The Aveo is a utility available with a body of three, four or five doors and two different engines, two petrol. Until 2008, variants of Aveo three and five doors were called Kalos. The Aveo name was used only for the option of four doors (more of the Aveo four-door).

The Aveo is interesting for those who seek a car economic and finishing with a satisfactory quality in relation to its price. It is not so much for anyone interested in one with good qualities dynamic: the suspensions are soft, the body has broad movements and the feel of the leadership can be improved.

It is on sale from 10,715 € bodywork with three gates and 11,065 € bodywork with five doors. It has a low price for their size and power (with all lists prices Aveo three-and five-door). A major drawback is that the Aveo can not have stability control.

Among the utility of three doors, similar in size and power, only Seat Ibiza III 3p 1.4 16v 85 hp Junior and the Ford Fiesta Trend Coupé 1.4 80 hp cost somewhat less. (This version of Ibiza is that of the previous model and the Ford Fiesta is about to be replaced by the new Fiesta). A Toyota Yaris 1.3 VVT-i has a slightly higher price (comparative sheet of the four models).

The carrier changed the dashboard, which now is how the Aveo that had four doors. His appearance is pleasant and the materials used and the settings are correct. They are also different panels of the doors.

The carrier offers a breadth normal for a car of this size. In this aspect, there are no significant differences between the two bodies, beyond the functionality that bring the two back doors in the five-door version. The trunk, with 220 litres capacity, is small for the size of the car.

The post is not driving us like the lack of adjustment in depth of the steering wheel (it is regulation height) and that the drivers of higher stature, his right leg supports them against the edge of the center console, which is hard and Therefore annoying. The seats are comfortable for normal use while, on roads with many bends, is missing a subject better.

Driving

The Kalos with the 1.4 engine of 101 hp, despite the admission and distribution systems with the variables that account, has a somewhat disappointing response at low revolutions. For a relaxed driving is not an inconvenience but, if one wants to take advantage of any power or cope with its agility in city traffic, you have to look too often at changing gears because until about 5,000 rpm does not begin to push with force . Driving well, with the engine of high returns, consumption and penalizes sonority.
This problem is exacerbated by the developments of the long manual gearbox five speeds: speed in fifth at 120 mph, the engine turns only about 3,500 rpm and it is necessary to reduce a march to face a steep ramp without losing speed . That development is so long has two positive aspects: traveling at a constant speed the engine makes less noise and consumption are lower.

The version with the least powerful engine, the 1.2 to 84 hp, we feel that responds better. It gives the maximum torque to fewer revolutions, which is seen clearly to drive because his response seems more energetic at all times.

Its benefits are worse than the 101 hp, but this will only lead to those who felt the high speeds or with the car very charged. In other occasions, this engine is adequate and more economical consumption.

Both engines are welcome to drive in what he has to do with the smoothness and noise: stopped at a traffic light or on the road at a constant speed, the sound from the engine is not very intense and is not at all annoying.

The breakdown of sales planned for Spain’s Aveo, depending on the body, are: 70% of the total for the five gates, 20% for the three and 10% for the remaining four.

Since 2008, the Aveo is made in Europe, notably in Europe (Poland). Until then, Chevrolet did it exclusively in Korea.

The Fiat Bravo is available from € 12,470 (Bravo 1.4 16v Active 90-hp), up 20,110 € (version 1.4 Turbojet from 150 hp) (whole range sorted by price).

One thing that distinguishes it from the rest is its price. Those who are cheaper cars are of lower quality than the Bravo, as some versions of the Chevrolet Lacetti, the Nissan Tiida or the Dodge Caliber.
The exception is the Bravo petrol engine with 150 hp Turbojet (20,110 €). Its price is more expensive than some alternatives equivalent power of Ford Focus, Opel Astra and the Peugeot 308 because it necessarily comes with an equipment called “Sport”, which is very abundant.
The Bravo is also very interesting because it has a suspension and comfortable, especially with the diesel engine of 105 hp, is very quiet in almost all circumstances. Not known for their stability or for having a particularly good touch, but it’s more a feeling than a fact, because the Bravo responds well under adverse circumstances. The exception is the 150-hp 1.4 TurboJet: a suspension is harder than the other versions we’ve tested and therefore is more uncomfortable and more accurate in a driving curves.
The most satisfactory Bravo diesel-engined we felt that is the new 1.6 Multijet 105-hp, is quieter and has a very low consumption. None of the Bravo with diesel engine is characterized by high performance for power (according to our measurements).

