Having held out on the assembly line for 9 years, the American-Korean sedan Chevrolet lacetti did not retire, but found a second youth and with a new name Daewoo gentra got on the conveyor again!
The Daewoo Gentra model is completely built on the latest generation Lacetti units and assemblies. But there are still some curious differences between cars - and this is where you need to start. First of all, "Gentra" has a more modern and interesting appearance, and the main changes affected the front part: the optics became narrower and took on a teardrop shape, the bumpers received a new sculpture, a different design went to the relief of the hood and the contours of the fog lights. The profile and feed of the Gentra and Lacetti are almost identical.
The interior of the Daewoo Gentra almost entirely repeats what could be seen in the Chevrolet Lacetti. The five-seater salon is quite spacious, however, when opening the car doors for the first time, the eye is somehow not happy. For example, the seat upholstery is reminiscent of velor. Perhaps someone will like this fabric, but I think this is not the most practical material for such a practical budget car... But not every classmate of Gentra can boast of such elements of driving comfort as headrests, armrests and other little things.
Of course, the Uzbek assembly cannot be called ideal, but it is quite worthy: there are no visible problems with fasteners, as well as obvious gaps between the parts.
At the same time, there are some questions about the quality of materials, as well as about certain overly budgetary designs. If the plastic looks even more or less acceptable, then it is harsh and cheap to the touch. For example, the lever for controlling the rear-view mirrors is flimsy, the steering wheel is not at all pleasant to the touch, and the gearshift lever is made in the old-fashioned way - to engage reverse gear, you need to pull up the ring. You will have to get used to this, although such a solution has a big plus - you definitely won't miss the "back".
The ergonomics are normal here, everything is at hand and in sight. In numerous pockets and drawers you can shove a bunch of small things, the steering wheel is adjustable in height and reach. And some of the ergonomic solutions of Daewoo Gentra made me happy: for example, the trunk lid can be opened by pressing a large button located on the driver's door above the speaker.
In general, in this car, if you remember and understand its "class affiliation", there is little to find fault with. The dashboard is simple, straightforward and quite informative, and the greenish backlight does not hurt the eyes. The standard audio system includes a radio receiver and a CD / MP3 player with an AUX connector and six speakers, which provide a fairly high-quality and pleasant sound.
The driver's seat is mechanically adjustable, there is a lumbar support adjustment. But the profile of the front seats is literally absent, so it is not very comfortable to sit. The back sofa is designed for three, but it is better to sit there together.
The trunk is small - only 405 liters, but under its floor there is a full-size spare wheel, and the lid is endowed with felt upholstery and the groove itself is processed (and on many state employees there is just bare metal).
But the most interesting is the next question - what is the Daewoo Gentra on the go? The engine on the car is installed 1.5-liter, giving out 107 Horse power and 141 Nm of torque.
It is combined with a "mechanic" for five gears or a modern 6-band "automatic". First, about the version with the MCP. The grip of such a "Gentra" is friendly, so even a beginner can get under way the first time. When spinning up, the motor is noticeably bass. The clarity of gear shifting is not perfect, but at the same time it is better than, for example, in Lada granta... Even under load, the engine in tandem with the "mechanics" confidently accelerates the car, briskly and without effort. The dynamics are quite enough to feel confident in city traffic and on the highway, with reasonable overtaking.
One of the advantages of the engine is that with a 16-valve configuration, it pulls confidently from the very bottom, like an 8-valve. Therefore, high gears can be turned on early, and downshifted less often. The first gear is short, so when you start, you can turn on the second one almost immediately. However, it is worth noting that the gear ratios are selected so that at a speed of 120 km / h the arrow on the tachometer reaches almost 4000 rpm, and there is a strong hum of the engine in the cabin. It is also joined by road noise, and all due to the unsatisfactory sound insulation of the wheel arches.
The Daewoo Gentra also rides well with an automatic transmission. Moreover, the dynamics of overclocking is practically no different. The gearbox clearly clicks off the steps, slightly dumping the gas, so gear changes are almost imperceptible. There is no "blunting", the reactions to pressing the accelerator are fast. Plus there is an honest manual mode that works great. Well, the sixth gear allows you to save fuel. In the city, "automatic" is much more convenient than "mechanics", especially with its good work. And on the track, no uncertainty arises, so overtaking can not be neglected.
