Mercedes E Class Expert Review

We are with the Mercedes E Class.

It has been renewed.

As well as outlook, and the engine under the bonnet, with its interior and new technology the E Class is now completely new car.

Let’s see if with this way, it became more competitive and more assertive.

Let’s analyze it together.

As always, I will also start with the design of the E Class.

We all know that the E Class is situated between its big brother S Class and small sibling C Class.

And with its appearance it resembles excessively as the Sedan members of the family as never before.

Nowadays, many car manufacturers design their cars on one model and develop the rest of the family from that.

The Mercedes is one of the marked and distinct brands that use this form.

When you look at the car from the front, in this exclusive equipment level,

with the wide grill without the logo and with  Mercedes’s famous star logo on top, it looks exceedingly as S Class.

Of course, if we say it does not resemble the C Class as well, it will definitely be a lie.

When you look from the side you see that its form has been rounded compered to the previous generation of E Class.

Further, the most distinct difference compered to the previous generation is the axle span that has been elongated 65 mm.

This naturally makes the car look bigger and grander and that it also reveals that the interior will have wider living space.

We will come to that soon but first lets look at the rear all together.

When we look here, the similar lines from C Class and S Class catch one’s eye, especially at taillights, at this chromium bar over the boot lid and at the exhaust outlets under the bumper.

Frankly, if there was no writing here, I couldn’t have easily distinguished which model it was at first glance.

In here, there are some parts with chromium sides looking like exhaust outlets that make the car appears chic and esthetic from the rear but I have to say that they are not exhaust outlets, the real ones are under them.

All right, what kind of loading capacity does E Class offer behind its boot lid? Let me tell you about that too.

It has 540 liters loading capacity, which I can say is very satisfactory.

You are able to load few of your bags here very easily and further as this car has RunFlat tires there is a repair kit, in other words no spare tire.

Therefore a very large area is offered at the space where the spare tire should have been.

You can put many articles here and travel.

Lets look what kind of living space there is at the rear seats.

Not to expect comfort at the rear seats of the E Class will be a mistake.

Believe me, it is very comfortable in here.

Due to the construction of the front seats a very good knee room is offered almost a hand span.

Despite this two parts inclining glass roof, the headroom is good.

There is not a bad living space for the third passenger but due this very big transmission hump his feet may not be very comfortable.

Even though, you may have to sit like this if you have to, but generally the place you sit and the rest your back is not bad at all.

This is in fact a practice we are accustomed in this class.

There are air panels offered for passengers at the rear seats.

Furthermore seat-heating system is offered at the rear seats at this equipment level.

It is a very good feature.

There is one armrest here and two cup-holders.

Further, you can put few of your articles, your wallet and mobile phone here.

Let me mention the curtain too.

When you close the curtain like this, you isolate yourselves from outside world.

I think it is time now to get in to the driver’s seat and start testing the new E Class.

Lets start.

Up to now what I have mentioned was the story part.

The real innovations of the E Class naturally are in here and concern the driver.

I will try to share these with you, as far as possible, during the drive.

Here we go.

I am behind the steering wheel of the E Class.

There are lots of topics to talk about the E Class in the interior as well as the new technologies, therefore to cut the long story short I broach the subject.

As soon as you sit into the driver seat of the E class, two 12.3 inches screen with very high resolution confronts you.

One of them is directly in front of the driver and it provides the indicators.

The one positioned on its right is the multimedia screen.

The indicators have three different themes.

They are called as Sportive, Classic and Modern.

You do not only select them, you are able to personalize the center and the right side of them.

These are all pretty toys but if I am driving an E Class as now, classic indicators and trip computer in its center is appealing to me.

Ultimately, there is this huge screen with high resolution you see here for navigation any way.

Therefore my choice of usage is as you see it.

As the multimedia screen is this big, naturally people think that it is a touch screen.

But Mercedes for safety reasons does not prefer a touch screen multimedia.

Instead, you are able to direct the system called Command from this round button and touch pad over it.

I have already told you this in the previous C Class test.

But in addition there is a novelty in this car.

They are these touch buttons on the steering wheel.

If you ask me this is one of the main reasons that separate the Mercedes from its current rivals.

Of course some question comes to mind of the people here because there are three controls that you can perform exactly the same operations.

I have already shared with you that I personally do not use the touchpad much in my previous tests.

I can tell you that the buttons on the steering wheel are very useful; you are able to reach all the menus without taking your hand off the steering wheel.

I personally liked it very much.

This multimedia system is not very hard but it definitely requires an adaptation period.

But still, if we make a comparison with the BMW’s iDrive or Volvo’s system in the new S90 and XC-90, I have to say that it is a bit harder.

The materials used here definitely satisfy the class standards.

The tops are covered with leather and high quality black shiny wood is used around the air outlets of the A/C.

Here, certainly reminds you an S Class.

But when you go down, especially this mid console with its design as well as its control elements, it resembles the C Class exceedingly.

In other words in the interior just as well as the exterior, it is possible to see signs of S Class and C Class in the E Class.

For your small items very adequate places are offered.

As the gear lever is on the steering column, there is a lidded cubicle in the place where the gear lever should have been just as in all the current Mercedes models.

In here there are two cup-holders and a small area in front of it.

Furthermore, the double lid armrest is very well designed to accommodate many of your articles.

Apart from the seat heating system, with extra payment, you are able to purchase seat cooling system as in this test car.

This is one of the specialties that I like especially when testing on a hot summer day as today.

Of course, I shouldn’t pass without informing you that the seats are very comfortable.

Let us consider the engine and the driving features of the E Class.

Under the bonnet of the E Class, 2 liters, 4-cyliders turbo charge diesel engine is functioning now.

This engine develops 194 HP and 400 Nm of torque.

While the engine use to be 2.1 liters previously, it has been downsized to 2.0 liters and this directly affects the price of the E Class.

This is an important advantage.

This of course is the part concerning our country.

The important thing is what the engine offers to the driver.

The engine, first of all, is very powerful.

With 194 HP as well as 400 Nm of torque, it is very lively in spite of its 1.7-1.8 tons weight.

The new E Class, just as the old E Class, is rear wheel drive.

Namely, I don’t want you to experience confusion here.

Even though some of the current Mercedes models are front wheel drive, the E Class, true to its tradition, is rear wheel drive.

The power of the engine is transmitted to the rear wheels by 9-speed automatic gearbox.

The passes of the gearbox is fast and smooth.

If you wish, you are able to command the gears manually by the pedals behind the steering wheel.

But the engine and the gearbox work so harmoniously that you do not need to use this.

The characteristic of the engine is very good and you don’t feel any tremor while the engine is working.

Further, I can say that it has a silent construction.

That is to say, of course you obviously hear an engine sound as this is a diesel engine but it definitely is not at a bothersome level.

