Comparison of Kia Cerato III sedan and Skoda Octavia A7 hatchback. Which is better for the city: Kia Cerato or Skoda Octavia - compare and choose Dependence is not a death sentence

Kia Cerato is a representative of the Korean automobile industry, with a new look and characteristics.

Skoda Octavia is a new model from the Czech Republic, in a new body and with all the characteristics.

The exterior of the Kia Cerato looks quite aesthetically pleasing. Swift features, excellent dynamic qualities, daring and aggressive character show the achievements of the concern. A decent appearance of the front end with a predatory grin of the radiator grille, slanted Asian optics and a domed roof. This car is worthy of admiration.

As for the Skoda Octavia, it is also attractive. Appearance in the "classic" style, luxurious lanterns, wide front glass. A radiator grille with vertical slots, enlarged headlights and a powerful bumper with fog lights. In general, the exterior is mesmerizing to look at.

Interior of Kia Cerato and Skoda Octavia

The Korean has a spacious interior and excellent ergonomics that will not leave anyone indifferent. All seats are comfortable, front ones with wide range settings. The multifunctional steering wheel is adjustable for both tilt and reach. There is an ABS structure, it is mandatory to have central locking, an immobilizer, front airbags, and electric. power windows, on-board computer and heated exterior mirrors. For extra board you can buy a version in which the driver's seat can be adjusted in height. There is also an audio system that is controlled on the steering wheel.

The Czech brand has thought through the interior decoration to the smallest detail. The seats are also quite comfortable, the ergonomics are excellent, and the interior is very comfortable. The equipment includes a device that reads the external temperature, Isofix mounts, front electric. windows, central locking with remote control, immobilizer and el. power steering wheel.

Video

Start of sales in Russia

Sales Kia Cerato We started in December 2016. Sales of the Skoda Octavia began in October.

Options

• Comfort - engine 1.6 l. 130 l. power, refueling - gasoline, gearbox - MT, front-wheel drive car, acceleration to hundred in 10.2 seconds, max. speed – 200 km/h, consumption: 9.1/5.5/6.7
• Lux - engine 1.6 l. 130 l. power, refueling - gasoline, gearbox - MT, front-wheel drive car, acceleration to hundred in 10.2 seconds, max. speed – 200 km/h, consumption: 9.1/5.5/6.7
• Move. 1.6 l. 130 l. power, refueling - gasoline, gearbox - AT, front-wheel drive car, acceleration to one hundred in 11.7 seconds, max. speed – 195 km/h, consumption: 9.2/5.6/7.0
• Prestige - Engine. 1.6 l. 130 l. power, refueling - gasoline, gearbox - AT, front-wheel drive car, acceleration to one hundred in 11.7 seconds, max. speed – 195 km/h, consumption: 9.2/5.6/7.0
• Move. 2.0 l. 150 l. power, refueling - gasoline, gearbox - AT, front-wheel drive car, acceleration to hundred in 9.4 seconds, max. speed – 205 km/h, consumption: 10.5/5.7/7.5
• Premium - engine 2.0 l. 150 l. power, refueling - gasoline, gearbox - AT, front-wheel drive car, acceleration to hundred in 9.4 seconds, max. speed – 205 km/h, consumption: 10.5/5.7/7.5

