20 best Chinese cars

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Over the past decade, the Chinese automotive industry has made a sharp leap forward: more than a dozen different companies and concerns have been formed, using the experience of the world's best manufacturers. In addition, due to the colossal budget inflow, a number of important mergers and acquisitions took place: for example, the sale of the European Volvo to the Geely concern.

Quite naturally, many consumers have begun to take an active interest in Chinese cars, largely due to one of the most important competitive advantages: prices. In fact, this is an easy way to get all the benefits and achievements of the modern car industry at a bargain price … however, the factor of high-profile brands still forces users to find compromises between their own financial capabilities and desires. Against the background of such growing popularity, the magazine has compiled a rating of the 20 best Chinese cars, divided into four thematic categories. As criteria for the selection and ranking of nominees in the final list, the following were adopted:

1. comparison of technical characteristics of a car with each other;
2. the number and content of user reviews;
3. price characteristics of the models at the time of the rating.

Rating of the best Chinese cars

Nomination	a place	car model	starting price
The best Chinese cars	1	GEELY EMGRAND GT	RUB 1,209,900
	2	Lifan murman	RUB 689,900
	3	Lifan solano ii	RUB 544,900
Best Chinese crossovers	1	GEELY ATLAS	RUB 869,990
	2	Haval H6	RUB 1,007,800
	3	Chery tiggo 5	RUB 819 900
	4	DONGFENG AX7	RUB 999,000
	5	HAWTAI LAVILLE	RUB 819 800
	6	CHANGAN CS35	RUB 689,900
	7	FAW BESTURN X80	RUB 969,000
	8	JAC S5	RUB 879,000
Best Chinese SUVs	1	HAVAL H9	RUB 2,100,000
	2	DW HOWER H5	RUB 1,219,000
	3	Great wall safe	–
	4	Lifan x70	RUB 799,000
	5	CHANGAN CS75	RUB 1,366,800
	6	Foton Sauvana	RUB 1,559,900
The cheapest Chinese cars	1	DATSUN ON-DO	RUB 480,000
	2	CHERY BONUS 3	RUB 450,000
	3	FAW OLEY	RUB 400,000

The best Chinese cars

GEELY EMGRAND GT

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.9

The first line of the rating goes to the car, the release of which pleasantly surprised and shamed some negative critics. Geely Emgrand GT became a real attempt to compete with the already mentioned 'E' class giants such as Camry, Elantra (possibly Sonata), Mazda 6 and others. Having asked for the corresponding money (about 1 million 700 thousand rubles) for the top-end configuration, the engineers equipped the model with so many useful 'chips' that even the Japanese giants could be ashamed.

Appealing in appearance (thanks to the once chief designer of the company Volvo Peter Horbury), the Emgrand GT performed well in terms of technical equipment. Two engines are located under its hood in different trim levels:

1. a turbocharged 1.8-liter with 163 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque;
2. 2.4-liter aspirated derived from the company's 2AZ-FE Toyota.

All of them give a pleasant driving experience, but the first one manifests itself more frolic (which is understandable), giving more comfort due to less vibration and quiet operation. Actually, there is nothing more to say here: the car turned out really good, but will the Russian consumer community show loyalty to the Chinese flagship, when for the same money you can buy a Japanese (Toyota Camry, Mazda 6) or an American (Ford Mondeo) sedan?

Advantages

• refined body and interior design;
• excellent acceleration dynamics (9 seconds to 100 kilometers per hour);
• modern turbocharged engine combined with an automatic transmission);
• extensive equipment at maximum speed.

disadvantages

• price combined with manufacturer factor.

Lifan murman

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.8

We are rapidly moving on to the next sedan from the Lifan company, which has become a representative of the 'E' segment and, at the same time, a competitor to Toyota Camry and Hyundai Elantra. Murman (known throughout the rest of the world as the '820') is an attempt to create a business-class car at the price others ask for top-of-the-range budget workers. But what is good about it?

First, the look. This component of the owner's success is worked out quite carefully here: the design of the case and the interior leave a pleasant impression. Aged taste, so to speak.

Secondly, it would not hurt to note a good chassis. The Murman uses a McPherson suspension and a multi-link front and rear, respectively. Riding comfort is provided, and moreover for a very long time.

As for the engine, the car will not arrive in Russia in the best shape: in fact, 1,500 kilograms of weight will be offered to 'carry' a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine with 128 horsepower. For example, the driving experience is not the most pleasant one: acceleration to a hundred will take about 16 seconds, and in general the driving dynamics can only catch up with melancholy. Fortunately, Lifan Murman will fit perfectly to divert the eyes, and will ask for only 800-900 thousand rubles for the initial configuration.

Advantages

• a very decent appearance that elevates the car to the class of business sedans;
• pleasant interior design;
• good sound insulation + an increase in ground clearance up to 145 millimeters;
• much cheaper than the nominal 'classmates'.

disadvantages

• in Russia it will be sold with a 1.8-liter gasoline engine – a more interesting 2.4-liter unit will pass the market;
• only 5-speed manual transmission.

Lifan solano ii

Rating of a Chinese car: 4.7

One of the few sedans in the world, awarded a total reconstruction together with the change of generations. Lifan Solano II is positioned as a budget segment car, focused on family use. Chinese engineers and marketers refused to reject the obvious, but took it for a fact, and introduced several very successful changes. Firstly, with the body's dimensions unchanged (an increase of one centimeter in length does not count), the trunk volume has increased from 386 to 620 liters. Secondly, the bumpers, doors and fenders have been updated and redesigned, and the lighting elements have been replenished with LEDs.

