Updated Volkswagen Golf The VII, proclaimed the car of the year at the last New York International Salon and breaking sales records in its C-class, still cannot boast of a lack of competitors. One of them is the Korean Kia Cee’d produced since 2006. Not too similar in appearance, these compact cars still make potential dealership customers think hard before buying.

The laconic and calm design of the Golf VII has not undergone significant changes since the Golf VI, however, according to Volkswagen engineers, it has nothing in common with the previous generation of the model. As for the KIa Cee’d, this car immediately attracts attention with sharp sports forms and a slightly aggressive radiator grille.
Both KIa Cee’d and Volkswagen Golf VII are available in two body styles - hatchback (3 and 5-door) and station wagon (5-door). Despite the same external and internal dimensions, many drivers note that the Kia Cee’d has more comfortable salon and a comfortable trunk (which is important, for example, for long journeys). However, the Golf VII is lighter than the Kia Cee’d, which gives the car good handling on the road.
In the Euro NCAP crash test for safety, the Kia Cee'd and Golf VII received the highest marks thanks to the improved belt and airbag systems.

If we compare both cars by technical specificationsthen seventh generation Volkswagen Golf undoubtedly holds the lead in many respects - the range of motors presented by the manufacturer is larger than that of the “Korean”. The Golf VII is available with four different engine types (with 11 power options): turbo petrol with displacement 1.2 and 1.4 liters and turbodiesel displacement 1.6 and 2 liters (however, as is often the case, up to russian market Only models with gasoline engines "got").
Kia Cee'd, unlike the Golf VII, cannot boast of any special variety of engine choices: petrol ones are available in 1.4, 1.6 and 2 liters, and diesel ones - 1.6 and 2 liters. As in the case of the Golf VII, Russian dealers have an incomplete range of engines, namely two petrol engines with a volume of 1.4 and 1.6 liters. As a transmission in the first case, only a 5-speed manual transmission is available, and in the second, you can choose a 6-speed "mechanics" and a 6-speed "automatic". Volkswagen Golf VII, in turn, is equipped with or mechanical box gear, or robotic DSG. In a city traffic jam, an automatic transmission, which is not available in the Golf VII, will come in handy.
In terms of speed, Kia Cee’d can hardly compete with Volkswagen: acceleration to “hundreds” from a “Korean” with a 1.4 liter engine will take almost 13 seconds, while the base Golf VII will be one second faster. It is also important that with such dynamics average consumption The seventh generation Golf has less fuel than its competitor - an average of 6-7 liters when driving in the city and 4.5 liters on the highway (Kia Cee’d has 9.5 and 5 liters, respectively).
The big advantage of the Golf VII is the rear-view camera hidden under the corporate logo - this once again gives confidence that it will not be dirty at the right time. For novice drivers, an automatic parking system is available in both vehicles.
In the showrooms of car dealers, the Volkswagen Golf VII is presented in three trim levels: the basic Trendline, the more expensive Comfortline (which includes, for example, the winter package, chrome interior elements and leather steering wheel trim) and the exclusive Highline (with additional xenon headlights and Climatronic climate control). Kia Cee’d has more complete sets than the "German", but in some countries only a part of the complete sets is available (for example, TX is not available in Russia).
Nevertheless, with an obvious number of advantages in comparison with Kia Cee’d, Volkswagen Golf VII did not become the absolute leader, as it is inferior to its competitor in such an essential parameter as price. The initial cost of Kia Cee'd is much less than that of the base Volkswagen Golf VII and averages 579,900 rubles. And this despite the fact that the package includes such options that Volkswagen does not have (metallic paint, an audio system with USB connectivity, an installed alarm, etc.). Car-colored door handles and mirrors are also available on the Golf VII, but then the cost will be 695,000 (which equals kia price Cee'd in the "Comfort" package). Of course, the Golf VII has adaptive cruise control in stock, heating windshield, electric driver's seat, navigation system and other equipment, but with all these options volkswagen price Golf VII will be over one million rubles, while Kia Cee'd in the Premium configuration will cost about 940 thousand rubles. Higher price german car due to good dynamics coupled with lower fuel consumption.
In general, when choosing between the Volkswagen Golf VII and Kia Cee’d, you should first of all determine what is required from the new car in the first place - comfort, efficiency or the availability of additional options.

