The content of the article:
- SsangYong Actyon
- Daewoo gentra
- Hyundai solaris
- Kia rio
- Kia ceed
- Hyundai Tucson
- Hyundai sonata
- Kia cerato
- Kia sportage
- Hyundai genesis
The Korean car industry, which appeared on the Russian car market in the 90s, was often accused of copying outdated models of world car leaders. Although Asian manufacturers could not be blamed for doing it poorly, the models came out quite high quality and reliable.
Now every second driver owns a Korean car, which every year are becoming more interesting, technologically advanced, and sportier. There are still some complaints about their quality; nevertheless, the experience of Japanese or German manufacturers has been accumulating for decades. However, many of them are more than worthy, and therefore got into the next rating.
10. SsangYong Actyon
This crossover has been on the Russian market for several years, although it causes an ambiguous impression. Previously, the products of this brand were already obsolete frame SUVs, which, moreover, were assembled in Taganrog from Chinese parts and assemblies.
Considering that the company started with cars on the Mercedes-Benz platform, their own products caused quite justified fears among motorists. The brand had to spend a lot of time to break persistent stereotypes and convince consumers of the reliability of the new model.
In obvious shortcomings, one should write down too cheap finishing materials that contribute to increased noise in the cabin. On the technical side, the overly voracious diesel engine, as well as the brake pads that quickly become unusable, upset.
The model can be praised for a very reliable suspension, whose kinematics withstands Russian off-road conditions. There are no complaints about the shock absorbers, anti-roll bar and anthers, which do an excellent job with increased loads.
9. Daewoo Gentra
Even despite the huge scandal and bankruptcy of the largest company and automaker, the Gentra model became a legend in the early 2000s. After the conglomerate went under the hammer and became the property of General Motors, the car continued to be produced by a subsidiary plant in Uzbekistan.
Initially, the model was supposed to be only the second generation of the already successful Nubira, but with the transfer of control to the Americans, the car became the Chevrolet Lacetti. The model turned out to be in great demand, including among Russian motorists. Over the years, the car became obsolete both externally and technically, therefore, under the name Lacetti, it left production in order to be revived at the subsidiary Uzbek plant Ravon in the desired guise - Daewoo Gentra.
If we talk about the reliability of this very affordable car, then the guarantee of 100,000 km or 5 years speaks for itself. Of course, the materials used could be of better quality, but the very good assembly does not allow you to notice this. The "Achilles' heel" can be called the suspension, which requires repair after 100 thousand kilometers. But all the engines that the model is equipped with are commendable for their performance and durability. By the way, they will not even be spoiled by the low-quality fuel that is too common in Russia. However, if applied regularly, it leaves a resinous build-up on the valves that will gradually interfere with operation.
8. Hyundai Solaris
An unchanging participant in all possible car ratings, in which he often occupies a leading position. It clearly shows that a car can be simultaneously spectacular, modern, reliable and cheap, and in addition not designed on someone else's, outdated platform.
The main claims of the owners concerned the rear suspension, which caused the stern skid, which was very common on the first cars that came to the country. Service centers promptly changed shock absorbers, but motorists realized that an engine with an aluminum cylinder block did not imply a major overhaul. Therefore, it should be handled with extreme caution and sensitivity, preventing potential problems that cannot be corrected.
But after the domestic car industry, which so often upset the owners with problems with the belt mechanism, motorists felt all the charm of the Korean camshaft chain drive. And the engines assembled in Chinese factories function perfectly even after hundreds of thousands of kilometers.
7. KIA Rio
The single-platform "brother" of the previous representative is considered more reliable, possibly due to a later market launch with obvious technical improvements. For example, we got rid of problems with the rear suspension, worked on the questionable aluminum engine.
A lot of hard plastic is also used in the decoration, but the high level of assembly saves the driver and his passengers from the characteristic noise and rattling.
Conservative design, good technical equipment, cross-country ability and low cost, which remained until the economic crisis of 2014, made the model ideal for Russian motorists. Unlike domestic cars that leave much to be desired or inaccessible Japanese or German models, almost everyone could afford the "Korean". Moreover, an unassuming car did not require investments, finishing "to mind", anti-corrosion treatment - you could buy it, sit down and go.
Now the cost of Rio has certainly increased, but the list of advantages has also expanded.
6. KIA Ceed
The “elder brother” of the previous contestants from the first days did not cause any complaints; its reliability was at a high level, users were already accustomed to the Korean car industry and warmly accepted the new model, not even embarrassed by the low price.
