Fans of the domestic automotive industry had to wait quite a long time for the release of a new model. At the end of 2015, the Lada Vesta went on sale, and after the price was announced, a battle for the minds of buyers began to flare up between the Korean and domestic automobile giants.
The choice between Lada Vesta and Hyundai Solaris is not at all easy. Even the most notorious optimists look at the Russian car with caution, doubting that the new model has completely outgrown all the shortcomings and inconveniences inherent in AvtoVAZ products. In terms of reliability, it has already been tested, and when purchasing it, everyone will know that they are not taking a “pig in a poke.”
A comparison of Lada Vesta and Hyundai Solaris will help those who have not yet made their choice and doubt what to prefer, a daring Russian newcomer or a model from a Korean manufacturer. You always want to hope for a miracle and support domestically produced products, but to what extent such hopes are justified, we need to figure it out.
Appearance - greeted by clothes
Choosing a new car almost always begins by taking into account the buyer’s external preferences. If you like the model “at first sight,” then later you will study the technical characteristics, interior amenities, or configuration options. Speaking about the design of the Hyundai Solaris, it is characterized by consistency and calm. There is confidence that even after ten years the appearance of this model will not become outdated and will be quite modern.
The design of the Lada Vesta is much more flashy, with individual elements emphasizing this. What exactly to prefer is up to everyone to decide based on their personal views and tastes. In any case, the appearance of each of the models will find its fan.
If we talk about, then the Lada Vesta is superior to the Korean car in these parameters:
- length and width by 65 mm;
- height by 27 mm;
- trunk volume - by 10 liters (480 liters versus 470 liters).
Despite the slightly larger dimensions of the Russian car, its body shape is not entirely successful. Due to the heavily covered rear part of the roof, the Lada Vesta may not be entirely convenient for boarding and transporting passengers in the back seat.
Interior
The interior design of both competing models is quite good, and it cannot be said that either is better. The interior of the Hyundai Solaris is distinguished by its thoughtfulness and comfort; the blue lighting and the central drop-shaped console look quite nice and do not make you want to change anything or do it differently.
Lada Vesta looks more traditional inside. Only the dashboard of the Russian car, made in the form of three deep wells, is not entirely uniquely implemented. This solution looks quite impressive, but not everyone may like it.
Specifications
Lada Vesta or Hyundai Solaris in technical terms must be determined not only by the superior characteristics of one of the models, but also taking into account the configuration options of both cars.
Engine
According to the plans of the domestic manufacturer, the Lada Vesta will be equipped with one of four engines:
- 1.6 l, 87 hp self-made;
- 1.6 l, 106 hp also of our own production;
- 114-horsepower joint production of Renault-Nissan, volume 1.6 liters;
- with a volume of 1.8 liters, is under development and will be installed only in the fall of 2016.
At the moment, Lada Vesta comes only with a 106-horsepower Russian-made engine. Overall, the engine is quite good, with smooth and dynamic acceleration. There is only one obvious disadvantage - fuel consumption is high (up to 10 liters in city conditions).
Hyundai Solaris opposes the Russian engine with its 1.4 liter unit producing 107 hp. with slightly faster acceleration and noticeably lower fuel consumption (7.6 liters). The Lada Vesta has no competitors with another 123 hp power unit that can be equipped with a Korean car, and there is nothing to oppose to the Russian manufacturer yet.
Chassis
It is problematic to choose who has the better chassis of the Hyundai Solaris or Lada Vesta. Both systems are implemented as standard for machines of this level. The handling of both models is quite confident. The only thing that might be a little worse is the handling of the Lada Vesta with an aggressive driving style. This is due to the large difference in clearance.
Transmission
Cars from both manufacturers can be equipped with either manual or automatic transmissions. Vesta doesn’t have much choice and you can only decide on the type of transmission:
- manual 5-speed gearbox;
- automatic 5-speed transmission.
