In the last couple of years, the domestic car market has been confidently conquering the products of the Uzbek manufacturer, Ravon. Having replaced Daewoo, it offered consumers several budget cars, including the Nexia R3. The technical base and exterior of the new sedan are copied from the Chevrolet Aveo model, which is very familiar to many car enthusiasts. Thanks to its affordable price, confidence-inspiring performance and recognizable image, the car is in demand. It has enough advantages, but against their background there are also disadvantages of the Ravon Nexia R3. Some of them appear during operation.
Advantages and disadvantages of Ravon Nexia R3
The car debuted at the Moscow Motor Show in 2015. Presenting the sedan to the public, the manufacturer noted that the main goal was to create a practical, inexpensive model with an attractive appearance and good technical data.
Ravon decided to abandon risky experiments and preferred to use the JEM platform, proven on Russian roads.
Appearance
As for the exterior, it does not look like any of the Nexia Daewoo versions. The appearance of the sedan is copied from the Aveo model. The choice of prototype is not accidental. This Chevrolet model was in great demand among car enthusiasts before GM left the domestic market. As a result, the focus on a recognizable appearance brought popularity to the new Uzbek Nexia.
Engine and technical features of Ravon Nexia R3
Under the hood of the car is a 106-horsepower, one and a half liter DOHC gasoline engine with a chain drive. Included with it, the manufacturer offers a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Front independent and rear semi-independent suspension provide good vehicle handling. Taking into account the ground clearance (160mm), we can safely say that Nexia will feel right at home on Russian roads.
The technical arsenal is quite sufficient for a city car. Fans of driving on the highway will not find the characteristics of a sports car in the sedan, but will note confident traction and stable driving dynamics when picking up speed.
The manufacturer provided the buyer with a wide choice of body colors and the ability to select auxiliary interior options.
You can choose one of three configuration options:
- Comfort;
- Optimum;
- Elegant.
Each of them has its own set of options.
As you can see, the model has many tangible advantages, but the shortcomings of the Ravon Nexia cannot be avoided either.
Ravon Gentra
Automatic transmission on Gentra
Gentra automatic transmission handle
It exists in the following configurations:
- COMFORT AT - from 599 thousand rubles.
- OPTIMUM AT - from 619 thousand rubles.
- ELEGANT AT - from 689 thousand rubles.
Gentra's manual transmission
It comes in the following configurations:
- COMFORT MT - from 559 thousand rubles.
- OPTIMUM MT - from 579 thousand rubles.
- ELEGANT MT - from 649 thousand rubles.
There is a 10,000 rubles discount on 2021 cars.
Interior of Ravon Nexia
When you enter the salon, you shouldn’t expect a “wow” effect. It is finished with durable plastic, pleasant to the touch and not creaky. In the top-end configuration, the inside of the doors is covered with fabric upholstery.
The manufacturer tried to make the finishing of the budget car as laconic and harmonious as possible. There is an emphasis on comfort, but it is not expressed in leather upholstery or expensive carbon inserts.
The interior trim can be of several options, depending on the configuration. A touch of chic is brought by the “metal-like” inserts available on the console.
The upholstery of the seats is quite decent. The material is non-marking and practical. The front row seats are easily adjustable in height. The salon is spacious and can accommodate five people.
Ravon R4
Automatic transmission for Ravon R4 (Cobalt)
Handle automatic transmission Ravon R4
It comes in the following configurations:
- COMFORT AT - 579 thousand rubles.
- OPTIMUM AT - 609 thousand rubles.
- ELEGANT AT - 649 thousand rubles.
Manual transmission on R4
It comes in the following packages:
- COMFORT MT - from RUB 499,000.
- OPTIMUM MT - from RUB 559,000.
- ELEGANT MT - from RUB 599,000.
*Prices are valid for February 2021
R3 build quality
An aspect that deserves special attention is the build quality. It cannot be called bad, but there are still some shortcomings. As car owners themselves note, visible gaps between the panel and chrome trim elements are found in the cabin.