The Uzbek sedan has a simple suspension design: McPherson struts in front, multi-link rear. Therefore, there will be no problems with its maintenance. The chassis of the Daewoo Gentra is forgiving. On rather large holes and irregularities, the speed can not be slowed down, thanks to the excellent energy intensity of the suspension. But the sedan does not completely hide small and medium irregularities, which may make it seem a little harsh. At the same time, the chassis is dealing with them resiliently and quietly. Undoubtedly, the ability of "Gentra" to drive on bad roads will appeal to its owners, and only Renault logan.
On the track, the sedan behaves as expected docile and stable, rolls are, of course, present, but they are not very pronounced, and on the arc the car is quite tenacious. However, this continues as long as there is even asphalt under the wheels, and calm outside the window. It turned out that the "Gentra" reacts a little nervously to air "shock waves" from trucks and a side wind - perceptibly wagging and thus requiring adjustments by the steering wheel. Therefore, when driving to an open area, for example, from a forest, you need to be on the lookout. He does not like Gentra and asphalt tracks, especially if you get into them during a lane change: the sedan starts to "walk" along the lane.
The steering wheel of the Daewoo Gentra with a hydraulic booster, which is perceived a little tight against the background of electric analogs, although it does not disappoint with "emptiness". However, "Gentra" does not claim the laurels of the driver's car, this is not its purpose.
The car's brakes are excellent and grippy, both front and rear, they are discs. The sedan slows down confidently.
In general, we can say that the Daewoo Gentra sedan is decent car for a low cost. In many qualities, it bypasses both the Chevrolet Lacetti and the budget models of more famous companies than UZ-Daewoo. Of course, the car has disadvantages, but they are not so significant, and even more significant advantages make them almost invisible. We can say that Gentra is a proven "Lacetti" with a slightly different appearance, new equipment and lower cost.
The release of the new model Uz-Daewoo is a very high-profile event, because the conservative Uzbek concern rarely allows itself premieres. The more interesting it becomes to explore Daewoo Gentra.
Appearance
First look at the novelty ... stop though. What is this novelty? Poured Chevrolet Lacetti! Indeed, the Gentra is made on the basis of the Lacetti, but has undergone a number of changes, so it can be considered a novelty. full right... Major innovation is completely different power unit, but first, let's deal with the appearance.
Behind the Daewoo Gentry, only the brand nameplate stands out - otherwise there are no differences from Chervolet. But ahead, the Uzbek model looks fresher. Firstly, cute teardrop-shaped headlights from the Lacetti hatchback migrated here (the sedan had other, more archaic ones). Secondly, there is a new grille and a new front bumper... Here I liked it the most, namely - its expressive lower edge, emphasizing the fog lights. It seems like a trifle, but the appearance of the car changes.
Salon Daewoo Gentra
Daewoo Gentra's salon looks much more interesting than many classmates, and this is not surprising. The Lacetti was being prepared for release in 2002-2003, when "frenzied economy" had not yet become a tradition among automakers. It is now possible to bring a car to the market without headrests, armrests and other little things, hiding behind a low price. Then the buyers did not understand this, and Daewoo Gentra keeps the blessed spirit of those times.
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For example, how do you like the wood grain finish in a budget car? It is, of course, plastic. But it looks, in combination with dark gray plastic, quite organic, no worse than, say, in a new Toyota Camry... And on top, the dashboard is covered with a soft (!) Pad. You can't push a centimeter with your finger, but it's nice, by God!
There is also a sunroof, armrests in the front (with box) and rear (with cup holders), three headrests, a bunch of pockets, adjustable cup holders and even ashtrays. A dozen years ago, all this was a must-have for a normal car, even if it was cheap.
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Now marketers will not give you all this for free! Do you want the headrests in the back? Order a "security package" with a bunch of unnecessary options that somehow need to be sold. Oh, you also have a sunroof? Well, this is exclusively in the "Deluxe" package with automatic transmission and xenon headlights for a price worthy of a business sedan. Daewoo Gentra is like a breath of nostalgia for the era when the buyer did not try by all means to sell penny options for crazy money. Enjoy!
