Cars produced by the Renault and Hyundai concerns are very popular in Russia. Renault focuses on inexpensive, practical and reliable cars, the average price of which is 600 thousand rubles. Hyundai produces cars of various price categories, from the budget Solaris to the executive Equus, so the average cost of their products is 900 thousand rubles. Both concerns have created a large network of dealer and service centers. In terms of reliability, French and Korean cars are the same and, with proper care, without major repairs, run up to 200 thousand kilometers.
Which car is more convenient
The French car is noticeably taller and wider, albeit slightly shorter, thanks to which people of large stature or large build feel noticeably more comfortable in it. This is especially noticeable in the rear seats. Tall people (over 180 cm), who ended up in the back seats of Solaris, have to tilt their heads. There are no such problems in the Sandero's cabin, but people of the same height in the back seats have to tighten their knees strongly - the shorter body length affects. In addition, the trunk volume of a Korean car is noticeably larger, so the Hyundai Solaris is more suitable for the role of a family car - mom and dad are comfortably placed in front, and 2-3 children sit in the back without any problems.
Interior
Despite the fact that both cars belong to the class of inexpensive (budget) cars, the interior of the Korean is more friendly and sporty. The French borrowed most of the interior from Sandero's predecessor, the Renault Logan. Everywhere is cheap plastic, the same as on Logan (and, out of habit, extremely unpleasant to the touch). The interior plastic of the Korean car looks less rough and does not create a feeling of clumsiness. The Sandero horn lever is located under the steering wheel on the left side, which at first causes a lot of inconvenience. After all, most drivers are used to the fact that the signal button should be in the middle of the steering wheel. Another disadvantage of Sandero is the extremely inconveniently located knobs for headlight range control and mirror control. All other devices of the French and Korean salon are located conveniently and it’s easy to reach them, so it’s not surprising that someone likes the sporty and modern interior of Solaris, while someone likes the classic Sandero salon more. The fabric upholstery of both cars is the same in quality, however, the interior of some Solaris trim levels is partially sheathed in leather. This increases the price of the car, but creates the feeling of driving in a more expensive and prestigious car.
Exterior
Both cars are in the style of modern crossovers. At the same time, the body of the Frenchman is made in a classic style, with smooth, calm lines. The body of the Korean creates a feeling of sportiness of constant tension, readiness to break loose and rush somewhere into the distance. Looking at these cars, one involuntarily wonders what the designers wanted to achieve? The body lines of the Solaris are noticeably more sporty and aggressive, and the radiator grilles look alien, as if they were designed for a quiet car and are somewhat reminiscent of funny faces from Asian animated cartoons. The Sandero radiator grill is also dissonant with the calm body, creating a feeling of aggressiveness and uncompromisingness. Therefore, it is not possible to determine which car is more beautiful due to contradictions in their appearance. But, given the low price of these machines, it is difficult to expect a beautiful and harmonious exterior.
Motors
The most noticeable difference between these cars is in the engines. The Korean car has a fairly modern engine with an intake camshaft dephaser, and the Frenchman got the K-series lower motor, which has already become a legend, which was installed on many other Renault models. With very modest power characteristics, it impresses with reliability and survivability. According to the technical documentation, its service life before overhaul or replacement is 400 thousand kilometers. According to the owners of Renault Logan, at least a third of these engines overcome the milestone of 500 thousand kilometers before repair or replacement, and some accumulate up to 700 thousand kilometers. The Korean motor in this regard is noticeably weaker and rarely overcomes the bar of 300 thousand kilometers.
Behavior on the road
In terms of acceleration dynamics in the pedal to the floor mode, Renault Sandero is much inferior to its competitor. Korean engines, even small ones, are noticeably more powerful than French engines. However, in urban traffic there is no difference between the cars. But on the track, during overtaking, a more powerful Solaris engine allows you to feel more confident. Sandero's steering is stiffer, so you'll have to get used to it. The Sandero hydraulic booster allows you to turn the steering wheel with one finger without any problems, even if the car is standing still. When driving on a flat road, the Solaris suspension provides more comfortable conditions due to increased rigidity. But, it’s worth moving off smooth asphalt or concrete and you immediately understand why the suspension that is put on Logan / Sandero is called legendary. It effectively dampens the impact of bumps in the road, providing a smoother ride. In terms of reliability, both suspensions are the same and require replacement of silent blocks after 50-100 thousand kilometers, depending on operating conditions. In terms of fuel consumption, Sandero is somewhat inferior to Solaris, but the difference is small. Both cars work without problems on 92 gasoline.
What to choose Renault Sandero and Hyundai Solaris
Summarizing all the information, we can draw the following conclusions:
- Renault Sandero is bought by those who are primarily important:
- reliability;
- practicality;
- small price.
