most affordable two-door cars, starting at just under $26,000. We had to draw a strict line and not include hatchbacks like the Scion tC or . However, the list still turned out to be diverse and you will find many coupes of large and small sizes in it. Each of them has an attractive appearance and can provide a dynamic driving experience.
With a low starting price, the Subaru BRZ offers great handling but little power. Starting at $25,495 and edging out of #10 on our Dodge Challenger top, the car has only 200 horsepower provided by a four-cylinder in-line boxer engine. The BRZ is lightweight, making it equally powerful on the road and on the track. Thanks to its rear-wheel drive, the BRZ is a perfectly balanced car, although who can argue that it also has a very attractive appearance? The base BRZ is good enough, but doesn't offer much of what the FR-S sister model has to offer. However, you'll find HID headlights, a touch-screen radio with navigation, and LED daytime running lights as standard. Previously, we have already covered this model in the materials: "" and "", so if you want to get acquainted with it in more detail, you are welcome.
The iconic twin brother of the Subaru BRZ costs only a few hundred US dollars less and has fewer features. It is the perfect choice for those drivers who are looking for driving fun more than anything else. The Scion FR-S features an optimal car suspension package that makes driving more fun than Subaru's. This is another reason, besides the cost, that makes the Scion more attractive to a potential buyer.
The next inexpensive coupe is the Nissan Altima, which many have forgotten about, but in vain, Nissan still sells this car. It costs a little less than the Scion, for $25,230 the buyer gets a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower. Thanks to Nissan's Xtronic CVT system, the Altima is quite fuel-efficient, averaging 10 liters per 100 kilometers in the city and 7.3 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway. Not bad for a car that is in desperate need of an upgrade. Rumor has it that Nissan will end production of the Altima Coupe, which is hardly surprising given the model's low sales volumes.
Those looking for a rear wheel drive car that will provide the same driving pleasure as the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S, those who want more power from a car for less money, take a closer look at the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. This car is not only cheaper than the Scion FR-S, but it also has 74 horsepower more than its rival. The base Genesis coupe doesn't have a limited-slip differential, which means it lacks handling compared to the Toyobaru twins, but in a straight line, the Genesis can really do well.
Yes, it really is, for $23,350 you can become the owner of a coupe car with efficient fuel consumption. The name of this car is Honda Accord Coupe. The car boasts not only its price, but also a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, whose power is 185 horsepower. In all-wheel drive AccordCoupe shows a combined fuel consumption of 8.4 liters per 100 kilometers. In addition, as for a coupe, the Accord is a fairly roomy car, it can comfortably accommodate not only passengers in the front car seats, but also in the rear.
For five dollars less than the cost of a Honda Accord, you can be the proud owner of a 323 horsepower Chevrolet Camaro. With its limited-slip differential, the Camaro is the ultimate fun-to-drive sports car, but it's a bit heavier than its siblings and sits in the shadow of the Camaro SS and ZL1. However, thanks to the acclaimed blockbuster movie about robots from another planet, this inexpensive coupe is easily recognizable, every teenager would like to become the proud owner of a Bumblebee. It is worth noting that the car is respected not only by the younger generation, but also by people of a fairly mature age. You can read about the newer Chevrolet Camaro model on the pages of our auto magazine.
The last muscle car in our top ten is the V-6-powered Ford Mustang that sends 305 ponies to the rear axle. If you can live with the lack of independent rear suspension, the Mustang is a surprisingly attractive car that delivers superb value for just $22,000. While other Mustangs are equipped with V-8 or turbocharged engines, this car's engine will make you feel the pleasure of driving an iconic American vehicle that won't break your pocket.
While our list contains quite a few rear-wheel-drive exciting muscle cars and sports cars, our last three coupes are nowhere near as performance-focused. At number three, we're introducing the , which has a starting price of $17,965. With a 1.8-liter engine, the compact coupe boasts 140 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. These numbers may not sound impressive at all, but Honda has some really impressive fuel consumption figures - 8.4 liters per 100 km in city driving and 6 liters per 100 km in highway driving. The new Civic Coupe received the same updates in 2013 as the sedans, which means the new model has better interior quality, decent soundproofing and a good list of standard car options that also include a rearview camera and Bluetooth.
The recently unveiled Hyundai Elantra is a contender for leadership in the compact coupe segment, which has been dominated by Honda for years. In essence, this is still the same Elantra, which has two doors less. However, the coupe model is much more attractive, primarily due to the smoother exterior lines and thoughtful automotive design elements. The 1.8-liter engine, with a capacity of 148 horsepower, helps the Elantra get quite attractive fuel consumption, 8.4 liters per 100 km in the city and 6.2 liters per 100 km on the highway. I would like to note that fog lights are included in the basic package of the Hyundai Elantra coupe.
