Contents of the review:
- Appearance
- Salon
- Ravon R4 2017 specifications
- Security systems
- Cost and configuration of Ravon R4 2017
In the summer of 2016, the Uzbek automobile brand Ravon, within the framework of the annual international capital auto show ", demonstrated its new model - the budget sedan R4, which is an exact copy of the well-known Russian Chevrolet Cobalt, which debuted on the world stage in 2012. And already in December of the same year, the company began official sales of Ravon R4 in Russia.
Note that the novelty has become the fourth car in the company's lineup, located between the Ravon "Nexia" and Ravon "Gentra" models. Despite the fact that the technical characteristics of the Ravon R4 completely repeat those in the original "Cobalt", they predict a great future for the car. The main prerequisites for this are the time-tested "filling" rich equipment, recognizable design and an attractive price tag, but whether this will be enough, we will be able to find out only after some time. In the meantime, let's start our Ravon R4 review, in the course of which we will deal with the features of the internal and external design, as well as with the technical component of the model.
Exterior of the new Ravon R4
The appearance of the Ravon R4 is quite peculiar, to some it may seem attractive, and to others, on the contrary, but in any case, the car has a well-tailored, albeit slightly outdated, build. In comparison with the original Chevrolet Cobalt, the front part of the car has undergone the greatest changes, where a modified false radiator grille and a slightly retouched front bumper have been registered. Otherwise, we have before us the well-known "Cobalt" with its characteristic form of head optics, a relief hood and a pair of air intake slots located in the central part of the bumper.
The profile and rear of the car, except for the changed emblem and the new design of the rims, have not undergone absolutely any changes, which can be added to both the advantages and disadvantages of the external appearance. But it’s a shame that Ravon’s management was unable to agree on the more modern and attractive design of the updated Chevrolet Cobalt used on the 2017 model year in the R4.
The external dimensions of the novelty correspond to cars of the "B +" class and are:
- Length - 4.479 m;
- Width - 1.735 m;
- Height - 1.514 m.
The wheelbase is 2,620 m long and the ground clearance is 160 mm, which is typical for most cars in this class and in the same price category. As a result, the car easily overcomes average irregularities and confidently storms the curbs, but gives in to large irregularities and massive "speed bumps".
A pleasant bonus for potential buyers was the opportunity to choose one of twelve body colors, where, as it seems to us, dark brown, yellow and yellow-green colors look especially original.
If we were asked to give Ravon R4 a characteristic of its appearance, then we would describe it in just two words: "simplicity" and "practicality".
Interior Ravon R4 2017
The interior design of the sedan looks rather boring and poor, and the only detail that catches the eye is the original digital instrument panel, made in motorcycle style. The three-spoke steering wheel, located directly in front of the driver, although devoid of any design elements, has a pleasant texture and provides a confident grip. The central dashboard is represented by a neat audio system and cabin climate control unit, the design and architecture of which fully reflects the budgetary component of the Ravon R4. Despite the fact that inexpensive finishing materials are used in the cabin, the quality of fit of parts does not cause any complaints and is noticeably superior to that of most "Chinese".
The front seats, although they have a nondescript look, boast good ergonomics with unobtrusive lateral support, an optimal level of padding rigidity and a wide range of adjustments.
The rear seats willingly accept three passengers, but are deprived of any additional amenities, but you should not expect otherwise from a car, the base cost of which does not exceed 500 thousand rubles.
But the volume of the trunk was pleasantly pleased, as it easily "makes" cars a class higher. Its volume is 545 liters, which, if desired, can be doubled by lowering the rear sofa, although this creates an uneven surface, which can cause some inconvenience when transporting oversized cargo. In the underground luggage compartment, there was a place for a full-fledged spare wheel and a small repair kit, which will especially delight the inhabitants of the provinces.
Specifications Ravon R4 2017
The line of power units is represented by the only 1.5-liter atmospheric gasoline engine, which received a distributed power system, a cast iron block, an aluminum block head and a timing chain drive. This engine allows you to develop a maximum of 106 "horses" and 134 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm.
