Test drive of middle class station wagons: Group of craftsmen

They move along the highway in a peaceful group, but between them there is a fierce battle for every point won on the range or on the roads. Ten middle class station wagons with diesel engines with an output of about 170 hp. appear before an international jury. Which of them will receive a medal for masterful performance?

If the middle class station wagons tested were human, they probably would not have kept even the minimum distance between them. In no previous master test did the participants line up in such a compact group. There are no real losers, but there are participants who need improvement. All receive high marks for dynamic and safe road behavior. However, albeit a little, but the winner came out, and he:

Audi A4

To participate with 136 hp, you need to be extremely self-confident. in the test of 170-horsepower station wagon models - especially when there are not enough more suitable options in the model range. However, Audi took the risk of sending an economical version of the A4 2.0 TDIe to the master test. Its strength is not enough to win in the engine compartment, but in the final ranking, the car takes first place. Only a point ahead of the VW Passat with its 170 hp. TDI. It's amazing how, despite the modest power, the all-wheel drive model manages to create a good subjective impression of dynamics and strong torque. Its TDIe is visibly tuned for clean starts and has ready-to-use power even at low revs. While at 1500 rpm the competitors are not yet out of the turbo hole, the Audi engine is already running briskly, motivating the driver to drive economically.

This will please the "savings bank" of the central display. He not only recommends when to switch, but also draws attention to the additional costs associated with operating the air conditioner and other systems. The 4,70 m Avant is as easy to drive as it is to unleash its power. This sensation starts with the correct seating position with a huge range of adjustment, continues with easy-to-understand ergonomic logic, including clear graphics controls, and ends well beyond the balanced stiff suspension that stays motivated even with long neglect of the road.

A4 absorbs irregularities in a clean and controlled manner with low body movements. Because of the speed-dependent power steering, the steering system sometimes looks bulky, almost isolated from the steering wheel feel. However, this does not prevent the Avant from coping quickly and smoothly with both dynamic tests on the proving ground and free driving off-road. The car gets even the maximum points for good handling behavior. Thus, the Audi model, which did not win in any section of the test, ultimately managed to get ahead in the ranking.

VW Passat

Although some joked, attributing to him the role of the biblical old man in the test, the chickens were counted in the fall, and then the VW Passat almost rose to the top rung of the honorary ladder. And again he relies on his balanced qualities, winning only three sections. One of them is body-related, and in this Passat, well adapted to the needs of practice, earns a lot of points for its generous interior design, plenty of space for small luggage and solid workmanship. Testers also like the suspension comfort that the model owes to the adaptive dampers. In comfort mode, they gently absorb both small and large impacts - whether the Variant is driven with a maximum load or almost without a load.

It is already loaded - not only because of the comfortable back seat, but because of all the cars participating in the test, it has the largest and easiest to use luggage compartment (from 603 to 1731 liters). In addition, with its distinctly legible instruments, intuitive ergonomics and bright bi-xenon headlights, the Passat decides to compete in the safety section. However, this is not enough to be hailed as the king of driving pleasure. Its steering is too clumsy, its road behavior - for safety's sake - from understeer to neutral. It needs a little more space than some nimble competitors to get around tight curves on secondary roads, but it still sits somewhere in the middle in the road dynamics section. Let's jump ahead again in terms of fuel consumption - 4,7 liters on a standard highway and 7,1 liters per 100 km on average in the test, even less than the consumption of the weaker 34 hp. environmentally friendly Audi. Weaknesses Passat showed only when braking - especially on the μ-split, where he needs the longest braking distance.

Bmw 3 series

Everyone who wants to get something more for their money will be disappointed here - the “troika” Touring attracts not with size and space, but with bewitching dynamics. The only Seat Exeo has smaller internal dimensions and luggage space. However, BMW design offers a quality bespoke suit for customers who don't intend to drive large families with lots of luggage every day. And people looking for driving pleasure do not want to go out at all - if only because of the high-quality discreet interior that does not irritate the senses even after thousands of kilometers. Comfortable front seats and impeccable ergonomics, including the i-Drive command system, complete a pleasant cocktail. Only those sitting in the back are more economical about praise - for them, the pleasure of the trip is overshadowed by the relatively small space and overly soft seat.