Number one among the most affordable coupes was the two-door version of the Kia Forte. The model is almost $200 cheaper than the Hyundai Elantra coupe, but has a more aggressive look. Those, who is looking for the most affordable coupe, must act quickly as the new Forte Koup is on its way. An updated coupe model has been unveiled, but so far there has been no confirmation that the new model will have the same low price. Citing the fact that the car is now equipped with an all-new engine and a wider base package that now includes LED headlights and an infotainment system, we can safely expect a price increase.
We note right away that the word “inexpensive” means coupes that are more or less common on Russian roads, with a price still different from the space price! More precisely, cheaper than three million rubles, in order to avoid paying a luxury tax.
In addition, buyers often confuse the coupe with three-door hatchbacks like the Opel Astra GTC and Renault Megane Coupe. And manufacturers for marketing and advertising reasons do not correct this mistake.
In our review, true coupes are presented, that is, two-door sedans. Those with a trunk lid that opens without a rear window.
However, while compiling the list, we, unfortunately, failed to fully comply with the status quo.
Some models are so masterfully camouflaged, and lack pragmatism so similar to the coupe, that we could not leave them out of the review, albeit with some reservations.
Cost - from 799,900 rubles
Actually, the most inexpensive coupe on the Russian market. Therefore, it is not worth demanding much from the car, especially from driving characteristics. In fact, this is the usual Kia Sid, covered with a less practical, but more ostentatious body, which the car attracts in the first place. Another “yes” vote is the presence of a two-liter engine in the base and a good list of included options.
Cost - from 888,000 rubles
The smallest "kupeshka" of the Russian market. Mini is another car that is not formally a coupe, being a three-door hatch. And in terms of driver qualities - cards in general, and in the best sense of the word! But a very specific appearance with a roof cut in the rear and a strictly two-seater interior still make it possible to separate the MINI Coupe from its more familiar counterpart.
Cost - from 1,069,000 rubles
Machine with an amazing history of serial appearance. The concept shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show was so warmly received by the public that the French decided to put the experimental car into production with virtually no changes. In every sense, a very interesting and driver's car in Europe is sold with a bang, and in Russia it is very bad, despite the initially attractive price. It is not so much the presence of only two versions with a capacity of 160 and 200 horsepower that affects, but the extremely biased attitude of Russians towards French cars. And unfortunately, due to extremely low demand, the charismatic coupe will soon leave the Russian market.
The cost of Toyota GT86 is from 1,294,000 rubles
It makes no sense to separate these cars. The BRZ and GT86 are one and the same car, created by a joint Japanese effort during a period of general cost savings. But the car is very good. The rear-wheel drive coupe turned out to be truly sporty and reckless. For the experienced driver!
The cost of Subaru BRZ is from 1,436,000 rubles
Coupes are divorced from the market exclusively financially. Subaru, which considers itself a premium brand, sells the BRZ in only one top-end version. Toyota has three modifications with two gearboxes. The engine is one for two - a two-liter 200-horsepower "opposite".
The cost of the BMW 2-series is from 1,331,000 rubles
According to the new ideology, BMW brought the brand, coupe and convertibles into a separate even series. So the ideological follower of the “kupesh-kopeck” is now called the BMW 2-series. In fact, a unique car for the Russian market is the only rear-wheel drive model in the golf class. Possessing excellent driving qualities and a “hooligan” character, the BMW 2-series is offered in three versions: with petrol or diesel “two-liter” with a capacity of 184 horsepower each and in the top-end M235i with 326 horses.
The cost of the BMW 4-series is from 1,750,000 rubles
The "senior" BMW 4-series, despite the innate driver's "vein", has already been made with a great eye on comfort. You still need to select customers from the main rivals with a three-pointed star! In the range, the same motors as the "two", except that the most powerful one no longer has the designation "M".
The cost is from 1,499,000 rubles.
Unfortunately, another car that is “dying out” in our market due to its origin. In Russia, they are not yet ready to buy "French" at a price of one and a half million rubles. Dealers sell the last leftovers. Anyone who still decides to buy will receive a very unusual outside, stylistically ascetic inside, but in any case a calm and comfortable car with a single 2-liter gasoline engine with 170 “horses”.
Cost - from 1,599,000 rubles
The strategic task of the Koreans is to fill all existing niches by any means. Everything should be in the Hyundai lineup, including, of course, the coupe. Genesis is a car for those who need a maximum of ... show-offs for minimal money. Spectacular appearance, powerful 250-horsepower engine, 8-speed "automatic", rear-wheel drive and top of the range. Cool? Cool! Only now, the driving characteristics, which are average for such a car, in the absence of a pretentious logo, make buyers look in other directions.
The cost of Mercedes-Benz C-coupe - from 1,620,000 rubles
As in BMW, the Stuttgart also honor true traditions and keep the brand, offering the buyer traditional rear-wheel drive coupes. The most inexpensive of them is the C-coupe. The two-door “tseshka” has in the range three gasoline engines with a capacity from 156 to 306 horsepower and, of course, a hyperversion with an engine of 457 “horses” from the AMG studio!
