How to occupy your product niche in a market where fierce competition reigns? Asking this question, all young companies understand: it is necessary not only to offer the best for less money, it is necessary to surprise, even shock, but most importantly - to make people talk about themselves. This rule is followed every time by the South Korean concern SsangYong Motor Company, developing its new models of cars. The Sang Yong Aktion car, released in 2006, was no exception. His bright unconventional appearance makes him stop, take a closer look, and then discuss and even argue for a long time. Only one fact remains clear: the crossing of an SUV with a sports car should attract the attention of young, active people capable of going beyond the usual framework of people.
According to its characteristics, it is a car designed not just for dynamic movement around the city. Its powerful frame, large alloy wheels with high profile rubber, the system all-wheel drive Part-Time, High Ground Clearance, Dependent rear suspension, hardwired front axle irreplaceable on the road.
A tall body, in profile somewhat reminiscent of a hatchback, headlights in the form of a circle placed in a triangle, foglights under dark moldings, a convex hood, predatory bumper lines, a false radiator grille with a reverse slope evoke admiring reviews of the SsangYong Aktion.
Sang Yong Aktion has many competitors: Kia sportage, Hyundai tucson, Suzuki grand Vitara, Ford Maverick, Nissan qashqai but perhaps the closest is the Mitsubishi ASX.
Front wheel drive Mitsubishi ASH completed exclusively gasoline engines(1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 liters at 117, 140 and 150 HP, respectively) with mechanical box transmission and variator. The Sang Yong Aktion lineup also includes diesel options with mechanical and automatic transmission... In addition, Sang Yong Aktion's motors are significantly more powerful than those of Mitsubishi ASX... You can buy SsangYong Actyon with gasoline or diesel engine volume of 2.0 liters (149 HP) or turbodiesel volume of 2 liters (175 HP). The motors are manufactured under license from DaimlerCrysler and meet all its requirements. With both engines, the car develops almost identical maximum speed- 179 km / h, but the fuel consumption is different: about 11 liters per 100 km for a gasoline engine and only 8 liters for a turbodiesel. The large weight of the car (over 2 tons) cannot but affect its acceleration. It takes 11 seconds to reach 100 km / h. The lighter Mitsubishi ASX loses the argument in this respect. It needs 11.9 seconds to accelerate. Automobile SsangYong Aktion is aggregated with both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission. According to the results of numerous tests of the SsangYong Actyon, experts note its energy-intensive suspension and informative brakes.
The interior design of the new Sang Yong Aktion is quite restrained. The familiar 4-spoke steering wheel, adjustable in height, a triple instrument cluster, a standard set of functions at the steering column switches, front seats with a wide range of adjustments and heating have already become commonplace in cars. But new and, of course, distinguishing it from Mitsubishi ASX, is the ability to complete the car with its own audio components. Combined with the steering wheel-mounted audio buttons and six built-in speakers, this innovation will delight fans of high-quality sound.
SsangYong Aktion's car basic configuration can be bought at almost equal price with Mitsubishi ASX (Korean is 5 thousand cheaper). At the same time, according to their driving performance it will be better. The variety of systems that are installed on the Actyon will leave many competitors behind.
The price for Sang Yong Aktion starts at 745,000 rubles. For this money, you can buy a car with 2 airbags, ABS, cruise control, energy-absorbing steering column, full power accessories, standard alarm, alloy wheels... By paying 1,179,000 rubles to the above, you can additionally get side curtains, ESP, leather trim, rear limited slip differential.
SsangYong New Actyon cars are painted with metallic paint by default, while Mitsubishi ASX can do this for extra money.
Thanks to the well-established production of assembling cars from South Korean car sets at the Severstal-Auto plant in Naberezhnye Chelny, Sang Yong cars are widely represented in Russia. Official dealers companies offer to buy SsangYong without pre-ordering. The assembly of SsangYong New Actyon is also planned at the production facilities of the Sollers-Far East enterprise in Vladivostok. This will allow customers to receive another bonus - high-quality and timely repair of SsangYong Actyon, performed by professionals. Mitsubishi ASX cannot boast of such advantages.
Mitsubishi ASX
European debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Japan this model sold as RVR. Four-wheel drive and front-wheel drive versions.
Engines: atmospheric gasoline 1.6; 1.8; 2.0, with a capacity of 117, 140 and 150 hp.
Gearboxes: 5-speed manual transmission, variator
Complete set 4: Inform, Ulnimate, Instyle, Intese, Invite
Price: from 699 thousand to 1310 thousand rubles
Ssang yong Actyon
Fundamentally new car in the lineup of the Korean automaker. The path from the C200 Concept prototype, created in 2008, to the production car was covered in a record 2 years.