In general, if you look closely, you can, of course, find a distortion in some of the gaps of the dashboard parts and the finishing of the inside of the side door panels.
Some owners note the thin metal of the body, but this is a problem with almost all modern cars. Another disadvantage is the thin paintwork: chips appear from stones. But the chips do not rust for a long time.
These shortcomings are not part of every model . They were noticed by different users, which indicates quite stable build quality.
Of course, there is always the possibility of having disadvantages, but the assembly cannot be classified as one of them. The budget sedan pleases with its low cost, clear body geometry, comfortable interior and excellent technical characteristics. Against the background of all this, the presence of small gaps on the control panel is not catastrophic.
Engine and gearbox Ravon Nexia
For the R3, power units were also borrowed from two different cars. Engine with a volume of 1.5 liters and a power of 106 hp. taken from the old generation of Nexia. Even then there were legends about this engine: the body would rot, but the engine would work for many more decades. And indeed, the chain motor is not whimsical and does not require additional attention; it is enough just to undergo scheduled maintenance and not worry about its technical condition.
The gearbox was borrowed from the American brothers from General Motors: Nexia R3 is paired with a manual 5-speed gearbox or a 6-speed automatic transmission of the third generation. Is it necessary to talk about the reliability of these units, or is everything clear without words?
The editors of DRIVENN.RU received the maximum configuration for testing. Inspecting the Nexia near the Ravon Center Nizhny Novgorod car dealership, to be completely honest, we didn’t have any special hopes. As they say, there are no unnecessary expectations - no disappointments.
But imagine our surprise when we felt the dynamics of this car. The engine power is quite enough for the weight of the Ravon Nexia R3, and the gearbox easily picks up and allows you to cope with any overtaking. Cooperation with GM definitely benefited UZ Daewoo.
Interior contents: multimedia system and other components
A simple radio for an inexperienced user - these are the disadvantages of Ravon Nexia P3. A simple but high-quality audio system with a set of ports for connecting external devices. Mid-level speakers.
If you choose interior options, you can get a multifunction steering wheel. Not everyone will find its design comfortable. It takes some time to get used to the steering wheel audio controls.
Otherwise, the key interior functions that provide comfort work flawlessly. The blower, climate control system and heater are located in one unit at the bottom of the center console.
Performance characteristics
Going out onto the track, the car feels quite confident. Although, the owners note that it is resistant to skidding at high speeds - after all, the car is not a sports car.
We press the gas pedal and note that the automatic transmission operates smoothly, without kicks or delays. A proven, reliable engine with optimal volume provides the sedan with an easy-going character.
The tandem of a DOHC gasoline engine and a transmission tailored in a modern way provides the passenger car with good accelerating dynamics and moderate appetite. The ground clearance is adapted to the low quality of domestic roads.
Disadvantages of Ravon Nexia: opinion of car owners
The most significant disadvantages of the Ravon Nexia R3, according to real owners, are the paintwork and sound insulation.
- The sound insulation of the car is not up to par - this is a minus. When picking up speed, characteristic noises make themselves felt.
- Thin paintwork - owners who want to keep the body in perfect condition should think about an anti-gravel film that prevents damage to the front of the car. The problem can also be solved with cosmetic touch-ups - a pencil to remove scratches.
- At high speeds it is better not to drive recklessly - the car is prone to skidding at high speeds.
The remaining disadvantages of the Ravon Nexia R3 relate to the car's options:
- Even the top-end trim offers only two airbags for the driver and front passenger.
- Lack of electric windows in the initial configuration.
- The heated seat option is not available on any trim level.
The suspension is a bit harsh, but this fact cannot be considered an outright disadvantage. A section of the road that is too bumpy will be felt in the cabin, but when accelerating on a flat road, the car will not sway and the driver will not have to constantly steer.
