From 1999 to 2003, the light came outSUV, as the "Kia Retona". It was a civilian version of a military jeep manufactured by the same South Korean concern. And the model, built on the platform of the first versions of Kia Sportage, has become very popular. It successfully competed with such cars as SsangYong Korando and Suzuki Jimny, and in Russia it was even preferred to Lada Niva. However, everything in order.
"Kia Retona" - this is a real brutalall-terrain vehicle. Although, many believe that outwardly it looks very clumsy and cumbersome. However, this is not the case, the car is maneuverable - numerous test drives and feedback from owners allow us to make sure of this.
The model is compact.Its length is exactly 4 meters. The width is 1745 mm, the height is 1835 mm, and the ground clearance is 20 centimeters. The wheelbase is impressive - 2360 mm. And it is worth noting that this is quite a heavy car. Its curb weight reaches 1394 kg. And the maximum allowable - more than 1.9 tons.
The body at the Kia Retona is such that it can be exposed without fear to various external influences, such as bushes and trees, through which amateurs of impassability usually pass.
Salon at the "Kia Retona" is as simple as possible.Many owners of this all-terrain vehicle even say that he is ascetic. However, this refers to the pluses - there is simply nothing to break inside, and this is an extra reason for the full operation of this SUV for its intended purpose.
The model is not without features. Many note the small windows. But you can quickly get used to it. The most important thing is that everything is perfectly visible in the rearview mirror.
By the way, the salon of the "Kia Retona", although simple, butfunctional. The motorist is given the opportunity to transform it. All seats can easily be turned into one wide comfortable bed. And the trunk becomes so huge that you will have to try hard to load it under the string.
And the bundling is not bad, even in the standardoption. Good music, adjustable in different directions of the seat and adjustable steering wheel, front armrest, sunroof, powerful air conditioning. The only thing that is missing is the heated seats.
Potential buyers were offered several models of "Kia Retona". They differed in characteristics and engines.
Under the hood of the weakest version was a 2-liter83-strong diesel engine with a turbocharger. This all-wheel drive model was driven by a 5-speed "mechanics". Overclocking to "hundreds" of the model takes 20.5 seconds. And the speed limit is 124 km / h. Consumes the model, by the way, 10 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers in mixed mode. The full tank, usually, suffices for a long time, after all its volume makes 60 liters.
There was also a model with an 87-horsepower engine. But despite the greater number of "horses", this version is slower - its maximum is 120 km / h.
The most powerful were models with gasolineengines. Which were offered in an amount of two pieces. One of them produced 128 liters. with another, 136 liters. from. The last option is the most powerful. With such a Kia Retona engine, the technical specifications were very impressive. Its "maximum" increased to 150 km / h, and the consumption was 16 and 9 liters (city and highway, respectively).
Also worth noting that all versions had a power steering and disc ventilated brakes. And a reliable suspension - front transverse levers, and behind the helical springs.
This is one of the most important nuances that many car enthusiasts note with attention, leaving reviews about the Kia Retona SUV.
This machine is heavy, but maneuverable.Turbo-diesel versions are not very dynamic, but they easily stay in the flow. Expenditure, of course, "grew" with age. If you keep the speed at 2200-2300, and do not go faster than 100 km / h, then it will be slightly less than 10 liters on the highway. The transmission works fine, but the fourth gear can only be switched on after the speedometer needle rises above the 95 km / h mark.
The only drawback that is notedattention of motorists, lies in the sensitivity of the machine to kollechnosti. And this defect is seen at high speeds. With obvious roadlessness, the machine manages easily, but on level roads it does not seem to be "poured". And, as the owners of this model assure, the higher the speed of movement - the more difficult it is to "move" the car out of the way.
A couple of words worth mentioning about how much it costs"Kia Retona." The photos shown above show a solid and tightly knocked off SUV. In Russia, it is rarely to be found, but, nevertheless, it is realistic to sell ads. More often versions of "Kruser" are offered, those that were produced after a small cosmetic restyling.
A model in good condition can cost about350-400 thousand rubles. And this is an excellent price for a good SUV, also with fog optics, a hatch, alarm with an auto start, xenon headlights and engine warming. But at this price, usually, models with engines of 83-87 liters are offered. from. Those that are more powerful will cost a little more.
They have a car like "Kia Retona Cruiser"a lot. Car enthusiasts pay special attention to the self-locking differential and the availability of a convenient lever for connecting the all-wheel drive. And a great system of air conditioning and heating. In the summer it is not hot, and in winter you do not have to freeze.
The passage is excellent, but the clearance is not great enough. However, this problem can easily be solved if you put rubber with a high profile.
The engines are all tiring, the car is without problemseven at the second speed, and some people do not even connect a full drive on impassability. The only negative appears when driving on ice. The car is not equipped with ABS, so on a slippery surface it can be "deployed".
In general, people who own this machine leaveexceptionally positive comments. The car is ideal for off-road lovers traveling in the highlands, fishing, hunting, etc. Operation does not cause any problems, and if it becomes necessary to replace any parts, then the parts do not have to be spent much, because they are very cheap . And this is important.