If we talk about Hyundai Solaris, then the Korean manufacturer has much more configuration options:
- 5-speed manual transmission included with the 1.4 liter engine;
- 6-speed manual transmission, equipped with a 123-horsepower engine;
- 4-speed automatic transmission;
- , supplied with a 1.6 liter power unit.
A noticeable difference when comparing the gearboxes of the Lada Vesta and Hyundai Solaris is present only when choosing an automatic transmission. The Russian model is absolutely unable to compete with the 6-band automatic transmission of a Korean car.
Equipment
When choosing the initial configuration, the Lada Vesta is slightly superior to its competitor in electronics, but inferior to it in the presence of a second frontal airbag. If we consider car supplies, then Hyundai Solaris is definitely better in this regard, as it can offer:
- full climate control;
- heated steering wheel;
- leather trim on the gear lever and steering wheel.
Considering all types of equipment, we can admit that the Lada Vesta can adequately compete with the Hyundai Solaris only with the basic delivery option. In other cases, there will be practically nothing to oppose to the Korean manufacturer.
Conclusion
The debate about the preferability of choosing any of the compared cars can go on for quite a long time. Lada Vesta shows itself from a good side, but in many individual moments the Hyundai Solaris still turns out to be preferable. If we take into account the long-standing “traditions” of domestic assembly, then the Korean car will definitely be better and will cause its owner significantly fewer problems in the future.
Recently, more and more often, owners began to ask what is better than Lada Vesta or Hyundai Solaris. The latter unconditionally dominated the sales market, but received a serious competitor from Russian designers. How do you know what to choose? Let's try to consider all the advantages of the car. Neither one nor the other engineers and designers will have to blush for the quality of the product - this is an indisputable fact.
Korean concerns have recently begun to show steady growth in the field of car prestige and stand on a par with German and Japanese cars. AvtoVAZ creations also strive for these heights, wanting to demonstrate similar representativeness of their latest development. If you compare the Lada Vesta and the Hyundai Solaris based on the first impression and the status that they show, you cannot say for sure which is better.
In terms of dimensions, the following indicators can be distinguished, given in the passport documents of both models:
- the height of the Lada Vesta is 1497, the Hyundai is 3 cm lower;
- the Russian new product is slightly longer 4410 vs 4375;
- Hyundai loses in terms of body width: 1.7 m versus 1765 mm;
- trunk volume is almost equal – 470 and 480 kg;
- ground clearance of the Hyundai Solaris - 16 cm, for the Lada Vesta - 17.8 cm;
Appearance
If you choose a car by appearance: they are both good in their own way. The Korean copy is designed in the style of the constantly evolving current line. The image extremely refreshes the product, making it harmonious wherever it is placed.
- the body profile is slightly inclined;
- the radiator grille is distinguished by two chrome strips;
- the rear of the car looks quite attractive.
Even the bravest patriot could not predict that the new product would look like this and could be compared with foreign models. Among the features and lines of the Lada Vesta, the following elements can be distinguished:
- in the front part, chrome eyeliners and a sharp-shaped bumper are noticeable, which gives some sportiness;
- “X-style” stampings spread throughout the entire area of the car body;
- the stern part is different in height.
Comparison of technical characteristics of internal combustion engines
The Russian plant proposes as many as three engines for different configurations of the Lada Vesta. The sedan is equipped with a 106 horsepower/1.6 liter engine. The engine is reliable, works without defects or complaints. It accelerates to hundreds in 12 seconds. on a manual transmission, and on a “robot” the figure is 12.8 seconds. Consumes 10 liters of fuel in the city, accelerates to 178 km/h.
The Hyundai Solaris has a 107-horsepower unit with a volume of 1.4 liters. The torque is slightly lower: 135 Nm versus 148 Nm on the Vesta engine. Thanks to its lighter weight, the foreigner accelerates half a second faster. The presence of a manual transmission significantly increases the maximum speed of the Hyundai Solaris. Its engine consumes relatively little gasoline when driving in the city - 7.6 liters. All parameters are officially confirmed on video (test drive).
On a note!