• Asset – motor. 1.6 l. 110 l. power, refueling - gasoline, gearbox - MT, AT, front-wheel drive car, acceleration to hundred in 10.9/12.3 seconds, max. speed – 192/189 km/h, consumption: 8.5/5.3/6.5 and 9.0/5.4/6.8
• Move. 1.4 l. 150 l. power, refueling - gasoline, gearbox - MT, front-wheel drive car, acceleration to hundred in 8.2 seconds, max. speed – 219 km/h, consumption: 6.9/5.0/5.5
• Ambition - movement. 1.6 l. 110 l. power, refueling - gasoline, gearbox - MT, AT, front-wheel drive car, acceleration to hundred in 10.9/12.3 seconds, max. speed – 192/189 km/h, consumption: 8.5/5.3/6.5 and 9.0/5.4/6.8
• Move. 1.4 l. 150 l. power, refueling with gasoline, gearbox - MT, AMT, front-wheel drive car, acceleration to 100 in 8.2; 8.3 sec, max. speed – 219 km/h, consumption: 6.6/4.9/5.4
• Move. 1.8 l. 180 l. power, refueling - gasoline, gearbox - MT, AMT, front-wheel drive car, acceleration to hundred in 7.4/7.5 seconds, max. speed – 231 km/h, consumption: 8.2/5.6/6.5 and 7.6/5.4/6.2
• Move. 2.0 l. 150 l. power, refueling - diesel, gearbox - AMT, front-wheel drive car, acceleration to one hundred in 8.7 seconds, max. speed – 215 km/h, consumption: 5.8/4.7/5.0
• Hockey Edition, Style - the engines are the same as in the Ambition modification.
• Laurin and Klement - engine. 1.8 l. 180 l. power, refueling - gasoline, gearbox - MT, AMT, front-wheel drive car, acceleration to hundred in 7.4/7.5 seconds, max. speed – 231 km/h, consumption: 8.2/5.6/6.5 and 7.6/5.4/6.2

Dimensions

• Length of Kia Cerato – 4 m 56 san. Skoda Octavia– 4 m 56.9 san.
• Width of Kia Cerato – 1 m 78 san. Skoda Octavia – 1 m 76.9 d.
• Height of Kia Cerato – 1 m 44.5 san. Skoda Octavia – 1 m 46.2 san.
• Base Kia wheels Cerato – 2 m 70 cent. Skoda Octavia – 2 m 57.8 sant.
• Ground clearance of Kia Cerato – 15 cent. Skoda Octavia – 16.4 sant.

Price of all configurations

The price of Kia Cerato starts from 953,000 rubles, the top one costs 1,235,000 rubles. Skoda price Octavia starts from 900,000 rubles, the top one costs 1,965,000 rubles.

Engine Kia Cerato and Skoda Octavia

The power plants of the Kia Cerato consist of 2 engines: 1.6 l. and 2.0 liters. Maximum power – 130 hp. forces and 150 l. strength Transmission – 6 speed. "mechanics" or 6 tbsp. "machine". Acceleration is respectively from 9.4 to 11.7 seconds. The maximum speed is 205 km/h. Consumption from 6.7 to 7.5 liters.

The Czech car has four engines: 1.4 l. 1.6 l. 1.8 l. and 2.0 l. Their power, respectively, is 110 hp. power, 150 l. forces and 180 l. strength In mixed mode, consumption ranges from 5 to 6.5 liters. Max. speed – 231 km/h. Transmission is both automatic and manual.

Trunk of Kia Cerato and Skoda Octavia

The luggage compartment of the Kia Cerato holds 538 liters, with the rear sofa folded - 1494 liters. The luggage compartment of the Skoda Octavia holds 568 liters, with the rear sofa folded - 1558 liters.

Bottom line

Cars with pros and cons, the choice is yours.

Before the test, we can safely say that it will be “Three against one”: 3 sedans and 1 liftback; 3 supercharged engines and 1 naturally aspirated engine. Three cars with automatic transmission and only one with manual transmission. Three cars are European brands, and one is Asian. Three are equipped with climate control, and one has air conditioning. Well, and finally, three of them are Russians, and one is Latvian.

Liftback vs sedans

It's cold in Riga, passersby started to shudder and don't pay any attention special attention for a Czech novelty. Taking a quick look at the Octavia, it's easy to mistake it for a sedan. In fact, this is a car with a rare liftback. In other words, a hatchback with a tail. The new generation car has been increased in size, and therefore looks more solid. The design is now angular and more graphic. However, it is immediately clear: this is a Skoda, but a model of some other brand.

The Peugeot 408 has a design that suits everyone. It's not easy to turn a high-roof hatchback into a sophisticated sedan. Perhaps the French failed to produce an aesthetic masterpiece. The tail of the trunk looks a little alien here. However, the length of the Peugeot is the most respectable in this segment (more than 4.7 m). People will like this car, a vehicle based on the principle of “bigger is better.”