Separately, it must be said about the audio system. It is new here, two-din. During my brief acquaintance with the car, I could not find a USB-input, but the press service assured me that serial cars will have a connector. So for those who like to make a "diagnosis by photography" we suggest waiting for the official start of sales.
Seats are another story. The front seats of the Daewoo Gentra are upholstered in not the most pleasant fabric, the pillow is short, the back is flat ... And it's hard to sit on all this. But adjustments! This is now not found even on crossovers for a million ... With the help of two lambs, you can raise the pillow either in front or behind, adjusting its tilt. There is also an adjustment of the lumbar support, though mechanical and in only two positions. But it's still great.
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There are no adjustments behind, but the upholstery is the same, frankly, budget. I also did not like the fact that the seats are set low relative to the floor, as in frame SUVs... Above the head, of course, there is a lot of space, but the fact that the knees have to be raised higher is inconvenient. One thing is good - with my 175 cm height in the back front seat do not rest, even if it is pushed back to the maximum.
Trunk
In terms of trunk volume, Daewoo Gentra cannot compete very convincingly. Whereas now in the class of state employees it is customary to make cargo compartments "500 plus", Gentra can boast of only 405 liters of volume. Large loops, moreover, will hide some of the space.
But many ergonomic solutions in Daewoo Gentra are very sensible. For example, the lid can be opened from the passenger compartment - the button is somewhat unusual, but quite conveniently located on the driver's door. In addition, the raised floor can be fastened to the edge of the luggage opening in order to safely get the spare wheel (full-size, by the way), if necessary. It is also important that the lid is padded with felt - imagine, at Chevrolet cobalt and Renault Logan on the back - bare metal!
Driving qualities
Unfortunately, not a single customs-cleared Daewoo Gentra with license plate numbers in Russia is yet available - the car has just been presented to the general public. Therefore, the way to the public roads was ordered to us, and our test drive was limited to the compact parking lot of the Russian representative office of Uz-Daewoo.
And take a ride on the new Gentra as it should, oh, how you want! After all, the most important changes affected the power unit. The engine is new here - 1.5-liter DOHC, comparable to that installed on the same as on the Chevrolet Cobalt. Although both engines are manufactured at the GM Powertrain Uzbekistan plant, they are not the same. They have a different clutch, catalytic converter system, engine control module and some other components.
In addition, according to the press service, the car will receive the same 6-speed "automatic". On the track, the behavior of the car with such a box is very decent. True, Daewoo Gentra with automatic transmission will appear only in the fall, and modifications with the usual 5-speed "mechanics" will be the first to see the light.
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The manual transmission itself is common for a state employee. Not too clear and short strokes, not the most convenient ring to turn on reverse gear... But those who will change to Daewoo Gentras of derivatives of the domestic auto industry or, say, Renault Logan, will feel a positive difference.
The soundproofing of the engine compartment, as a first approximation, is worse than in the same Chevrolet Cobalt - the engine is heard quite well. But a 6-speed automatic will help here, with which the engine will work at moderate speeds most of the time.
Alas, nothing can be said about dynamics and suspension. Sales start on July 1, 2013. Then it will be possible to test the car in action. Until then, be patient.
The Daewoo Gentra model car is not such a novelty as the manufacturer dares to assert. Even Daewoo Gentra from 2019 is not associated with modern car, for a number of reasons, which we will discuss in more detail below.
At the moment, under this specification, the car is produced in Uzbekistan and China, where they have their own niche in the compact "C" class. At the end of the review, we advise you to pay attention to the crash test and test drive presented by Daewoo Gentra, with a study of the characteristics.
In principle, for domestic motorists, the image of Deu Gentre will not be unique and somehow new, everyone remembers well the famous model from Chevrolet under the Lacetti index. So, the car presented at the review today is almost completely copied from it.
Perhaps, at the present time, the design is not so catchy, but still, domestic counterparts have not gone so far in this price category, so the car is still able to compete. Moreover, the prototype was the American development of the main minds of the Chevrolet concern.
