The Reliable A4 (Part 1)

No matter how much objective approach one tries to provide when writing about cars, the personal taste and preference are always reflected in an article.

The fact that today’s car belongs to the Audi group, suggests that I am going to enjoy the test.
In this article I have a chance to introduce an eccentrically colored Audi A4, the driver of which willingly agreed to put it to the test. The combination of the classic black and aggressive red gives a unique attractiveness to this A4.
Now, let’s see what it’s capable of!

The A4 is not a newcomer in its class, moreover, it’s one of the recognized leaders in the D segment. Before being restyled, the car was good all the same- this is the case, when the unification of design with higher class models (primarily, with the top model A8) has a beneficial influence on lower class representatives. Although the A4 is obtained in the modest mid-size D segment, it can easily challenge some higher rank models in terms of workmanship, materials and respectability.

The restyling added some charm and emotionality to the car. The previous model was strict and kind of icy, like a steel. But our model is filled with romanticism, which is expressed in the slanted headlights with the powerful branded grill, or in the rubies of the rear lights imitating an Italian style, as well as in the light sidewalls which got stylish stampings after the restyling.  Only the black and red colors imply that our German romantic can turn into an aggressive beast, if needed.
To be continued...

The Fastest Lion: Peugeot 407 (Part 3)

The “arsenal” of the 407 also includes such pleasant things for the driver as adaptive headlights, tire pressure control system and an oil temperature gauge on the dashboard.

The driver’s seat is not much different from other cars of this family. The only thing that might attract your attention is the beautiful metallic gear stick. The running of the 6-cylinder engine is accompanied by pleasant sounds of exhaust system. The engine traction is really impressive and provokes you to nothing but acceleration. The gear change is so smooth that there is no doubt as to perfect tuning of the transmission. Strange thing: although I knew that there was a function of sequential gearshift in the manual mode, I never wanted to disturb the harmony by interfering in the perfect performance of the automatic mode.
Unlike its fellows, the top version of the 407 has laminated side windows, so the inside is very quiet and cozy. But this car with the most powerful engine is definitely not for a quiet ride. It easily crosses the line of 200km/h.

This “lion” also has super “instincts” of self-preservation: in difficult situations, the permanent ESP system will come to the rescue of the driver. However, the “instincts” of the 3.0L model not only act for prohibitions and restrictions, but also assist the (reasonable) fulfillment of the driver’s desires.

The Fastest Lion: Peugeot 407 (Part 2)

The slight decrease of the dynamic performance and fuel efficiency is caused by additional concern about the driver and passengers of the 407, which includes specially designed front crumple zones, energy-absorbing inserts in the doors and additional air bags, including the one under the column of the steering wheel- it prevents injuries of the driver’s knees.  In other words, the designers made the car safer to the detriment of dynamics. However, this Peugeot 407 3.0 still remains the fastest and the most expressive car in the family.

The engine and the gearbox are not the only features that make the most expensive 407 differ from its fellows. For instance, shock absorbers with variable characteristics cannot be found on other versions of the family. Nowadays, Peugeot is among the fewest companies that provide domestically manufactured shock absorbers. So, the shock absorbers of the most powerful 407 are also the product of the native designers. In order to maintain good contact with the road, the shocks have nine modes of rigidity and each of them is controlled by own rigidity sensor. Thus, the shock absorbers not only obey the driver’s desires, but also monitor feedback depending on the road surface and changes of the movement nature. For instance, when driving on a bumpy road, the suspension becomes softer; and vice versa, it becomes harder on bends and turns.

The stiffness of the shock absorbers also varies depending on speed, acceleration and slowdown. Of course, the driver can himself add stiffness to the suspension by switching to sport mode.
Another interesting feature of this 407 is the power steering. It changes the force on the steering wheel depending on many factors, such as speed, crankshaft rotation frequency, angle and speed of steering.

The Fastest Lion: Peugeot 407 (Part 1)

Like humans and animals, cars also always have an outstanding leader.  In the “lion family”, the leader is the Peugeot 407 with a 3-liter V6 engine. Of course, car leaders set the tone for technical solutions, trimming quality and rich equipment. However, leaders cannot claim the top lines in sales summaries due to high prices, but in everything else, they don’t give even the slightest chance to their “kin”.