The cost of Mercedes-Benz E-coupe - from 1,995,000 rubles
Mercedes, of course, also has a larger and more thoroughbred coupe, designated by the letter “E”. Oddly enough, the car has an indirect relation to the E-class sedan, since technically the model is built on the basis of the same C-class. What Mercedes does not advertise much, and buyers are not particularly interested in it - it says E-class, which means E-class! In the end, any Mercedes is good, especially when it is beautiful and strong. Under the hood of the “yeshki-kupeshki” there can be one of four engines with a capacity of 184 to 306 horsepower.
The cost of the Audi A5 is from 1,630,000 rubles
In the model range of this German manufacturer, the classic coupe, in fact, is only one - the A5 model. Attractive forms of the car has a range of four engines and (in the tradition of Audi) two sports modifications: S5 and RS5. And the only drawback of the car is its age - the model has been produced for the eighth year (!), Periodically undergoing modernization.
The cost of the Audi TT is from 1,643,000 rubles
Even older is the Audi TT, which we also conditionally classify as a coupe, although in fact the car does not belong to this class. But with its appearance and driving capabilities, the TT really differs little from a coupe. To date, the car has lost the image of an "alien saucer", and behind it its former popularity. The range includes four motors ranging from 160 to 340 horsepower.
Automakers began to abandon the three-door hatchback, which was once very popular in the European market. This trend was especially affected, many of which remained only in the five-door version. So, in recent years, such B-class three-doors as Renault Clio, Fiat Punto, Nissan Micra and Lancia Ypsilon have disappeared from the catalogs. Recently, the turn has come to the best-selling model in Europe - the Volkswagen Golf, which also lost its modification with three doors. With the advent of the new generation, the same fate awaits Seat Ibiza, Volkswagen Polo and Suzuki Swift. In the golf class, the fate of three-doors is even more dramatic: with this body type, today you can no longer see Opel Astra, Ford Focus, Peugeot 308, Renault Megane, Toyota Auris, Citroen C4 and Hyundai i30 models in showrooms.
Manufacturers are refusing three-door modifications in standard versions, but still offer niche charged three-doors for a narrow circle of buyers, Ivan Kondratenko, Frost & Sullivan consultant and analyst, in turn, notes. “The prices of three-door hatchbacks are often higher than their five-door counterparts, since they are positioned as more sporty versions. At the same time, the demand for such cars is often not too great: they are mostly preferred by young people who love active driving. At the same time, three-doors are almost identical in size to five-door versions, but in practice there is less space in the cabin for rear passengers. Due to their practicality, five-door hatchbacks are more popular, and also cover a larger segment of buyers,” the expert states.
Experts attribute such dynamics to the consequences of the financial crisis in Europe in 2009-2013, which forced consumers to approach the choice of the body type of a new car more rationally. Recently, they have begun to pay more attention to the comfort and functionality of the car than its design, especially for buyers of compact models. The crossover boom in Europe also played an important role in the drop in demand for three-door hatches: as you know, the lion's share of SUVs is presented in a five-door version, which largely caused the reduction of traditional car segments with less practical body types.
Indeed, almost half of the three-door hatchbacks introduced in Europe today do not have a five-door version. These are, for example, Fiat 500, Smart Fortwo, Opel Adam, DS3, Volkswagen Beetle, Ford Ka, Alfa Romeo Mito and Volkswagen Scirocco. According to Ivan Kondratenko, these models are difficult to classify as mass-produced - they are niche cars that are positioned as sports, with character and for active driving with an eye on the category of young motorists. “Often, these models can also be offered in a version and in a variety of bright colors, designed to distinguish the owner from the rather monotonous standard black / white / gray cars on the road,” the expert notes.
As for the Russian car market, there are practically no hatchbacks with three doors left in our country, although they have never been particularly popular with us. The most common car with this type of body was, of course, the VAZ "eight", later renamed Lada Samara 113. From foreign cars in Russia, models such as Fiat Panda, Peugeot 107 and 208, Seat Ibiza and Leon, Opel were sold at one time Astra and Corsa, Suzuki Swift, etc.
According to Grigory Kalmin, the Russian market, which does not show great results in sales of three-door hatchbacks, firstly, is subject to global trends, that is, a decrease in interest in such cars, and secondly, it has its own individual characteristics. “First of all, this is a small demand for such models. Russian buyers are more interested in representative and practical cars than a small "freedom-loving" hatchback. In addition, such a car is quite difficult to sell on the secondary market, and the seller will have to wait a long time for a response from the same devoted three-door fan as he is, ”reasons Grigory Kalmin.
Until recently, in the showrooms of Russian dealers, one could see the Volkswagen Beetle, as well as the three-door Kia Picanto and Hyundai i30 of the previous generation. Today, only Kia cee "d and Fiat 500, as well as premium models Smart, Mini and DS 3, are left with three doors. Thus, unlike Europe, where three-door hatchbacks are still quite widely present in the mass segment, they are on the Russian market become the lot of premium brands.
“Apparently, automakers in Russia rely on the best-selling models - sedans, five-door hatchbacks and crossovers, often locally assembled, while niche brands are designed to bring some variety to the market. They have their own small segment of buyers and do not pretend to big sales,” says Ivan Kondratenko.