The front end is probably the only one where you can feel the complex of work carried out to update the design. New headlights, radiator grill, look harmonious. In part, the transformations went to the bumper, which acquired new air intake sockets, as well as other shackles of foglights.
The photos presented by Daewoo Gentra clearly show that the silhouette continues to retain the traditional motives of the car, with straight lines, a sloping roof, not habitually elongated, as for a sedan. While the front can enjoy the novelty of the design, the design of the stern remains the same.
Classic lanterns that came from American sedans of the early nineties. The bumper is completely without any details, even the exhaust is hidden under it.
Interior
Touching on the theme of the interior design, it is worth saying that a certain stage of the renovation touched the interior, but not to the extent that many expected. The build quality is confident, in any case, the car is capable of competing with domestic Priors and Grants. In general, the salon can be described as spacious and roomy.
The front panel demonstrates the classic speedometer unit, some premium elements cannot be found here, after all, a car from budget class... The steering column is characteristic of the original model, in style it completely repeats American cars from the 90s.
The center console has pleased with the new radio tape recorder, apparently two dinovy. Also, the control of the stove or air conditioner was placed in a new control unit, making it more convenient than that of the original.
Generally not a bad style of placement, although the interior is simple, it looks more pleasant than its domestic counterparts. Unique decorative inserts play a huge role, even if they are not made of wood, but simply decorated in this style.
The seats are not to say that they are amorphous, quite a comfortable fit. For front passengers, sensitive seats are offered, plus tangible lateral support.
The owner, whom we spoke with, confirmed that the seats have become more comfortable. There is also plenty of space behind, three riders will not be cramped, especially since the salon is really large, even for its class. Not for nothing, the Lacetti was listed in the segment above.
Technical indicators
Technical Daewoo characteristics Gentra models fully justify the cost, year of design. The engine is used here, as you understand, only one, this is 1.5 liters. unit, the capabilities allow it to generate about 107 hp.
Despite the fact that the engine is of an old design, still of an American model, modern modernization, which the engine succumbed to, was able to bring it under the current Euro-5 standards. The engine is paired with several boxes, it is a familiar "mechanics" for 5-shift and a modern "automatic" for 6-cycles.
Even despite the modernization carried out, it will not work to call the engine economical. In the case when the car is aggregated with the "mechanics" the consumption will be about 8.5 liters. in mixed mode. Consumption with the "automatic" increases to almost 10 liters. with the same movement interval.
The technical characteristics of the suspension do not stand out in anything special, in fact, all the developments were taken from the Chevrolet. Hence the resourcefulness, after all, the car is from the budget class and partly its appearance is associated with the conquest of the Russian segment. Therefore, we tried to prepare the car as much as possible for our conditions.
Despite the design of the early 2000s, specifications the platforms are amazing, even at high speeds the car feels the road steadily. By the way, many reviews of the owners positively characterize the maintainability of the car, since the spare parts are suitable from the Lacetti.
Options and prices
New Daewoo Gentra presented at Russian market in five real and fixed versions. Options and prices compared to the prototype have significantly expanded in terms of technology.
The price of the "poorest" configuration is 419,000 rubles, for that kind of money, the manufacturer is ready to provide foglights, an airbag, power accessories for all doors, adjustment, heated mirrors, an audio unit with six speakers, manual transmission, wheel adjustment (height).
For maximum equipment they require 599,000 rubles, here in addition to the "base" is already available ABS system, "Molding", rear armrest, wood decor, column adjustment for departure, heated seats, air conditioning, sunroof and CD-radio. Because there are no additional options, the price is fixed for all modifications equipped with their own list of equipment.
After all, the Daewoo Gentra that has just debuted on our market has caused a lot of activity on the Ukrainian roads. And we can already answer the main questions - what is it, how does it go and how much does it cost?
Under the name Daewoo Gentra, the next round of life of the discontinued but popular Chevrolet Lacetti began. In addition to the name and surname, he changed his place of birth. New sedans are assembled at the GM-Uzbekistan plant in Asaka. Why, then, our compatriots were interested in what kind of car it was? After all, the Daewoo emblem is well familiar to us.