Especially, if you take into account the high level of insulation of the E Class than it becomes clear that the interior is very quiet and comfortable.

Let us consider the driving features of the E Class.

The suspension of the new E Class, if you ask me, is a bit firmer than the previous generation.

But I have to interfere here that the E Class is still very comfortable and has a construction that irons the road’s uneven surfaces.

In other words, when you compare it with its rivals in its class, I think the suspension comfort of the E Class is definitely ahead.

Because on what ever surface you drive you feel extremely complacent and comfortable.

The road handling of the E Class is not bad at all.

As at the moment even at continuous bends you are able to control the car without difficulty.

The car doesn’t try to leave the road.

Aren’t there times it wants to leave it, of course there are.

But the ESP works so well that it doesn’t pull you with hard impacts but bring you to your line as if pulling with string in stead.

There are driving modes called Dynamic Select in the new E Class too.

You are able to select by the button underhand Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and personalized Individual.

Finally, the E Class is as always comfortable and better than its rivals when compared

but in the matter of agility it never was assertive and it is not in the new generation too.

That is to say, if you are searching an agile car in this class, I recommend that you look at the BMW 5 Series and Jaguar XF.

But if comfort is top priority for you, then E Class will satisfy the expectations to the end.

I have mentioned that the E Class possesses the new technologic safety equipment.

The most attention grabbing among them is what we may call half autonomy driving system.

Mercedes calls it as Autopilot.

This system interferes to the steering in addition to the adaptive cruse control.

It is easy to use the system.

You engage this by the cruse control situated under the signal arm.

Later it completely engages when you press this two buttons positioned at the left side of the steering wheel.

Afterwards, the only thing you have to do is adjust the speed you wish from the cruse control and watch the E Class follow the car in front comfortably and safely.

As I am at the moment on a curvy road, I cannot show you this because their interferences are never at a magnitude to manage this type of bends.

But when you drive the E Class on the highway it definitely keep the distance very well with the car in front.

It manages to approach softly and manages to stop softly.

Further it manages to keep the car in the middle of the lines.

In the bends on the highway it strictly do not leave its lane and succeeds to astonish its driver and the passengers in the car.

I have to confess that I liked this autopilot system and used it throughout the test.

The new E Class’s one of the other technologic specialties is parking by itself.

This is one of the specialties we know from other brands and models but the Mercedes goes a step ahead here and put into use to park without the driver in the E Class.

In other words, after you find a parking place the only thing you have to do is give approval to the car and engage the gear to reverse.

After that, you do not touch the throttle or break or the steering wheel ever.

The car does all these by itself.

Namely, it drives backwards, corrects the steering, engages to the D, move forwards and correct the steering again and succeeds to put you into the parking space fast and good.

Let us finally consider the fuel consumption of the E Class.

I have been driving this E220d 2 liters diesel engine for 230 km. and at the moment the trip computer indicates to me 7.9 liters fuel consumption averages.

Of course, apart from that you are able to see 5.2 liters fuel consumption averages for today since I have started it in the morning.

Naturally this is the value indicated as I have driven on open roads since morning.

In other words it will not be true fuel consumption averages. But I can say that the true fuel consumption averages can be around 7-8 level depending at the way you drive.

The new Mercedes E Class definitely attained more competitive aspect.

Especially, with 2 liters potentially frugal and powerful new diesel engine and with high comfort level compared to its rivals,

I think the hand of the E Class is more powerful now.

Of course, as you know, it has very serious rivals in its class.

Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF and new Volvo S90 are very serious models competing with E Class in the same class.

Even though the 5 Series is getting a bit old among them and will be renewed at the end of this year, it still is one of the most important rivals of the Mercedes.

Consequently, even with all the innovations and new technological safety specialties, we naturally cannot know what the Mercedes will do against its rivals

but I can say that the Mercedes E Class users will definitely like it very much.

See you.

Ford Mustang Expert Review

We are with the American legend Ford Mustang.

In the past the Ford Mustang was sold in our country but it was not official.

But now, you are able to buy the Mustang with 2.3 liters Ecoboost petrol engine under the Ford dealership.

Besides, the reason we are able to see the Mustang on our roads is because small capacity engine suitable to European standards has been developed.

Let’s see how much the Mustang as is appropriate as sports car to our country roads?

Let’s analyze it together...

When you look from the front, the new Mustang too has the shark nose that we are accustomed to.

In here there is a grill with wide air intake and the indispensible horse of the Mustang in its center.

Due to the bonnet prolonging towards the headlamps, the Mustang appears aggressive and ill tempered from the front.

I will share with you what kind of outlook this exceedingly long and swollen bonnet has while driving.

Now let me mention a bit the car’s side to you.

You are able to observe that the Mustang definitely possesses a sports car profile from the side.

Even if it does not look that way from the front there is a projecting fender.

Furthermore, the curl of the A column towards the rear starting from the front window and joining with the wide rear fender

and continuing harmoniously with the boot and raise up as a spoiler makes the Mustang very attention grabbing and assertive from the side.

The projecting black footboard against the yellow color definitely is one of the sportive details of the Mustang.

An absolute must of a convertible car to me is the column less windows and the Mustang has them.

When you lower this, the door really show itself on a very different sportive form.

Now let us look at the rear of the car.

The rear of the Mustang has been renewed by remaining faithful to its tradition.

You see a black piece here in the center of the boot lid, and again inside a round logo there is the Mustang horse,

in other words there is nothing what so ever about the Ford on the car.

The taillights consist of three sticks on both side and although they appear to be white now, they are quite impressive when they become red.

Further, we see two round exhaust outlets on both sides when we look down that gives clues about the power of the car.

Despite the black piece in between, the yellow color of the body has been preferred for the diffuser and this made the Mustang look very esthetic from the rear.

From such an esthetic car, to expect practicality will definitely be unreasonable.

Firstly there is a benefit for me to specify this.

But I must point out that there is boot here that offers 408 liters loading capacity.

Namely, you can put two mid size luggage here but as the loading bay is narrow and high you have to be logical,

as these will cause some nuisance with heavy loads.

But if you say who cares, I agree with you.

The same naturally is valid in the interior.

For example, when you want to sit on the rear seats, you have to dismantle the piece that helps you to reach the safety belt easily.

And if you do not affix it back then the people in front have to reach out way back for safety belts.

Anyway, that is not that important.

Let us look what kind of living space is offered at the rear because this car is called 2+2 coupe.

I can say it from the start that this place is not very comfortable for an adult.

Now when you get in here, as you can see, even though I am 1.78 cm tall I can sit, even the knee room is not bad

but when it comes to the headroom, I must say that, I really had encountered much difficulty.

It is impossible to travel at the rear seats, even when I try to slip down my head touches the rear window.

Therefore I can say that only children can sit on the rear seats.