DEBUT: 2014

ENGINE: 1.6 L; 150 kW / 204 HP at 6000 rpm; 265 N.m at 1750-4500 rpm

TOP SPEED: 230 km / h

ACCELERATION 0-100 km / h: 7.7 s

PRICE: 1 059 900 rub.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

DEBUT: 2013

ENGINE: 2.0 L; 162 kW / 220 HP at 4500–6200 rpm; 350 N.m at 1500-4400 rpm

GEARBOX: 6-speed manual

TOP SPEED: 246 km / h

ACCELERATION 0-100 km / h: 6.5 s

PRICE: from 1,317,000 rubles; test car - 1,419,490 rubles.

The idea was in the air, rising in hot waves from the asphalt of the "Smolensk Ring". In Russia, at last, they began to sell the hot hatchback "Sid GT" - and we did not fail to compare it to ...

Go ahead and play with the GTI Golf? - Max Polozkov from the Russian office of Kia seemed to have overheard my telephone conversation with the representative office of the Volkswagen concern. With the Germans, everything was in a mirror image: “Oh, and with whom will you test together? Do you take the "GT Seed"? We thought so! "

In general, the comparison suggested itself.

WIND ROSE

Blow the wind from the other side, and the haze would dissipate. Who is the newcomer from Korea directly competing with? Max Gomyanin, having returned from the European presentation of G-Ti, brought almost all compact hot hatches on our market as rivals. And formally he is right, although within the framework of the "Sid GT" class it is not only the most affordable, but also the least powerful: the competitors have 2-liter engines that develop 220 forces and more, while the "Korean" has only 204 "horses" removed from the engine volume 1.6 liters. If you approach the purchase of a "lighter" from the position of "drive fast and carry a lot", then there is a direct path to Skoda dealers, where you can take a closer look at the 220 ‑ horsepower Octavia RS station wagon. Or to "Ford" for a 250-strong "shed" "Focus ST". And when the task is to blame "all the money" during track days, then better optionthan "Renault-Megan RS" with the "Cap" package and not find.

We bring together the first Korean hot hatch Kia cee'd GT with the founder of the genre - Volkswagen Golf GTI and with the RHHCC champion, pilot of the Russian series of circuit races Maxim Belotsky.

However, isn't it too early to discard the "GT Seed"? Maybe first let's see what he is like on the "Smolensk Ring"? And the "stove" will still be "Volkswagen Golf GTI".

SMALL GAS

While the cars are in the pit lane, I look around them. Kia looks hot! After all, even the usual "Sid" is more spectacular than the civilian "Golf", and the GTI version on 18-inch wheels, decorated with optical "cannons" in the developed bumpers, is not a match at all. It only hints at its potential with a diluted exhaust, a spoiler visor over the fifth door and a red thread pulled from the outer corners of the headlights through the radiator grille. Some will say that Golf is boring. Others will call the Kia's design snobby. But I think differently: both are cool, but each in its own way.

Now let's take a look at the salons and trunks. In terms of practicality - parity. With similar cargo-passenger capabilities, "Sid" is more convenient for rear passengers - a little more legroom, the central tunnel has disappeared. Oddly enough, the Kia is more comfortable on the move - even though the Golf has a higher tire profile! At least, the picket fence of minor irregularities on public roads "Sid" smoothes out more noble, and "Volkswagen" meticulously broadcasts them into the salon. But on gentle asphalt waves, the "German" is perceived as more collected.

Lap time 1.56.6. The Kia circuit lacks traction. In the segment of compact hot hatches, you can no longer find motors with a volume of less than 2 liters.

We bring together the first Korean hot hatch Kia cee'd GT with the founder of the genre - Volkswagen Golf GTI and with the RHHCC champion, pilot of the Russian series of circuit races Maxim Belotsky.

Koreans remember what they meet by their clothes, so in Side the eye immediately catches on the Recaro seats: they are denser than golf seats and are installed lower. But you grab the lever of the six-speed mechanics - and here's the first disappointment: the moves are short, but the selectivity is not perfect. Therefore, at traffic lights, I shamefully stalled several times, being sure that I turned on the first, although in fact I tried to start at the third. A couple more times "Sid" twitched when I wanted to move without adding gas: with idle speed "Kia" does not want to roll. Volkswagen is devoid of these shortcomings.