But there are questions about ergonomics. For example, the front seats are quite uncomfortable. In addition, the leather on the steering wheel is too slippery, as if smeared with soap. There are about two dozen keys on the hub, among which there is even a button for heating the steering wheel. In general, the Cerato equipment is at its best. Only it has keyless entry and push-button engine start. In addition, the car is equipped with a touch screen with . Although there is no particular need for it, since the informative and accurate parking sensors are quite good. The signal from the obstacle is copied on the display dashboard, and you can see on which side of the car the obstacle is located.

Opel Astra - a new road conqueror

The level of finishing with high-quality plastic and leather can also be called quite good. Astra is probably the most comfortable place.

The chairs have only three adjustments, however, this is quite enough for complete comfort. In other words, the Astra seats can be taken as a basis for comparison with the others. The only drawback that violates the idyll is the blindness, and everything else is nonsense (for example, the lack of a case for glasses). Adaptive headlights, navigator, electric handbrake, heated steering wheel and parking sensors are considered more important. The latter, by the way, showed himself to be an alarmist: the obstacle is still far away, but he is already yelling.

The front passenger has a box at his disposal that pulls out from under the seat, which is quite practical.

When the driver goes into sport mode, then not only the indicators change, but the instrument dials turn red.

However, this is not the case with Peugeot. Its salon is uniquely French. The landing is significantly higher than that of competitors. The lower part of the windshield is located a meter from the driver's head, as if in . Also unusual are the large slope of the center console with the side mirrors, which are located slightly in the middle of the door, and the odd numbering of the speedometer (10, 30, 50). You can get used to this over time, but not the push-out profile of the seat back.

The radio control unit is located behind the steering wheel, so it is not entirely convenient to use, since the buttons on the hub are much more familiar.

The Octavia is equipped with a 1.4-liter engine producing 140 hp. paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. An excellent power unit, thanks to which you can already start from 1000 rpm. "Skoda" rushes forward with all sails, just have time. The most important thing is not to bring the tachometer needle to 5000 rpm: by this time the engine has already turned sour.

The Opel engine has the same characteristics: 1.4 liters and 140 hp, but instead of a manual transmission there is an automatic transmission. Up to “hundreds” the acceleration is quite brisk, after which the pressure decreases. I would like to spur the machine with petals, but they are not here. Gears are changed manually only by rocking the selector. In addition, the mirror in the Astra shakes, and when the door is opened, idling The frame is shaking. You don't expect anything like this from Opel.

Peugeot is equipped with a 1.6-liter engine producing 150 hp. However, due to the sedan's greater weight, this advantage is not felt. In addition, the French car lacks excitement - acceleration is linear, without pick-up. it adapts too zealously to the driving style: when, after a long quiet movement, you accelerate sharply and then release the gas, the box pulls up for another three seconds with a shift.

“Cerato” is equipped with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 130 hp. and lags significantly behind its competitors. Not enough strength, and long pauses with switching. In other words, the paddle shifters are not left idle here. However, Kia was able to overtake its rivals: per hundred kilometers it needed 0.5 liters less fuel. It is quite possible that for some this is a decisive argument.

Results

The main advantage of Kia is its design and rich equipment. "Opel" will be comfortable and cozy for the driver, while "Peugeot" is more spacious and adapted to Russian roads. "Octavia" was able to conquer with its engine and excellent handling.

In other words, Skoda won.

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Long gone are the days when a foreign car was something special on our roads. Nowadays, a person who decides to become a car owner is tempted to buy many dozens of models. “Koreans” are very popular - of course, with good quality, their cars have a very attractive price. “Europeans” captivate with the traditional prestige of their models. ? For example, let's take two cars (let one of them be Korean and the other European) and compare them. So, Kia Cerato or Skoda Octavia.