The model is presented in the station wagon, as well as in the form of a 3 or 5-door hatchback - an excellent family version of the middle class. The manufacturer strongly asks to service cars only in specialized auto centers and use high-quality consumables. But the owners of Ceed admit that the car practically does not bother with malfunctions, breakdowns, noises and other whims. And the chassis is so well adapted to the domestic off-road that the shock absorbers, pads, suspension and other parts endure all difficulties, wearing out strictly according to the regulations.
This car uses more expensive materials, so the interior trim can be equated to the business class.
5. Hyundai Tucson
Immediately after the appearance of this handsome sportsman in the car market, he caused a furor among fans of crossovers and dynamic driving. In 2015, he received a number of improvements, including new materials that are resistant to wear, mechanical stress, corrosion and chemicals on the road.
As for the technical side, the owners have a number of complaints here:
- Although gasoline engines take Russian fuel well, diesel ones too often require flushing nozzles, replacing filters and, in general, high-quality fuel at proven gas stations.
- Fans of an extreme driving style should be aware of the peculiarities of the clutch, the clutches of which wear out intensively at high torque.
- The timing belt and roller will have to be changed every 60 thousand kilometers.
4. Hyundai Sonata
Even in the first, not the best generation of its generation, a bright and sports car with a spacious and beautiful interior immediately won the hearts of motorists. Even after it was removed from production at the Korean plant, it continued to be assembled in Russia for some time.
This model can rightfully be equated to the European level with a good technical component.Despite its apparent softness, the suspension perfectly withstands any impact, the engine adequately perceives Russian fuel, and its resource exceeds 500,000 km.
The body painting is perfect, and the composition of the coating is such that for many years it protects the car from external influences, including atmospheric. The performance of the salon is not far behind, which well deserves the value dealers ask for the Sonata.
If a motorist plans to purchase a car on the secondary market, then you should pay attention to copies of the Russian and Korean assembly, which are much more reliable than the American version.
3. KIA Cerato
If at first this model of the middle class with a large interior and an acceptable price, designed for a quiet ride around the city, simply interested the consumer, then after several years of modernization and restyling it has confidently established itself among the leaders in terms of its reliability.
The body is highly resistant to corrosion, and rust does not appear even in the places of accidental chips. Some owners spoke negatively about the operation of the 6-speed automatic, but in most cases the problems were associated with incorrect operation of the transmission and aggressive driving. And one can find fault with the mechanical box only in the fact that after 100,000 km it will be necessary to change the synchronizers and clutches.
Some Cerato models come with an aluminum block, which is sensitive to fuel composition due to the thin coating of the combustion chamber. Therefore, it is preferable to purchase a 2-liter cast iron engine, thanks to which the model is in the bronze place of the rating.
The suspension structure is simple and unpretentious, although it is recommended not to overload it. However, if all important consumable items, such as anthers, are timely replaced, then her life will stretch for years.
2. KIA Sportage
This SUV was one of the first to enter the Russian car market, and at that time it was indeed all-passable. With the change of generations, the car has been reoriented from the conquest of off-road to the SUV segment.
The competent German publication Auto Motorund Sport, after carrying out a full-scale reliability program, which included the operation of up to 100,000 km, recognized the Sportage as the most reliable car in its class. He is one of the few automotive representatives passed all tests without a single breakdown.
Both gasoline and diesel engines work fine on fuel of not the best quality, although I would like to reduce its consumption. One could find fault with the suspension, but all claims to it are in the excessive noise over the years of wear.
Obvious disadvantages include a not very well thought out interior and interruptions in the electronics that control the automatic transmission.
1. Hyundai Genesis
Genesis is a leader in reliability absolutely worthy of this title. Business class car, carefully thought out, created for maximum consumer comfort, corresponding to the highest level. Thanks to the unique performance of this model, even its own trademark was created on the principle of Toyota's luxury Lexus. This decision by Hyundai required capital investments to create a special production line, which already speaks of a special approach to the creation of each instance.
The model has a traditional spring suspension, without pneumatic elements, which, nevertheless, copes perfectly with all types of road surface. Perhaps the only drawback of the car should be recognized as an overly demanding engine, which requires extremely high-octane fuel.
Conclusion
The Korean auto industry still has a lot of work to do on their products, but the leap they made from copying other people's models to their own high-tech cars deserves respect. The rating included the main automakers of the country, which indicates the general level of production, which achieves decent quality. So skeptics should cast aside the last doubts and evaluate the merits and reliability of these Asian cars from their own experience.
