BETTER PARTSThree new China models for Germany
Schwallungen, 7 November 2016
We have had so far not good experience Europeans with Chinese automobiles: brilliance failed with his limousine BS4 and BS6 as well as JMC with the SUV called Landwind both the crash safety. Now taking BAIC (Beijing automotive industry holding) another attempt with two SUVs and an off-roader. All three are already available in Germany.
X 25: about the size of a Skoda Yeti
The entry-level Senova X 25 is about as long as a Skoda with 4.20 meters Yeti. The trunk contains significantly less with 276 to 1,140 litres. A 1.5 litre suction gasoline with 111 HP and a torque of 148 Newton meters gives the drive a Mitsubishi unit which is not offered in Germany. In combination with the standard five-speed transmission, the car creates a peak of 180 km/h, importer Indimo with 8.2 liters per 100 km estimated consumption, the Euro 6 emissions standard is maintained. Prices start at 14.315 euro. Comparison: you will pay at least €19.990 for a Yeti, there are the SsangYong Tivoli 15.490 euro. The standard equipment of the X 25 includes a rearview camera, a radio with USB port, fog lights, 16-inch alloy wheels and air-conditioning. Surcharge, there is an automatic transmission, leather seats, a panoramic glass roof and an automatic climate control.
X 55 as a competitor of the Sportage
Senova X 55 at a base price of 18,450 euros is slightly larger. With 4.45 metres, he is about as long as a Kia Sportage (from 19.990 euro) or SsangYong XLV (from 16.990 EUR), visually reminiscent of the (past) Hyundai ix35. A 1.5 liter gasoline engine from Mitsubishi, but coming thanks to Turbo to 136 HP and 210 nm of torque provides also for the drive. However, the standard consumption 7.3 litres is noticeably lower than the smaller and weaker model. The standard equipment is similar to the X 25, and still a keyless access and start system and an electric sunroof.
Off-road vehicles with all-wheel drive in two sizes
The third model, the B40 there in two lengths: the normal version has three doors and measures 4.35 metres, the five-door long version but 4.63 meters. Visually and by the interpretation made the off-roader unlimited reminiscent of Wrangler and the Wrangler Jeep, but offered in Germany with six-cylinder petrol or diesel. B40 and B40 L, however, a 2.3 liter turbo gasoline engine Saab with four cylinders may have BAIC acquired the rights to the engine and now continues to the motor. The unit provides at least 252 HP and 350 nm and is combined with a five speed gearbox and a selectable four-wheel drive. With 21 centimeters, the ground clearance is respectable. The series includes air conditioning, a parking aid, fog lights, LED taillights, and alloy wheels. The prices start at 27.280 euro, the long version costs 35.610 HP. For comparison, a Wrangler 40.900 euros 3.6 V6 with 284 PS, the five-door Wrangler Unlimited with the same V6 engine is to have 3,000 euros more.
Fourth largest auto producers in China
The new models can be ordered through the website of Indimo, the delivery time is specified with two weeks. According to Indimo, the dealer network is since August 2016 under construction. A Chinese State company BAIC, founded in 1958 was founded in 1958. Daimler and the car-maker Baic include commercial and military vehicle manufacturer BAW, the commercial vehicle specialist Foton motor. The latter produced in collaboration with FCA (Fiat Chrysler automobiles), General Motors, Hyundai and Mercedes around 2.25 million vehicles per year, making it the fourth largest vehicle manufacturer in China. That sounds impressive. Whether to impress the new vehicles but also in terms of crash safety, must be seen. According to importer, all three models have passed the Chinese C-NCAP crash test with five stars. The Chinese equivalent to provide about 85 percent of the European requirements the EuroNCAP test, so Indimo. (sl)