To get in or out of the rear seats is not easy either but who cares?

Personally I don’t care at the moment at all because I am getting behind the steering wheel of the Mustang and will start driving soon.

As always, we affix the safety belt first and then close this extremely esthetic door and press the starter.

Would you like to hear the sound of the engine before we move?

Like this. It is not bad is it?

Lets start...

I am behind the steering wheel of the Mustang.

Even though the interior is not as impressive as the exterior it still has different design factors.

You especially feel that you are in an American car as soon as you enter it.

It definitely makes you feel it with design factors as well as material quality.

The knowledgeable knows that the American cars are not as assertive in the matter of material quality as their European rivals and the same is valid for the Mustang.

In here at the top, soft plastic materials are used and they are covered with leather.

There is a plastic piece with an aluminum look later on.

When you reach to the lower parts, still soft plastics are used.

But especially around the gear lever, the materials are hard and convenient for scratches.

The upper parts of the door upholstery are soft but you again encounter hard plastics at lower levels.

When you compare this to a European rivals the quality of the materials will come weak

but ultimately this is an American car and they do not attach importance to material quality that much.

Therefore the Mustang satisfies the expectations very well in this sense.

There are two indicators in front of you.

From the one on the left you can follow the revolutions and from the one on the right the speed.

In here apart from the kilometers you can see the American unit the mile.

Naturally, the Mustang Europeanize when entering the European market because there is one touchscreen multimedia here.

You are able to reach your phone, navigation, music system and A/C controls from here.

This in fact is the multimedia screen we know from the current Ford models.

We have come across this screen on my previous tests of the Ford Focus Sedan, Ford Mondeo and Ford Grand C-Max models.

I already have given sufficient details about this screen; therefore I don’t feel a need to talk about it in this car.

The A/C controls are directly below the music system, in my opinion they have a very chic design and are easy to use.

There is one detail I like here and that is having a seat coolers as well as seat heaters.

Frankly, on hot summer days like today, if you are traveling with leather seats your back will be dripping wet when you get out of the car.

But as you see I am able to drive easily and comfortably with the second level now.

I cannot say that the Mustang is very functional in the matter of small items cubicles.

Nobody is expecting such from a car like this anyway, but there is a small area in front of the gear lever for your wallet and small changes.

Further, behind the gear lever there are two largish cup-holders where you can put your mobile phone and sunglasses.

Apart from these the armrest offers you quite a wide place too.

The plaque here indicating that the Mustang is manufactured since 1964 shows you and your passenger that you are in a very special car.

After this entire story I think it is time to consider the Mustang’s engine and driving features.

As I have mentioned at the beginning, the Mustang is manufactured with 2.3 liters turbo charge petrol engine with Ecoboost for the European market.

This engine develops 317 HP and 432 Nm of torque

and sold in our country with only 6-speed automatic gearbox with torque convertor.

The engine’s numerical information is very powerful; let me tell you what it gives you in practice.

Even though the engine has 4 cylinders it offers you not bad a performance.

As you can see its sound is very good and its acceleration performance is very good too.

In this sense, it gives good answers to the expectations.

Of course, when you talk about a sports car you expect it to be light as well as powerful.

But the Mustang is quite heavy with its almost 1700 kg body.

Therefore, naturally there are some losses in the performance.

In this of course the automatic gearbox has a bit of share too.

If this car were to be offered to you with manual gearbox alternative, it might have given you more enjoyable driving.

As 317 HP is transferred to the rear wheels, especially in this type of hairpin turns and sharp bends,

it offers you to slide the rear and make a drift easily and you really enjoy it.

Of course when we talk about the sound we should have been talking about 8 cylinders 5 liters Mustang not this 4 cylinders one.

But at the moment we make do with this one and I cannot say that it is bad as it satisfy the expectations.

But if you really want to drive a Mustang, what ever happens you should take a path towards the 5 liters version.

Incidentally, it is very stable, look even with this drifting the car stays in its line very controlled and achieve to answers all your commands to the steering wheel.

The car almost does not stay put.

Believe me even though it is not 5 liters machine, this 2.3 liters Ecoboost engine has really great power at the rear wheels as well.

By the way, they live harmoniously with the gearbox also.

In other words even though it is an automatic gearbox with torque convertor its passes are very good.

Especially when upshifting you don’t lose any time,

but when downshifting the changes are a bit delayed but still it is not very important.

Let us consider the driving features of the Mustang.

First of all, one of the main differences separating the Mustang from the Europeans is its comfortable chassis.

But when I say comfort, you should of course not expect a family car comfort from it.

Ultimately it is a sports car but compared to the suspension comfort of the European sports car, I can say that this one is one step ahead.

Naturally, with the new generation the Mustang too is using independent rear suspension system.

It is a fact that this adds a plus to the road handling and comfort of the Mustang.

There are 4 different driving modes in the Mustang.

They are Normal, Sport Plus and Track and Snowy Surfaces modes.

You are able to select them from these contact breaker type switches.

Further, you are able to choose the sensitivity of the steering wheel by this button here again as Normal, Sport and Comfort.

The weight balance of the steering wheel in my opinion is quite good.

It answers you very well even at Normal mode.

When you select the Sport, you have to spend a bit more effort to turn the wheel.

Did I have a need? I preferred to drive at normal mode throughout the duration.

I cannot say that the angle of field of view was good but I can definitely say that it was pleasurable.

I have pointed out to you when talking on the outside.

There is such a long bonnet with protrusions that you see it before the road when you sit on the drivers seat.

With this yellow color the car is very attention grabbing.

In this type of road driving it makes you feel that you are driving a powerful car.

But there are places these turns to be a disadvantage.

On turning, especially at narrow roads or maneuvering, you encounter some bother, as you are unable to perceive the front exactly.

But after you get use to it, and know where the head of the car is, it does not become too much of a problem.

I can also say that the rear window is a bit narrow.

Furthermore due to declining roof, the C column naturally affects the view a bit.

But still, when you want to maneuver, you can see around easily with this rear view camera.

And you do not encounter any problem while driving once you get use to it.

Finally, let us consider the fuel consumption you have been waiting impatiently.

I have been driving this car for 4 days and have covered 260 km.

At the moment the trip computer indicates to me 10.7 liters fuel consumption averages.

This value, if you ask me is very good for 2.3 liters turbo charge automatic gearbox car weighing 1.7 tons.

I should also briefly mention how I drove this car when we were together.

150 km of the 260 km distance that I covered; I have driven on highways calmly.

The rest 100 km distance was covered in the city with not much performance but by stepping on the throttle around corners to hear the engine sound.

In other words we can say that it was exactly a mix fuel consumption test.

Consequently, I can say that the 2.3 liters Ecoboost engine under the bonnet of the Ford Mustang possesses a frugal potential,

of course if you drive your Mustang as Ford Focus.

