Added: 12/05/2005 |
Compact car comparison: is it easy to choose?Compact cars represent its owners as people practical and original, they are irreplaceable in the fuss of city life, so is it astonishingly that they become more and more popular?
For example, compact cars, of course, were not passed over at Paris auto salon - the biggest one in Europe. Thus, the main novelty of French concern Peugeot-Citroen is Peugeot-1007 model - diminished variant of "family" car, which has the mighty motor and large spaciousness despite of comparatively small sizes. Moreover, the upgraded mini-car "Modus" is in the center of Reno exposition and at the stand of Ford Company one could see the second generation of compact model "Focus".
In the segment of compact SUVs, it is worth to note Toyota's RAV4 (Recreational Active Vehicle 4 Wheel Drive) - unique combination of off-road qualities and perfect dynamic. Firstly shown at Frankfurt auto salon, now it is one of the SUVs sale leaders in Europe and it is can bear the compact car comparison with any model. The most economical and the cleanest: RAV4 has the lowest fuel expense and gives our atmosphere the lowest amount of carbon dioxide.
It completely corresponds to the EURO IV norms of toxic.
The 2-liter, 150HP VVT-i engine is placed in RAV4.
Changed forms of front bumper, fog lamps, reserve wheel cover, back lamps make this SUV more aggressive a little bit, more confident. All modification of new RAV4 has climate-control, leather steering wheel with keys of audio system, side mirrors with heating, washers of headlights. Bright colors, 2-colored bodies...
Certainly, attention was paid to systems of active and passive safety: standard equipment has VSC, Break Assist and TRC. Some modifications include safe cushions and safe curtains, hatch with electricity drive, electro chrome mirror of back view. The design of salon was upgraded, for example, the appearance of front console. However, the most reasonable compact car comparison will be the one between BMW 1 and A3 Sportback. Rivals. The same class, the same price, the same force. Unusual hatchbacks bringing new standards in their segment.
To which will belong the victory in the cruel fight for customer? They are both are considered as compact cars of C class and occupy premium price niche, they are both unique. The word "both" can be repeated not once in description of these models. Sportback is the only 5-doors hatchback with character of sport coupe. At the same time, it looks like a compact sport universal. Never have we seen such car. 5-doors hatchback BMW1 does not yield to it in originality but proclaims another idea. Symbol of joy, of joy of driving, as it said in this company. Although it is the premium segment in compact class that is supposed to be the most perspective, in this sphere, it is the first success for both firms. Their compact cars were leaved behind by cheaper and equal in quality Volkswagens, Reno, Peugeots. What we see now is the result of decision to create something extreme, to dwell in the profitable segment, to have likings of customers without compact car comparison. According to the producers, both cars are for individualistic people, who like to be more than just noticeable. Audi car became more garish but kept its solidity. BMW can be called retro car, unusual, sharp, it does not resemble anything and it is inimitable itself. The headlights, the sunken sides are for amateurs, but in Europe the sales are so wonderful, that company has even decided to hold back the development of model line (actually, 3-doors modification, coupe, cabriolet, universal were expected). The spirit of sport can be smelled in both cars. Predatory design, short front overhang, long lines of body, new radiator grating leaves no doubt in the power of Audi. Nevertheless, Sportback looks like a car of higher class and often put a mask of universal.
It is very hard to define BMW1 or to compare it with anything indeed, only with hardened wolf maybe. Long bonnet, falling top and sloping front glass - sport, sport and one more time sport. Its influence is much more in this model, than in Audi3. Button "start" instead of classical ignition key or ability to "drop" driver's seat into reclining position can be the evidences. It is engineer's masterpiece. Hardly can one find function that is not accessible in this car.
Another obvious advantage of BMW1 - its safety. Driving a snow-covered, rather dangerous road, one will never feel that things are out of control, despite of the presence of back driving gear. Nevertheless, contemporary, smart BMW1 likes to be driven by contemporary and smart driver. In addition, there is too hard suspension bracket and steering - the consequences of sport tunings. In its turn, anti-piercing wheels (100 km on 80kmper hour? - no problems) also do not make the driving easier.
That is why it is not a car for family. Narrow back doors, sport elastic seats, boot, which is not enough, small oscillation at the back seats...It is auto for work, for driving itself.
On the contrary, Audi A3 Sportback is more comfortable, simpler in driving. Respectability, reliability are its traits; however, it can be very sportive and no less furious than BMW1. High manoeuvrability, high speeds, this car can easily outrun the main auto stream. Of course, it is full of electronics, and it has gearbox DSG - a real breakthrough in systems of car control. DSG automatically turn gears without jerks, without losing dynamic and do it in the minimum of time (0.2 sec), helping the mechanical transmission. The salon of A3 is a spacious, hospitable; widely opening doors have three fixated positions.
To end this compact car comparison, models do not yield to each other in anything, but the destinations of them are different. Audi3 seems to be something larger, pretends on solidity but it is temperament, competitive and individualistic at the same time. It is universal; it is for sociable, family, outgoing and responsive people. BMW1 is brighter, more unordinary; it is for those, who are exacting to themselves ant to others.
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