- Read reviews about manual and automatic cars →
Prices, configurations
Recently, the Uzbek company raised prices for its line of cars, including the Nexia RZ. But even in this situation, the car remains very attractive in its price range. The cost of the initial configuration is 450 thousand rubles. This is the Comfort version. The basic list of options for the Ravon Nexia R-3 car includes:
- One airbag.
- Single color interior.
- Hydraulic power steering.
- Audio system with two speakers and USB connector.
- Fog lights.
- On-board computer.
- Mechanical windows.
- ABS system.
- Full size spare.
- 14-inch stamped wheels and decorative hubcaps.
It will be a sedan with a manual transmission. Versions with an automatic transmission are available in the “Optimum” configuration. The cost of this version starts from 490 thousand rubles. For automatic transmission you will have to pay an additional 40 thousand rubles. The list of options additionally includes:
- Electric windows for front doors (rear windows are mechanically operated).
- Air conditioner.
- Central locking.
- Electric mirrors.
The maximum configuration is called “Elegance”. Its initial cost is 530 thousand rubles. This will be a manual transmission version. For the machine, as in the previous case, you will have to pay an additional 40 thousand rubles. The Elegance package has the following set of options:
- Electric windows on all doors.
- Second airbag.
- Music with four speakers.
- Two-tone interior.
- 15-inch alloy wheels (however, the spare wheel will still be stamped at 14 inches).
➖ Dynamics ➖ Small trunk ➖ Noise insulation ➖ Music
pros
➕ Controllability ➕ Warm interior ➕ Light
The advantages and disadvantages of the Ravon Nexia R3 2017-2018 in a new body were identified based on reviews from real owners. More detailed pros and cons of the Ravon Nexia R3 with manual and automatic can be found in the stories below:
Owner reviews
The internal combustion engine is torquey at low levels, allows you to freely stay in the flow and maneuver, but accelerates extremely reluctantly. The box for the Raveon R3 is excellent. At a speed of 120 km/h in 6th gear, the odometer shows 3,000 rpm. Switches smoothly, without hesitation, I like it
The ride is a solid four. It’s impossible to take sharp turns at high speed, there’s a roll and there’s a feeling that the car is starting to drift. It’s better to avoid deep holes - it breaks through. In general, it works well, transmits minimal vibrations to the body, and on bad roads nothing creaks in the cabin.
Shumka. She's gone. Need to do. Pebbles hit, thorns are heard. The engine is almost inaudible (up to 3,000), if higher, then you can hear it. The driver's seating position is high, pockets, trays for coins, cup holders and emergency lights are very conveniently located; you can blindly reach all this with your right hand without being distracted from the road - this is a plus.
The music is bad. The multifunction steering wheel is rated C, because the keys are multifunctional, there are only three of them and the volume control is under them. There are no speakers (at all), I haven’t gotten into adjusting the radio yet, but I was pleased with the radio itself - it’s very convenient, it connects to the phone via Bluetooth quickly and without any problems.
The optics are pleasing, daytime is good, long-range is excellent, there are running lights with automatic ignition, dimensions, fog lights and rear running lights. Electric headlight adjustment has four positions.
The owner drives a Ravon Nexia R3 1.5 (107 hp) AT 2016
Video review
A light and powerful car, but the impression is spoiled by some unimaginable jambs. So, for me personally, the seat and ergonomics of the seat are catastrophically uncomfortable, just kind of terrible.
The first maintenance is an oil change, the cost is 6,100 rubles. The interior plastic is poor - it scratches very easily. Small trunk. I installed regular speakers in the standard places in the rear parcel shelf and connected the standard wires. The radio began to turn off.
Sergey drives a Ravon Nexia R3 1.5 manual 2016
Where can I buy?
In the morning, until the interior warms up, a cricket lives in the front panel, but for me this is not critical. Fuel consumption dropped after the run-in - 8.0-8.5 liters per 100 km with an aggressive driving style.