If you drive, saying that you are driving a Mustang and would like to hear the sound of the engine and would like to enjoy it,

then you should definitely know that the fuel consumption will reach 14-15 liters level.

Lets see how it accelerates?

120...

Ford Mustang with exceedingly esthetic design, sportive driving features and also with comfortable construction, in my opinion deserves praise

It is not very assertive in practicality.

Besides, it is a sports car and I don’t think any body will expect practicality from it.

But the most important think is the subject of price.

While people in United States possesses this car for about 25-30 thousand Dollars, in Europe 30-40 thousand Euro is needed.

In our country, unfortunately as this 2.3 liters Ecoboost engine falls into the highest tax bracket,

even the least equipment version will sell for 135 thousand Dollars.

Therefore unfortunately it is not reasonable to say this car is a good choose.

At that price level there are many more alternatives.

As a matter of fact, one of the alternatives is Mustang’s 5 liters 8 cylinder GT version.

That car’s price is around 150 thousand dollars.

Therefore even that car looks more reasonable.

But there is one criterion that alters the affairs and that is the yearly motor vehicle tax because while this car’s tax is 4 thousand TL the 5 liters GT version’s tax is 22 thousand TL.

That makes the GT unreasonable too.

Consequently, we welcome the Ford Mustang

but are unable to make shot greetings because unfortunately at this price level there will not be many to reach the Mustang.

See you...

Opel Zafira Expert Review

We are with the Opel Zafira in Frankfurt.


The new version of the Zafira, which is the Opel’s family car, is standing next to me and I came to Frankfurt to test it, I will start soon.


As always let me start first with the design of the car.


For one thing, due to renewal, the front of the Zafira became apparent to be similar as the smaller version of the family, the Astra.


The headlamps resemble exceedingly like the Astra. But, naturally there are certain differences and certain details here.


The grill now has different design in the Zafira.

Here, while the logo stays in the center, due to these chromium pieces it looks as if it is inside palms

Furthermore, as these chromium pieces continue towards the headlamps it ensures the Zafira to appear more elite and premium.


Alright what kind of differences is there on the sides?


Let’s look on those together as well.


To begin with, there are not many differences, in general, in the design of the Zafira.


This place consists of, as always, with wide door panels and wide glass surfaces.


Because of these wide glass surfaces, it provides spacious and bright interior that is indispensible in the family cars.


The only shadow play detail I can say here consists of the line on the rear door that we are familiar from the previous Insignias.


OK what kind of novelties are there at the rear? Let’s look at them all together.


First of all, when we look at the rear I can say that it has very similar design as the previous generation.


Because I have in Germany a while ago seen an old generation and I can say that from the rear they really look too much alike.


In here we have a chromium piece surrounding the logo and a taillight prolonging towards the boot lid.


As this car has a 1.6 liters turbo charge engine with 200 HP, it has 2 exhaust outlets here.


I will refer to engine details soon.


Alright what kind of loading capacity is offered in the Zafira? Let’s look at that all together too.


As far as I know the previous Zafiras were 7 seaters only.


But in this car 5 seater option is offered as the one I am testing that is standing next to me.


As this is a family car we can see there is a very wide loading area here.


With its rectangular construction and low loading platform it is very easy to load here.


Now is the time to find out what kind of living space the rear seats offer.


Come on let’s look at also.


The Zafira is generous in the matter of knee room.


I can say that this place is very good.


In case of the headroom, although due to the sunroof the level has been decreased,


as you can observe it still offers sufficient headroom even to me with 1.78 cm height.


These three seats can move to and fro independently and meanwhile you can enlarge the boot capacity.


In the space offered for the third passenger, the transmission hump is relatively low, therefore the feet will not have too much trouble


but because of the shoulder room it will not be very easy.


Still, if you are not adult or have smaller structure then three of you can sit here.


I am now getting behind the steering wheel of the Zafira and start to drive the Zafira on this beautiful asphalt of the Frankfurt.


We always affix our seatbelts.


We press the starter and start the drive.


I am behind the steering wheel of the Zafira.


As soon as you enter the Zafira, you feel as if you are driving a big Astra with a high ground clearance.


Because, due to the renewal, there is a new instrument panel, multimedia touch screen and A/C controls here.


And they are quite similar to the Opel Astra.


The new three-spoke driving wheel fits to the hands very well and answers your guiding whishes timely.


I can say that this steering wheel suited the Zafira very well.


It is not assertive in the quality of the materials as it uses hard materials in the cockpit


but still it satisfies the expectations of its class in a good way.


I cannot say that the Zafira is very generous in the subject of small items cubicles


but it offers some pluses to its users in the matter of functionality.


Firstly, I can say that there is quite good area in front of the gear lever.


But more importantly is the usage of rail system that the Opel calls FlexRail.


With this sliding rail system, as well as sliding the armrest to and fro,


as well as hiding the cup-holder under it, you attain a lidded small items cubicle when you slide them all.


This ergonomic comfortable AGR seats I have previously mentioned in the Astra test is also used in the Zafira


and ensures the ones travelling in the front to be very comfortable.


What makes the Zafira special and separates it from its rivals, if you ask me, is the slidable roof system.


At the moment for example, I don’t know if you realize, the interior is dark and overcast


it feels as if I am driving a convertible with the hood on, it causes to be a bit claustrophobic.


Therefore, on cloudy days without much sunshine as today, I believe it is necessary to open this and see in front much better.


And I make my selection in that way.


Let us consider the engine and driving features of the Zafira.

In the Zafira now, engine alternatives from 1.4 liters to 2.0 liters are offered.


But I should immediately indicate that the diesel engine and automatic gearbox combination you have all been curious about unfortunately is not offered in this car.


In the car I am driving now 1.6 liters turbo charge petrol engine is functioning


This engine develops 200 HP and 280 Nm of torque


and at the moment it is offered with only 6-speed manual gearbox in the Zafira.


The general character of the engine is good and it has a lively disposition.


But when you consider the Zafira’s dimensions and weight, you should accept that ıt does not make you feel the 200 HP.


But you shouldn’t get the wrong idea about that it is weak, because you reach high speeds easily without even noticing.


The engine works in harmony with the gearbox and as the gearbox is underhand it helps you to make your selections easily.


Don’t mind that I talk as if the engine is not very lively, even now when you step on it the rpm increases


and supply you to reach high speeds comfortably.


The well-adjusted steering system ensures even this size MPV to be guided easily.


For example, as now, even when you take narrow sharp bend, you do not struggle with the steering wheel much


and you shouldn’t forget that this is a family car.


The suspensions of the Zafira are generally firm.


You feel this easily especially on this narrow and sharp bends


because the body of the car does not stretch here and there much.