So, it is focused on a young audience of 20-40 years old, and the main sales market for this model in our country is Moscow and St. Petersburg, confirm in the Russian office of Citroen. By the way, earlier we also presented a three-door Citroen C1 of the previous generation, and the company is ready to consider the return of this model if the prospect opens up in the A-class car segment.
The three-door body type traditionally remains one of the most popular among Mini cars. However, according to the press service of BMW Group Russia, the majority of Russian consumers still prefer large cars, so the company is relying on the new Mini Countryman - the largest Mini car in the history of the brand.
“Three-door hatchbacks are a niche product for Russia. Since the domestic market is still developing, sedan cars are more popular than hatchbacks. At the same time, in Russian families today there is mainly one car, and for a family car, a five-door body clearly outperforms a three-door one. In addition, three-door hatchbacks are often more expensive, so they have very limited potential in Russia. And if we recall the mandatory installation of the ERA-GLONASS system and model certification, it is not surprising that they are leaving the market. According to our estimates, in the short term, three-door hatchbacks may be in demand in the premium segment, where style is as important as convenience and practicality,” comments Vladimir Miroshnikov, Rolf Development Director. Bright three-door hatchbacks seem to be finally going out of fashion. Even on the European market, there are fewer and fewer such models, to say nothing of Russia, where they have never been in special demand. Goodbye youth: where did the three-door hatchbacks go?
Compact hatchbacks of segment B are becoming increasingly popular among residents of Russian cities. In this vast class, cars are presented for a wide variety of customer groups - from practical family five-door models to stylish three-doors, which we are going to talk about in our review.
MORE AND MORE car enthusiasts, weighing all the pros and cons, prefer small urban subcompacts of the B segment, or the so-called subcompacts. The vast majority of passenger cars in this sector are represented by a hatchback body in two versions at once - three- and five-door.
In Russia, the latter are still more popular, which is not at all surprising. Such models have the best combination of price, efficiency and spaciousness. They are most functional with small external dimensions. And choose them, of course, from rational considerations.
However, for the class of subcompacts, the three-door design is still more characteristic, because many models are initially designed with just such a body.
It is believed that a three-door is the choice of an egoist, but in such a body there are many practical advantages. They look prettier, wide “compartment” doors provide the driver with a more convenient way out of the car. Elongated side windows with a B-pillar shifted back create better visibility. And the lack of doors to the second row and, as a result, complicated access to it, many even consider it a virtue. Here the troubles connected with children's pranks or imprudence of passengers are excluded. And for the same reason, briefcases from the back sofa of such cars are not stolen - this is simply impossible.
And although in technical terms there is no particular variety in subcompacts (all are characterized by the same type of suspension - McPherson with a stabilizer in front and a semi-independent beam in the back), segment B cars can surprise with originality of style solutions, equipment, and in some cases - and sports dynamics.
We have included in the review only the most relevant models that fit into the price corridor from 400 to 600 thousand rubles for the “base”. The upper bar was chosen based on the fact that it is already possible to buy a golf-class car at a higher price, and the lower bar cuts off economy class models designed for a completely different audience. For this reason, the more expensive premium MINI, niche Toyota Yaris and designer Citroen DS3 dropped out of the review. You will also not find the “Fiat Grande Punto Evo” here either, as it is still unknown when and at what price the deliveries of this model will begin. And the three-door version of the "Nissan Micra" was crossed out because it was stopped being imported into Russia in 2010 - it was not in demand, as it was offered only with a manual transmission.
But even after such a tough selection, a decent choice remains. For your judgment - nine of the most popular and interesting models.
With the ORIGINAL name “Daewoo Kalos”, this car hardly had a chance to win the sympathy of Russian motorists - neither the excellent price / quality ratio, nor the harmonious appearance created by the “ItalDesign” studio would have helped. But having called itself “Chevrolet Aveo”, the Korean development at one moment became a hit in our country. Moreover, after the restyling, the demand for hatchbacks also increased significantly - they differ markedly from sedans in the design of the front end.
The three-door version is ten thousand rubles cheaper than the five-door counterpart, although the body has the same dimensions and looks more advantageous - the window line here goes very nicely into the rear pillar. The car is offered only in seven colors, but even the basic versions are equipped with painted bumpers and spectacular radiator grilles. The interior does not have any catchy decorations and color variety, but it does not look faceless. Designers competently played with the textures of plastic panels and gave them proportional shapes.
Driving characteristics "Aveo" compromise, the developers were looking for a balance between comfort and sportiness. The first is provided by a supple, but energy-intensive suspension. And good dynamics is the merit of very frisky engines and gearboxes with a well-chosen ratio of gear ratios.
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- Suggested modifications: "1.2" - only with mechanics, "1.4" - with "mechanics" or "automatic". All engines are gasoline, sixteen-valve, meet Euro-4 standards.