With the advent of Vesta’s 1.8/122 hp engine, we can say that the Russian car can now compete in this area with the Korean 1.6/122 hp engine, which is distinguished by its nimble characteristics. AvtoVAZ cooperates with Renault and Nissan, which are developing a very practical and reliable engine.
Comparison of transmissions and chassis
Both cars have both an automatic transmission and a robotic one. The Hyundai Solaris has not only a five-speed transmission, but also a six-speed one. The latter is designed for a more powerful foreign engine. 
Lada Vesta is equipped with only one type of robotic gearbox, while the “Korean” can boast of two: one with four ranges, the other with six. The “robot” of the Russian car cannot compete with the latest variation of the Korean transmission, but is much better than the one that uses 4 shift stages.
The chassis of both cars is considered standard in category B. MacPherson struts are located on the front axle of the suspension of both Solaris and Vesta. Both cars handle great despite the large difference in ground clearance. The Korean auto industry uses hydraulic power steering, and Russian designers have equipped their product with electric power steering, but the behavior of the cars on the highway and on the road is almost the same.
The chassis of the Lada Vesta is more energy-intensive compared to the Hyundai Solaris, so it copes better with off-road conditions and uneven road surfaces. The maximum speed of both models, when the car behaves obediently, is determined to be 120 km/h.
A comparison of Lada Vesta and Hyundai Solaris shows that competitors stand out clearly and especially with their own interior. Buyers may like the following about a Korean car:
- The center console features a seven-inch touchscreen in blue.
- The rearview camera has intriguing navigation and markings.
- The entire interior is upholstered in high-quality hard plastic.
- It is possible to adjust the position of the front seats; each seat has a headrest.
- It is now possible to heat the rear sofa.
- The 480-liter trunk lid now opens automatically if the owner just stands nearby with the keys.
The competitor of the Korean product puts forward its advantages, focusing on traditions:
- The dashboard fits perfectly into the dynamic appearance of the cabin.
- The opinion of professionals is that it is somewhat better (especially when driving on gravel terrain).
- Vesta has quite a lot of space in the rear.
- The interior surface is trimmed with fabric and, to a lesser extent, leather.
- There is a rational distribution of devices, and the sensors are read by the owner easily and quickly.
- The headrests can be adjusted in height.
In what configurations are they present on the market?
The price of Lada Vesta is slightly lower than that of its competitor. You can buy a Russian new product at a price of 515 thousand rubles, and in order to buy an excellent Solaris, which is a real bestseller, you need to have about 550,000 rubles in your pocket. Buyers will have to pay significantly extra to have a “robot.” By choosing Lada Vesta or Hyundai Solaris, the owner will not be disappointed if he is planning to buy a car for traveling around the city and on the highway. The warranty for a foreign car is five years, for Vesta – three years.
The basic equipment of a Russian car is somewhat more varied, which makes its purchase more tempting. However, while the Hyundai Solaris has a more powerful engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, it is the most popular class B product. Reviews in 2017 increasingly equate these two models, as the Lada Vesta is progressing very quickly in trim levels (coupe, station wagon).
Most, without hesitation, would answer that the victory belongs to the Korean. It just so happens that the Russian auto industry is not trustworthy. However, is it really that simple? Will the technical and aesthetic indicators of Solaris really smash Vesta to smithereens? This confrontation began a long time ago, and the Russian model used to lose easily, but after several modifications, the new Lada Vesta 2017 is ready to meet its opponent. Which is better Solaris or Vesta - find out and decide from this comparative review!
Body and model design
In appearance, both models are good. It is clear that Vesta Cross is a station wagon, and Solaris has a sedan body type, and it would seem there is no point in comparing. The question is functionality. But still, appearance significantly influences the choice of car. The car should be pleasing to the eye. Therefore, we move on by comparing the Lada Vesta and the Hyundai Solaris!
Hyundai does not deviate from its corporate identity. All the same elegant lines. But some changes did appear: it became more rounded, which gives status and makes the style of the car modern. The front bumper of the sedan looks more massive due to the enlargement of the air intake grilles. The radiator grille, which is now so reminiscent of an Audi, with a pair of chrome strips, and a stylish tail create a complete, harmonious image of a modern C-class city car.