But it is impossible for me to comment at the moment what this firmness bring forth to the comfort


because I have been driving this car only around the Frankfurt’s smooth asphalt roads


and cannot say how it will be on Istanbul.


The insulation of the car in general is good; no discomfortable noises penetrate to the interior.


Finally, let us consider the fuel consumption you all been curious about.


For one thing, I should tell you from the start that to expect the engine under this body to be frugal will be a mistake


because ultimately it is a small volume engine, it is a turbo charge engine and it carries this big a body.


And it also develops 200 HP.


This to be economical definitely is not even a matter of discussion.


But let me share with you what I have experienced.


I have been driving this car as I have repeatedly mentioned around Frankfurt for 80 km


and at the moment the trip computer indicates to me 9.8 liters fuel consumption averages.

This value is not low but if you drive calmly and with low pace I can say that you will definitely lower this value.


But there is one detail you shouldn’t forget that if you drive with performance, it has a potential definitely to reach 11-12 liters level.


What I will tell you from Frankfurt about Opel Zafira is this much.


If there is any thing you think is missing or any extra subjects you are curious about, don’t forget to leave a comment under the video.

I would like you to know that I will try to answer all as far as possible.


By the way, if you are interested in this type of family cars, don’t forget to watch the videos of the Seat Alhambra and Ford Grand C-Max that I have tested previously.

See you...

Volvo S90 Expert Review

Hello, today we are with one of the most exciting new car of this year, the Volvo S90 in Marbella.


The S90, you see behind me, is the second member of the Volvo’s new design philosophy.


This design philosophy that commenced with the Volvo XC90 last year, will be implemented to renovate all the Volvo models within the next four years.

Frankly speaking, we have no knowledge about the designs of the new models that will come in the next four years yet, but I have to start by saying that S90 possesses as grand design as the XC90.

The Volvo, with the new premium driving experience attitude, named as comfortable and reliable,


would like to enter strongly into the premium segment where it already has powerful rivals.


The Volvo that is commemorated as the securest car up to today desires from now on, to become prominent with comfortable and reliable driving features.


Let’s see if the Volvo with new S90 will be able to meet the expectations?


Let’s analyze it together.


Yes, we are behind the steering wheel of the brand new Volvo S90.


I am behind the steering wheel of T6 petrol version that will not be imported to our country at the first phase.


Before getting behind the steering wheel of this car, I had an opportunity to drive about 100-120 km the D5 diesel version

that will be imported to our country and delivered to the people who ordered in advance beginning from October.


Let us talk about T6; later on I will also share my views about the D5 with you.


All of the engine options of the Volvo S90, either petrol or diesel are 2 liter and 4 cylinders.


That's why this T6 engine has a 2 liter 4 cylinder engine.


This engine develops 320 HP and 420 Nm of torque.


It reaches 100 km from 0 in 5.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 250 km/h,


it is said that it has 7 liters fuel consumption averages


but since I have not tested that far I cannot say if these factory data’s are accurate.


I would like to talk about D5 model a bit.


D5 develops 235 HP, 480 Nm of torque


and it reaches 100 km from zero in 7 seconds, and its top speed is 240 km/h.

Its technical data is that its fuel consumption averages is 4.8 liters.


My experience is about 100-120 km and of course in traffic and with performance that will increase the value but still the consumption was 6.5 liters.


Alright, what kind of driving features the Volvo S90 offers to its driver?


I carry out very comfortable and joyful drive in proportion of its class requirements through my coverage.


The car is very quiet, the suspension system is very successful,


it absorbs the impacts very well and definitely offers its class’s comfort features to its driver.


The Volvo S90 as you know is the second product of the Volvo’s new design philosophy.


With its sibling V90 it has been developed at the same platform with the XC90 that was introduced last year.


The specialty of this Volvo platform is that apart from the part between the front axle and front console, all the parts are completely responsive.


Therefore, apart from that part, all the other parts of the platform can be changed


and with different dimensions and with different segments many different cars can be developed at the same platform.


At the moment, together with the XC90, S90 and V90 have been developed at this platform.


But from the information I have learned today, the S60 will also be developed at this platform in the years ahead.


According to the information given by the Volvo officials, as the flexible platform can change the dimensions,


it also offers very good road handling and performance as well as comfort levels.


And to tell the truth, I have observed throughout the drive that the S90 is very comfortable.

The Volvo S90 is the longest, widest and lowest car in its class.


This of course has exceedingly been reflected in the spaciousness of the interior.


When you look at the interior of the Volvo S90, there are naturally similar things from the first member of this new design philosophy, family’s big brother the XC90.


For example, this instrument panel is exactly the same as XC90; the big screen in the center is same as XC90,


and other than that the gear knob, the car’s start button and this sliding cubbyhole and general design factors are quite similar to the XC90


But strictly speaking, I very much like this plain and stylish Scandinavian design and they have reflected that very well in the S90.


The cockpit you are in offers you a luxuries and comfortable environment and provides the drive to be pleasant.


Naturally, I don’t even need to talk about the quality of the materials.


Here the top of this console is covered with leather.


There are quite elegant lusterless wood and metal pieces.


The best I like are the air vents on both side of the screen, which have added affability to the design.


The most important new feature of the D5 engine that will be the best seller of the S90 in our country is a system called Power Pulse.


Due to this system, they say that it avoids the turbo lagging that you experience with the turbo charge engines when you press the throttle


and therefore offers the best acceleration performance in its class.


I frankly had a chance on the highway to experience this.


Quite good and truly you achieve very good acceleration without gap from the 480 Nm of torque.


Volvo as you know is at the head of the car manufacturers that gives its most to safety


and Volvo claims that there will be no fatal casualties inside the Volvo cars from the year 2020.


In other words Volvo aims that no passenger should die inside its car when they have a traffic accident.


And all the technologies developed are aimed to this end.


In the S90 there are this new safety precautions too and it offers the best safety features of its class as standard.


The newest safety systems added to the Volvo family with the S90 is detection of big animals and go off the road avoidance system.


The system that previously perceived pedestrians, bicycles and other cars


are now also detects big animals and breaks and avoids collusion when confronted even if you don’t.


Another long-term objective of the Volvo is to manufacture completely autonomous cars by 2020.


And by developing Pilot Assist System with the S90 it gets another step nearer to its objective.


The Pilot Assist System that was active up to 50 km/h in the XC90 previously, is active up to 130 km/h in the S90.


In other words when you adjust the Pilot Assist System to 130 km/h it advances following the lanes and road signs and drive you autonomic up to 130 km/h speed.


Naturally, when using this system the Volvo does not move alone.


More precisely, it says that this is a subsystem.


It tells you that your hands should always be on the steering wheel


and warning comes when you take your hands off and the system activates again as you put your hands on.