- There are six configuration options, but there are only two trim levels - “Base” and LS. All models are equipped with power steering, disc brakes and power windows. The LS is outwardly distinguished by painted handles and mirror housings, better fabric in the cabin. They are equipped with a trip computer, ABS and seat height adjustment.
“Alloy wheels aren’t included in even the most advanced climate-controlled and side-cushioned package, but the beautiful 16-inch Aveo alloy can be found on the accessories list, where there are plenty of other styling extras as well.
- Regular tires on the "Aveo" can not be attributed to either narrow or wide. On the “Base” they put high-quality Korean rubber in the dimension 185/60 R14, on the LS - 185/55 R15.
- "Aveo" has a reputation for unpretentious car. He tolerates our gasoline, poor road surface and changeable climate. However, it does not have heated seats.
- If the dealer does not have the required model (and this is quite likely), the delivery time can stretch up to 4-5 months. It all depends on what modifications are in production. In the next three months, for example, the most popular models with air conditioning and automatic transmission will be imported.
FORD created ITS new city car with an eye on the global market. After all, “Fiesta” is one of the most successful developments in its model range, and it is produced in various parts of the world (by the way, “Fiesta” for Russia come from Cologne). Since 1976, when the first-born debuted, more than 10 million cars with this name have been produced.
The current generation is the sixth in a row. The car is highly valued for its excellent driving habits and very peppy dynamics. And the signature kinetic design in it, perhaps, has reached the apogee of its form - this statement is true for both the three- and five-door versions of the body. It is difficult to find a passenger car with a more dynamic appearance in the B-segment. It doesn’t look trite inside either - the entire dashboard from door to door seems to float into the cabin, the compact recessed center console creates a feeling of lightness, and the embossed seats emphasize the sporty image. The model is modern in everything - starting with a large selection of unusual enamels for the body and ending with such details as turn signal indicators in the mirrors or special interior lighting. No wonder the Fiesta received the prestigious international design award “Red Dot”.
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– The choice of motors for “Fiesta” is quite wide: 82-, 96- and 120-horsepower modifications are produced. The first and last are offered only with a manual box, and the popular “1.4” models exist in both “mechanics” and “automatic”.
- Very wide range of finishes. The simplest “Ambient” is intended only for the “1.2” model, for other modifications there is a democratic “Trend” and two versions of the rich “Titanium” finish, where even a leather interior is offered (of course, as an option).
– There is a special Russian version of “Black & White”. Colors are only white and black. The salon is decorated with orange inserts. The package includes climate control, heated seats and windshield, 16-inch alloy wheels.
– Even the simplest models are shod with solid 195/50 R15 tires on steel rims with hubcaps.
- The service interval has been increased to 20,000 km, and the cost of all maintenance is fixed - 5,200 rubles. In fact, this is the annual maintenance fee for the Fiesta under normal operating conditions without force majeure.
- "Fiesta" with a manual gearbox are available from dealers. Popular models with “automatic” will most likely have to wait a month or two. But even an ordered car in some special version is ready to be made in Germany and delivered to Russia in three months. From July 1, by the way, a discount of 20-25 thousand rubles is given for many modifications.
MODEL "Hyundai i20" replaced the popular "Getz", although both cars are still sold on the Russian market - the predecessor has gained a foothold in the niche of "economy" category cars. The novelty is longer, wider and lower, designed in a much more sporty style - with smooth aerodynamic contours, embossed sides and fashionable lighting. Moreover, the advantages of the new design are especially clearly visible on the example of a three-door model - strong side stampings are better read in it, a sporty silhouette is more pronounced.
The "i20" uses a completely new platform developed by the "Hyundai" design center in Germany. They tried to make the car more sporty, sophisticated, with European rather than Korean chassis settings, but this was only partially successful. Yes, it has acquired sharper reactions, but the stiffer (and, in addition, reinforced on models for Russia) suspension provides acceptable acoustic and vibration comfort only on smooth, even road surfaces, and the sluggish machine does not encourage active movement. The undoubted advantages of the "i20" include the high quality of the interior, a roomy trunk in its class and an excellent ratio of price and equipment.
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- The choice of motors and gearboxes is standard. With an economical gasoline engine, “i20” are produced only with “mechanics”, and with a more powerful 100-horsepower one, either with mechanics or with a classic four-band “automatic”.
- "Hyundai" adheres to fixed configurations, and in the case of the three-door "i20" each modification generally corresponds to its execution. For "1.2" - trim "Classic" with a simplified design of the dashboard and manual mirrors. For "1.4" with "mechanics" - the standard "Comfort" (air conditioning, heated seats). And for the model with “automatic” – advanced “Style” with alloy wheels, side airbags and curtains. The higher performance "Elegance" with the ESP stabilization program is available only for the five-door "i20".
- Standard tires - either budget narrow 175/70 R14, or standard 185/60 R15. It can be seen that the priority is given to economy and driving comfort, rather than better handling.
– All models sold in Russia are adapted to cold climates, equipped with a high-capacity battery, have a ground clearance of 15 cm and are distinguished by a reinforced suspension.