AND steering "Golf" is tuned better: the steering wheel is lighter, but at the same time more natural, especially in small corners. In the hot version of "Sid", by the way, they abandoned the button on the steering wheel, which changes the performance of the electric booster, - the GT key here switches only the configuration of the "drawn" instrument cluster. The Golf GTI can be played with steering effort, accelerator response and electronically controlled shock absorbers. However, the choice of modes does not radically change the correct character of the car.

The brakes are set differently. At first it seems that the Volkswagen pedal is too sensitive, but you quickly get used to the effort. And to dose the slowdown on public roads is a pleasure. The Kia's brake pedal travel is longer, and during emergency deceleration it goes deeper than you expect.

BIG RACES

Arrivals at the circuit often make adjustments to everyday assessments. We decided to time the test to the stage of the Russian Hot-Hatch Club Championship amateur series - the most popular among hot hatchback owners. By the way, if we applied to the RHHCC, these cars would be in different classes. "Kia-Sid GT" - in the Warm Street classification, in which engine power is limited to 210 "horses". And I would have fought with 180-strong " Opel Astra GTC"," Skoda-Octavia "with a 1.8-liter TSI and" Fabia RS "," Seat-Leon FR "and BMW-120i, as well as with 200-strong" Toyota-GT 86 "," Honda-Civic Type R "And" Renault-Clio RS "...

Lap time 1.52.9. "Golf GTI" is true to tradition, but more demanding on the pilot than "Kia".

We bring together the first Korean hot hatch Kia cee'd GT with the founder of the genre - Volkswagen Golf GTI and with the RHHCC champion, pilot of the Russian series of circuit races Maxim Belotsky.

A Golf GTI in the Hot Street class would rival the Megan RS, Astra OPC, Mazda RX8 and Honda S2000. And let's make a reservation right away: chip tuning and more tenacious tires are allowed even in the "road" classes (in the RHHCC there are also racing ones that allow for serious alterations), therefore, claiming a podium in the "stock" is a utopia. Well, let's hope our standard machines will not greatly interfere with regular lap times.

Another Max was the test pilot. In the past, Maksim Belotsky won the RHHCC amateur championship, in February this year he became the bronze medalist of the prestigious "Race of Stars" organized by our magazine, and spends the summer season in the Russian series of circuit races, where he fights for points in the "National" class on a Volkswagen sedan -Polo". We'll give him the floor, and now I’m going to take a ride around the familiar circuit myself.

The first impression of "Sid GT": instead of 204 prize trotters, the same herd of hardworking ponies was harnessed under the hood. Acceleration under full throttle is linear: there is no turbo lag or turbo explosion. The cutoff engages gently at 6800 rpm - it's time to shift. And here's what is surprising: at the circuit, the gear selection mechanism is no longer annoying! Before leaving the track, I was afraid to accidentally stick a second instead of a fourth - and during the races I never made a mistake.

And you quickly get used to the brakes in such conditions, and the chassis is absolutely delightful. The balance is neutral, there is no obvious resistance at the entrance to the turn, under the discharge of gas, the feed gently goes into sliding. Putting the "GT Seed" on the arc, you can safely open the gas: with a slight slip inner wheel (of course, the stabilization system was sent on vacation before leaving) "Kia" begins to accelerate confidently. Fine!

It doesn't work that way with the Golf GTI. Yes, on the straight lines an additional 16 "horses" and 85 Newton meters decide a lot: "Golf" is noticeably more dynamic. But in turns, you have to work with traction carefully: if you squeeze it a little - and the front axle slid off, if you closed it more sharply - and catch a skid. And the brakes are not happy with the racing mode: the braking assistant periodically wakes up, preventing the slowdown from going to the gas in time after the deceleration zone, and the XDS + electronic differential lock additionally loads the mechanisms - and from the fourth lap, the braking efficiency deteriorates. By the way, the stabilization system does not turn off completely, but in the dormant mode it works very unobtrusively, without interfering with the pilot to learn from his mistakes. So if we talk about the balance, the "GT Seed" is perhaps more harmonious than the recognized standard! Yes, Volkswagen is noticeably faster: it covered 3357 meters of the Smolensk Ring in 1 minute 52.9 seconds, and the Sid's best time was 1 minute 56.6 seconds. And yet the ambitions of the Kia company, which built its first hot-hatch, cannot be called youthful maximalism. With what we Koreans and congratulations.

