The most successful human invention in the field of automobile construction is, of course, the SUV. A real all-terrain vehicle must have a high cross-country ability on bad roads, and in their complete absence. Such advantages are indisputable on Russian roads, but not everyone can get this dream. Everything changed dramatically with the appearance on the domestic market at the end of 2011 of the relatively inexpensive rogue TAGAZ С190, who aimed to conquer our roads. This time the Taganrog Automobile Plant really managed to achieve the ideal ratio "high traffic - reasonable price - maximum comfort - optimal fuel consumption".
In fact, the TagAZ C 190 SUV copies the Chinese JAC Rein, something in common can be traced with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 and Land Cruiser 120. As for the exterior transformations, in comparison with the JAC Rein, they mainly affected the lower part of the body, giving the car is more respectable and catchy. The front bumper has taken on a rather curved shape, and directly on it is the continuation of the solid chrome grille with a striking logo in the middle. A splash of emotions is caused by the front fog lamps of the original form, and large xenon lamps look quite unusual at the back.
The peculiarity of copying from its Chinese predecessor is inimitably reflected in the wide and puffy forms of the side arches, which adds a certain mystery and individuality to the car. A positive point is that, due to the impressive dimensions of the TagAZ S190, it is difficult to miss on the roads: the length of the SUV is 4.5 m, the height is 1.73 m, and the width is 1.88 m. Body welding was replaced with a more modern, spot welding, which gives it greater strength and reliability.
In a word, the profile of the SUV is representative, the wheel arches are puffy, there is stamping in the lower sidewall of the body, the top is strict, there are rails on the roof, and in the roof itself there is a large hatch.
The salon of the rogue TAGAZ C 190 is spacious, in which the spirit of the last century is present. The center console is very remarkable, protruding slightly forward. Two deflectors, as usual, are placed on top, which obeys the laws of symmetry. The monochrome clock is surrounded by a radio button and a button for the climate control unit, which are included in the already familiar standard equipment. The tricolor backlit dashboard is non-irritating. Steering wheel, as expected with an airbag, with a single height adjustment. There are round air duct openings on the front door panels. The driver's seat is manually adjustable in eight directions; it can be adjusted to any body configuration without any problems. The wide cabin of the SUV can easily accommodate three people. The rear seat can be folded in a 60:40 ratio if required. In the trunk, the floor is flat, a large compartment for various little things is hidden under the rug, and the spare wheel saves space and is attached to the bottom of the TAGAZ C190. The SUV received a spacious luggage compartment with a volume of almost 780 liters.
The hood of the SUV hides a very good engine with a capacity of as much as 136 horsepower at 5500 rpm (which is not bad for a "Chinese SUV"). The unit is 16-valve four-cylinder, with a volume of 2.4 liters. The engine itself meets all the requirements of Euro 4. The transmission is five-speed, mechanical. An efficient air intake ecosystem greatly enhances power output and improves efficiency.
The all-terrain vehicle accelerates from standstill to 100 km / h in an astonishing 16 seconds. The maximum TAGAZ C190 can accelerate to 170 km / h. For lovers of fast driving, these indicators will not be enough, but for a calm driver - a normal option. In the combined cycle, the fuel consumption of TagAZ S190 is approximately 10 ~ 11 liters - it cannot be said that it is “economical”, but given it you can safely “feed” 92 gasoline, this is a good indicator.
Of course, like an SUV, TAGAZ C 190 is equipped with an all-wheel drive system. When towing the front wheels, the rear axle is immediately connected, and there is a self-locking limited slip differential in it. 21 centimeter ground clearance provides quite decent cross-country ability. Well, the advantage of automatic all-wheel drive over manual on the pavement is not even discussed.
Front suspension McPherson lever, and rear - double wishbone with stabilizers. A very competent setting of springs and shock absorbers gives the SUV a smooth ride, so that any irregularities are practically not felt. Disc brakes do the job well.
The TAGAZ С190 SUV has only one complete set. But for 699 thousand rubles (the price of the base TagAZ S-190 in 2013) you get at the same time: climate control, an audio system with a DVD player, an adjustable driver's seat, power steering, a light sensor, power windows, central locking and a leather interior. For complete safety of the driver and passengers, the ABS and EBD system, two airbags and a parking sensor with a display are provided on the inner mirror.
Maybe for some, the price of TagAZ S190 is too high, but this is justified by the worthy equipment of an SUV, an automatic all-wheel drive system, a fairly spacious interior and a large roomy trunk.
This car holds the road well, behaves well, both in a straight line and on turns. Everything is done for the maximum comfort of the driver and his passengers, all that remains is to enjoy the ride. With this "all-terrain vehicle", regardless of weather conditions, everyone will gain confidence on the road.