– Since the beginning of 2010, there has been no import of three-door “i20” into our country at all, but dealers have already begun to take orders for such cars. They will be delivered from the Indian plant "Hyundai" in about three months.
A MACHINE with a rich heritage - that's what "Mitsubishi Colt" is. Not many compact city cars can boast a history of almost half a century - a model with this name began to be produced in Japan back in 1962. She changed her appearance and layout many times. The last, seventh, generation, which debuted in 2002, generally resembles an ultra-compact monocab rather than a hatchback. It is higher than its competitors, has a short sloping hood and a very roomy interior - not a single passenger car in this review has such a spacious second row of seats. In 2008, “Colt” has experienced a very significant restyling and received a spectacular trapezoidal front “Jet Fighter”.
The three-door model is six centimeters shorter than the five-door model - the designers have reduced the rear overhang to a minimum, but retained the wheelbase. The “Colt” body is designed in a cunning way - the power elements form in it, as it were, a spatial frame, which provides greater rigidity and better protection. The doors are equipped with bars that resist side impacts. The disadvantages of the model include a not very efficient air conditioner and a somewhat noisy move - the hum of the engine is heard in the cabin. But the engines are very high-torque.
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- The most affordable "Colt" - with a three-cylinder 1.1-liter gasoline engine and a manual gearbox. Models with the “1.3” engine, which use the MIVEC electronic valve timing and lift control, provide good dynamics with high efficiency, even in combination with a robotic box.
- An on-board computer, an LCD display with a clock, an armrest box, automatic windows, an air recirculation system with a cabin filter and an air duct to the feet of the rear passengers are available in all trim levels. In total, three levels of equipment are offered: “Entry” (without air conditioning), “Inform” and “Invite”. The latter is only for 95-horsepower models.
- In the spring, the campaign started - the buyers of the three-door "Colt" were offered thirty options for individual coloring of the car using vinyl stickers.
– The model in the lower configuration is equipped with steel wheels with narrow tires dimension 175/65 R14. The rest of the state also put stamped wheels, but with much more serious tires 195/50 R15.
- Do not put off a visit to the dealer if you decide to purchase "Colt". With a probability of 90%, there will be no deliveries of this model to Russia this year. You will be offered only those cars that have already been imported. By the way, it is the three-door that can still be found in the right color and in the right configuration. Five-door models are practically sold out.
THIS popular car is a joint development between Opel and FIAT. The same platform is used in the Italian subcompact “Grande Punto”. However, outwardly, these are completely different cars - they differ in size, style, and interior. German designers for the fourth generation Corsa found unique rounded outlines and applied elongated floating headlights - the car quickly became popular largely due to the successful design of both the three- and five-door versions. In addition, it is one of the most spacious hatchbacks in its class. In recent years, the demand for the model has only grown - the company had to increase production volumes.
The Corsa is available in 14 different colors and is offered with a variety of interiors - the standard black interior in the Essentia version can be preferred to the brighter 'Enjoy' variant, the solid 'Cosmo' or the sporty new 'GSi'. Models are quite advanced in terms of equipment. All have seat height adjustment, electric drives, improved ABS. Versions with mechanics have an indicator for selecting the optimal gear. Driving qualities do not disappoint either - the German car combines good acoustic comfort, impressiveness and very accurate reactions.
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– All petrol engines for “Corsa” comply with “Euro V” standards and have excellent performance. There is something to choose from - from a modest three-cylinder liter engine to a 150-horsepower turbo engine. True, automatic transmission is offered only for versions “1.2” and “1.4”. In the first case, a “robot” box is placed, in the second, a traditional “machine”.
– The model is offered in four variants. "Essentia" is an exceptionally spartan performance. From the “Enjoy” level, the equipment of the machine is actually determined by the client. All options are available, including a panoramic roof and sunroof, navigation and adaptive light, rain sensors and ESP ...
– For those who value originality, the “1.2” model has been created in a special “Color Edition” version with darkened headlights, a different interior design and a two-tone body color. And for those who like it hot - sports 192-horsepower "Corsa OPC". However, this model is from a completely different price category.
– The basic tire size for “Corsa” is 185/70 R14 or 185/65 R15. But it is possible to order 16- and even 17-inch alloy wheels with tires respectively 195/55 R16 or 215/45 R17.
- "Corsa" is not a shortage - in the dealerships "Opel" you can immediately find a suitable option. The most popular 1.2- and 1.4-liter modifications are now offered at a discount (up to 35,000 rubles when applying for a loan). Under the order bring either liter models, or "GSi". Wait three or four months.
"TWO Hundred and Seventh" replaced the most popular car in Europe in the subcompact class - the "206" model. The novelty was also appreciated - it was recognized as the "Car of the Year" in many countries of the Old World, and in 2008 even received the title of "Best Imported Car" in Japan.