The fact is that the Gentra looks fresh thanks to the installation of a slightly modernized front fascia of the Lacetti hatchback - with a new radiator grill and bumper with an expressive lower edge that plays the role of a splitter and fog lights. This facelift completely transformed the car. In addition, the Daewoo Gentra is equipped with large side mirrors... The visibility through them is better and, in addition to electrical adjustment, they can now be folded using an electric drive.
Daewoo Gentra 2013
The car is being assembled at the GM-Uzbekistan plant in Asaka.
Motor- 1.5 L (107 HP)
Box- 5-st. "Mechanics".
Complete sets four- Comfort, Optimum, Optimum Plus and Elegant.
Debut in Ukraine- September 2013
Price- from UAH 99,000
Alternative
Chery E5 1.5 l (109 hp) from UAH 99,900
Geely Emgrand 7 1.5 l (98 hp) from 99 900 UAH.
JAC J5 1.5 l (112 hp) from 104 900 UAH.
Looking for differences
The body is recognizable, but the doors close in a different way - instead of a ringing "tinny" blow, a more "expensive" dull sound is heard. True, the seals are thick, and in order to close the doors, they have to be clapped harder, and the locks on our car would need to be adjusted.
The salon is the same as in Lacetti, which is why it seems familiar. But the new wood grain finish distinguishes the most expensive version of the Gentra.
Two rotating handles (available in all trim levels) can be used to change the inclination of the cushion and the height of the entire chair. There is also a lumbar support adjustment.
Illuminated glove box with beverage cooling function available in all versions.
At the disposal of the rear passengers of the car in the most expensive version - an armrest with holders for two containers of drinks.
The familiar interior in the Daewoo Gentra is refreshed by the wood grain finish and the audio system head unit with steering wheel control buttons, MP3 playable CD player and AUX jack. As before in Lacetti, the most expensive version of the Gentra allows you to adjust the steering wheel not only in tilt angle, but also in reach. However, the range of movement of the column is small, and therefore I had to sit closer to the steering wheel than I would like.
The head unit of the audio system is of a new design, with a CD-player that reads mp3 and an AUX connector, as well as - in the most expensive version - with remote control on the steering wheel.
The two highest equipment levels have heated front seats.
The owners of Lacetti on the CDX nameplate on the front fenders immediately decided that our car was in the richest equipment and equipped with an “automatic”. The presence of the letter designation itself is not entirely clear. Indeed, for Daewoo Gentra, the nominal names of the equipment levels are used, but they guessed right about the configuration.
Outside rear-view mirrors in all trim levels - with heating, electric drive and folding function.
The electric sunroof is available only in the richest version of the Elegant.
In the most "packed" version of Elegant, the sedan is easily recognizable by the sunroof and light-alloy wheels. But the automatic transmission will be installed on the Gent-ru from the beginning of 2014, and it will be available for absolutely all trim levels, starting with the basic Comfort. So far, only a 5-speed "mechanics" has been proposed. The engine is also one - this is a new 1.5-liter gasoline unit with a capacity of 107 liters for our motorists. with.
The 1.5 liter (107 hp) engine is equipped with a reliable timing chain drive, two camshafts and meets the environmental standard Euro 5.
Major innovation
The overclocking of the Daewoo Gentra cannot be called vigorous. But you understand this when you crank the engine up to high revs at a sharp start from a traffic light or an intensive set of speed on a suburban highway. For driving in the city, the engine thrust is enough to accelerate in the stream, to outrun and overtake.
The advantage of this unit is that with a 16-valve circuit, it pulls an eight-valve with confidence from the very bottom. So high gears can be switched on very early, and downshifts are much less frequent. Moreover, the clarity of the gears and the selectivity of the mechanism are far from ideal. And sometimes it was easier for me to stay at a higher level than to turn on a lower one. And given the short first gear, the second can be switched on almost from the spot. True, the gear ratios are such that at a speed of 120 km / h the tachometer is already about 4000 rpm, and in the cabin there is a rather strong engine hum. The noise from the road is mingled with it. The wheel arches would benefit from additional insulation - you can hear the sand and mud flying from under the wheels whipping over the metal.
The trunk has not changed - the upholstery and volume of 405 liters match the Lacetti. The rear seats, folding in a ratio of 40:60, are in the "base".