The stove is hot, the car is warm. Chips have appeared on the front part (bumper and hood), so my advice to future owners is to make a reservation and don’t listen to anyone!
Let me summarize the brief operation: I’m happy with the car, everything about it suits me, if the question of purchasing arose again, I would choose the Ravon P3 without hesitation.
Review of Ravon Nexia R3 1.5 automatic 2021
On a run of 1,600 km, nothing rattles, the interior is pleasant, ergonomics and aesthetic perception are also in order - I expected worse! The suspension is impenetrable - it goes through speed bumps and potholes at 40-60 km/h without problems. There is no serious kick down, but the dynamics both in the city and on the highway are good, the ground clearance of 165 mm is sufficient for ordinary situations. I recommend the car for taxi drivers and families as a normal, reliable budget car.
The lack of sound insulation is disappointing. There is no such thing at all, during maintenance I will install fender lockers in the lower body part (primarily the arched part) and additional sound insulation, otherwise it’s unpleasant when after 80 km/h the car starts singing songs in your ear from under the arches or doors . Since I drive on dirt country roads 30% of the time, I can forgive the manufacturer for the noise of gravel, but I give a two for the sound insulation under the arches and the hood.
Victor, review of Ravon Nexia R3 1.5 (107 hp) automatic transmission 2017
Sergey Tokarev. Saint Petersburg.
My review of the Ravon P3 automatic will try to tell in detail all the advantages and disadvantages of this car. Before that, I drove different brands, from Volga 31029 to Chevrolet Blazer.
Due to my duty I have to drive 80-100 km every day, in heavy city traffic and on the highway. When my jeep completely fell apart and repairs were no longer profitable, I went to Avito and began looking for a used foreign car under 700 thousand rubles.
For this price and my requirements, and I wanted a full-fledged car with a fairly powerful engine, automatic transmission and a wide range of equipment, Kia, Chevrolet, Hyundai and “Chinese” were suitable. All had mileage over 80, there were also new budget options in the poorest configuration without sound insulation and manual windows.
This didn't suit me. While watching, I saw an advertisement for Nexia Ravon and decided to see “what kind of animal it is.” I was surprised that at a cost of 100% less than its counterparts, the car is well assembled and has all the necessary options. I decided to visit a car showroom and see it “live”; after all, a new car is better than a used one, even a brand name one.
Sound insulation is the main disadvantage
If we talk about the obvious shortcomings of the Ravon Nexia R3, then we can make claims against the Shumka. The noise insulation of the model is somewhere between three and four. For those who have moved behind the wheel from a high-quality foreign car, the difference will be quite a substitute.
However, if you remember that we are talking about a budget car, you can make a discount on the weak level of sound insulation and independently take up the issue of improving it.
For all its weaknesses, Nexia is a very attractive option for a city car. Design, technical characteristics and cost allow it to confidently gain popularity in its market segment.
Ravon Nexia R3 suspension
Knocking, strumming, groaning and making other indecent sounds - with these complaints you pass by to your classmates. Hey yes, Ravon! The new Nexia swallows absolutely any unevenness in the road surface, and what can I say, it doesn’t even care about the primer. The moderately soft suspension (independent McPherson type at the front, semi-independent torsion beam at the rear) makes the ride comfortable, and the ABS and ESP systems help maintain controllability and smoothness. No matter how we tried to steer the subject into a skid, all attempts were doomed to failure: the ESP exchange rate stability system keeps the car on its original trajectory.
Do you have doubts and loud “I don’t believe you”? We didn’t believe it either until we checked it ourselves, which is what we advise you to do. Ravon Nexia R3 is not just a successful commercial and marketing move for GM Uzbekistan, this car brings the budget class of cars to a fundamentally new level of quality. Will competitors be able to rise to the high bar? Who knows...
Text and photo: Polina Zimina
For any use of site materials, an active link to is required.