This car is also a success in Russia. You can't confuse her with anyone. The five-door variant looks emphatically functional (and is the most spacious in the class for carrying luggage), and the three-door is selfish in a good way. In 2009, the "207th" was updated, although it is barely noticeable. Peugeot designers did not dare to correct the style, but only redrawn individual details in a new way. Two spectacular body paints have been added: “Inari Blue” and “Erythean Red”. Advanced multimedia systems with Bluetooth became available for order.
Peugeot cars are famous for their exquisite handling. Particularly good in this regard is the dynamic modification “RC” with a 175-horsepower “1.6 THP” engine. Those who managed to order just her can consider themselves lucky, since the car has already become a rarity - after the debut of the RCZ coupe, it was decided not to supply the sports version of the 207th anymore.
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- The eight-valve engine “1.4” is offered only with a “handle”, and a 90-horsepower engine with the same volume is only available with a “robot”. “1.6” motors are also available. The atmospheric version is combined with an “automatic”, and the 175-horsepower turbocharged one is only with a 6-speed “mechanics”.
- The initial configuration of "Urban" (only for "1.4 V8") is devoid of air conditioning, electric mirrors, audio system and on-board computer. All of the above appears in the “Active” version. Execution "Premium" includes climate control, 16-inch wheels, leather-trimmed steering wheel and parking sensors. For a surcharge - a panoramic glass roof, Bluetooth and even a leather interior.
– Choosing the “Sportium” version, you get a dashboard with white scales, sports steering wheel, spoiler and “Monaco” rims, an aluminum gearshift lever and metal lining.
– Older models are equipped with 195/55 R16 tires as standard. But even on the younger models, the tires are not the most slender - 185/65 R15.
- The cost of maintenance for modifications "1.6", which are produced in France, is slightly higher than for the rest of the "207s" supplied from Eastern Europe. But the interservice mileage is the same - 20,000 km. All have a raised suspension and are adapted for 35-degree frosts.
– It is problematic to order only the most powerful version of “207 RC 1.6”. The rest of the cars are either available from dealers or are in production and will arrive before the end of summer.
CARS of the Clio family, which Renault began to produce back in 1990, have developed along their own path for 15 years. However, the third generation was already built on the new platform B, which has become common to many cars of the brand "Renault" ("Modus", "Logan") and "Nissan" ("Micra" and "Note"). Clio III is one of the largest cars in its class. The three-door version looks very impressive, and in terms of glazing area and window height it is comparable to cars of a higher class. In 2009, the Clio received a facelift and interior upgrade. From this transformation, the hard-door modification especially benefited - a purely family car appeared in a new sports quality.
"Clio" has a fairly soft energy-intensive suspension (if you compare it with classmates), which is well suited for bad roads. Calm neutral reactions in this car are combined with decent directional stability. It outperforms most competitors in terms of acceleration dynamics and maximum speed, and provides a very high level of acoustic comfort. The safety of the new Clio was rated five stars by EuroNCAP.
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- In Russia, "Clio" with engines of small displacement is not supplied - only with a 112-horsepower gasoline "1.6". But in terms of price / power ratio, it is Renault cars that look preferable to many in our review.
– You won’t get confused in the configurations. The model with “mechanics” is strictly performed by “Confort”, and “Clio” with “automatic” - in “Dynamique”. Both are well equipped. There are electric mirrors and windows, height-adjustable seats, side airbags and curtain airbags, ABS, cruise control, cornering and fog lights. The second configuration looks more advantageous because of the CD-radio and separate climate control instead of air conditioning.dtnvoe light, foglights. side light, fog lights, seat height, side airbags and curtains, ABS, revamped.
- Interior decoration does not imply diversity. But there are accessories that allow you to individualize the appearance: a sports body kit and lining, a spoiler and an enlarged exhaust pipe, chrome mirrors and specially designed wheels.
– All Clios can be fitted with almost racing-sized 215/45 R17 tires, but 185/60 R15 is considered the standard size.
- Adaptation for the Russian market comes down to increased ground clearance and underbody protection with steel sheets. Only the sports modification "Clio RS" with a 200-horsepower engine is supplied as is.
“Last year’s models and a small batch of 2010 Clios were sold like hot cakes, so there are no cars for sale at the moment. But at the end of August, new deliveries will begin.
The three-door version of the Ibiza debuted later than the five-door version and was generally presented not as a hatchback, but as a new car with a Sport Coupe body. It really does make a lot of difference. “Ibiza” with the prefix “SC” turned out to be lower and less spacious, has a more sloping and narrow rear window, and is distinguished by the shape of the brake lights. However, belonging to the “Ibiza” family of the last, fourth, generation is guessed at first sight. Luc Donckerwolke, chief designer of SEAT, retained in it all the characteristic features of the new line: a predatory front and swept-back sidewall profile.
The car is built on a modern platform that is common to most of the B-segment cars developed recently by the VW group: “Skoda Fabia”, “Volkswagen Polo” of the fifth generation, the latest “Audi A1”. Equipped with "Ibiza" and the corresponding motors, although not all modifications are delivered to Russia. Also, the “Spaniard” stands out with an original interior made of high-quality materials, has verified driving data. The low piece demand for this model in our country can only be explained by the low awareness of motorists about the SEAT brand.