The suspension has not changed in comparison with the Chevrolet, it is structurally simple: in the front - McPherson struts, in the rear - on the trailing arms. This means that there will be no problems with service. But the tires are different - on Gentra, traditionally for UZ-Daewoo products, there are Continental tires ContiPremiumContact 2.
Running all-forgiving. While driving a Daewoo Gentra, you can not slow down where more powerful and dynamic cars slow down. - So it turns out that thanks to such energy intensity, the suspension compensates for the low engine power and moderate dynamics of the car.
The sedan seems to be harsh, as it does not hide small and medium bumps. However, the undercarriage deals with them quietly and resiliently, and also swallows well even rather impressive pits. And given the state of our roads, the ability of "Gentra" to withstand the "blows of fate" will definitely please the owners.
The hydraulic power steering wheel is tight against the background of the electric amplifiers, but it does not disappoint with emptiness either. However, this car does not pretend to be drivers' laurels. He was appreciated for his other qualities, and he retained them.
Meeting expectations
The new product recognizes a sedan that has proven itself over the years. At the same time, the Daewoo Gentra looks noticeably fresh and offers new options that increase the comfort and convenience of everyday use. The engine may be different, but its behavior is very similar to a 1.6-liter one: the difference in "horses" is minimal, and the main advantage - confident traction at low and medium speeds - is preserved. And he promises to be just as unpretentious in operation. The gearbox and steering are also familiar and come with no surprises.
Light alloy wheel disks available only in the most expensive version.
Body and comfort |
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| You can change the height of the driver's seat and the angle of the pillow. On our roads on this sedan you go without fear of breaking the suspension. | Adjustable not only in height but also in depth steering column there is only the richest equipment. An automatic transmission is not yet offered. |
Powertrain and dynamics |
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| Thanks to others gear ratios mechanical transmission with lower power and engine torque, the declared dynamics of acceleration to 100 km / h is 1.4 seconds better, and fuel consumption in the city is 0.6 liters per 100 km less than Lacetti with a 1.6 liter engine. | Due to the "short" gearbox at high speeds of country roads, the engine keeps high revs, and this gives rise to increased noise and increases fuel consumption - in terms of performance characteristics by 1 liter per 100 km. Insufficient clarity of gear engagement. |
Finance and equipment |
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| Already in the "base" there are front airbags, Isofix child seat mountings, a self-dimming salon mirror, air conditioning, electric drive and heated side mirrors, height adjustment of the driver's seat, audio preparation with 6 speakers, front and rear windows with electric windows, anti-fog headlights. | Central locking in all versions, but there is no d / y for it. ABS appears only from the second level of equipment, and the audio system is available in the two most expensive trim levels. Climate control is not included in the list of equipment. |
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Daewoo gentra |
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Total information |
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Body type |
sedan |
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Doors / Seats |
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Dimensions, L / W / H, mm |
4515/1725/1445 |
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Front / rear track, mm |
1480/1480 |
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Clearance, mm |
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Curb / full weight, kg |
1245/1660 |
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Trunk volume, l |
405-1225 |
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Tank volume, l |
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Engine |
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benz. with dist. right |
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Rasp. and number of cyl. / cl. on cyl. |
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Volume, cc |
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Power, kW (hp) / rpm |
75(107)/5800 |
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Max. cr. mom., Nm / rpm |
141/3800 |
Transmission |
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type of drive |
front |
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5-st. fur. |
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Chassis |
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Front / rear brakes |
disk. vent. / disk. |
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Suspension front / rear |
independent / independent |
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Power steering |
hydro |
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195/55 R15 |
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Performance indicators |
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Maximum speed, km / h |
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Acceleration 0-100 km / h, s |
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Ex. highway-city, l / 100 km |
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Warranty, years / km |
3/100000 |
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Maintenance frequency, years / km |
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Maintenance cost, UAH |
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Min cost, UAH |
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We stand. test. auto, UAH |
130 000 |
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Test Drive
Ravon Gentra
Should you buy?
Tsepkov Sergey ( 05.06.2018
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Photo: PushCAR
The Ravon Gentra sedan has been produced for more than 14 years, but the demand for this model and the interest of buyers remain today. To unravel the secret of the car's popularity in the early 2000s and assess its prospects today, we took a brand new Ravon Gentra for a test drive.