- Hyundai Solaris is taken by those who are primarily important:
- speed;
- beautiful appearance;
- comfortable salon.
It is too early to say that Renault Sandero is a huge competitor to the Hyundai Solaris car, however, it should not be discounted, as Sandero sales are growing quite quickly.
So what to choose? Renault Sandero or Hyundai Solaris? For comparison, we will take the Solaris hatchback, with a 1.6-liter engine in a configuration very similar to the Renault Sandero. We would like to note that Hyundai with an automatic machine and Sandero on mechanics are included in the comparison, since in this form it is more suitable for the price category of cars we are considering. For now, we will not be distracted by the financial side of the issue, we will consider it at the very end of the article when it becomes clear who is the favorite in this comparison.
Clearance and cross-country ability of cars
Of course, even with the naked eye, you can see that the ground clearance of Renault Sandero is not only much greater than that of Solaris, it is comparable to the clearance of SUVs that are much more expensive than our Renault. Considering the state of roads in Russia and in the regions, all the more so, the advantage here is clearly on the side of Sandero.
It is in this context of comparison that Solaris loses a lot, because on bad roads it does not behave quite steadily, vertical oscillations appear at the rear of the car due to which you can even catch the muffler on another bump.
Of course, if you drive alone or, at most, two, then most likely you will not notice this problem, however, with a fully loaded car, the clearance is clearly not enough.
Car interior and exterior
Here, the Hyundai Solaris is recognized as the rightful winner, and it is unlikely that anyone will argue with this. The appearance of the Solaris corresponds to the modern understanding of car design, while the Sandero is more of a car from the 2000s. Again, one cannot confidently give victory to one, because everyone has different tastes.
In the Solaris Salon, everything is thought out, soft lighting, neat controls, everything is beautiful and at hand. Sandero, on the other hand, has a rough “clumsy” interior, huge buttons, absolutely not informative controls.
However, if we consider the dimensions of the cabin, we can say with confidence that the rear passengers will be more comfortable in Renault, since there is really more space in the back, and the roof is higher.
luggage compartment
In Solaris, the trunk is larger, apparently because of the space that he took away from the rear passengers. Renault's trunk volume is 50 liters less. It is also interesting that the spare wheel in Sandero is mounted like a Jeep, under the luggage compartment and not in it. The transformation of the interior of the latter is also lame in inexpensive trim levels.
Renault Sandero or Hyundai Solaris?
Nevertheless, in the battle of Renault Sandero VS Hyundai Solaris, we will give the victory to the latter. Yet beauty and ergonomics win. Perhaps you will say that this is somewhat biased and Sandero has the best driving performance, yes it is, but tell me, how often do you drive on real off-road? That's it! And the one who rides — knows perfectly well what choice to make!
- If a couple of years ago, Hyundai Solaris was clearly the leader in the market of inexpensive cars and could really be called the only affordable and beautiful car, then with the advent of KIA ...
- Today we compare the new Hyundai Solaris 2013, the price of which starts at 460 thousand rubles. with its potential competitors Kia Rio and Chevrolet Aveo. Costs...
- What engine oil to use? Perhaps one of the most difficult questions that the owner of a car that is no longer under warranty needs to decide. If the warranty is...
At the moment, there are leaders among budget cars on the Russian market. Many motorists prefer cars such as Hyundai Solaris and Renault Sandero. It can be noted that they have the same price segment, but if you compare the two cars in detail, you can find significant differences in characteristics.
Design
If you compare two cars, then first of all you want to be behind the wheel of a Hyundai. More modern and attractive body design. Predatory headlights, graceful curves, bright body color - the model looks quite attractive. Also 16-inch alloy wheels, an inch more than the rival, which is already a plus. A more modern and bright interior trim, the interior is trimmed in two colors, it looks stylish and expensive. About Sandero, on the contrary, you can say something completely different, the main principle here is “simplicity” in everything. Conservatives, for whom the principle of "nothing more" is important, will consider this a virtue, which cannot be said about young people.
Convenience
Solaris wins again at this point. Comfortable ergonomic front panel and button layout. The buttons are where they should be, the instrument panel is informative enough, the backlight takes some getting used to, for some it will seem too bright. In addition, the design of the Hyundai front panel is much more modern and pleasant than that of its main rival. Equipped with an engine start button, which proves more advanced technical equipment. Rear parking aid. It is better to have such an option, especially in conditions of lack of time and parking spaces. Comfortable front and rear seats. The seats have a streamlined shape with the necessary curves, so sitting in the cabin is comfortable both in front and behind. In Sandero, drivers are bewildered by the inconvenient arrangement of buttons, in particular, the air conditioning and seat adjustment buttons. The seats here are strictly vertical, for rear passengers it is not too comfortable in such a cabin. But on the other hand, Sandero is pleased with the presence of a winter and manual mode. Undoubtedly, the car is adapted to the Russian climate.