Salon

Kia Cerato

When compared with previous modifications, the interior of the current Kia Cerato looks much more interesting. took the issue of quality of finishing materials very seriously - changes for the better are visible to the naked eye. The designers showed a healthy imagination in the design of devices. Headbands in the shape of the Greek letter Omega look original, but not alien. If you look at the steering wheel hub, you create the illusion of a spaceship steering wheel - there are so many buttons. Well, this is not bad, it will be less distracting from the road.

I must say that the Koreans did not skimp. Kia Cerato boasts. See for yourself, a push-button engine start system, the ability to enter the cabin without a key and a rear view camera on the touch screen - this choice of options can be the envy of more expensive models.

There are disadvantages, but they are not fatal. The ergonomics of the front seats are somewhat questionable. Yes, the leather on the steering wheel is a bit too slippery. Although they may well call our words nitpicking, and not a listing of shortcomings, and when choosing Cerato or Octavia they will not take them into account at all.

So, Kia Cerato boasts:

• high-quality finishing materials;
• rich equipment;
• original but organic finish of the instrument panel;
• a very comfortable “steering wheel”.

The disadvantages include:

• not very good ergonomics of the seats;
• slippery skin.

Skoda Octavia

Pros of Skoda Octavia:

• highest quality finish;
• impeccable ergonomics;
• the widest possible adjustment of seats and steering wheel;
• spacious back row.

Cons:

• V basic configuration the interior looks rather poor;
• wide pillars that negatively affect visibility.

Engine and transmission

Kia Cerato

Kia Cerato offers customers two: 1.6 and 2 liters. Their power is 130 and 150 “horses”, respectively. Both units run on gasoline. The average acceleration time to “hundreds” depends, of course, on the engine and gearbox, but on average it is 10 seconds. Both engines are quite economical: 6.5 and 7.2 liters per hundred kilometers in the combined cycle. These are very good indicators.

The six-speed manual transmission is traditionally chosen by drivers who are prone to active driving. Well, lovers of comfort will find a six-speed automatic that meets all modern requirements.

Test drive Kia car Cerato:

Skoda Octavia

At choosing Kia We give a plus to the Czechs for Cerato or Skoda Octavia - they offer a wider selection of power units. Buyer has 4 available gasoline engines and one diesel. Note the relatively new gasoline engine with a capacity of 122 horsepower and a volume of 1.4 liters. A car with this engine consumes only 6.6 liters of gasoline per hundred kilometers (combined cycle), and accelerates to “hundreds” in just 9.7 seconds. and the power is provided by the 1.8-liter engine, which hides a real herd of 152 horses.

Skoda received a very successful six-speed manual transmission. Gears shift easily and clearly. Driving a manual car is a pleasure. Those who like something lighter can try the 7-speed DSG robot. But to be honest, he's not praised. Keep this fact in mind.

Test drive Skoda car Octavia:

Let's summarize. - Cerato or Octavia? The question does not have a clear answer. These are cars of the same class and one price category. They are intended for traveling around the city and in terms of quality they are also approximately equal. This means that the choice here is a matter of taste. Are you a fan of the Korean car industry? Choose Kia Cerato. Do you think that a real car can only be “German” (at the moment Skoda belongs to the Volkswagen AG concern)? Skoda Octavia is at your service.

By the end of 2013, a serious battle is breaking out on the golf course among our popular three-volume machines. To identify the winner, you will have to thoroughly analyze the price offers and the nuances of the configurations. Meet the three contenders being assembled in Russia: Kia Cerato, sedan Citroen C4 and liftback Skoda Octavia. Price ratio for complete sets for Kia Cerato, Citroen C4 And Skoda Octavia. The comparative review includes versions of today's rivals that are similar in terms of power output. company Kia Cerato with a naturally aspirated 1.6 engine (130 hp) made up a sedan equipped with turbo engines Citroen C4(With power unit 1.6 with 150 hp) and Skoda Octavia 1.4 TSI(140 hp).