CHAMPION'S WORD

Maxim BELOTSKY,

rHHCC champion, pilot of the Russian series of circuit races

If you sharply upset, then the "break-assist" on the "Golf" literally sucks in the pedal and does not allow to open in time. However, on the track you quickly understand where the edge of its operation is - there is enough information content. The Kia also has a break-assist, but it works softer, releases earlier. With this, it's easier for me to dose the slowdown.

The sound of "Golf" is noticeably more pleasant, and the Kia engine is not heard at all. "Golf" tears, especially at 5000 rpm - a gun! But the thrust depends on the steering angle: straightened it - the car thought a little and honestly gave everything it could. The Kia also has a similar effect, but I adapted and could accelerate even before exiting the bend - and I could not get used to this feature of Volkswagen.

"Golf" is generally sharper. If you cover the gas, a lag appears: the engine does not immediately respond to the thrust supply. At the entrance to the turn, you need to work so clearly to go through the entire turn without closing the gas. But all the same: you loaded the car, it writes an arc, starts to slip during acceleration - and then the pressure rises abruptly, the Golf breaks down into unnecessary axle boxes. Cover the gas and lose a split second. You can get used to this and drive faster, but it is much easier to sit down to the Kia. On "Side" the steering wheel was periodically filled with a weight that is not needed. On "Golf" the effort grew more logically. "Kia" is noticeably softer, and at the same time it does not blur. It obediently reacts to the turn of the steering wheel, while on the Golf it is necessary to use inertia: he overdid it a little - and electronic assistants start to interfere and unbalance the car. So you sit down, sit down, sit in a turn, start to slip, and then - bam! - "Golf" misunderstood you, began to break and you lost speed. And if you slide on the "Kia", the electronics do not interfere.

The Golf GTI is a well-deserved history and engineering. But the Kia firm built a gorgeous car. Is this the first experience for Koreans ?! The volume of engineering and test work is certainly titanic. If the motor turns out to be without children's ailments, and the power is adjusted to the tax restrictions, then there will be no price for Sidu GT.

How much is experience in car design? The compact Volkswagen Golf has been in production for 40 years! And Kia Sid is the first model korean manufacturer in this class. Even in the 80s of the 20th century, almost no one in Europe had ever heard of an Asian brand. Cee’d was developed specifically for the European market, and its production was also established there. All the best practices were used to create the car.

The answer to the question of who was better entrusted to the station wagon modifications. A look at the ads for sale shows that the Kia is significantly cheaper than VW, by about 25%. To conquer the market, Koreans sold their cars for a much lower price than their German competitors. This is reflected in the ratio of the cost in the secondary market.

The station wagon version of Kia debited almost a year after the hatchback was released in 2007. The Golf V appeared much earlier, but the station wagon version appeared on the European market only in 2007. For comparison, modifications were selected with approximately the same power gasoline engines: Kia with a 2-liter aspirated engine with 143 hp, and Volkswagen with a supercharged 1.4 TSI - 140 hp.

Inside the Kia, passengers can expect more headroom, while the Golf gives the rear passengers more legroom. The trunk of the Cee'd station wagon is more spacious, but in the Golf it is more regular in shape. If we compare hatchbacks, then the volume of the Golf's trunk (350-1305 liters) is more than Sid's (340-1300 liters).

The compact Volkswagen has the edge with its finer chassis tuning. Both cars are confident and comfortable in motion. Cee'd SW station wagon is somewhat stiffer, and the steering is lacking feedback... However, it is worth noting that the Kia's behavior on the road is correct in all respects.