The AvtoVAZ representative is not inferior to a foreign rival. The first thing that catches your eye is the height. Vesta Cross is 7 centimeters higher than Solaris. Despite the impressive modification of the Korean, the ground clearance: “Vesta” - 1785mm/160mm is greatly outperformed by “Solaris” - 1729mm/203mm. A chopped, sporty front bumper, a falling roof line, a double chrome exhaust pipe, a “shark fin” - the new assertive, expressive style of Vesta. More daring, more sporty. Down! Alloy wheels add additional dynamism to the appearance. Finally, there is no lock cylinder on the trunk door of the station wagon. Now the lock can be opened either with a key or with a key under the license plate strip.
Comparison of technical characteristics of internal combustion engines: Hyundai Solaris vs Lada Vesta
Engine and transmission
All the most important things are under the hood... It was planned to install 4 engines on the Russian model. There would be nothing to argue against Vesta’s 4 engines, but in 2017 Lada came out with one, with an operating power of about 122 hp. And yet she caught up with her Korean opponent. Maximum torque - 170 Nm. The strong Vesta engine is opposed by the 107-horsepower Gamma (G4FG) engine, familiar from the previous generation Hyundai, with a volume of 1.4 liters. The torque has lost somewhat - due to the environment, therefore -135 Nm.
Both models have automatic transmission. The Solaris has a 6-speed automatic, the Vesta. It is assumed that the AvtoVAZ robot will adapt to the driver, but in reality the opposite happens. The ragged rhythm of the robot confuses the tension and keeps you in suspense. You can adapt to the “robot”, however, you need to be more careful - you never know when the adaptive mechanism will decide to slow down and when to rush. However, unlike the Vesta sedan, the Vesta Cross is easier to control, allowing you to drive a little more actively and glide longer without ESP intervention. Another drawback is that the Lada VESTA does not have a selector lock. If you move carelessly, you can easily switch to “A”. The Korean model is clearly leading this round. The automatic transmission with six modes on the Hyundai Solaris is more logical and softer than the Vesta. It slows down a bit with the transmission, but during normal, smooth city driving you don’t notice anything. In terms of reaction speed, the Korean also takes the lead. There is no need to get used to it for a long time: I sat down and drove off. In this regard, the Korean model is more comfortable than Vesta. However, let’s not forget that the automatic transmission in the Lada VESTA is cheaper than the hydraulic transmission in the Hyundai Solaris, which can be considered one of the advantages for the Russian consumer.
The Russian model is unpleasantly ahead of its Korean opponent: 10.1 l/100 km/h in the city, 6.3 l in the extra-urban cycle. "Hyundai Solaris" is more economical, only 7.8l/4.2l. In terms of fuel tank volume, the Tolyatti flagship is ahead of the Solaris by only five liters: 55 liters versus 50 liters for the Korean.
Both cars are good to drive. “Solaris” is more comfortable, soft and predictable, but “Vesta” makes you want to have a blast. On the front axle of the Solaris and Vesta suspension there are MacPherson struts with hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers. The suspensions of both models are good. The rear suspension of the Hyundai Solaris was modified with a rear beam; now the slight rocking that was felt before is absent. "Vesta" is a Russian car for Russian roads! It is more sensitive to irregularities, but impresses with its high ground clearance (203mm), and will drive on any Russian road. The chassis of the AvtoVAZ model is more energy-intensive compared to the Hyundai Solaris, so it copes better with off-road conditions and uneven road surfaces.
Both cars are equipped with stabilization systems (ESP). A very useful feature. Electronic stabilization systems recognize critical situations, stabilize the vehicle, and also change engine control. The stabilization system on the Vesta works very tactfully and correctly, it comes into operation at the right time - it practically does not interfere with the driver. It slightly reduces the speed of the track if, for example, you decide to race, but it relieves the driver’s stress.