Even more applause went to the 177 hp 0-litre diesel engine that accelerates the BMW model from 100 to 100 km/h in just eight seconds. The engine combines a smooth ride with homogeneous power distribution and an iron will to save thanks to standard accessories such as -stop or a generator that is not permanently connected to the engine. If you agree to use seven liters per 16 km, you will move very quickly; even with five liters, the speed will not be too low. Added to this is the suspension, which successfully rids passengers of the bumps familiar to highways and ordinary roads - here XNUMX-inch tires, which are quite elastic when tires are rolling, also contribute. Only in the case of large cracks in the road surface and a full load, the undercarriage of the "troika" is under load and reacts with clearly tangible increasing vertical shocks. In the most extreme case, the pilot is forced to correct the course line, which is not difficult due to the precise and direct steering.

These qualities, combined with the neutrality, with a soft emphasis on the rear, the road behavior of the only rear-wheel drive station wagon in the tests, bring the “troika” forward in tests on well-groomed asphalt. But as happy as they are to make quick turns on narrow roads, the model is ahead of other participants on the dynamic training ground. The reason for this is the drive layout, which, especially on wet surfaces, requires a lot of skillful steering - despite the corrective interventions of the two-stage ESP.

Ford Mondeo

The Mondeo Turnier is 4,83 m long and 1,89 m wide, offering the most striking contrast between the Touring trio and the Seat Exeo ST. But it's not just the XXL size that Ford can be proud of. For example, when it comes to comfort, along with clean space for passengers and luggage, Mondeo offers generous contoured front and rear seats to complement the attractive clean suspension offering. It absorbs both small and large waves on asphalt equally thoroughly. Even under full load, the chassis works quite well. This is where precision steering comes in handy. It reacts spontaneously from the middle steering position and transmits its commands to the wheels without annoying nervousness, and jolts are not felt even when driving on a bumpy road.

Overall, the Ford model is surprisingly nimble for its size. It enters corners neatly and stays slightly understeer to neutral, with no devious numbers when the throttle is released. However, when the situation gets tense, a sensitive psychic will delicately intervene and calm the pace. Only when changing wet lanes twice does the car require a more concentrated response. Mondeo drivers can always rely on their brakes, pedal feel and stopping distance remain unchanged even after prolonged use.

The 2,2-liter TDCi impresses with its stable power development, less convincing manners and less fuel consumption. With a minimum consumption of 5,5 liters and an average of 7,7 liters, the Mondeo weighing 1677 kilograms cannot rank below average, the result is similar in terms of dynamic characteristics.

Renault Laguna

Goodbye mediocre product for sworn francophiles, hello road dynamics that everyone loves! On the pylon test range, despite the slightly artificial steering feel, the Laguna outpaces its competitors by a big margin. Whether it's slalom, changing lanes or avoiding obstacles, everyone else breathes dust. And when there is no dust on the track, but there is water, the French car quickly passes the detour test and is easy to control.

In this case, the GT version benefits from the standard rear-wheel drive. Up to 60 km / h, they deviate 3,5 degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels, and above this speed they turn in the same direction as they. This makes the Laguna not only agile but also easy to operate. Despite the vigorous action of the steering wheel, at high speeds the car is not threatened with treacherous hind limbs or nervous blows.

As for the bouncy suspension comfort of the past, Laguna now seems to have abandoned it in favor of the competition. In particular, the front axle knocks, reacts nervously to transverse joints on the pavement and transmits short bumps to the bodywork in an almost unfiltered form. This impairs the comfort of driving on the highway, a clearly audible noise of the engine and airflow have a similar effect. A matter of taste is the slightly elevated position on the heavily padded sports seats, as well as the ergonomics, which confuse beginners with a variety of buttons and controls. After some getting used to, manipulation becomes much easier.

178 hp diesel engine - reserved exclusively for the GT version - thanks to its 400 Newton meters it shows muscularity in the middle rev range, but before that it allows itself a little weakness when starting off, and the average consumption in the test of 8,4 l / 100 km is quite prohibitive. Renault's xenon headlights are some of the best on the market, as are the clever ergonomics of the folding rear seat and the quality of the interior materials.

Toyota Avensis

With the D-CAT engine, which has a displacement of 2,2 liters, the Toyota Avensis gets a pass to the 400 Nm club. With it, the car not only reaches 100 km / h in less than nine seconds, but thanks to the even power development and the appropriate gear ratios, it develops impressive traction when overtaking. On the other hand, it doesn't even need a lot of fuel. Unlike a noise-limiting motor, audio electronics become noisy even in trivial cases. Both the impressions of the quality of the interior, partly lined with scratch-sensitive plastic, and the sparsely upholstered front seats make you want something better. Front passengers lack sufficient support - lateral and for the shoulders, as well as a satisfactory position on the seats.