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- The three-door "Ibiza SC" is officially presented with us so far only in two versions: "1.2" with "mechanics" or "1.6" with a 7-speed "robot". However, another model with a gasoline engine is currently undergoing Russian certification - a 180-horsepower “Ibiza Cupra” with a DSG box.
– Cars with 70-horsepower engines come in the “Reference” package, and more powerful ones in the “Style” package. In both the first and second cases, you will have to pay extra for air conditioning and a radio (from next year, air conditioning will probably be included in the list of standard equipment for “Style”). But even the younger version has side airbags.
- Bi-xenon headlights are rare on B-segment cars, but the Ibiza SC is an exception. The car can be equipped with advanced lighting technology at the factory.
- Tire sizes - from 175/70 R14 to 195/50 R16. The “Ibiza Cupra” model uses 17-inch wheels with wide, low-profile tires.
- All models are assembled in Spain, and those that are delivered to us have northern adaptation: plastic fender liner, anti-gravel coating and special anti-corrosion, a warm battery cover, increased ground clearance to 16 centimeters. The same "Ibiza" is imported to Finland and Norway.
- The car is sold mainly under the order. Delivery time - three months. In September, they will probably start accepting applications for the sports “Ibiza Cupra”, but prices for it have not yet been announced.
The brainchild of Volkswagen needs no introduction - cars named after the popular sports game have been driving all over Europe since 1975. The first-born had a lot in common with the Audi 50 compact, but in just three years it actually “ate” its own brother - buyers preferred a more affordable folk car.
The previous generation "Polo" turned out to be quite large and approached the "Golf II" in size. The current generation is also an accelerator. The car has become longer and wider by a good three centimeters, but the designers from Wolfsburg have found such shapes, proportions and style solutions that the novelty looks even more elegant and compact. Moreover, it is worth noting the hatchbacks in a five-door body (such versions are 14 thousand rubles more expensive). Usually these modifications outwardly lose to three-doors, but the “Polo 5d” is an exception - it has the same neat, attractive design.
The novelty combines traditional German reliability and endurance, maneuverability and efficiency. In 2009 and 2010, "Polo" received many international awards for this combination of qualities. Without a doubt, this is a potential bestseller.
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- At the moment, the most advanced Polo modification in Russia is the 1.2 TSI petrol (only with DSG). 85-horsepower models with a “1.4” engine are presented both with a “robot” and with a manual box. Models with three-cylinder engines "1.2" have recently been supplied in a budget derated version (60 hp instead of 70).
– The “Polo” does not have a higher performance “Highline” - only the initial “Trendline” and the middle “Comfortline” (not offered for 1.2). Neither one nor the other has air conditioning, audio, seat heating, trip computer. The database contains only the most important: ABS, front airbags, height-adjustable driver's seat and steering column, adjustable in height and reach, power windows and central locking.
– The “Comfortline” trim features combined door trim and chrome details. But for a surcharge, sports seats with Alcantara upholstery and stainless steel sills are available.
- For the junior configuration, the standard rubber is 175/70 R14, for the next - 185/60 R15. However, there is a good choice of native 16-inch alloy wheels.
- Adaptation of the car to Russian conditions is comprehensive - the ground clearance has been increased, the suspension has been strengthened, there is protection, etc.
– The standard order execution time is six months. These are the features of the production cycle at the VW plant in Germany. But dealers have a lot of "Polo" in stock in a retrofitted form - with heating, air conditioning or climate control, with music and other additions. Finding the right one is not a problem.
Ruslan Tarasov,
photo of manufacturers
It is difficult to overestimate the value of the car body - it carries a lot of both practical and aesthetic functions. Modern industry pleases us with a wide variety of bodies for every taste.
One of the most popular is the sedan, but the coupe is also popular with many drivers. At the same time, it is important to understand how a coupe differs from a sedan, because a car is an expensive purchase that will be with its owner for more than one year.
coupe- a closed passenger body type with two doors and one row of seats (or there is a rear row of limited capacity).
Audi TT coupe
Sedan- the most massive body type with two (three) rows of full-size seats, the back door is always missing.
Mercedes-Benz S600 sedan First of all, in character, if I may say so about the body type. The coupe most often has a sporty, sometimes even aggressive, predatory look. The second important difference is the number of doors. The coupe has only two, while the sedan has four. Two-door sedans are rare. But compartment doors are larger and more massive.
In a sedan, there are always two rows of full-size seats, and in a coupe - often only one. Even if the coupe has a back seat, it is small in size and comfortable only for children. But the trunk volume of a coupe is usually slightly larger than that of a sedan.
Landing on the rear seats in a compartment is difficult and inconvenient - the driver and the person to his right will have to get out to let passengers into the passenger compartment. With a sedan, there will be no such problems. In the compartment, everything is thought out for the maximum convenience of two people - the driver and one passenger sitting next to him.
The design features of the coupe are such that this body type is stronger, more rigid than the sedan.