Turning ESP on or off depends on the driver’s experience and length of service and weather conditions. However, experts advise thinking a hundred times before turning off stabilization. On both models, ESP increases the chances of a successful outcome in a dangerous situation.
The salon means a lot, but not everything
The interior of both cars is modern, ergonomic, and quite logical. The interior design is very similar, but the Hyundai Solaris outperforms a little in terms of quality. The plastic is hard in both cases, but in the Russian model the chemical smell is more pronounced and the materials are rougher. Also, the digital speedometer has a lot of glare, and the touch screen loses visibility in sunny weather, becoming completely white. But, “Lada VESTA” takes the structure of the front seats, they fix the back more evenly, and the lever is located more logically than on the Korean. Having moved to the back row, you can choose Vesta. The width of the rear sofa and the distance to the front seats are much greater than that of the Hyundai Solaris. It seems like there are only 5 places, but it seems like there are many more. The only negative is the lack of a central armrest.
Solaris clearly wins in terms of comfort. With its interior design, the Korean aspires to a higher class. The plastic is softer, there is no smell, the cladding materials are of better quality. Plus, there is virtually no extraneous mechanical noise. However, the simpler versions are worse - all black hard plastic and the wheels are noisy. The interior of the richest version of Solaris is equipped with such accessories as a leather steering wheel, armrests trimmed with softer material, and a trunk lid with chrome moldings.
Solaris wins in comfort, but is inferior in space. And especially - a person of average height and build will be more comfortable in the cabin of the Russian Lada Vesta. The trunk volume of both cars is the same - 480 liters. But a high threshold and a small opening can prevent you from using the entire space.
Note that the manufacturers of both models paid attention to sound insulation. No extraneous noise is heard in the cabin, except that the Vesta engine sometimes makes itself felt. It’s not so easy for AvtoVAZ to get rid of this trait.
Model options
Hyundai Solaris is presented on the market in three trim levels: Active Plus, Comfort. The price difference depends on the configuration. In the comfort version you can see leather steering wheel upholstery, fabric door trim, a “supervision” instrument panel, electrically heated mirrors, “Bluetooth” for connecting a mobile phone to the audio system, “hands free” speakerphone and many other pleasant options.
You will have to work hard when choosing equipment for the Togliatti flagship, because there are many configurations of the Lada: Classic, Classic Start, Comfort, Comfort Image, Comfort Multimedia, Luxe, Luxe Multimedia, Exclusive. In the exclusive version you can see such options as leather steering wheel, pedal covers, sockets for rear passengers, electric power steering, 3-level heated front seats, heated rear seats, rain and light sensors, climate control, etc.
Conclusion: What to choose Hyundai “Solaris” or “Lada Vesta”?
The choice is influenced by various factors: some will be attracted by the price, some will like the color, some will like the interior, and some are simply looking for a car for trips to the country. Both Hyundai Solaris and Lada Vesta meet all these requirements. Every model is good. Solaris seems to be a higher class car, externally and internally. The Koreans decided to rely on comfort and practicality, and they succeeded. It is practical, easy to use, dynamic, thought out to the smallest detail, comfortable and pleasant to the touch, if we talk about the interior. In addition, the new modified version of Solaris boasts a smoother ride and less noise in the cabin.
The main thing is “Lada Vesta”. - This is a low price, which is why many people love it. But these are not all positive qualities. "Lada Vesta" gave a worthy rebuff to the Asian enemy. Here we see a different tactic. Russian manufacturers decided to rely on cross-country ability, creating a car for Russian roads. If you get used to the five-speed robot, then you can handle any off-road driving in a fairly comfortable, spacious interior. "Vesta" is sharp, but easy to drive, adapts well to bad roads, high ground clearance allows you to go through minor off-road conditions, a spacious interior and comfortable front seats.
I still don’t understand why people who praise Vesta compare it with previous AVTOVAZ products? After all, it is obvious that the new product, which caused a lot of noise even before its appearance, should be better than those iron boxes with which the Volga residents delighted us for several decades.