The simple Toyota once again won sympathy for the large, well-designed controls and unmistakable air-conditioning and radio ergonomics, only to lose them in the handling test. The 1,6-ton car follows the controls of the steering system awkwardly, which creates an artificial feel; at higher speeds, it understeers and slows down as if on its own, even before the ESP does. Since the Avensis Combi doesn't move very quickly or accurately, it gets average marks in road dynamics tests. The situation is similar with the comfort of the suspension - it transmits short bumps to the body, as if copying the surface of the track, but at the same time it copes well with medium and long waves on asphalt.

Everything looks darker in the light. As the only player on the field with halogen headlights, the Avensis is ranked last in both light tunnel tests and night driving. On the other hand, the strong and reliable brakes of the Japanese ensured him a victory in the corresponding section and eventually took sixth place.

Opel Emblem

I wonder how the Insignia has not yet been crushed by the unbearable weight of the high hopes that Opel has placed on this car. In one fell swoop, it eliminates the pragmatic spirit of the Vectra - forget about the Caravan, now the Sports Tourer takes care of five passengers and up to 1530 liters of luggage. Vectra fans howl in pain because they know it's 320 liters less than their pet. A sacrifice made in the name of a new backrest layout that makes loading difficult due to the heavily protruding bottom edge.

Despite the impressive external dimensions, in the proposed discipline, Insignia ranks no higher than the middle of the rating among the participants in the master test. In terms of interior flexibility and payload, the car lags even further behind, but the time spent is made up for by specially fitted front seats suitable for long journeys. Ergonomics take some getting used to due to the large number of keys and controls, as well as the fact that some functions are controlled from two places. However, it gets used to good maneuverability right away - the steering system spontaneously reacts to the middle position of the steering wheel, and a well-tuned chassis encourages you to quickly and smoothly overcome turns.

At the push of a button, the characteristics of the adaptive dampers, the power steering and the acceleration behavior of the engine can be adjusted from hard straight to comfortable. In principle, agile and neutral when cornering, the 4,91 m long and 1,7 tonne wagon prevents understeering or harsh reactions when releasing the throttle. The car benefits from this both on the track and on the test track. Whether it's slalom or double lane changes on wet surfaces, Opel handles it effortlessly on the part of the driver.

However, the engineers had to work hard on the two-liter CDTi with a not very smooth ride. The noticeable weakness of the engine when starting is combined with "long" gear ratios and results in horribly poor performance as measured in the elasticity test. However, this combination reduces the cost, which, along with better lighting (as measured by tunnel testing), brings smiles back to testers' faces.

Seat Exeo

"Hello again!" some TV presenters like to say, and Seat could use this address as an Exeo slogan. Indeed, the model awakens to a second life the faded generation of the Audi A4. Saved from scrapping by a styling policy, after a bit of cosmetic retouching, the former Avant returns as the ST. This allows you to compare two generations of mid-range wagon models. The very first seat in the car convinces that the old Audi is not discontinued due to poor assembly. Solid as ever, in Exeo's guise, he's showing some young competitors how things should be done.

Good choice of material, solid seams, well-defined seams, and a layout dominated by straight lines are sympathetic, but not enough points to prevent loss of a body part. Excessively modest interior dimensions, a poor sense of space and a small trunk, along with a lack of cabin flexibility, are the reason the Exeo is left behind. The ergonomics of the dashboard, with few menus and plenty of buttons and controls, will appeal to those who get into the car for the first time. However, the low screen controls feel dated.

In terms of comfort, the situation is better, here the relatively quiet Spaniard maneuvers in the center of the table to attack a little later with his 170-horsepower TDI with common rail injection. Powerful traction and good driving dynamics combined with low fuel consumption put it even ahead of its successor A4 Avant. Economy version of Audi with 136 hp consumes an average of only 0,2 liters less - with a much more impressive size and the same weight.

Exeo lag is noticeable in its behavior on the road. The car rather clumsily overcomes turns and goes around the pylons, part of the impulses coming from the steering wheel is lost in the rocking of the body. In addition, it slows down the worst - at 100 km / h, the difference in braking distance between it and the best is from one to two meters.