Safety
Solaris has a more advanced security system. Here it is necessary to explain. In the basic configuration, there are only two airbags, but you can add to the package and increase the number of airbags to six. In Sandero, an increase in the number of airbags is not provided, there are two airbags everywhere. Therefore, it has a lower safety rating. But Renault, according to the results of a test drive, showed better stability on a slippery road, as well as predictability in management. For many drivers, it is important to feel how the car will behave in a given situation.
Additional options
The main plus of Sandero is a powerful energy-intensive suspension, as well as ground clearance. Snowdrifts in winter will not be terrible, as if the car was created for country trips. Let's move on to Solaris. There is a modern audio system with a fairly wide display plus music control buttons on the steering wheel. There is climate control, as well as a heated windshield. It will come in handy in winter, because in the mornings snow often freezes to windshields. Also, both cars have spacious luggage compartments. The trunk volume of the Solaris is slightly larger, but at the same time, Renault is more convenient for loading luggage in height.
Dynamic characteristics of both models
Renault Sandero
Presented with an engine capacity of 1.2 liters with a manual transmission with a fuel consumption of 6 liters per 100 km and 1.6 liters with a manual and automatic transmission with a fuel consumption of 7-8.5 liters per 100 kilometers.
Hyundai Solaris
This model can be purchased in two engine sizes: 1.4 liters or 1.6 liters with a manual or automatic transmission. Gasoline consumption is approximately 6-6.5 liters per 100 km, acceleration to 100 km / h in 11 seconds.
Among budget cars, both models have the best value for money. If we compare both cars in the basic configuration, then Renault will have a lower price, while it also has fewer options. Both cars are economical in terms of fuel consumption, but the Solaris service is cheaper.
When buying these models, it is better not to rely on too high speeds, these cars are designed for low speeds, up to about 90 km / h. Since at high speeds they begin to make noise and vibrate.
Gearboxes in the basic versions are mechanical, but for an extra charge you can install an automatic. Opinions on the advisability of installing an automatic gearbox on cars with such a small engine capacity differ. According to numerous buyers, it is more profitable to leave the mechanics in order to save on fuel consumption and maintenance.
Hyundai Solaris will be appreciated by young people. First of all, thanks to fashionable design. In addition, the car accelerates faster than Sandero. Hyundai is more suitable for city driving, on a flat road at low speeds.
Which of the two models is better? Everyone will find the answer to this question for himself. It all depends on the age of the motorist, the equipment of the car, and the purpose of the acquisition.
Renault Sandero Stepway and Hyundai Solaris are two budget cars that clearly make it clear that even a hatchback can become widely popular in Russia. But which one is better to choose? Who has equipped their car with more features for the same money - Renault or Hyundai?
Since the configurations, even at an economical price, can be very different, in order to compare cars, I had to choose. So, out of five variants of Renault Sandero, the Sandero Stepway modification was chosen due to a set of features more friendly to local conditions. Hyundai Solaris was selected as standard.
Exterior of Renault Sandero and Hyundai Solaris
It is immediately clear that the designers of Renault Sandero did their best - unlike the first version of the car, according to which it was possible to determine the budget at first glance, the representative of the new generation looks richer. This is expressed both in the complex design of the headlights, and in the powerful Sandero bumper, as well as in the caps successfully disguised as castings. You can understand which category the car belongs to only by the cheap material of the door handles. In addition, the car looks like a real SUV.
The hatchback grew somewhat due to roof frames and high wheels, which added as much as 10 cm to the overall height of the Renault Sandero Stepway.
As for the interior of Renault Sandero, then everything is not so rosy. In general, the decoration looks good, although a little rustic. Materials, as in the Hyundai Solaris, are used budgetary, but strong - it is quite difficult to spoil something. The Renault Sandero controls are easy to use - the power window buttons are located in suitable places and are large enough, all devices are clearly readable. However, there are some miscalculations in the ergonomics of Renault. In particular, this applies to the driver's seat, which is located too high - it will be convenient only for short drivers. But behind the Renault Sandero there is enough space for passengers of any height.
It is also difficult to find fault with the appearance of Hyundai Solaris. In the cabin of the Korean car Hyundai Solaris, too, everything is fine, even somewhat better than that of its French rival. There are no such problems with ergonomics, the car is much more comfortable for both tall drivers and large passengers. Places in it are several centimeters larger in breadth and height than in Sandero. In addition, the floor in front of the rear sofa is flat, which, unlike the Renault Sandero Stepway, allows a third passenger to fit in. The driver's seat has more room for adjustment.
There are no complaints about the functionality of the Hyundai Solaris - all controls are conveniently located, it is convenient to reach them from the driver's seat, nothing prevents them from being used. The air conditioner is controlled via a panel behind the gear lever.