The most accessible of our trio turned out to be Kia Cerato, prices for which start from RUR 669,900. In principle, this is a good option for a buyer without lordly ambitions - with an audio system, air conditioning, and electrical accessories. Disadvantage of the democratic version Comfort is that it comes with a rather meager set of safety features and only a manual transmission. In relation to Kia Cerato a truly warm welcome awaits fans of automatic transmissions - it is modifications with automatic transmissions that open up advanced levels of equipment Prestige And Premium. They have significantly more “guardian angels”: emergency brake booster, integrated systems VSM, controls, exchange rate stability systems, hill start assistance, emergency braking warnings.

Citroen C4 sedan with engine 1.6 (150 hp) is offered exclusively with automatic transmission and starts briskly with the version Tendance, showcasing a compelling array of safety features and basic life amenities. The optimal point should be the configuration Exclusive(from RUB 818,000) with dual-zone climate control, alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights. Among the significant options introduced by the top variation Exclusive+, we can note the navigation system, keyless entry and push-button engine start.

Fans of the Czech brand should not be upset because for Skoda Octavia With the 1.4 engine, only two configuration options are available, Ambition and Elegance. The limited menu is fully compensated by the impressive range of options that can be purchased individually or as part of packages. Version Ambition(from RUB 764,900) generally follows the principle of reasonable sufficiency and shows excellent bodyguard skills. For complete happiness, you can add dual-zone climate control to your shopping cart for RUB 16,800. and alloy wheels for RUB 21,700.

The default options list includes air conditioning, an audio system with four speakers and support for MP3, AUX and USB inputs, an on-board computer, an immobilizer, body-colored rear-view mirrors with electric drive and heating, four electric windows, and an additional brake light.

Version Luxe adds, among other things, side airbags and air curtains, audio control buttons on the steering wheel, cruise control, heated front seats, heated wiper areas, a cooled glove box, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, fog lights, turn signal repeaters on the side mirrors, 16 -inch alloy wheels.

The older Prestige and Premium trim levels include automatic transmission. Bonuses include separate climate control, heated steering wheel, automatic system anti-fogging windshield, heated L5 rear passenger seats, selectable Flex Steer electric power steering mode, Bluetooth, Supervision instrument panel.

The top Premium version sports xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, a 4.2-inch color display on the dashboard, a rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors, a Smart Key keyless entry system and a push-button engine start, steering wheel-mounted gear shift paddles, a sensor light, electric lumbar support for the front seats.

Security - increased attention. There are front and side airbags, ABS with brake force distribution systems, emergency braking assistance, ESP, intelligent traction control system, traction control, Isofix mounts. Comfort and coziness are created by air conditioning, four electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, three-level heated front seats, an audio system with MP3 support, six speakers, cruise control with a speed limiter, an immobilizer, leather-covered steering wheel, armrest between the front seats.

Case on back seat- a real find for “cleanies”
Exclusive from 818,000 rub.
Back seat cover. Side window deflectors. Removable ashtray. Mini refrigerator
Exclusive+ from 853,000 rub.
The list of options for which the buyer of the Exclusive version pays extra includes dual-zone climate control with selectable air supply intensity, an instrument panel with an analogue and digital speedometer, LED daytime running lights running lights, Bluetooth, rain and light sensors, heated windshield and washer nozzles, USB input, front armrest height adjustment, rear parking sensors, 6, electric folding exterior mirrors, 16-inch Boston style alloy wheels.
Among the prestigious nuances of the Exclusive+ equipment option are a seven-inch color display on the center console, navigation, keyless entry and push-button engine start functions, and exterior door handles with chrome inserts.

Ambition from RUB 764,900
This version has front and side airbags, ABS, ESP, and Isofix mounts for child seats in the rear row. Octavia with DSG gearbox also has a hill start assist system. The set of benefits included in this package can also be called quite standard: air conditioning, a cooled glove box, four electric windows, heated front seats, a Swing audio system with support for MP3, AUX and USB inputs, an SD slot, eight speakers, an interior mirror with automatic blackout, storage compartment under the driver's seat, pull-out box under the front passenger's seat, central locking With remote control, immobilizer, on-board computer, rain sensor, daytime running lights, heated exterior electric mirrors, thermal insulation glazing, heated windshield washer nozzles. The trunk is equipped with a folding shelf, two backlights, a 12V socket, and a storage compartment. 15-inch wheel rims are steel.