To put your hand on does not mean that you have to guide the car;


the car follows the lanes and advance at the speed you have selected in the Adaptive Cruise Control and moves following the car in front.


To tell the truth I have liked the Volvo S90 in the short period I have as a general impression.


With driving features as well as performance specialty and with design philosophy it will force its powerful rivals in this tough segment.


Of course as I always say this is not a test video.

I only share my first impressions with you.


As the time is limited I probably forget to narrate to you many things.


But you can be sure that when this car comes to Turkey, we will be one of the first to test it and will be able to catch the chance to give you very detailed account.


I am almost at the end of my drive.


I hope I have informed you adequately in this short time.


See you…

Mazda 3 Expert Review

We are with the Mazda3 in Thessalonike.

As you know, the Mazda has renewed the 3 Series in 2014 and started to sell it in our country.

But this car was being sold in our country since 2014 with only 1.5 liters petrol engine.

Now, fit for our market, new 1.5 liters diesel engine combination has been added.

This car is now being sold in our country with manual gearbox as well as automatic gearbox.

Let’s see if the Mazda3 has assertive driving features as well as attention grabbing appearance.

Let’s analyze it together.

Lets start to talk about the Mazda3 as always from its design.

First of all, to start with, I have to say that Mazda3 possesses more dynamic, more attention grabbing and more sportive outlook than its rivals in its class, in other words in the compact hatchback class.


In these, naturally, certain details play a part.


When you observe the car from the front, you see the Mazda’s classical logo and its big grill.


Furthermore, prolonged rearwards headlamps provide the Mazda3 to look striking.


When we look the car from the side there is certainly a sportive view due to some shadow plays.


These are, the descending line starting from the bonnet and continues to the end of the front door


and then ascending at the rear door and come to an end at the taillights.


Because of this the Mazda3 Hatchback definitely appears remarkable from the sides.

Alright, how is the rear of the car? Let’s look there together too.

When we look at Mazda3 Hatchback from the rear, there are what we might refer as slant-eyed taillights composed from two parts,

and the rear of the car is really rotundate and reveal that it is a hatchback in real terms.


In my opinion, Mazda3 proves its assertive design from the rear also.


Ok, I wonder what kind of loading capacity is offered behind the boot lid of the Mazda3?


Let’s also look at it all together.


There is a 350 liters loading capacity here.


This value is a bit less than its rivals in the compact hatchback class but nevertheless has a layout to satisfy the expectations of this class explicitly.


Come on now is the time for the rear seats.


The living space of the Mazda3 at the rear seats is as you see it.


There is not bad at all knee room.


The headroom, I can say that is better compared to the knee room.


There is one armrest here and you are able to put two glasses here.


There is a transmission hump here, let me see how much obstacle it will constitute to the third passenger.


To tell the truth, as dimensions are not very big, yes your legs will strain a bit, but if you have to, you can sit here as the third passenger without too much distress.


Now is the time to drive the Mazda3 and see what will this new 1.5 liters diesel engine deliver.


Lets start...


I am behind the steering wheel of the Mazda3.


In my opinion the interior of the Mazda possesses a sportive design as the exterior.

Because, you see a big revolution counter and follow easily the speed digitally from inside it.


Furthermore, with low sitting position, with three spoke steering wheel that fits to the hand well


and gearbox with distinct passes, this car makes you feel as if you are driving more sportive compact hatchback than the rivals in its class.


The quality of the materials used is in a level to satisfy the class expectations.

Soft plastics have been used at the tops.


There are hard plastics below but in general terms; you do not feel any deficiency.


The positioning of the indicators and their use is easy.


There is one A/C with very plain buttons here and most importantly a wide small items cubicle under it.


Furthermore, there are two biggish cup-holders behind the gear lever.


On the top of the console in the center there is a touch screen multimedia but its touch screen only works when you are stationary.


Apart from that, you are able to command the screen from the button here.


The reason it is like this is due to safety but if you ask my opinion, all the brands nowadays use touch screen


and you are able to use them stationary as well as in motion and Mazda sentimentalize and I think the screen should be commanded during drive.


Ultimately, you are able to do your selections from here but by no means reach your aim as fast as touch screen.


You have to push, turn, press and etc. I don’t think this is a right implementation.

Let us consider the engine and driving features of the Mazda3.


As I have mentioned in the beginning, the Mazda3 is not imported to our country with only petrol engine anymore.


Now, 1.5 liters diesel engine called Skyactiv can also be purchased with this car.


This engine develops 105 HP and 270 Nm of torque.


The 105 HP may not come too high to the ear but I can say that it satisfied the expectations during my entire drive.


I at the moment am using the six-speed manual gearbox version of this engine.


Of course, if you wish you have the opportunity to posses the Mazda3 with diesel engine and automatic gearbox that I think more people will prefer.


If you are driving in a city like İstanbul where there are continuous stop and go, the automatic gearbox will be more logical.


But with its passes and short ratios to use the manual gearbox is also very enjoyable.

The engine that display flexible attitude due to 270 Nm of torque works in harmony with this six-speed gearbox.


The sensitivity of the steering is a bit artificial but the car really holds the road very well.


The steering answers your wishes well and I do not think a standard driver will have any negative critic about the steering system.


For example, even on serial bends like this you feel that the car puts its head where you want to go.


Finally let us consider the fuel consumption.


I have been driving this car from Thessalonike towards Halkidiki for 120 km and will reach there shortly anyway.


The trip computer at the moment indicates 5.3 liters fuel consumption averages.

Because of the duration and the route I drove, it is impossible to give you real fuel consumption averages.

But if I have to evaluate in general terms, I can say that this car with this gearbox will be an economic choice.


I have driven the Mazda3 from Thessalonike to Halkidiki for about 150 km.


The car’s driving dynamics are good.


The diesel engine with frugal potential in my opinion definitely deserves praise.


But the one planned to sell better in our country is definitely the diesel engine and automatic gearbox combination.


The prices start from 92 thousands TL. But this is diesel engine and manual gearbox version.


If you want it with automatic gearbox, unfortunately the price of the Mazda3 exceeds 100 thousands level.

I have to say that the Mazda3 with this price will not be competitive especially against bestselling, successful European models.

But I can say this here, if you are interested in Japanese cars and apart from successful driving features, like the design, then you can definitely give the Mazda3 a chance.


See you...

Fiat Egea (Tipo) Expert Review

We are with the Fiat Egea Hatchback (Tipo).

As you know, a short time ago a model called the Egea has joined the Fiat family. This Sedan version was so successful in a very short time that, it even was deemed worthy to the car of the year award in Europe. Right now,  at my side is the sibling of that with a hatchback body. We have an opportunity now, to test this car for a short period as part of press launch. Therefore lets not waste any time and start to analyze it together.