What we liked least of the bodywork of Bravo is the limited visibility that exists in certain angles, especially in three hindquarters (the uprights of the body are very thick). Nor has good visibility in three forequarters: under windshield bothers to bend around corners.

The body of Bravo is not particularly wide in the rear seats, as was the Stilo five doors. In these two respects, the Bravo is a normal car in the rear seats site has fewer than a Volkswagen Golf and more than a Renault Megane.

By contrast, the capacity of the trunk is large: measured volume to 400 litres of upholstery that covers it. Of the five-door cars between 4.2 and 4.4 m in length, now only have a trunk greater the Honda Civic, with 485 l.

In Spain all Bravo have a spare wheel of the same size as the rest or, optionally, a team of repairing punctures. If this leads to repair equipment, the trunk is even greater because below the upholstery is free big window.

Range engines

Currently, Bravo is available with a choice of three petrol engines. All gasoline are 1.4 litre engine capacity, with 90, 120 and 150 hp (the latter two have turbo) and three diesel 105, 120 and 150 hp.

The Bravo Diesel 105 hp is new to the range. It has 1.6 litre engine capacity, of which there are two versions that are differentiated by their consumption, Multijet Eco (4.5 litres/100 km) and Multijet (4.9 litres/100 km).

Version 1.6 105 hp Multijet us liked much by the sweetness and pleasure of operation. Consumption we have gained in real conditions movement is actually very low (we tested the nomal version, not the “Eco”).

The Multijet Eco has certain modifications so that its consumption is lower. As emits less than 120 grams of C02 every 100 km, does not pay registration tax. It has a very low consumption, but not as much as a Peugeot 308 5p Comfort 1.6 HDi FAP 110 CMP, which is the tourism of these characteristics (size and power) that spends less: only 3.9 litres/100 km.

The Bravo with 1.9 Multijet engine we have led in the variants of 120 and 150 hp, and give a correct result.

After summer of 2008 will reach 1.6 Multijet a variant of 120 hp, which will replace the current 1.9 litre 120 hp. This version will have a consumption of 4.9 litres/100 km, which is low in relation to other cars of similar characteristics (like cars, only spends less than 1.6 CRDI kia cee’d of 115 hp and Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi 115). This new version of Bravo is more efficient because it spends less and is stronger than him, yet the sale of 1.9 Multijet 120 hp (comparison chart of the two versions).

In gasoline, have led the Bravo 1.4 Turbojet of 150 hp. It has a very strong response and a performance very high (more than almost all cars of similar power but without turbo) and consumption that can be measured only when driving smoothly.

Some elements of equipment

The range consists of four levels of equipment: ‘Active’, ‘Dynamic’, ‘Emotion’ and ‘Sport’. All versions carry series of six airbags, Isofix fasteners in the back seat and passenger seat, trip computer, electric mirrors and desempañamiento, radio CD and six speakers.

Optionally may have elements such as kneeling airbag for the driver, xenon headlamps doubles, lighting side (across the headlights of fog), a stability control with help function to start slope or a more complete multimedia system ( ‘ Blue & Me Nav “).

The latter system, in addition to integrating connection ‘Bluetooth’ for the phone, voice recognition, USB connection reader and MP3 and voice synthesizer for incoming SMS, has a browser by pictograms (with the ability to handle certain functions, such as introduction of destination, with voice commands). The maps are browser in an external memory (like “pen-drive) that connects via USB (picture). It is a very interesting because of its low price in relation to what it offers and because it is available for all versions of the Bravo.

You can also get a navigation system with colour screen 6.5 “(” Connect Nav + “) but is more expensive than (” Blue & Me Nav ‘) and not have Bluetooth.

The Bravo has a design made by the Fiat Style Centre, with some traits in common with the Grande Punto and the Linea.

The Fiat Bravo is the model that replaces the Stilo body with five doors (although it was still selling). The versions of the Stilo body with three gates and family (MultiWagon) remain unchanged for sale (already a very competitive price).

Mercedes-Benz has updated its Class G with slight changes in the design and equipment; has also replaced the engine of 298 hp V8 by one of 388 hp (500 G “). Maintain the G 320 CDI, which has a diesel engine of 224 hp. These two versions are identified by an automatic change of gears 7 (7G TRONIC ‘).