Engines: 2.0 petrol (149 hp) and eXDi200 turbodiesel (175 hp)
Gearboxes: 6-speed manual transmission and 6-range "automatic"
Complete set: Welcome, Original, Elegance, Elegance +, Luxury, Premium
Price: from 699 thousand to 1209 thousand rubles
Opel Mokka
The company from Rüsselsheim presented this model in the spring of 2012 at the Geneva Motor Show. The crossover is available with front-wheel drive or 4WD - all-wheel drive.
Engines: two petrol 1.4T and 1.6 with 140 and 115 hp. respectively, and 1.7 liter turbodiesel (130 hp)
Gearboxes: 5-speed manual transmission for naturally aspirated engine and automatic transmission for turbocharged
Complete set: Base and Inovationa
Price: from 785 thousand to 845 thousand rubles
The choice of the participants in our test was not accidental. He does not go beyond the usual boundaries, all these cars have similar equipment and are representatives of the so-called "people's" cars. Even the difference in price between the extreme points is completely insignificant. Most effective way to raise the price to their ceiling for all the presented crossovers, manufacturers considered it possible either to include diesel engines in the equipment of cars in combination with an automatic transmission, or to increase the number of various options. The most affordable is basic Nissan juke for 690 thousand rubles, the opposite flank was occupied by Mitsubishi ASX, which in the maximum configuration exceeded the 1 million mark. 300 thousand rubles.
Comparing the design and interiors of the tested vehicles, it is difficult to give particular preference to any of them. Lined up in a row, they eagerly await their assessment. The harsh, like superciliary arches of a Neanderthal man, hung over the multi-eyed muzzle of the Nissan Juke, Ssang Yong Actyon, which even after the last restyling radiates calm benevolence, the still predatory Mitsubishi ASX grins with the mouth of the front end, slyly squinted with slightly slanting headlights strong as a nut Opel Opel.
Nissan juke
He is the most cheerful person in our company. The unusual design of this car will hardly leave anyone indifferent. It is unique. Huge saucers of low beam headlights and boomerangs rear lights coupled with the second-row door handles hidden in the pillars, they immediately attract attention. Nissan Juke seems to be assembled from different cars: the upper half of the body with a sloping roof resembles a coupe, the bottom with huge wheel arches with black trim like an SUV.
Inside, the car is no less interesting. Immediately striking are the tachometer and speedometer close to each other, covered, like on a motorcycle, with an air visor. Not otherwise, a fan-biker worked on the creation of the interior. Reminiscent of, again, a motorcycle gas tank, the center console is painted in body color, shiny like wet fins, the armrests of the front doors and a large screen for the control and information display built into the middle of the dashboard.
Unlike most Asian Nissan models Juke pleases with quite European settings for the front seats. There is enough space even for a large driver. The only drawback is the lack of lumbar support adjustments. But the rear passengers, especially when traveling long distances, are not to be envied. You can't walk around here, there is not enough legroom. And the trunk (I can't dare to call it a trunk) - a volume of only 251 liters, the smallest among the tested cars.
Mitsubishi ASX
Unlike the Nissan Juke, the Japanese ASX, Korean Action and German Mokka were built according to the classic canons.
For ASX development Japanese carmaker Mitsubishi inspired the success of the compact crossover nissan Qashqai, whose triumphal procession continues throughout the world today. Nissan offered a unique recipe for creating compact crossovers: take a large model, discard all unnecessary things, fill the rest with modern filling ...
Following this recipe, Mitsubishi designers and engineers used the platform of the larger Outlander XL, in which, leaving the wheelbase unchanged, the massive rear end was cut off with one stroke. Then, slightly shortening the front end, "crushed" the roof. The result was crossover Mitsubishi ASX, handsome and confident.
Confidence lies primarily in the intellectual stuff. The artificial intelligence of this car controls literally everything: as necessary, it activates the electric power steering, depending on the load, changes the duration of the valve timing, converts the braking energy into an electric one (recuperation system), does not allow the car to roll back when it is necessary to move on the rise ... By the way, one more crossover - Opel Mokka - is equipped with a recuperation system from four tested cars.
Inside the ASX, there is much less expression than outside, although the equipment is quite decent: climate control, a CD player with the ability to connect external sources, a navigation system, power windows, etc. I would especially like to note the front panel, which is somewhat similar to a similar BMW part, skillfully refined with soft plastic overlays. Perfectly readable devices, good ergonomics.
But with regard to placement in the driver's seat, there are a number of comments. The seating position, although high, but the chairs, apparently, are designed only for people of average height. Tall drivers have a desire to go a little lower, but the adjustment range does not allow this. The profile of the seats is not bad, but the bolsters are widely spaced, as a result, the body is not fixed. The chairs themselves are preferable with fabric upholstery and here's why. The skin of the upholstery is so slippery that it seems that it is impregnated with an antifriction compound - you slip out when cornering. In addition, the steering wheel was not impressed. Rim too thin. But in general, it is difficult to find fault with the salon.