Citroen C5

It is not only called Tourer, but in fact. With effective soundproofing, comfortably tuned dampers and springs, luxuriously fitted seats (with driver massage function), Citroen C5 passengers can travel to distant places, and the journey becomes enjoyable. Long distances do not frighten the 170-horsepower biturbodiesel, which, despite a solid weight of almost 1,8 tons, allows you to achieve a high average speed - however, at the cost of relatively high fuel consumption. On average, the C5 always needs a liter more than the most economical models in the master test.

However, its message is not for the most frugal, but for brand fans deliberately avoiding standards - with a fixed steering wheel hub, plenty of buttons and attractive controls (including an oil thermometer) whose small hands are around the perimeter of the dials. Drivers should refrain from heady cornering - the steering system works as if without a direct connection to the steering wheel, and the control is too phlegmatic. Compared to more nimble models, the Citroen station wagon needs more room for quick maneuvers, but it never hits you with tricky numbers.

You should not expect miracles from the hydropneumatic suspension - it reacts uncertainly to short bumps, giving the impression of bumps, and only on long-wave asphalt reveals its potential for smooth comfort. In the tighter setting of the damper, the C5's vibrations settle down even a little faster. The 2,2-litre engine pulls well, but makes a loud statement about its efforts when loaded. A six-speed gearbox could be more precise.

Mazda 6

The most powerful engine, the least weight - behind the smooth lines of the body of the Mazda 6 Sport Kombi, a real athlete must be hidden. Over 300 kilograms lighter than the fat Opel and Citroën, the Japanese model is expected to outperform them in all sports. But what is happening? The last place in the section on behavior on the road! Only at a flooded roundabout does Mazda manage to drive confidently, reaching high speeds and at the same time easily controllable. Otherwise, test pilots complain of a tendency to jittery behavior in the corner with noticeable reactions when taking the throttle. This results in low speed and considerable effort on the part of the rider, especially in the wet obstacle avoidance test.

Similar effects occur with more vigorous driving on secondary roads. Here, the Mazda first shows a slight understeer, after which the rear starts to go sideways. This is a revenge of a demanded sports setting, which can only bring smiles to die-hard fans of dynamic piloting. Relying on a steering system that works a little artificially but gives good road information and carefully tuned suspension elements, they happily hunt for corners.

The straight sections between the corners are swallowed up in large chunks by the rather loud and slightly vibrating 2,2-liter engine. It attacks furiously with a maximum torque of 400 Nm, especially in the middle rev range. It doesn't like low revs - just like the chassis doesn't like short bumps. The Sport Kombi has a constant craving for dynamic movement, but is not without practical talents. For example, starting at a speed of 60 km/h, the radar lane change assistant warns with a visual and audible signal if another vehicle enters the blind spot from both sides. Added to this is a spacious cargo area with a practical folding cover and rear seats, the lower part of which and the backrests fold at the same time as the lever is pressed. While the rear seats are comfortable enough to ride, all testers complain, in addition to the hard plastic interior, of the lack of body support and small front seats.

Combined with high cabin noise levels and a stiffer suspension, this translates into both long-range comfort and good test results.

text: Jorn Thomas

a photo: Ahim Hartman

Evaluation

1. Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI and Environment – ​​462 pieces.

Not a single bad performance, and in the environmental section first place with BMW – therefore, with safe behavior, simple ergonomics and low cost, the environmentally friendly Audi A4 wins the master tests, despite significantly less power. Its two-liter TDI with 136 hp. impresses mainly with the possibility of a pleasant ride at low speeds.

10. Mazda 6 Sport Kombi 2.2 MzR-CD – 412 points

The lightest and most powerful car in the test took last place - what are the reasons? One of them is the consistent orientation of the settings for maximum dynamics. For example, a stiff suspension leads to points drift, the same happens due to poor soundproofing and agility, but a bit of nervous behavior on the road. Even xenon headlights glow at the end of the table - in this situation, even 185 diesel horsepower and good opportunities for internal transformations can not change anything.

2. VW Passat Variant 2.0 TDI Highline – 461 points

Its virtues never go out of date - the model performs convincingly in a comparison of space, comfort and safety, which not only brings the Passat to a balanced overall gain in individual parts, but also brings it almost to the top, in one place on the A4. Only a bad stop prevents him from winning.

3. BMW 320d Touring - 453 points.

It may not offer a lot of space, but it is a pleasure to manage it. In addition, the powerful "troika" saves fuel, eloquently proving that ecology, efficiency and dynamics are not mutually exclusive. Mainly easy to drive and control, the only rear-wheel drive test participant requires a responsive steering wheel in more risky situations.