Of course, against the backdrop of those crafts, this is a breakthrough. However, we do not compare modern Toyotas with a car of the same brand from the beginning of the century, or, what is even more interesting, we do not perform such a trick with Mercedes. Of course, the evolution within the Lada brand is visible to the naked eye. But compared to, say, a Korean car, which the manufacturer positions its product as a competitor, this is just an attempt to do something similar.
Some things did work out for the Tolyatti team, but some didn’t work out at all. In principle, this does not prevent the VAZ sedan from counting on success.
APPEARANCE
For example, one cannot help but admit - in terms of exterior! Let's give a brotherly hug to former Volvo designer Steve Mattin, who with the new signature X-shaped style of the Lada almost knocked down Mitsubishi representatives, accusing them of plagiarism. Now we really are not ashamed of our national brand. Although, I must admit, opinions about the appearance of the Togliatti new product were divided among the editorial staff. No, not because the VAZ 2109 was more beautiful: it’s all a matter of individual preferences, but taste and color, as you know...
As for “Solaris”, it simply became familiar and became boring. Therefore, it would be hard to call the design of the Korean sedan unique, although it is objectively more fun. Perhaps, only the rear lights look archaic, but there is no point in finding fault with them, because a new generation is just around the corner. I wonder how long Vesta will last on the assembly line in the form that we have today?
INTERIOR ERGONOMICS
In neither case can you count on soft and pleasant-to-touch plastic. However, by meticulously pressing your fingers on the interior elements and opening and closing the glove compartment, you understand where the crickets will settle faster. No, you didn’t guess - in Vesta, the plastic here is too flimsy.
There were complaints about the instrument panel and the central display - due to the glare, you simply can’t see anything. But I was pleased with the soft and wide chairs: they adjust quickly and you can sit in them comfortably. Rest assured, after a trip to a long distance you will not need to order a bathhouse and masseuses. However, also. However, I was not able to adjust them to my needs immediately, but only after half an hour of manipulation.
It takes some getting used to interacting with the steering column levers, which are located a little higher than we would like. Most likely, the Koreans tried to place them under a classic grip - are there many drivers who hold the steering wheel strictly “ten and two”? The ergonomics of the Solaris and Lada did not cause any other complaints - everything is laconic, but in front of the eyes and at hand.
RIDING HABITS
And this is where the fun begins! Have you ever sat on a stool with three legs? So, this is about the new Lada - sometimes it seems that it drives separately from the driver. I'm serious: you constantly need to steer the car, and go into turns with bated breath. The steering and chassis settings definitely require the intervention of engineers - the car sways without hesitation on the transverse waves of the road surface, and during emergency braking, the stern strives to overtake the front. True, over time you can get used to this behavior of the car, and gradually it even begins to encourage you.
WHAT IS THE RESULT?
According to the results of the first three months of this year, Vesta, sold for almost a week, in the Comfort Optima configuration for 559,000 rubles, found 3,646 owners. The Korean competitor in the Comfort version - 100,000 more expensive - turned out to be less popular: 2,361 people got it between January and March.
But if this is the most popular version of Vesta, then Solaris is still bought more with an automatic transmission. For example, in the first quarter, the “Korean” with automatic transmission sold 6,736 copies, while the Togliatti model with a robotic transmission was preferred by less than 2,000 Russians. However, with the two-pedal Lada, everything is clear: driving with a single-disc “robot” is still a pleasure. Although, if you don’t mind rough twitching and long pauses when switching, then go ahead.
In general, in terms of the totality of qualities, the “Korean” is clearly ahead of the “Vesta”. Even though Asians cannot boast of the exclusive design of their car, at least it steers and confidently holds its course. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about LADA. Yes, Solaris is more expensive, but now at least it’s clear what you have to overpay for.
Hyundai Solaris or Nissan Almera? These two models, which are sold at a similar price, . Who should you give preference to? After all, each car captivates with its own merits. So who has more of them?
Hyundai Solaris and Nissan Almera
Prestige, body and exterior
Here the Nissan Almera is in the lead by a small margin. Be that as it may, in Russia Japanese brands have always been rated higher than Korean ones, although this does not mean that the quality of modern ones is inferior to those from Japan. But stereotypes are difficult to eradicate.