The engine of the Golf attracts with its dynamics. Kia relied on simple technical solutions: under the hood, a relatively simple 2-liter gas engine, except for the variable valve timing system. Power unit Volkswagen managed to get almost the same power from a displacement of just 1.4 liters. This is achieved through the use of dual charging (compressor and turbine) and direct fuel injection. The parameters are downright shocking. An incredible maximum torque of 220 Nm for a petrol 1.4-liter engine is available in the range of 1500-4000 rpm. This solution is very well suited for highway driving. When measuring acceleration from a standstill, cars go head to head, but in the elasticity test the Golf wins triumphantly, despite the 6-speed manual gearbox.

All is well, until we have reached two more important points. The first is fuel consumption. We expected significant savings from direct injection and Volkswagen super technology. But, unfortunately, the difference in fuel consumption turned out to be small. Golf is more economical than Sid by only 0.1 liters: 7.8 liters versus 7.9 liters. However, a more dynamic driving style immediately increases the Kia's appetite to 10 liters per 100 km.

Second important point - reliability. It is well known that new complex technical solutions are prone to "childhood diseases". This fate was not spared by the Golf engine. But it is noteworthy that the disease is not directly related to the turbine or compressor. Trouble was presented by the timing chain.

One of the advantages of the Golf is the wide range of engines offered, but the station wagon has fewer. If you are afraid of the risks associated with 1.4 TSI disease, then you should pay attention to the unpretentious 1.6-liter engine with 102 hp. From diesel engines, we can recommend 1.9 TDI and 2.0 TDI, but with Common rail.

For lovers Kia choice more modest: in addition to gasoline 2.0 liters, atmospheric gasoline 1.6 liters and two diesel - 1.6 and 2.0 liters. The two-liter is available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a simple 4-speed "automatic". Volkswagen's TSI is combined with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional preselective gearbox with double clutch DSG 6.

Another advantage of the Golf is a larger number of body versions: 3 and 5-door hatchbacks, an increased PLUS, a station wagon and technically closely related - the Jetta sedan and the compact MPV Touran. In this context, Sid looks poorer - a 3-door pro_cee’d, a 5-door hatchback and an SW wagon - sport wagon. But let's focus on station wagons.

The designers of Kia and Volkswagen have created excellently thought-out luggage compartments... When comparing volumes, the victory is won by Sid with a capacity of 534-1664 liters, against the Golf with slightly lower values \u200b\u200b- 505-1495 liters. The wide tailgate of the Kia opens high, and the hinge attachment makes it easier to use in tight parking lots.

Compact cars do not have much large sizestherefore expectations should not be overstated. Our competitors can easily handle family transportation. The front seats are comfortable, with plenty of space for the driver and passenger. Golf has an advantage in the use of finishing materials more high Quality and slightly better lateral support for the seats.

Three passengers can carry a short trip on the back seat. At least Sid's saloon is slightly wider than the Golf and provides more headroom. The Golf, on the other hand, offers more legroom and a more comfortable sofa. But these differences are just small nuances, because both cars are quite practical station wagons.

Although Kia Sid and nice car, but it is not devoid of serious defects. The main mistake is problems with paintwork copies from the first batch. In most cases, cars have already been repaired, which will allow you to bargain when buying. In the early years, small foci of corrosion may already appear. Other common problems include squeaking and worn-out steering wheel cover. The seat upholstery no longer looks fresh after several years of use.

In general, the Sid is simple and reliable, but malfunctions like a failed rear wiper due to failure of the electronic control module. Replacement required. In addition, in older cars, the audio system often freezes. Chassis comparatively durable. Most often, you have to change the stabilizer struts / bushings and rear shock absorbers.

Volkswagen has created a really good car - that goes without saying. The body of the fifth Golf has no problems with corrosion, and minor flaws in the interior are easy to forgive - aesthetics suffers, but the cost is not significantly affected. Even at high mileage, the suspension is not badly shabby. There are problems with the radiator fan and electronics, for example central locking... But the main catch is hidden in the 1.4 TSI engine - the electromagnetic clutch of the water pump, the stretching of the timing chain, the failure of the injectors. These elements can immobilize the car and become a significant expense. Unfortunately, the likelihood of encountering voiced malfunctions is high.

We still recommend the Golf. Better to choose a car with time-tested engines: a simple 1.6 or diesel 1.9 TDI or 2.0 TDI with Common Rail. But most importantly, before purchasing, it is necessary to perform a thorough inspection and verification of the systems' performance.