Perfect assembly, decent finishing materials, excellent ergonomics. Only because of the weak backlighting, the interior seems somewhat gloomy, especially in the dark. The ASX inherited from the Outlander XL roomy salon, which is the largest among the tested cars. Both in front and behind, its footage provides a very comfortable location.
Ssang yong actyon
The days when Korea was at the forefront of auto design are a thing of the past. The current korean cars absolutely not inferior to either European or American models. Ssang yong actyon This is a vivid confirmation. This brutal crossover, which is based on a monocoque body, perfectly combines the dynamics of a city sedan and the technical capabilities of an SUV. Nice appearance, spacious salon the largest ground clearance Among the participants in our test, this Korean model is favorably distinguished.
Thanks to the efforts of the Italian studio Giorgetto Giugiaro, which develops the design of this car, the car looks harmoniously in the city traffic. In appearance it is clearly visible Opel antara, with the steep sides so beloved by the Italian maestro Kenneth Greenlee. At the same time, Action's design is not devoid of original features that distinguish it from the general row. Slightly slanting headlights, unusual edging "fog lights", a kind of "brake lights".
Although comparing it with other cars, a number of disadvantages can be noted that clearly do not benefit cars of this class. First of all, this is a motor devoid of lower protection, as well as a low hanging fuel tank, which can significantly complicate its operation in serious off-road conditions.
In the cabin, I would like to note the build quality, although it is difficult to call it modern. Leather chairs practically do not differ from unpretentious fabric ones, the back is still the same, and the lower back is practically devoid of support. Even the presence of electrical adjustments does not save the situation. Despite the presence of tilt adjustments at the backs of the rear seats, the amenities are average - you sit on a low couch like a grasshopper.
But the trunk is wonderful without any reservations. Roomy (451 l) and spacious, it is also good because it does not have a step between its bottom and the bumper.
What will answer the most new crossover from our line - Opel Mokka, sales of which started in Russia in December 2012?
Opel Mokka
After an unsuccessful attempt to create an SUV based on Opel astra, the Russelsheim-based company decided to stake out a place in the B-crossover class. The Mokka is the first Opel car in this class. Of course, this car did not appear from scratch. Its platform is the same Gamma II, a prototype Opel corsa new generation, which is to be premiered in 2014.
The same "cart" was used when working on the creation of a body for Chevrolet aveo the latest generation. Like the Aveo, the new Opel received sturdy body, which is welded using extra-strong steels.
Opel Mokka, despite its diminutiveness, looks solid. Striking appearance and harmonious proportions do not prevent this car from being practical - the bottom of the crossover is surrounded by unpainted plastic. Signature features are large lighting equipment, a rounded silhouette, the front panel, as if wrapping around the front riders, is complemented by a number of details that were previously characteristic only of fashion crossovers. With its large 18-inch wheels and a steeply upward sill line, the Mokka looks cocky. While the Nissan Juke emphasizes aggressiveness, the Mokka demonstrates the superiority of German technology. In other words, thanks to the use of advanced technologies, Mokka claims to be the leader in our test. To do this, he has all the conditions: the proprietary FlexFix system, designed for transporting bicycles (up to three bicycles can be hung on the “tail” of this crossover), a huge number of different electronic systems to facilitate the driver's work, including Hill Start (assistance system when starting up the hill), ABS (anti-lock braking system), TCS (traction control system), ESP (stabilization system), cruise control ...
Speaking about the advantages of this car over other participants in our test, it is worth noting that the Opel Mokka is equipped with unique anatomical seats that are certified by the AGR (Association fur Gesundheit des Ruckens - Association for Back Health). This crossover is the first in its class to offer the driver's seat as many as eight adjustments in various directions. The front passenger can also move his seat forward or backward, and in the richer Cosmo equipment, it is also height-adjustable.
There are practically no flaws in the stylish and rich interior. Everything is done in German thoroughly and efficiently. Despite the seeming diminutiveness, the crossover can easily accommodate five adults. The impressive trunk of the Opel Mokka, which, when folded down rear seats reaches 1342 liters - another plus in favor of this model.
2013 Compact Crossover Specifications
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km in Nissan Juke is 8 seconds, Mitsubishi ASX - 11.4 seconds, Ssang Yong Action - 10.8, Opel Mokka - 9.9 seconds.
The most economical of the tested cars is the Opel Mokka. According to the passport data, the fuel consumption of the German crossover ranges from 5.1 l / 100 km to 6.5 l / 100 km. The average consumption of other cars in our test is in the range of 6.7 - 7.5 l / 100 km.
The Korean Ssang Yong Action proved to be the leader on the off-road among the tested vehicles. Thanks to small overhangs, it is able to overcome angles up to 22 °, and the ground clearance of 180 mm and an electronic differential lock, even on a car equipped with only front-wheel drive, allows you to feel quite confident outside the asphalt.