Buyers have a choice between a 5-level manual transmission and a 6-level automatic transmission, which sends all the power exclusively to the front wheels. Depending on the type of pre-installed transmission, the maximum speed is 169-170 km / h, and the acceleration from 0 to 100 varies between 11.7-12.6 seconds. Ravon R4 test drive showed an average fuel consumption of 6.2-6.7 l / 100 km in mixed driving mode. When driving around the city, you should count on a consumption of 11-12.5 l / 100 km.
To the delight of potential buyers, the car is based on the well-proven Chevrolet Cobalt bogie, which uses an independent "walker" with classic MacPherson struts on the front axle and a semi-independent roll beam system on the rear axle. This suspension design provides an optimal balance between comfort and handling, and also provides excellent maintainability, which is extremely important for Russian roads.
Regardless of the characteristics and price of Ravon R4, the car is offered with rack-and-pinion steering and hydraulic booster. The braking system is represented by front ventilated "discs" and rear drum brakes, while the anti-lock braking system is available even in the basic version.
Safety Ravon R4 2017
The manufacturer notes that the car body is made of modern high-strength grades of steel, and is also equipped with zones of "programmable" deformation, designed to reduce the force of impact in frontal and side collisions. The list of security systems may not bother the mind, but it is quite consistent with the price category of the car. This includes:
- Immobilizer;
- A pair of airbag;
- Brake booster;
- Central locking;
- Anti-lock braking system;
- Crankcase protection;
- Passive alarm system;
- Mounts "Isofix";
- Three-point seat belts.
If we make a direct comparison with the Chinese "classmates", then the new Ravon R4 is somewhat inferior to them in terms of equipment with security systems. So safety is one of the weaknesses of the Uzbek sedan.
Ravon R4 - configurations and their cost
On the Russian market, the car is offered in three different trim levels, in each of which the buyer has a choice between a manual and an automatic transmission. Thus, the minimum price for Ravon R4 is offered for the basic “Comfort” configuration and amounts to 489 thousand rubles. (slightly more than $ 8 thousand) with manual transmission and 529 thousand ($ 8.7 thousand) - with an automatic transmission. The basic equipment list includes:
- Braking system with ABS;
- Spare wheel;
- Steel wheels R14;
- Headlight adjustment;
- Crankcase protection;
- Immobilizer;
- Passive signaling;
- Brake booster;
- Belt not fastened indicator;
- Central locking;
- Cloth salon;
- Running lights;
- Tinted glass;
- Audio preparation and 4 speakers (complete with MT) or an audio system (complete with AT).
The cost of the next configuration - "Optimum" varies in the range of 539-589 thousand (8.87 - 9.7 thousand dollars), depending on the type of pre-installed gearbox. The list of equipment is additionally presented:
- Front fog lights;
- Heated driver's seat and front passenger;
- A pair of airbag;
- Audio system with support for MP3 / WMA, USB, AUX / IN, WIRELESS INTERFACE;
- Finishing of individual elements of the interior with chrome;
- Air conditioner.
The top-of-the-line Elegant is offered at a price of $ 579,000 ($ 9.53,000) with a manual gearbox and includes:
- R15 aluminum wheels;
- Full power accessories;
- Better door finishes;
- Steering wheel with deluxe trim and other enhancements.
The cost of the Elegant modification with automatic transmission is 629 thousand (10.36 thousand dollars).
Conclusion
Ravon is a relatively young player in the Russian market, which has every chance to become one of the key players in the class of "budget" cars, which are traditionally in great demand in Russia. Their new Ravon R4 is an attractive, well-tailored and well-equipped car, offered at a very affordable price.
The main advantages of the car are the time-tested engine, transmission and suspension, which are distinguished not only by high reliability, but also by good maintainability, which will become a compelling argument for most potential buyers who want to buy a spacious and practical car at a reasonable price.
Test drive Ravon R4 2017:
Ravon