Elegance from RUB 824,900. The Elegance equipment option adds curtain airbags, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, folding exterior mirrors, a Maxi Dot multifunction display, a more expensive Bolero audio system, a Jumbo Box center armrest and a rear armrest, anti-theft alarm with volume and roll sensors and an autonomous siren, 16-inch Velorum alloy wheels, front fog lights, additional storage compartments in the trunk.

Contrary to the fast appearance of the Kia Cerato, it favors calm and reasonable natures. As soon as you spur the horses, the feeling of integrity disappears: the handling is generally understandable, but without gloss and with a taste of synthetics on the steering wheel. The degree of “heaviness” of the electric power steering can be varied (three Flex Steer modes are available - Comfort, Normal and Sport). The “comfortable” settings seemed more convenient, sports version does not add information content. The suspension is clearly tailored for good asphalt, on a bumpy surface with a rather harsh chassis, it’s downright uncomfortable. The driver in the Cerato is comfortable - in front of his eyes is a well-made “tidy”, among other benefits there is a heated steering wheel, which is rare for the golf class.

In the driver's exam, the "Frenchman" of the golf class is a solid performer. The energy-intensive and fairly long-travel suspension provides decent ride smoothness. The car calmly absorbs bumps, and impressive ground clearance adds confidence behind the wheel. The car's reaction to a rut is somewhat annoying. The 1.6 turbo engine with a power of 150 hp deserves kind words, demonstrating excellent throttle response and elasticity. The current C4 is not as original as its predecessor (just remember the textbook fixed steering wheel hub), but there are some interesting solutions. For example, you can change the color and brightness of the dashboard display, including the digital speedometer.

In driving disciplines, this is the undoubted leader. The Skoda Octavia has refined habits - a “transparent” steering wheel, unambiguous reactions, assembled suspension. The brakes are also good, adjusted in terms of pedal force and travel. There is enough traction reserve in any situation. Version 1.4 has a semi-independent beam at the rear (multi-link rear suspension is the prerogative of the Octavia with a 1.8 TSI engine with 180 hp), this design nuance does not greatly affect the handling scores. Driver's delights do not come at the expense of the utilitarian component; just look into the intelligently equipped luggage compartment of gigantic dimensions with storage cases and nets.

Oleg Getmanenko, editor: All three candidates with similar levels of equipment have approximately the same price level. Therefore, the final ranking was influenced by scores for handling, comfort, and ergonomics.
In first place is the Skoda Octavia, this car has demonstrated all the makings of a leader, it has balanced steering and chassis settings, “elastic” price lists thanks to a well-thought-out option policy. On the second line Citroen sedan C4 with a good balance of consumer and driving qualities. For all its strengths, the Kia Cerato lags behind its rivals, but it has an attractive base price. If the budget is limited, the Korean sedan in available configuration Comfort seems like a good option.

Legend: 1. Front airbags 2. Side airbags 3. ABS 4. ESP 5. Mechanical box gears 6. Automatic transmission gears 7. Fog lights 8. Xenon headlights 9. Parking sensors 10. Rear view camera 11. Rain sensor 12. Tire pressure sensor 13. Electric mirrors 14. Electric and heated mirrors 15. Air conditioning 16. Climate control 17. Electric windows 18. Heated seats 19. Electric adjustment seats 20. Audio 21. Audio with MP3 22. Bluetooth 23. Navigation system 24. On-board computer 25. Cruise control 26. Engine start button 27. Leather interior 28. Sunroof 29. Alloy wheels wheels

Kia Cerato technical data
Engine type: petrol
Displacement, cm3, number and arrangement of cylinders: 1591, R4
Max. power, hp at rpm: 130 at 6300
Max. torque, Nm at rpm: 157 at 4850
Gearbox: 6-speed fur. (6-speed auto)
Drive: front
Max. speed, km/h: 200 (195)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s: 10.1 (11.6)
Fuel consumption, city/highway/combined cycle, l/100: 8.7/5.2/6.5 (9.1/5.4/6.8)
Fuel tank volume, l: 50