Let me remind you that in 2004 the Russians recognized this car as the Chevrolet Lacetti. Then it was sold in three body types: sedan, hatchback and station wagon. It was assembled at the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad until the release of the Chevrolet Cruze, which replaced Lacetti in 2009. For some time, both models were sold in parallel to each other. The Lacetti project was so successful that General Motors decided not to abandon it completely, and in 2013 the production of the model began under the name Daewoo Gentra at the GM assembly plant in Uzbekistan. However, for some reason, only the sedan remained on the production line, and the company refused from the hatchback and station wagon. In 2015, GM-Uzbekistan decided to change the brand name and since then this car has been named Ravon Gentra.
In the exterior of the sedan Gentra, there are only two differences from the original Lacetti. The first is in the front of the car, which is already borrowed from the Lacetti hatchback. Let me remind you that the sedan had a different "face" and the models differed in headlights, a radiator grill and bumpers. The second difference is in the new Ravon nameplate. So the design, once developed by Italian craftsmen from Pininfarina for General Motors, has hardly changed.
For the entire existence of this sedan in automotive world a lot has changed: new technologies, functions and security systems have appeared. In addition, there is a curious tendency of constant "growth" of cars, I mean their dimensions... So it turns out interesting feature, Ravon Gentra is officially listed in class "C", but in terms of its dimensions - length 4515 mm, width 1725 mm and height 1445 mm - it was inferior to absolutely all classmates on the Russian market, and all representatives of the younger class "B" almost caught up with its size. For example, Nissan Almera has completely "outgrown", it is longer and taller.
Previously, the Chevrolet Lacetti had three engines to choose from: 1.4 L (94 HP), 1.6 L (109 HP) and 1.8 L (122 HP). They were all equipped with a 5-speed "mechanics", and two more powerful ones also had a 4-speed "automatic". But for an Uzbek-assembled car of our time, they decided to leave one power unit and the one that was borrowed from Ravon models R4, aka Chevrolet Cobalt in the past. It was a gasoline 4-cylinder 16-valve aspirated GM Powertrain S-Tec III with the B15D2 index, its volume is 1.5 liters, the power is 107 hp, and the maximum torque is 141 Nm. The main features of this engine are: a timing chain drive, distributed fuel injection and a DOHC valve timing mechanism with two camshafts in the cylinder head. I liked that the motor runs smoothly, quietly and without vibrations. I also note that it meets the environmental standards of Euro 5 and consumes 92nd gasoline. The fuel consumption declared by the manufacturer with an automatic transmission in the urban cycle of 9.5 liters per “hundred” could not be obtained. According to our measurements during the test, it was considerable - 11.8 liters per "hundred". Of course, such a result is not very pleasing in comparison with similar in volume and power. modern motors, who are ready to offer a consumption of at least 2-3 liters less. But with careful operation, Lacetti motors easily nurture 200 thousand or more mileage, their maintainability is higher, and spare parts are a little cheaper.
This engine works in tandem with the previous 5-speed "mechanics", or with a new for this model 6-speed "automatic" of its own design by General Motors, which has the index 6T30E. Such gearboxes different modifications put on most Chevrolet cars since 2007. "Automatic" with this index was at Chevrolet cruze, Orlando and Aveo, now marketed as Ravon Nexia. It is also installed on the now popular Ravon R4.
The automatic transmission GM 6T30E works well with the engine, but its gear change speed is not as fast as we would like. The situation can be saved by manual gear changes, since there is such an option, but this does not give much result. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 13.05 seconds. Such dynamics is comparable, perhaps, with the subcompact Ravon R2, which recently visited us for a test drive.
The Gentra's weak dynamics is offset by the excellent ride quality that the Lacetti used to have. She rides very collected, and most importantly, the ride is accompanied by moderate silence in the cabin, which you do not expect from this car. The engine compartment is well insulated here and the interior is well free from external noise. Such qualities put Gentra on the level of their modern classmates.
