Automotive Blog

On a day to day, the new Volkswagen Vento / Jetta is a car that works well. But the point is that most modern compact sedans are also very good.

The new Vento is good, but will that be enough? Volkswagen engineers took as a basis and inspiration Civic. Sedan Honda has an optimal gait and direction faster than that of sales, and more efficient responses to equal engine.

Vento manual transmission is good, but the Civic is excellent. The Vento has a more comfortable ride, it’s true, but Honda has independent suspension on all four wheels. In Vento, the multilink rear system is only present in version 2.0 TSi. The Civic has a much higher limit of grip in the corners.

But we repeat: in the day to day, it makes no difference. Although, if it is to draw conclusions, we can say that the Civic is safer behavior. And that also counts on a daily basis.

The humble Honda dashboard as conservative within the VW. The Vento is highlighted, admittedly, to the digital display touch. And again stands for the ability of your trunk.

And why I’m talking about both the Civic? Because, despite the years, remains a benchmark in the category.

During the presentation of Peugeot 408 engineers of the French made it clear that Honda had bought some only to be dissected. Is target to beat.

The funny thing is this: are all new cars are measuring forces with a model soon to be replaced, but still lost in many respects. My conclusion? It’s time to pay attention to Renault Fluence.

China carmaker Chery this later became the eighth company in the sector with the national government signed a plan to reverse the trade deficit generated by vehicles that matters. The Asian firm is represented in Spain by Socma Group and import cars made in China and assembled in Uruguay.

Leveraging its relationship with the family business Macri, Chery will build coupons exports generate Socma Group’s other firms. This is the case of equipment factory GNC Galileo and fruit and vegetable company YutoThat export their grain crops.

In addition, Chery-Socma executives pledged to increase the component of auto parts in Argentina that are models Tiggo and Face assembled in Uruguay.

Thus, the automaker promised to reverse the trade deficit of $ 38 million it had in 2010 a surplus of $ 22 million in 2012.

When there were obstacles to import Chery even threatened to close its plant in Uruguay if not resolved the conflict in Argentina (see note).

Besides Chery, the other automakers that already endorsed the plan “One to one the Government are: Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo, Porsche, Peugeot-Citroen, General Motors and Fiat.

And speaking of imported cars. Brazil began releasing yesterday the Argentine cars stuck in the office of that country, due to the sudden implementation of non-automatic licenses.

In return, Argentina agreed to the entry of batteries and tires from Brazil.

It is a gesture of detente between the two countries, pending the negotiations to be carried out next week.

WHAT IT IS: The new compact sedan manufactured in El Palomar. Replaces the 307 Sedan. It was designed for emerging markets in China, where it is on sale a year ago. Shares a platform with the 307/308 and Citroën C4. At year’s end hatchback version will be launched (see spy shots .)

MECHANICS: Has the familiar 2.0-liter gasoline engine with 143 horsepower 307. Five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed Tiptronic automatic (not available in the feline version). Also offered is a 1.6 HDi turbodiesel with 115 hp and five-speed manual gearbox. FWD. In the future it is expected a variant with the 1.6 turbo Peugeot using various imported, but with 162 hp.

AS: The interior space. It highlights the leg room for passengers in the rear seats and trunk with 526 liters capacity.

LEAST: Its official launch was postponed at least three times and made ​​him lose ground to new competitors in the segment. The lack of official communication by the Peugeot Argentina on the reasons for these delays only served to fuel rumors about reliability issues.

THE DETAILS: The basic version (Allure) comes standard with dual airbags, ABS brakes, air conditioning and 16-inch wheels. The top version (Feline) adds four more airbags, stability control, parking sensors (front and rear), 17-inch wheels, retractable screen satellite navigation system and directional Xenon headlamps, but only offered with a manual gearbox.

PRICE: 408 2.0 Allure, 102,300 pesos; 408 2.0 Allure Tiptronic, 108,800 pesos; 408 1.6 HDi Allure, 111,300 pesos; 408 2.0 Allure +, 116,000 pesos; 408 2.0 Allure + Tiptronic, 123,400 pesos; 408 1.6 HDi Allure +, 125,000 pesos; 408 2.0 Feline, 131,200 pesos; 408 1.6 HDi Feline, 140,200 pesos. Three-year warranty, unlimited mileage.