Car Review : KIA Mohave

After a series of publications with reviews of KIA found out that I got to know almost all model series of the Korean company. And finally decided to get to know the KIA Mohave, flagship SUV Koreans. And it takes a leading place in the lineup quite vain. By the way, this car is a really begs comparison with another SUV, the Japanese "Pilot" (it is, of course, about the Honda Pilot ). Both cars belong to the same class. Although there - Mohave-it turns out, this frame SUV, unlike the Pilot-and with a monocoque body. However, they are very similar. However, as usual, I'll start my review with a description of the appearance.
(Total 29 photos)

1. However, for a long time do not have to describe - the Kia Mohave classic shape of a typical SUV.

2. This design, by the way, is inherent in the American SUV - smooth shape, almost square corners, no glamorous twists and serious "male" silhouette.

3. There is evidence of a certain similarity with the Honda Pilot, and Nissan Pathfinder (X-Trail), and a number of other cars. In a word - a classic. And I must say that in this model the least observed a new corporate identity.

4. Although, if you look at the front of the car, a certain similarity is found, however, an inexperienced man in the street it is not likely to catch on.

5. But if you look back - just remember Sorento : forms the rear lights and their placement are almost identical.

6. Yes, and decorative chrome lining on both cars is almost the same.

7. But I do not like the design similarity with the Sorento (although it looks quite good), I just have drawn attention to the fact that vehicles with a brutal exterior on the market is not so much ...

8. Move on to describe the feel of the interior.

9. So - landing ... Compared to the predecessors, I have not found much difference.

10. All too comfortable to sit in the car, no worse than in Sorento or Sportage .

11. But Mohave significantly higher younger colleagues.

12. Immediately rushed into the eyes steering wheel - its design has changed significantly.

13. However, such a change personally I had not very much - compared to the steering wheel of a new generation of Kia cars, the steering wheel Mohave became much less comfortable. It uncomfortable to hold - hot flashes for a good grip available, and superficially solution has been not the best.

14. But the console turned out quite successful, its appearance is not original - all natural and familiar. Therefore, working with her was easy and pleasant.

15. Yes, one caveat - the navigation system and a DVD can only be seen in the cars 'expensive' bundling Premium.

16.

17. I appreciated the interior to "very good."

18. I liked how the Korean designers have implemented a combination of light and dark colors with decorative wooden insert. Looks like I thought, cozy, and very stylish.

19. Relatively roomy interior can say this - the third-row seats can hold only two passengers, and, as adults and children alike - Koreans are molded seat for two. A strange decision, given that access to it is difficult for an adult.

20. On the second row, three of them sit down, albeit with less freedom in the infamous "Pilot". Presumably, the smaller width of the Korean SUV (a difference of about 10 cm). If you do not fold the third-row seats, luggage compartment will accommodate only a couple bags of medium size. If you add up - get a decent luggage space.

21. And you can do to make Kia Mohave into the large truck - if you add up the two rows of rear seats. Capacity range - from 345 to 1,675 liters. Awesome, is not it? For the comfort of the driver and the passenger meets the two-band system climate control. For passengers in the rear seats, a separate air conditioning.

22. I want to say that the dynamics of Kia Mojave did not disappoint. Peppy three-liter 250-horsepower diesel engine copes with its responsibilities. Two-ton car from zero to hundreds in less than 10 seconds, the engine pulls well with the "bottom" and not bogged down in the "top". And a decent rate, on average, the city he has made only 12.8 liters per 100 km (a "Pilot" - "guzzled" 17 liters).

23. Another liked the quietness in the cabin - even quieter than the Honda Pilot, although there is, in addition to sensible sound insulation, if I'm not mistaken, there is a special noise reduction system. However, the engine in the cabin I almost did not hear even at high speeds. Together with the engine running, 6-speed automatic transmission.

24.

25.

26. By default, the Kia Mohave is driven by the efforts of the rear drive. If necessary, connect the front axle. That is, the complete drive system is realized by now common scheme torque on demand (connection request). However, the driver can be forced to include four-wheel drive, and go to a lower gear. This is a great addition to the frame body, clearance to 217 mm and the rear axle air suspension capabilities. Thus, as an SUV Mojave quite place. I would like to have a little more ground clearance, but also the existing stockpile would be sufficient in most cases. Especially as the ideal off-road performance features not found in the car. Not for nothing that there is a saying among motorists: "The steeper the jeep, the farther to go behind the tractor." And it is far from the truth ...

27. So, summing up, I will note that from the Mojave turned serious competitor in the segment of vehicles of this class. This is not urban SUV, the car is very close to a group of full-size SUVs. You should also remember the high level of safety for the driver and passengers of the car. Not least in its maintenance plays a frame body. But there is still a full set of passive and active safety systems - while creating cars Kia removes the issue is one of the prime locations at the design stage.