The suspension is quite energy-intensive, but it seemed short-travel, it easily deals with small and medium road flaws, but large ones "eat up" not so willingly - on the verge of rebound. In front there is a classic MacPherson-type suspension, and in the back there is a "multi-link", which nowadays can be found not in every representative of the "C" class. The suspension tuned for comfort gives the Gentra roll and roll, but these are echoes of age, because nothing has changed in technology since the 2000s. There is not even a trace of the ESP stability system here.
When you sit down in the salon you find yourself in the past, because where else can you find gray plastic trim and seats, albeit partially, but trimmed with velor. Everything looks as if you have entered an old Soviet apartment, which is furnished with furniture and fittings from that era and at the same time is in excellent condition. The interior quickly disposes to itself and envelops it with coziness, but the thought that in this salon it will be necessary to spend not a week, but years, leads to frank despondency.
Inside, everything looks like the original source, with the exception of a few details - a modern USB connector that appeared in a niche near the gearbox, a "Ravon" badge on the steering wheel and a new dashboard, which changed the concept of the familiar Chevrolet instruments to a new one, but at the same time retained the old green illumination.
Looking at the various details of the interior, you notice that earlier cars were created with more care and love. For example, the glove box is made with lighting and a convenient divider. The niche for small things near the gearbox and the bottom of the central box-armrest received a soft insert from the carpet. There are also standard ashtrays for front and rear passengers. There is also a small glove compartment to the left of the driver, and small pockets in the doors of the rear passengers, and four cup holders for the entire interior. It is important to note that an ashtray for rear passengers and a rear armrest with two cup holders only appear in the most expensive configuration.
The trunk of the Ravon Gentra in the old fashioned way opens with a button on the driver's door, or with a conventional ignition key. It's just as light as before, so you'll have to slap it hard to close it. The volume of the luggage compartment is 405 liters, and if you fold the rear sofa, then all 1225 liters. Conveniently that the backrest rear seat has the ability to fold in a 60/40 ratio. In a niche in the boot floor there is a full-size spare wheel on a steel disc, and, by the way, there is still space near it for storing various luggage.
There is no refinement in the functional equipment of the Ravon Gentra sedan by modern standards. The presence of three trim levels (Comfort, Optimum and Elegant) only creates the appearance of a choice. In fact, the basic Comfort version already has a sufficient set of options. There is anti-lock braking system ABS brakes, two front airbags, central locking, air conditioning, electric and electrically folding mirrors, front and rear electric windows, audio preparation with six speakers, center armrest between the front seats, driver's seat height adjustment, height-adjustable steering column, and front foglights.
The next Optimum configuration is only 20 thousand rubles more expensive than the base one. and is supplemented only by an audio system with the ability to play CDs and having an AUX connector, as well as heated front seats.
The maximum configuration Elegant will be 70 thousand rubles more expensive than the optimal one. and it will be expanded with less important options. Among them, the front panel trim with decorative inserts for carbon, a box under the front passenger seat, audio control on the steering wheel, heating windshield in the wiper parking area, driver's seat lumbar support, steering column adjustable in height and reach, R15 alloy wheels. For an additional 20 thousand rubles. it is possible to enrich the Gentra with the Elegant electric sunroof.
If we compare all the offers, it turns out that the Ravon Gentra in the Optimum configuration is the most rational choice in terms of options and money. Such a machine with "mechanics" will cost 589,000 rubles, and with an "automatic" 629,000 rubles.
The price for the Ravon Gentra has practically no equal competitors in both "B" and "C" classes, this is one of its main advantages. You can't take much for that kind of money now. You can only count on LADA Vesta 1.6 l 106 hp. with "mechanics" or "robot", as well as for basic versions Hyundai solaris and Kia rio with engine 1.4 l 100 hp and mechanical box transmissions, or Renault Logan in the initial trim levels.
One conclusion suggests itself - Ravon Gentra can be bought, but with some reservations. First, you are a practical person to the core and you just don’t want to overpay for a car. Second, you have been on the Lacetti for ten years and it is “tired”, and you don’t want to change it for anything else, except perhaps for the same new one. Third, you don't want to get into loans and debts, but you need a solid reliable car on every day.
The cost of the car Ravon Gentra (1.5 AT) is from 609,000 rubles.