There are also changes in the version G 55 AMG (507 hp), treated separately in this article. This version carries a five-gear automatic gearbox, instead of seven.
From Class G there are three different body types, three doors (4,212 mm), convertible (4,257 mm) and five doors (4,662 mm). The G 55 AMG bodywork is available only with five doors.
Prices vary depending on body and engine. The new G 320 CDI is available from € 75,400 in the short version, € 80,750 in option long and € 82,000 convertible with the bodywork. The G 500 costs € 93,550 in its shortened version, € 99,350 with the longest body and € 100,100 if convertible. The G 55 AMG costs € 130,000. All prices Class G.

Aesthetics, the new Class G is distinguished by a grid consisting of three horizontal sheets, the same style as the other models from Mercedes-Benz. The G 500 carries tires of 18. “Among the equipment to become standard across the range emphasizes the connection ‘Bluetooth’ for the phone.
Optionally, the Class G can have an input for connecting external players to home stereo of the vehicle.

The G and G 55 AMG 500 had their equipment between the series’ COMAND APS ‘, a multimedia system for driver and passengers including browser and charger for six DVD discs. This device may be associated as an alternative to a TV tuner and rear camera which facilitates parking maneuvers.

The ‘COMAND APS’ integrated system ‘LINGUATRONIC’, which allows certain devices to handle voice. For example, you can make a phone call to say only the number with which it wants to contact, control the audio system, the agenda of the phone or enter a full address in the browser. Video, (32 seconds) this function in a Class C.

In Class G, the browser is a feature designed specifically to travel outside the asphalt: If the vehicle is on a road or a track that are not recorded on the hard drive, the driver can activate a function with which this is saved journey. This feature may prove useful for instance for not getting lost in the countryside, as it facilitates return by the same path.

Among the optional elements of the new Class G also highlights the system of Harman Kardon Logic7 surround sound with 12 speakers and 450 watts of power.

Here is a list with more items of equipment that can have the Class G, either serial or optional.

The Class G is marketed with almost no changes in design since 1979. It is a 4×4 design classic, which has a chassis of stringers and cross-axle suspensions and rigid, with great journey. You can block all three differentials mechanically using a cable remote control. The address is recirculating ball, as happens in other SUVs “pure”, as the Jeep Wrangler.

All variants are reductive; Mercedes-Benz has just given the fact that reduction has 320 CDI version, which is 2.16 to 1, which is normal for a genuine SUV.

The drive system of Class G is continuing to all four wheels. The drive system is integrated with the stability, which favors progress on slippery surfaces. The Class G also offers ABS, electronic brake distribution (EBD) and emergency servofreno (BAS). These systems are standard on all versions.

According to Mercedes-Benz G-Class can overcome the unevenness of up to 80% depending on the surface, and can tilt sideways to a maximum of 54%. For the Class G three doors, the angle is 36 º and the departure of 27 degrees. In the five-door version the angle is 34 º and 29 º. Mercedes-Benz does not give the figure of ventral angle.

The clear head to the floor of his body-at any of the three alternatives-is 205 mm, which is not a very big figure for a genuine SUV. The clear head to the floor of the bodywork of Class G can not vary. Other SUV, as the Volkswagen Touareg and Land Rover Range Rover, have a system of springs that allow for change tires the headroom of the body depending on the conditions of movement.

The boot capacity also varies depending on whether the body is short, long or convertible. Thus, the Class G Long has a trunk volume of 480 liters which can reach 2,250 liters rest if the rear. The G Short stays in 250 litres and the G convertible into 238 litres.

The G 320 CDI weighs 2,260 kg in its convertible variant, with 2,275 kg and 2,445 kg body short in the long version. Meanwhile, the G 500 weighs 2,250, 2,265 and 2,400 kg in convertible versions, long or short respectively. The G 55 AMG reaches 2,550 kg.

Mercedes-Benz has sold 200,000 units of Class G in its 29 year history. It is produced in the factory Mercedes-Benz has in Graz (Austria).

The Ford Kuga is available from 25,500 to 31,215 € €. Price, tab and the full range of equipment. It is available only with a turbo engine of 136 hp and two equipment levels: “Trend” and “Titanium”.