Body
In this regard, an unconditional victory for Solaris. After all, Hyundai is able to offer the car dealership client both a sedan and a 5-door hatchback. But in the Almera range there is only a sedan, which significantly limits the circle of buyers. Both models do not have station wagons.
Exterior
Of course, much in appearance is assessed subjectively, but the main trends can be outlined. If Solaris, which underwent restyling in 2014, is tailored according to its own canons and boasts a certain originality, then Almera was created as a smaller copy of the premium Teana model. Well, the role model was chosen more than successfully.
Both cars look harmonious and seamless. Hyundai captivates with a new radiator grille and head optics, a forward-sloping profile and expressive stampings, as well as a thoroughbred rear and stylish rims.
The image of Nissan Almera is completely different. It has an order of magnitude more smooth lines and transitions, the headlights are rounded, the roof is almost flat, and the rear looks harmonious, although the too small rear lights break out of the image. However, the inflated forms will not leave anyone indifferent.
Both cars are captivating with their features. Some people prefer it, emphasized by the design in the vein of “flowing lines”, while others appreciate the corporate style of the Japanese brand, which is not afraid to try on “the attire of its older brothers” on its golf-class models. But overall, this is a game of nuances.
Technical characteristics of Hyundai Solaris and Nissan Almera
Engines
The first is a 1.4-horsepower engine. Despite the insignificant volume, it was possible to equip it with 4 cylinders, as well as 16 valves. This made it possible to increase the output of such an aspirated engine (with an injection power system) to 107 horses at 6,300 rpm. And its torque reached 135 Nm at 5,000 rpm. Nevertheless, its dynamics are decent - Solaris reaches a hundred in 11.5 seconds, and also accelerates to 190 km/h. At the same time, consumption is limited to 7.5 liters in the city.
Video: Nissan Almera vs Solaris - about design and prospects
Its rival was a 1.6-liter engine from a Japanese sedan. It also has an injector and 16 valves for 4 cylinders. The power of the Almera engine is slightly lower than that of its opponent - 102 horses, but its peak is available a little earlier (at 5,750 rpm), and in terms of traction it even exceeds its opponent - 145 Nm of torque. The peak of torque, which is already available at 3,750 rpm, allows you to get it in the very driving range and outperform the competitor in dynamics - 10.9 seconds. up to a hundred, although for this I had to give up a little in maximum speed (185 km/h). But the declared consumption is already 2 liters higher than that of Solaris, and this is very serious for a car in this segment.
But Almera is no longer able to oppose anything to the 1.6-liter engine of the Hyundai Solaris. The Alliance engine itself is amazing - from a small volume, as well as a simple design, the Koreans managed to get 123 horsepower, although they are available only at 6,300 rpm. The torque is not a record, but 155 Nm of thrust at 4,200 rpm will be quite a decent indicator. Acceleration to hundreds is more dynamic than that of the 1.4-liter engine and Nissan engine - 10.1 seconds to hundreds. And a maximum speed of 190 km/h, along with an appetite of 8.1 liters, allows you to leave your competitor far behind. And the engine feels very dynamic - good acceleration from the lower range is complemented by pick-up in the upper range.
Therefore, in this category it is necessary to recognize the victory of Solaris - a larger selection of engines guaranteed it leadership.
Transmission
Regarding gearboxes, I am again confident, because the choice is twice as wide. If Almera is able to offer buyers a 5-speed manual transmission and a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Korean sedan has a similar set that comes with a 1.4-liter engine, as well as a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-band AT gearbox designed for a 123-horsepower engine. But this is rare for a budget model!
The 5-speed manual transmissions of the cars are approximately equal - the gear ratios are optimally selected, the lever does not knock out while driving, and the gears themselves are quite sufficient. I would only like a more assembled lever for the Nissan Almera - its long stroke and laxity strain the driver, which is noticeably less pronounced in the Solaris. 4-band automatic transmissions generally cope with their duties, but in terms of dynamics they are noticeably inferior to manual transmissions. And if it is necessary to accelerate sharply, both transmissions “think” for about a second whether it is worth doing this, and only then acceleration follows.