DESIGN
Lets start to commentate the Egea Hatchback, as always, from its design. This car has almost identical face as its Sedan sibling. But of course there are one or two small variances. The first one is that the section of the fog lamps possesses a different design. The second and in my opinion more important one is that inside the headlamps of the Egea Hatchback, daylight lamps with LED technology is being used. Due to this, you see a younger and more dynamic model when you observe the Egea Hatchback from the front.

As you will be able to guess, the real difference shows up when you look at this car from the side, because this car is a Hatchback where as the other sibling is a Sedan. In other words, for one thing their C columns, roofs and rear sections have very different designs than each other but there are also some parts that are the same. For example, this shoulder line that starts from the headlamps and continue all the way on the side and stop at the taillights ensure the Egea Hatchback to appear dynamic when looked at from the side. The difference shows up at the roof and at section approaching towards the rear of the car. As you know, normally the roof on Hatchback cars decline a little early and attain a round form but the decline of the roof of the Egea Hatchback actualize a bit late. The reason for this is the wish of the designers to achieve better headroom at the rear seats.

Let’s see if this situation really means wider living space. Come on let’s check on there quickly. For one thing, the Egea Hatchback from the point of view of dimensions is longer than the rivals in its class and it demonstrates this clearly in the interior. The knee room offered, if you ask me, is ahead of its rivals in its class. In other words, to have a hand span distance in a compact hatchback model in my opinion deserves praise. As to the matter of the headroom, as I have mentioned at the outside, due to the roof inclining later, a very spacious headroom is offered here.

Let’s see what does this middle seat for the third passenger offer us. There is a transmission hump here but at low position, therefore you do not encounter much problem to fit your feet but the real bother here is the backrest which due to the armrest is a bit hard and where I sit is high but I have to tell you that if you have to even if you are an adult you can sit here as the third passenger.

Even though there are some differences from each other at the side view, the distinct difference between these two siblings show up at the rear. You know that the Fiat for a long time was not in the compact hatchback class and now it entered this class with the Egea Hatchback. As appearance from the rear, you can see that it is clearly as assertive as its rivals. The factors that grab attention here are the boomerang formed taillights, which consist of two parts. It definitely achieved to bring authentic and distinctive outlook.

TRUNK
All right, what kind of loading capacity does the Egea Hatchback offers let me tell you briefly about it. In here, 380 liters loading capacity is offered if full-length spare wheel is used. This is a bit above the value of the compact hatchback class. In other words deserves praise. But if you buy this car with repair kit instead of full-length spare wheel then this value increases to 440 liters and the Egea Hatchback succeeds to become peerless. Due to the boot being rectangular form, to load here is also very easy. Further more I have to give you an extra detail. Since it is longer than its rivals, to load big suitcases longitudinally secure you an advantage. And this ensures the Egea Hatchback to have one more powerful trump.

INTERIOR AND DRIVING
I think we should cut the long story short, get on behind the steering wheel of the Egea Hatchback, and start the driving part. Friends, we always put on the seat belt. We start driving.

The interior looks quite like its sedan sibling but there are minor alterations. The most remarkable among them is the 7 inches touch screen multimedia supplied standard with mid and high equipment level. This high-resolution multimedia has a very appealing design, furthermore its touch sensitivity is also good, and it can easily be used.

Another difference here is that the materials used on top are a bit softer and better quality. Apart from these there is no variation in the cockpit. The A/C controls are under hand; they are digital and easy to use. The indicators are illegible and easily followed. For your small items there is quite a large area in front of the gear lever and further more two cup-holders behind it. Of course, one shouldn’t forget the sliding to and fro armrest and the area inside it. The sitting position of the Egea Hatchback is low but despite that you still have a commanding angle of field of view.

The steering wheel fits to the hand well and to have depth and height adjustment ensures you to arrange your ideal driving position easily. It is very easy to use the controls on and behind the steering wheel.

ENGINE
Let us consider the engine and driving features. The Egea Hatchback is manufactured with the same engine alternatives as its sedan sibling. They are 4 of them as 1.4 liters petrol engine, 1.4 liters turbo charged petrol engine, 1.3 liters multijet and 1.6 liters multijet. Under the bonnet of the car I am testing now, 1.4 liters turbo charged T-Jet engine is functioning. This engine develops 120 HP and 215 Nm of torque and can only be purchased with 6-speed manual gearbox.

The performance of the turbo charged engine is quite good. If you expect more then you should force it a bit it definitely gives you positive answers. Apart from that you are able to receive complete answers to your expectations in your everyday use. The 6-speed manual gearbox works in harmony with the engine.

If you want to buy the Egea Hatchback with automatic gearbox you have to wait until September, but I can tell you that this engine will never be with automatic gearbox. In the coming period, in the 1.6 liters petrol engine and in the 1.6 liters diesel engine automatic gearbox option will be offered.

The road handling in my opinion is by no means to sniff at. The suspensions present road handling and comfort blended together very well. If you are on decent asphalt, you definitely advance quietly and comfortably. The Egea Hatchback, in this type of curvy roads absolutely keeps its line and displays good road handling. For example, you feel that it hugs the road even in this type of S bends.

Even though the steering is not very sensitive, it still is in a structure to satisfy the expectations. Especially with its fit to the hand you are able guide the car easily. The insulation is not bad at all. If you are advancing in this type of crushed stone surfaces, you hear the road noise a bit in the cockpit but when you are on asphalts, as on the highways the noise definitely does not penetrate the interior.

The only negative thing I can tell about comfort is that the rear of the car swings a bit in this type of road swells but it is a good thing that the suspensions work quietly. In the Egea Hatchback the Adaptive cruise control and the safety equipment that automatically breaks at high speeds are offered as standard in mid and high equipment level. I think this is a very good specialty.

The Egea Hatchback offering as standard the equipment while many models in this class do not offer and the ones who do offer it as optional definitely strengthen its hand. I can say that for the drivers who value safety in this class, this equipment will be effective in preference.

CONSUMPTION
Finally, let us consider the fuel consumption of the Egea Hatchback. I have been driving this car for a very short time therefore I should tell you from the start that I can not give a true value but the trip computer indicates after my 43 kilometers drive 10.7 liters fuel consumption averages. This of course is a high value but I guess with calm driving this value definitely will be lowered to 8 liters level. The manufacture’s data for the fuel consumption averages is indicated as 6 liters.

The Fiat with the Egea family is continuing to do great job. It is a simple matter to be successful with the Egea Hatchback in the compact hatchback class that it has been absent for a long time. Especially with offering the safety features as standard that most rivals do not have and with spacious living areas and the class leader boot capacity the hand of the Egea Hatchback is very powerful.

If you ask me, the Egea Hatchback will definitely catch the success of the Sedan.

See you.

2016 Kia Sportage Expert Review

We are with the Kia Sportage.