4. Ford Mondeo 2.2 TDCi Tournament Titanium - 452 points

Big and good car - Mondeo attracts not only with impressive interior space for passengers and luggage. The model has a comfortable suspension, comfortable front and rear seats, its behavior on the road is always safe, and the brakes are extremely reliable. Only the 2,2-liter engine is significantly inferior to the best.

5. Renault Laguna Grandtour GT dCi 180 FAP - 446 points

In road dynamics tests, the competition doesn't stand a chance - the four-wheel steering Laguna GT is quick and easy to steer between pylons and around curves on secondary roads. However, it would be nice to drive more comfortably and consume less fuel.

6. Toyota Avensis Combi 2.2 D-CAT Executive - 433 points

The Avensis wins in terms of brakes, otherwise it impresses, above all, with the good elasticity of its 2,2-liter engine. Ergonomics are no problem, but maneuverability is a bit cumbersome. As for the comfort and quality of the seats, they can still be improved - including with halogen headlights, which illuminate the road the least.

7. Opel Insignia Sports Tourer 2.0 CDTi Edition - 430 capsules.

The impressive phenomenal interior contrasts with the less phenomenal interior. At the same time, the shape of the backrest interferes with loading and visibility, and ergonomics suffers from the abundance of buttons. The Insignia, on the other hand, is agile and reliable on the road, the seats cover the body and the xenon headlights are particularly bright and efficient. Disappointing is the two-liter CDTi, which, while decently economical, runs unevenly and shows obvious weakness at launch.

8. Seat Exeo ST 2.0 TDI CR Style - 419 points

Warming up might make yesterday's casserole tastier, but not an old Audi A4. Externally, the Exeo ST model only shows that progress never stops. In terms of workmanship, ergonomics and comfort, the Spanish car is not inferior to others, as well as a powerful and economical TDI with 170 hp. it may even please many. However, the offered brakes, agility and spaciousness indicate a clear lag.

9. Citroën C5 Tourer HDi 170 Biturbo FAP Exclusive - 416 points

The C5 performs convincingly as a long-distance vehicle, although its hydropneumatic suspension doesn't respond as comfortably as one might expect. In turn, the car drifts silently along the road, pampering passengers with superior seating comfort in a special atmosphere. However, road dynamics and economy are not among its strengths.

technical details

1. Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI and Environment – ​​462 pieces.	10. Mazda 6 Sport Kombi 2.2 MzR-CD – 412 points	2. VW Passat Variant 2.0 TDI Highline – 461 points	3. BMW 320d Touring - 453 points.	4. Ford Mondeo 2.2 TDCi Tournament Titanium - 452 points	5. Renault Laguna Grandtour GT dCi 180 FAP - 446 points	6. Toyota Avensis Combi 2.2 D-CAT Executive - 433 points	7. Opel Insignia Sports Tourer 2.0 CDTi Edition - 430 capsules.	8. Seat Exeo ST 2.0 TDI CR Style - 419 points	9. Citroën C5 Tourer HDi 170 Biturbo FAP Exclusive - 416 points
Working volume	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Power	136 k. From. at 4200 rpm	185 k. From. at 3500 rpm	170 k. From. at 4200 rpm	177 k. From. at 4000 rpm	175 k. From. at 3500 rpm	178 k. From. at 3750 rpm	177 k. From. at 3600 rpm	160 k. From. at 4000 rpm	170 k. From. at 4200 rpm	170 k. From. at 4000 rpm
Maximum torque	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Acceleration 0-100 km / h	10,2 with	8,6 with	9,4 with	8,0 with	9,5 with	9,1 with	8,8 with	10,9 with	9,0 with	10,3 with
Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h	39 m	40 m	40 m	40 m	39 m	39 m	39 m	39 m	41 m	39 m
full speed	208 km / h	216 km / h	223 km / h	228 km / h	218 km / h	213 km / h	210 km / h	212 km / h	224 km / h	216 km / h
Average consumption fuel in the test	7,3 l	7,7 l	7,1 l	7,0 l	7,7 l	8,4 l	7,7 l	7,6 l	7,5 l	8,3 l
Base Price	35 000 EUR (in Germany)	32 800 EUR (in Germany)	35 550 EUR (in Germany)	35 450 EUR (in Germany)	32 400 EUR (in Germany)	32 400 EUR (in Germany)	32 350 EUR (in Germany)	31 405 EUR (in Germany)	30 290 EUR (in Germany)	32 400 EUR (in Germany)