On the track, the German Opel Mokka behaves better. Gently enters corners, gliding safely with the nose when going over speed. Regardless of the motor and drive type, this crossover has an excellent ride.
Which compact crossover is better?
As follows from our review, despite the pros and cons, all presented crossovers meet most modern requirements. They are economical, environmentally friendly, recognizable and equipped with the most advanced technologies. In the dispute between Ssang Yong Action, Mitsubishi ASX and Opel Mokka, the dominance belongs to the German crossover, which is more convenient, comfortable and technologically advanced. And the Nissan Juke captivates appearance and a positive mood emanating from him, which completely supplant thoughts of shortcomings.
How to occupy your product niche in a market where fierce competition reigns? Asking this question, all young companies understand: it is necessary not only to offer the best for less money, it is necessary to surprise, even shock, but most importantly - to make people talk about themselves. This rule is followed every time by the South Korean concern SsangYong Motor Company, developing its new models of cars. The Sang Yong Aktion car, released in 2006, was no exception. His bright unconventional appearance makes him stop, take a closer look, and then discuss and even argue for a long time. Only one fact remains clear: the crossing of an SUV with a sports car should attract the attention of young, active people capable of going beyond the usual framework of people.
According to its characteristics SsangYong Actyon is a car designed not just for dynamic movement around the city. Its powerful frame, large alloy wheels with high-profile rubber, Part-Time all-wheel drive system, high ground clearance, dependent rear suspension, rigidly connected front axle are indispensable on the road.
A tall body, in profile somewhat reminiscent of a hatchback, headlights in the form of a circle placed in a triangle, foglights under dark moldings, a convex hood, predatory bumper lines, a false radiator grille with a reverse slope evoke admiring reviews of the SsangYong Aktion.
Sang Yong Aktion has many competitors: Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Suzuki Grand vitara, Ford Maverick, Nissan Qashqai, but perhaps the closest is the Mitsubishi ASX.
The front-wheel drive Mitsubishi ASX is equipped exclusively with gasoline engines (1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 liters for 117, 140 and 150 hp, respectively) with a manual transmission and a variator. The Sang Yong Aktion lineup also includes diesel options with manual and automatic transmissions. In addition, the Sang Yong Aktion motors are significantly more powerful than the Mitsubishi ASX. You can buy the SsangYong Actyon with a 2.0-liter gasoline or diesel engine (149 hp) or a 2-liter turbodiesel engine (175 hp). The motors are manufactured under license from DaimlerCrysler and meet all its requirements. With both engines, the car develops an almost identical top speed - 179 km / h, but the fuel consumption is different: about 11 liters per 100 km for a gasoline engine and only 8 liters for a turbodiesel. The large weight of the car (over 2 tons) cannot but affect its acceleration. It takes 11 seconds to reach 100 km / h. The lighter Mitsubishi ASX loses the argument in this respect. It needs 11.9 seconds to accelerate. Automobile SsangYong Aktion is aggregated with both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission. According to the results of numerous tests of the SsangYong Actyon, experts note its energy-intensive suspension and informative brakes.
The interior design of the new Sang Yong Aktion is quite restrained. The familiar 4-spoke steering wheel, adjustable in height, a triple instrument cluster, a standard set of functions at the steering column switches, front seats with a wide range of adjustments and heating have already become commonplace in cars. But new and, of course, distinguishing it from Mitsubishi ASX, is the ability to complete the car with its own audio components. Combined with the steering wheel-mounted audio buttons and six built-in speakers, this innovation will delight fans of high-quality sound.
The SsangYong Aktion car in the basic configuration can be bought at almost the same price as Mitsubishi ASX (the Korean is 5 thousand cheaper). At the same time, in terms of its driving characteristics, it will be better. The variety of systems that are installed on the Actyon will leave many competitors behind.
The price for Sang Yong Aktion starts at 745,000 rubles. For this money, you can buy a car with 2 airbags, ABS, cruise control, energy-absorbing steering column, full power accessories, standard alarm, light-alloy wheels. By paying 1,179,000 rubles to the above, you can additionally get side curtains, ESP, leather trim, rear limited slip differential.
SsangYong New Actyon cars are painted with metallic paint by default, while Mitsubishi ASX can do this for extra money.
Thanks to the well-established production of assembling cars from South Korean car sets at the Severstal-Auto plant in Naberezhnye Chelny, Sang Yong cars are widely represented in Russia. Official dealers of the company offer to buy SsangYong without preliminary ordering. The assembly of SsangYong New Actyon is also planned at the production facilities of the Sollers-Far East enterprise in Vladivostok. This will allow customers to receive another bonus - high-quality and timely repair of SsangYong Actyon, performed by professionals. Mitsubishi ASX cannot boast of such advantages.