Citroen C4 sedan technical data

Displacement, cm3, number and arrangement of cylinders: 1598, R4
Max. power, hp at rpm: 150 at 6000
Max. torque, Nm at rpm: 240 at 1400
Gearbox: 6-speed auto
Drive: front
Max. speed, km/h: 200
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s: 9.6
Fuel consumption, city/highway/combined cycle, l/100: 11.3/6/7.9
Fuel tank volume, l: 60

Skoda Octavia 1.4 TSI technical data
Engine type: petrol turbo
Displacement, cm3, number and arrangement of cylinders: 1395, R4
Max. power, hp at rpm: 140 at 4500
Max. torque, Nm at rpm: 250 at 1500
Gearbox: 6-speed fur. (7-speed DSG)
Drive: front
Max. speed, km/h: 215
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s: 8.4 (8.5)
Fuel consumption, city/highway/combined cycle, l/100: 6.5/4.6/5.3 (6.5/4.9/5.4)

CASCO insurance

Kia Cerato

1.6 l, 130 hp, automatic, Premium

RUB 869,900

Opel Astra

1.4 l, 140 hp, automatic, Cosmo

RUB 939,900

Peugeot 408

1.6 l, 150 hp, automatic, Allure

820,000 rub.

Skoda Octavia

1.4 l, 140 hp, manual, Ambition

18,270 euros (car price in Latvia)

The overture to the material can easily be called “Three Against One.” There are three sedans and one liftback in the test. Three supercharged engines and one naturally aspirated. Three cars have automatic transmissions and only one has a manual transmission. Three European brands and one Asian. Three cars have climate control, one has air conditioning. Finally, the test group consisted of three Russians and one Latvian.

LIFTBACK VERSUS SEDANS

Riga greeted us coldly: zero on the thermometer, a piercing wind from the Baltic - in mid-April we expected something different. Passers-by shudder from the cold and show no interest in the Czech novelty.

At a glance, it’s easy to mistake the Octavia for a sedan. In fact, we have before us a rare body type - a liftback: a hatchback with a tail. The new generation model has been increased in size, which makes it look more solid. The design has become angular and more graphic. But it’s immediately clear: this is a Skoda, and not a car of any other brand.

The design of the Peugeot 408 is not for everyone. Transforming a high-roof hatchback into an elegant sedan is not easy. The French, I think, failed to create an aesthetic masterpiece. The tail of the trunk seems alien here. By the way, the length of the 408 is the most impressive in the segment - it exceeds 4.7 m. Peugeot will appeal to those who choose according to the principle “the more the better.”

The four-door Astra makes a good impression. She has lightness, swiftness, becoming - in a word, beauty. The only thing that bothered me was that the “skirt” under the front bumper was too low. It's a matter of time to tear it off.

In the new generation, the Kia-Cerato has noticeably become rounder and fatter. Bright design, fresh. In Riga, Kia sedans are rare, so people kept looking back at the Cerato, looking at them with curiosity. What I remember most is the Z-shaped stylish stampings in the doors.

The interior is more interesting in comparison with its predecessor. The center console is rakishly turned towards the driver, and the instrument rims are decorated in the shape of the Greek letter ω. The quality of finishing materials has noticeably increased - there is no comparison with the previous Cerato. The difference is like between matting and cashmere.

But there are questions regarding ergonomics. For example, the entire test group found the front seats uncomfortable. I also didn’t like the overly slippery leather on the steering wheel, as if smeared with soap. And the keys on its hub are like strings on a harp: almost two dozen. Among them there is even a button for heating the steering wheel. Chic! In general, “Cerato” is equipped to the highest standard.

Only it has keyless entry and push-button engine start, as well as a touch screen with a rear view camera. True, there was no particular need for it - the parking sensors were too good, accurate and informative. The signal from the obstacle is duplicated on the instrument panel display, and you can see on which side of the car the obstacle is located.