28. And speaking of Korean cars in general, I can safely say - they are all worthy of attention, and the brand deserves a more loyal attitude on the part of potential buyers. Except, of course, those who are in the car is more important than the prestige of the brand, rather than technical specifications.

29. And I'll wait for the new look lineup - considering the potential of the brand in the near future the Korean company could surprise us with interesting new products.

Review of KIA Sportage

Familiarity with the Korean brand KIA at one time was a revelation for me. One review I wrote about how quickly the Korean auto industry came to worldwide recognition. The fact that it is a success, today almost no one doubts. The new model is securely fastened company in the global automotive market. One such model is a bright and stylish crossover SUV KIA Sportage. I must say that this car has appeared in the domestic car market for a long time - the second generation of cars assembled in Kaliningrad.
(Total 27 photos)

1. I am among the fans of the Korean company, in front of me is not the task of advertising Sportage, but believe me - the car was very deserving. Remember how it was with the test Sorento ? Then, my first impression was very positive because it was expecting a dirty trick, and sought out the flaws.

2. And even more striking was the contrast between the expected and the actual. But in the case of the KIA Sportage everything was different - already knowing what they are capable Koreans, I was ready to see a balanced and interesting car. But the Sportage has surpassed expectations.

3.

4. First of all, the car got a new look. The company continued the policy of corporate design. In this KIA Sportage both like and unlike their counterparts. For example, the design of the grille and front optics will accurately determine the make of the car from a distance.

5. Headlights and grille creating original and unique image, characteristic only of the new generation Kia vehicle. It is entirely merit chief designer KIA - Peter Schreier.

6. Body Styles KIA Sportage fresh and original. Although, in my opinion, is too high is the line of windows, making the car look massive.

7. By the way, when compared to the previous generation, the car has grown - is longer and wider. But at the same time, decreased body height and ground clearance. The unusual shape of the rear doors and controversial enough. However, the silhouette of the car looks stylish - the rapidity and energy shine through in every curve, every line.

8. Maybe that's why Sportage, despite its size, much like a hatchback. A large hatch on 18-inch wheels ...

9. In short, the appearance makes a good impression, although not without problems were, of course. But the interior, of course, came out very successful. However, some major changes - the dashboard is still made in the same for the entire range of style: the central combination with speedometer in the center, and the two dials on the sides.

10. Multiwheel is the same as in the already mentioned Sorento . Where's the change? Well, for example, the design of the front panel was pleased with freshness and originality.

11. The center console has a bunk, controls, dual-zone climate control is now structurally separate from the multimedia system.

12. Relatively comfortable fit in the car to say nothing - no worse and no better than the competition. I must say that to get comfortable behind the wheel too simple - that largely contributes to the steering column adjustment in two planes.

13. To ergonomics questions asked - reach for the controls is not necessary. Was a bit small glove box (glove box), but it is offset by the presence of roomy armrest.

14. The front seats are like excellent lateral support. Regarding the quality of the materials - there are some complaints about the quality of the plastic parts in the rest - all at a high level, which is closer to the famous competitors, in particular - to the Japanese.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20. Speaking of passengers, should pay attention to the fact that a few cramped back seat. In the technical characteristics of the car called the Five. Only here the third passenger in the back seat must be either a child or a narrow-shouldered slim teenager.

21. Roomy luggage compartment, its volume is more average in the class of crossovers. In the vehicle interior quiet in all modes of operation of the engine - insulation on top.

22. Let us turn to the power unit. I got the car with a 2-liter petrol engine. At first, it seemed to me that his power is not enough - it was too massive Sporteydzh seemed new. But no, the car moved quite quickly, although without a spark. Start from the traffic lights should not be fraught with excessive fuel consumption. But in a quiet mode consumption pleased - urban (and in such conditions was operated KIA Sportage New) per 100 km engine has used an average of 11 liters. In my opinion, a decent figure. Speed ​​transmission shifts promptly and without delay - again offset Koreans.

23. It seemed to me, KIA Sportage created primarily for asphalt roads. Already very small clearance - only 170 mm. However, at certain skill driver and crossover are not saved before the middle of bad roads.

24. All wheel drive system has shown itself very well as in the deep fresh snow and on icy pavement. The driver can turn on a full drive force, however, after 40 km per hour mission will switch back to the "connect on demand» (Part Time).

25.

26. At the risk of once again to listen to a lot of charges paid up, I will say that the new KIA Sportage is a stylish, functional and comfortable. Skeptics recommend just go to the dealer and sign up for a test drive on which all the i's are seated.

27. Koreans are continuously working to improve the quality of products, so it is not surprising that the results are getting better and better. Of course, the price of the car is comparable with offers more prestigious brands, but also the quality of the products has increased seriously. But reputation will come with time, more importantly, the company is steadily moving in the right direction.