Video: Reviews and Test Drive 2015 Hyundai Solaris - breakdowns and malfunctions
But the more technologically advanced 6-speed transmissions of the Hyundai Solaris completely outperform the competitor. With them it is easier to save fuel, the dynamics become more understandable, the automatic transmission is noticeably less hesitant during switching or activating the kick-down mode. Of course, some believe that such boxes are useless for a 123-horsepower engine. This is partly true - in some ways this is really a PR move. However, driving with such transmissions is really more convenient.
Chassis
Structurally, both models are identical, but different settings also lead to different behavior of the cars on the road. Both cars have a fully independent suspension on the front axle, equipped with McPherson struts, as well as a semi-independent rear suspension with a torsion beam.
However, the habits of Solaris and Almera are completely opposite. Hyundai Solaris, as before, captivates drivers with its unexpectedly sharp handling - it takes turns without surprises, the feedback on the steering wheel is transparent, and there is no roll or sway. You don't even expect this from a budget sedan. But there were some downsides. Acute handling was achieved due to the rigidity of the chassis, which is clearly felt by the riders in the car. The sedan diligently transmits the slightest imperfections in the road surface to the cabin.
Nissan Almera has a completely different character. The Japanese sedan is more imposing in handling, does not take turns as readily, and its predisposition to drift is more noticeable. On the other hand, Almera is softer in motion, and its steering cannot be called inadequate - reactions to steering wheel turns are quite timely, and the lack of sharpness, like the Solaris, is not critical.
Interior
Inside, Nissan, after such an expressive appearance, frankly disappoints, and not with the quality of workmanship, but with its design. This is the same Logan - a simple interior, solid gray and a lot of black, hard plastic. In the basic versions, this interior looks very poor.
Nissan Almera interior
In top modifications, this monotony is slightly diluted with silver edging for instruments and air deflectors, a modern audio system, silver elements on the dashboard and door cards, as well as leather steering wheel upholstery. However, these improvements are not able to completely eradicate the “Loganov” impression.
Otherwise, the Almera's interior is very good - the seats are comfortable, with good lateral support, the filling in them is of high quality, it absorbs rocking well and allows you not to get tired on the road, and the flat rear sofa allows the middle passenger to sit comfortably. The multimedia system has all the necessary functions - Bluetooth, navigation, support for iPhone and iPod. Only the speakers fail, but they are easy to replace. In addition, the Almera's interior boasts considerable dimensions - rear passengers feel at ease, even if tall people are sitting in front. And in the back there is also a 500-liter trunk!
The only ergonomic flaws that can be noted are the inconvenient power window keys located on the central tunnel, as well as the adjustment of the mirrors near the parking brake.
The interior of Solaris is much nicer - an attractive design of the central console with a darkened display background, comfortable seats with good lateral support, an informative dashboard with clear symbols, well-placed air deflectors, etc.
Hyundai Solaris interior
It is worth noting that the Koreans managed to eliminate the main defects that received complaints from the owners of the pre-restyling version - the radio buttons located on the steering wheel no longer stick, the steering column switch got rid of the accidental activation of the high beams, and the windows no longer fog up. This was achieved through new latches on the keys, an upgraded ventilation system, as well as a different mounting of the printed circuit board.
However, in terms of space, the Hyundai Solaris is noticeably inferior to the Almere - there is less space on the back seat, and it is clearly designed for 2 passengers. The lumbar support of the front seats is also insufficient. The trunk volume is slightly smaller – by 30 liters (470 liters).
Prices
The initial cost of Nissan is noticeably lower - 439,000 rubles. versus RUB 495,900 at Solaris. The top versions are in approximately the same ratio – 605,000 rubles. at Nissan and 685,400 rubles. at Hyundai. Whether it is worth paying more for Solaris is up to the buyer to decide.