You get into the Astra and are no longer surprised by the myriad of buttons on the center console typical for Opel. At first I thought it would be too much for me to wear, but I got used to it. However, a touchscreen would help take the load off the console.

The level of finishing is good: high-quality plastics, leather. I also liked the soft “ambient” lighting. I feel most comfortable in Astra. I really liked the chairs - just like they made them for me! There are only three adjustments, but this is enough to get comfortable in a matter of seconds. In general, you can consider the Astra’s seats a tuning fork and compare everything else with them. The only thing that breaks the idyll is the blind instrument panel. The rest is trifles. Like the lack of a case for glasses. Much more important are the navigator, adaptive headlights, electric handbrake, heated steering wheel and parking sensors. Which, by the way, turned out to be an alarmist: it’s still a long way to get to the obstacle, but he’s screaming and screaming.

However, in the long Peugeot there is no such thing. The interior of the 408 is unique in the French way. The seating position is noticeably higher than in competitors. The bottom of the windshield is a good meter from the driver’s head, as if in some kind of minivan.

The strong tilt of the center console, the side mirrors located almost in the middle of the door, and the odd digitization of the speedometer: 10, 30, 50 are also unusual... I’m used to all this, but not to the push-out profile of the seat back.

The interior of the Octavia with a simple radio and conventional air conditioning instead of separate climate control looks discouragingly simple. (The example we saw before with a top-end multimedia system, of course, made a different impression.) There are no rear electric windows, the steering wheel has no buttons. But despite all this, the interior does not look cheap.

The materials are selected, the gaps between the panels are threaded. The doors slam shut with a pleasant, delicious smack. Ergonomics are excellent. The steering wheel and seats conquered with a wide range of adjustments. Visibility is also good, although the exterior mirrors could be larger. The Octavia’s strong trump card is its spacious rear row: even tall individuals will not feel cramped.

However, the Peugeot has even more space. Not every business sedan will provide so much legroom. And thanks to the high roof, there is an impressive headroom up to the ceiling, which makes the 408 especially comfortable for rear passengers. In addition, the doorways in it are the widest. Great option for a taxi!

Peugeot 408 is practicality itself. So spacious interior no one in this segment has!

In the Kia there is less space in the back than in the Skoda and Peugeot, but this sedan cannot be called cramped. But “Astra” disappointed. The three of us sat down in the “gallery” and it was as if we were in the Moscow metro at rush hour. Even Riga sprats in a jar, I think, are more at ease. In addition, Opel is also inferior to its rivals in nuances: only here there are no air ducts and the windows do not go down completely. I would go on a long journey on it without any burning desire.

TESTED BY FEDERAL HIGHWAY

Road to Riga - test site ride quality. On the federal highway we even came across an off-road section - such places that it was scary for the cars. But not for the Peugeot: the chassis of the Russified “French” is energy-intensive and forgives a lot - just what is needed for Russian “directions”. Ground clearance of more than 170 mm (including the metal crankcase protection!) is also an undeniable plus. In general, the 408 is no slouch in terms of smoothness. If only the suspension were not so booming and the shocks from bumps were not transmitted to the steering wheel so actively - it would not be worth the price.

"Cerato" is the opposite. Ground clearance is small, and the chassis is sensitive to bumps - you have to constantly slow down. In short, the Kia is not well adapted to bad roads. It’s a little more fun to drive an Opel in such conditions: its suspension smooths out potholes better and the voice acting is not so loud.

What about Skoda? She also suffered from broken roads - in Riga in the spring, the asphalt, to put it mildly, is not best quality, so there is a place to check the chassis. “Octavia” did not please: it’s tough, very tough! And loud.

Is it really the refusal of independent rear suspension in favor of the elastic beam affected so much? I hope the versions for the Russian market will have different, more comfortable settings. But the handling is excellent - the Octavia still writes turns as if with a compass, does not bother with rolls and pleases with clear feedback on