It is a car with good qualities and roadside dynamic enough to move beyond a sparsely complicated. Therefore, it is much closer to a good tour of an SUV. You do not have reductura, nor any type of aid for driving off-road, as a speed control for the decreases. For use by road is not as comfortable as a Toyota RAV4, but it has some reactions more agile.
The passenger compartment is large in height and width, but in the rear seats there is very little room for the legs of passengers. There are other models of similar size, which are better in this aspect, such as the RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan or SEAT Altea Freetrack. The high driving position-it-sounds like an SUV.
The Kuga with equipment “Trend” can have traction Front (2WDA) or total switchable traction (4WD). The equipment “Titanium” is necessarily linked to total traction system.
The total represents an additional traction of € 3,350 in the version ‘Trend’. Equal as far as possible the equipment a “Trend” and a “Titanium”, both with traction Altogether, there are 1,050 € difference in favor of the first. The only thing you can not have the “Trend” is mixed upholstery fabric and skin that it comes with Ford in the series’ Titanium ‘.
The Kuga, as the Nissan Qashqai (the model more similar concept and other aspects) or Volkswagen Tiguan, is not intended to overcome obstacles complicated outside the asphalt.
In general, its features and price, Kuga is closer to models such as the Qashqai, Renault Koleos or the Toyota RAV4, which the Tiguan or the BMW X3, which are much more expensive (list sorted by price).

If we consider the Kuga at its option traction front, has a price similar to a Altea Freetrack 2.0 TDI 140 hp 2WD and is slightly more expensive than a Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CRDi 4×2 Full TGV Comfort, a Nissan Qashqai 4×2 2.0dCi accent or Renault Koleos Expression 2.0dCi 150cv 4×2 (ordered by list price)

The Kuga cheaper traction with the total comes at a price similar to a Toyota RAV4 D-4D Luna 136 hp, higher than that of a Nissan Qashqai 4×4 2.0dCi Visio and is cheaper than the Volkswagen Tiguan.

The interior looks fine. As in other models of Ford, the materials are correct and successful adjustments between pieces. The level of equipment with Kuga “Trend” is serial elements such as stability control, air conditioning, trip computer programmer and speed. In addition, some parts of the interior are painted blue or orange. The ‘Titanium’ has serial elements such as aluminum wheels, 17 “, dual zone climate control and partially seats upholstered in leather.

Some elements of optional equipment that may have are browser (two types), xenon headlamps, detector low tire pressure, connection ‘Bluetooth’ for the phone, USB connection, plug 230 V, assistant parking acoustic or a large panoramic roof (1050 mm x 785 mm) which can not be opened.

In other countries there is available a keyless entry system and a rear chamber to facilitate parking.

It measures 4,443 mm in length almost identical to a Volkswagen Tiguan. The width is 1,842 mm and height (including roof bars) 1,710 mm. The Kuga platform shared with two other models of Ford Focus and the C-Max, but their battle is 50 mm higher (2,690 mm) and width of 43 mm higher routes.

Despite the coincidence of dimensions with the Tiguan, Kuga is clearly less extensive. This deficiency is seen clearly in the rear seats where space for the legs is very small (of SUVs we have measured is the worst thing is this aspect). In addition, there is no system to improve the functionality, as a moveable sidewalk lengthwise or reclining backs. The height and width to the ceiling are correct.

The body has five doors. In all versions, the gate is divided into two parts; can be opened vertically (upwards) as a gate just normal or higher leaf (which includes luneta and part of the gate; comparative picture). The boot has 360 litres capacity, a volume enough to lead a normal amount of luggage. Under the floor of this there is another compartment for storing things, whose volume is 50 l.

The engine that has the Kuga is the 2.0 TDCi from 136 hp to assemble other models of Ford. With this engine spends 6.3 litres/100 km if you have traction front and 6.4 litres/100 km if you have traction total.

It has a six-speed manual while Ford plans to market the Kuga with the new automatic change called “Powershift” (Simi the DSG which has Volkswagen) at the end of the year. Since early 2009 there will be a Kuga gasoline, which has 2.5 l Focus ST, albeit with less power (200 hp), but is still undecided if sold in Spain.

The drive system not only brings the total capacity of more traction, but also intervenes to correct the trayectoría anticipation control of stability or acting together with him (video, 17 seconds). The Kuga traction with total weighs 1,613 kg, 40 more than the version with traction front.

The control functions include anti-overturn stability and stabilization of a trailer.

Ford had already anticipated this model in two prototypes, the Iosis X and Kuga (almost identical to the final model).