The third generation Sportage had been best selling model of the Kia worldwide. Now you are seeing the fourth generation next to me. Let’s see if the Sportage this way will consolidate its old success? Let’s analyze it together.

The design of the Sportage looks much more sportive and young compared to the old. To tell the truth, if you ask me, you sense the air of the Porsche Macan in the Sportage when you look from the front. I can also say that it is its strange and cockeyed looking version.

In this, headlamps and the lines on the bonnet have great share. The grill, which is almost, the signature of the Kia brand is a piece we know from the Cee’d but it ensures the Sportage to appear aggressive when viewed from the front and this grill is referred to as tiger’s nose. As you can see these fog lamps comes with the GT-Line series and these fog lamps that looks like ice cubes become prominent with very different application.

When you look the car from the side, we see that it is not much different from the old generation. Again, in this car there is no shadow shows and the door panels are at pretty flat form. The C column is exceedingly similar to the old generation. The main difference here is that the axle span is 30 mm wider and 40 mm longer than the previous generation.

Let us look what kind of living space the Sportage offers due to the effect of this growth. The rear seats, if you ask me, offers very good living space. The knee room as you can see is very good. In other words, there is almost a hand span in front of my knees. I can also say that the headroom is not bad at all. Quite a good place is offered here for three peoples. The third adult can sit here without trouble. Furthermore, due to a bit low tunnel hump there are even places for the feet. More importantly, you are now able to incline the rear seats of the Sportage backwards. Thus, it naturally becomes more pleasurable to travel at the rear seats. The rear of the Sportage now looks more modern and charming.

When we look at the taillights, we see that they are horizontally formed and are with LED technology. Moreover, these two taillights being joined together from the middle with this type of piece is an unusual practice and I think it is pleasing to the eye. When you purchase the Sportage at GT-Line level, you can get this bumper with the diffuser and the exhaust outlets on both sides together.


TRUNK
Alright, what kind of loading capacity does the Sportage’s boot offer? Let me briefly mention that to you. Behind this electrically operated boot lid 466 liters loading capacity is offered. Not a bad value but you have to know that it is 20 liters less than its platform sibling the Hyundai Tucson. But if you want personal opinion, this value can satisfy the values of the compact SUV class explicitly. Further more due to flat loading bay you are able to put your loads here easily. When the rear seats are inclined the 466 liters widen up to 1455 liters.

INTERIOR
Now is the time for driving. The cockpit of the Sportage is well groomed and all the controls are underhand and positioned bonnily. There is a touchscreen multimedia on top of the mid console. From there you are able to reach the music system, navigation and telephone very easily. Directly under that there are A/C controls that we are accustomed to and they also can be used very easily. For the cold winter days, apart from seat heating, steering wheel heating is also offered in the Sportage. Moreover, for the hot summer days, it is quite an advantage that seat-cooling system is offered too.

The quality of the materials offered in the interior satisfies the class expectations and it is not bad at all. But of course you should know that there are rivals in its class with better quality materials. Even though soft plastic materials are used here on top of the console, you meet with hard plastic materials as you go down. To raise the quality feeling, stitching effect is used to make as if it was covered by leather. But as far as I can see there is no leather here at all. The indicators are legible and the trip computer in the center can be used very easily. Lots of places are offered in the cockpit for your small items. There is a wide area in front of the gear lever. Further more next to the gear lever there are two cup-holders and the armrest is considerably wide too.

ENGINE
Let us consider the engine and driving features of the Sportage. As you know the Sportage and the Tucson are what we may call sibling or cousin models because engines, gearboxes and many other parts used in both are the same. In other words let me tell you that the Sportage just as Hyundai Tucson is imported to our country with 3 different engine alternatives as 1.6 liters petrol engine, 1.6 liters turbo charged petrol engine and 2.0 liters diesel engine.

Under the bonnet of this car I have been driving 1.6 liters turbo charged engine just as the one I have previously tested in the Hyundai Tucson is functioning. This engine develops 177 HP and 265 Nm of torque and can be purchased in the Sportage with 7-speed double clutch automatic gearbox and 4-Wheel Drive System. Even though the engine is small volume compared to the body of the Sportage, due to the turbo charge it offers very good performance values. You always feel the power under your foot. In other words, let me tell you that if there is old Sportage users among you and you use to have a 1.6 liters natural aspirated engine, this engine will answer your performance expectation much better.

The automatic gearbox works in harmony with this engine. Its passes are fast but of course not as fast as a DSG if you ask me. Nevertheless, passing’s smoothness and to be able to command it manually from the gear lever and from the pedals behind the steering wheel deserve praise. I can say that the thing that attract my attention most and pleased me in the Sportage is its successful insulation. To tell the truth, it is clearly beyond this class. When you start the petrol engine, even on idling you do not almost hear its noise in the interior.

Furthermore, during driving at reasonable speeds neither the road noise nor the wind noise were able to penetrate the cockpit. Therefore, in the matter of successful insulation of the Kia Sportage, the Kia engineers should be congratulated. In my opinion the suspensions have been very well calibrated. Even on the rough surfaces in the city there is not much decrease on the comfort. Moreover, in this type of curvy roads it definitely is reassuring and holds the road well. Ultimately, you must be aware that you are driving an SUV with high road clearance and therefore should not upset the weight balance of the car too much.

Even though the Sportage is introduced as four wheel drive, it clearly is not really an off road car. For this reason I did not go off road during the testing. In other words I can say that I did not do off road. If you want to do it on not very formidable conditions, by this button behind the gear lever you can lock the rear differential and advance without much difficulty but you should know that this is not an off road car in real terms.

This is a compact SUV just as its rivals and it is a model manufactured to be driven on asphalt roads. The steering wheel by its design as well as its construction that fits to the hands well looks pleasing to the eye. Ultimately, I cannot say that it is very direct or sensitive but it ensures you to guide the car very easily.

CONSUMPTION
Finally, let me tell you about the fuel consumption of the Kia Sportage. I have been driving this car for three days and have covered 250 km during that time. At the moment the trip computer indicates 10.9 liters fuel consumption averages to me. This value of course is not low, but to expect from this size SUV with 177 HP and 1.6 liters turbo charged engine if you ask me, will anyway be irrational. But I have to point out that naturally your driving can lower it or unfortunately it has a potential to increase a lot too.

Even though the new Sportage enters the market with a heavy burden on his shoulders, I believe there is no reason that it should not capture the success of the previous generation with the features it possesses. But there is also a price part; because the Kia Sportage is being sold more expensive than its platform sibling the Hyundai Tucson with the same engine, gearbox and even the same parts. This of course can be a very important factor at the motive to prefer.

I have a question for you here.

To which model your preference will be in this compact crossover class where there is a stiff competition?

Don’t forget to leave your preference with its reasons as comment under the post.


See you…