The main difference of the most expensive 407 is in the engine- it’s more powerful than those installed on the rest of the representatives of the company, including the executive 607. So the 3-liter sedan turned out to be the fastest lion in the pride. At the same time, this engine is not at all something exceptional in the world of motors. Yes, it produces 211 HP, which is not bad. Yes, as compared with 3-liter engines of the previous generations, it has 3 kW more power and 5 N m more torque. All this was achieved through an improved control of valve timing and a new muffler. But, for instance, the BMW engine of the same volume produces 20HP more.

 Sad is that the 407 got heavier than its predecessor (Peugeot 406) by 150 kg and almost caught up with the next model of a higher class- the Peugeot 607.  It’s natural that the 407 loses to the 406 in terms of agility conceding half a second (6 versus 5.5) during the acceleration from 80-120 km/h. But the most frustrating fact is that it became more voracious (average fuel consumption: the 407-12.5L/100km, the 406-11.7L/100km). The problem was alleviated (but not finally resolved) by the use of a super-modern 6-speed gearbox, which engages in a sequential manner. This gearbox is installed on all 3L models. Note that the top version of the 406 was equipped with a traditional 4-speed automatic gearbox.
To be continued...

KIA Sportage (Part 3)

Now the suspension: it’s not an example of reliability, in spite of the fact that the rear suspension is built on an ordinary continuous steel bar on springs; the front is equipped with double wishbone suspension. The most expensive thing in the front suspension is the upper ball joint, the wear and tear of which leads to a total replacement of the wishbone.

The replacement is needed about every 50.000-80.000 km. However, the hubs, stabilizers and lower balls break down more frequently.
Functionality is inherent to most cars of this brand and is expressed through good packaging, which includes full power accessories (most of the models are equipped with power side-view mirrors, power steering, air conditioning and ventilation system with a micro filter by default). I was very pleased that the steering wheel had a vertical adjustment.

As for safety, the Sportage has airbags for the driver and passengers, as well as side airbags and inflatable curtains. There are also seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters, ABS system with disc brakes on all wheels, an excellent clutch control system and a stability program.

KIA Sportage (Part 2)

The designers used the latest technology to create the body; it is made of so-called “zincrometal” which has a high corrosion resistance (in this aspect, the Sportage was recognized as one of the best in many countries).
Another plus of this car is the decent ground clearance (210mm).

The distance between the underside and the ground became much further- the underside itself is completely flat, out of which there is nothing coming out, except the rear axle gear and the lower arms of the front suspension. The overall impression is good- with such a design, the car is suitable for all occasions. The long, powerful and impressively large body allows you to take everything needed for an active and modern lifestyle!
The Sportage is equipped with 2.0L engines: petrol engines which produce 95 and 128HP (the latter is a 16-valve engine with 2 camshafts) and a turbocharged diesel engine with a capacity of 63HP. The front axle of the Sportage can be optionally enabled- the car has no inter-axle differential.

The model I tried, also had an automatically lockable rear axle differential. The 128HP is enough for the car to be titled as an off-roader (as for the 95HP engine, I really doubt it- it’s easier to repair, though). Like any other vehicle, this KIA also has its greatest weakness- the connection sockets of the front axle! They can be manual (in order to lock them, you will have to stop the car and get out of it), automatic (you can enable the front axle without leaving the car, but you will have to stop it anyway) and automatic vacuum (the front axle can be enabled during the drive up to 80km/h).

KIA Sportage (Part 1)

The cars of the Korean automotive giant are very popular not only in Armenia, but also all over the world because of high quality standard, comfort and very reasonable price in comparison with their EU and US counterparts.

The KIA Sportage is for those who like serious cars designed for long family trips out of town. The reason for this is, first of all, the huge trunk, which can accommodate a large amount of various things that can be useful during a trip. The interior of the car is at the highest level, which guarantees a comfortable ride to the driver and passengers even during very long trips. The high suspension will make you feel confidence not only on smooth asphalt, but also on dirt and forest roads.
This stylish and powerful SUV is simply breathtaking with its striking appearance. The car is certainly nor for women, because they would simply get lost in it. As for men, it will please any of them. Considering the design of the car, I should mention the powerful look of the KIA Sportage, which gives a sense of reliability.


This model is distinguishable for its massive bumper, the vertical protection elements that pass along the edges of the air intake stretching to the radiator grille. Another standout is the stylish dual-lamp headlights with integrated turn signals. The car of the 2004 has got fully updated lighting optics. The front headlight units have modern reflecting diffusers and the glass is replaced with durable polycarbonate.

To be continued…