The only small minus of the Hyundai Solaris hatchback is that some buttons, for example, power window levers, are not backlit.
Filling Renault Sandero and Hyundai Solaris
The first thing that Renault Sandero furnishes with Hyundai Solaris is the suspension that the French car got from Logan and is practically indestructible. But the Hyundai Solaris boasts a 6-speed gearbox.
In terms of engine, Renault Sandero is somewhat weaker than Hyundai Solaris. Its engine is 84 hp. With. starts to work confidently at 1500 rpm and is quite capable of reaching up to 5500 rpm, although there is not much point in driving the arrow into the red zone. Solaris is equipped with a 107-horsepower 1.6-liter engine, in which good traction appears only after overcoming the mark of 2000 rpm. But due to the shorter clutch and the already mentioned more convenient gearbox, the Hyundai Solaris is controlled more smoothly, and accelerates faster on the track.
The disadvantage of Hyundai Solaris is that it feels most confident only up to 90 km / h. If you accelerate harder, the car starts to drive along the road, you have to actively control the trajectory than sitting behind the wheel of a Renault Sandero.
Solaris is equipped with a stabilization system, but it does not really help, because it works late.
There is no such system on board the Renault Sandero hatchback, but at high speed it goes much more clearly, it is quite difficult to lose control over it. But when driving around the city, the control lacks sophistication - a high suspension provides less stability in corners, and Renault Sandero's steering is not fast enough, which is not observed in Hyundai Solaris.
On the streets of every city you can meet a myriad of Solaris and Sandero. This is due to the fact that they are affordable and loved by car enthusiasts. To compare which is better than Hyundai Solaris or Renault Sandero, you need to consider both of these cars in more detail.
Appearance
Acquaintance with the car always begins with an assessment of its external data. In this regard, Hyundai has a clear advantage - it has a stylish body with recognizable lines. Renault has a more conservative exterior, it is not designed to stand out in a stream of cars.
If design is of great importance to you, then it is better to give preference to Solaris. At the same time, Renault has an important advantage - the height of the hatchback body. In the back row, passengers feel more comfortable, but their knees can rest on the front row seats, since the Renault body is shorter.
Salon and trunk
The Korean car is also in the lead in terms of interior indicators, it has a sporty style and a sense of taste of engineers. The center console is not overloaded with buttons, in the center of it is a simple CD radio. Regardless of the configuration, you will receive mainly fabric interior, which in more expensive versions has leather inserts. Renault Sandero's interior does not have attractive details.
In both cars, the main parts of the cabin are made of cheap plastic, the landing of passengers in the back is not very convenient. For drivers of both cars, useful bonuses are provided in the form of steering wheel and seat adjustment.
As for the volume of the trunk, Solaris is again in the lead here, which is not surprising, because its body is longer. This helped the Korean get a trunk with a volume of 50 liters more. At the same time, the trunk of a French car is more convenient for placing things, the compartment has the correct shape
Specifications
Depending on the equipment, both vehicles have several engine options with manual or automatic transmissions. The maximum power of the Solaris power plant is 123 horsepower, while Sandero's performance is more modest - only 102 "horses". The unit from the French car industry has a fairly decent traction, which allows you not to notice the lack of power.
If we compare the suspension, then both cars have a traditional MacPherson strut in front, and a simple beam in the back. At the same time, for a Korean, it is softer and has good performance in terms of energy intensity, but it does not affect handling in the best way.
Solaris sway on potholes, drifts are often encountered. Renault took the suspension from Logan, she was popularly called "impenetrable". The French adapted it perfectly to Russian conditions.
The clearance of these cars is the same, but the Solaris has a crankcase below, which is not a good help for off-road driving. It is very easy to sit in a Hyundai on its belly in winter, this car is designed for operation in more civilized conditions. The Renault Sandero Stepway option is suitable for those who often drive on country roads, go out into nature almost every weekend, regardless of the weather. This modification is full SUV.
Price and features of choice
If cost comes first for you, then Renault is much cheaper than Hyundai. It can be purchased at a price of 380 to 515 thousand rubles, depending on the configuration, while the Korean will cost from 536 to 702 thousand rubles. Both manufacturers have plenty to choose from, the equipment can be basic or equipped with all additional options. Many motorists take the simplest cars, and then equip them with everything you need, which sometimes costs a little less than assembly from the factory.
Despite the fact that these cars belong to the same class, they have very different characters. Solaris is a typical urban dweller, and Sandero is more suitable for outdoor trips. The Korean has a more sporty appearance, he goes well on highways and highways, while he rides best on those roads where there are no sharp turns, since handling is not his strong point. At the same time, you will be noticed on any street, thanks to a stylish design.