In general, from the point of view of external and internal design, Lifan Solano II makes a very pleasant impression – users especially liked the location of the dashboard and the integration of control buttons, on-board computer display, etc. As for the engine, it was replaced with a new 1.5-liter unit with hydraulic lifters and a phase regulator installed … however, this did not affect the ordinary dynamics of acceleration and movement in general. Considering that under the hood is under 100 horsepower, and the mass of the car hardly much exceeds any Solaris, the lack of a clear reaction to the gas pedal is frankly confusing. The initial price of all this splendor is 500 thousand rubles – in fact, Solano is much more interesting than the same on-DO, but it is still very far from being the leader in the rating.

Advantages

• very nice case design + nicely assembled interior;
• a significant increase in the volume of the trunk (620 liters);
• engine upgrade, more space under the hood – you can carry out repair work yourself.

disadvantages

• insufficiently expressed dynamic characteristics;
• bad, as for all budget class cars, stereo system.

Best Chinese crossovers

GEELY ATLAS

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.9

Another mid-size representative of the crossover segment, which reached the domestic market at the end of February 2018. Geely Atlas received quite high marks from critics and experts who dismantled the car literally to the cogs, but at the same time they all recognized the rather low competitiveness in the world market, since the Chinese auto industry does not yet have such a high credit of trust. The model was developed under the strict guidance of the former designer of the company Volvo Peter Horbury, thanks to which it received a purely European look without the 'collective farm' integration of plastic and chrome in unjustifiably large quantities.

In fact, the Geely Atlas is the first of the cars in question to have all-wheel drive – this advantageous difference against the background of competitors simply could not pass by. We will not give any comments about the salon, because we consider it quite stylish and balanced: it looks expensive and rich, and this is only a plus.

What you can (and should) thank Geely for is its loyalty to the Russian market segment: here, as elsewhere in the world, the car will come out with three engines to choose from:

1. atmospheric 139-horsepower engine, with 178 Nm of torque and 2 liters of volume;
2. 2.4-liter gasoline aspirated with 149 horsepower at 215 Nm of torque;
3. 1.8-liter turbocharged unit with two boost modes: either 163 hp / 250 Nm, or 183 hp / 285 Nm.

Thus, about 7-9.4 liters of fuel will be spent per 100 kilometers (depending on the engine / transmission pair, which, by the way, can be a 6-speed manual or 6-range automatic), and the speed limit will be limited to 185-195 kilometers in hour.

Advantages

• acceptable level of cost (from 1 million rubles);
• available all-wheel drive system;
• European body design;
• very rich interior trim.

disadvantages

• not found.

Haval H6

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.8

I would like to note in advance: the places from the third to the first in this category are distributed purely nominally. In reality, each of these three deserves to be the leader of the rating. And it so happened that the second line was given to the Haval H6 – a crossover, which is positioned in the manufacturer's lineup as a premium one. Its appearance is unique – even if any concept was taken as a basis, then at the final stage of development all recognizable features were leveled. The same can be said about the cabin: an absolute originality, and what a great one! Wood-like inserts, stitching, chrome edging and a well-detailed dashboard – everything has a premium, albeit a little sham.

There are two motors in the Haval H6:

1. or a 1.5-liter petrol with a maximum power of up to 147 horsepower and 210 Nm of torque (in the range of 3500-4500 rpm);
2. or a 2-liter turbocharged diesel engine with 143 horsepower and 305 Nm of torque (at 1800-2800 rpm).

As gearboxes, a 6-speed mechanics (paired with a gasoline and diesel engine) or a 6-band automatic (only with a gasoline engine) are provided. And if back in 2017 the cost of complete sets started at 1.12 million rubles, then at the moment the entire model range has risen in price to 1.3 million, which introduces some imbalance in the layout of competitive advantages.

Advantages

• optimal technical configuration;
• more options;
• luxury salon and unique body design;
• comfortable boarding of passengers and drivers.

disadvantages

• not found.

Chery tiggo 5

Rating of a Chinese car: 4.7

The externally refreshed Chery Tiggo 5 visited the Russian market in 2016, with almost a year's delay and disappointment with the unchanged content of the technical part. During the restyling, the following components were changed: optics with LED-backlighting, updated bumpers and a redesigned (in time with the headlights) radiator grill. Not a lot of changes, but the contrast with the old version was obvious. In the end, all of this contained one goal: to attract a younger target audience.

An important clarification: the Chery Tiggo 5 interior has never been splendid, but after restyling it got a little prettier, incorporating a new multimedia complex, an abundance of color schemes for finishing and a traditionally beautiful dashboard.

As we said above, the technical part did not undergo any changes during the style change. The old gasoline engine Acteco SQR484F with a volume of 2 liters remained in place, giving out a rather modest 136 horsepower and 182 Nm of torque. Even in conjunction with the 1.5 tonne crossover weight, the speaker leaves much to be desired. But, what is pleasant, the basic transmissions remained: mechanics and a variator, at which fuel consumption reaches 8.2 and 9.8 liters per hundred, respectively. The price tag complements the picture: from 1 to 1.2 million rubles with a significant expansion of the package of built-in options.

Advantages

• popularity of users;
• dotted but noticeable design update;
• abundance of space for passengers;
• ergonomic front row seats;
• a large package of options purchased in the maximum configuration.

disadvantages

• outdated engine requiring modernization or replacement – hence not the best movement dynamics.

DONGFENG AX7

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.6

Nice-looking mid-size urban crossover that was unveiled at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show. Assembled according to the patterns of the unique DFMS architecture, DONGFENG AX7 received a body that perfectly fits the definition of 'optimal': there is no traditionally Chinese oversaturation of chrome parts, a nice front and rear parts, as well as a competent integration of plastic sills, wheel arches and low bumpers with the main metal (thorough preparation for operation in difficult climatic conditions.

As in the overwhelming majority of cases, from the abundance of complete sets, engines and drives, little has ended up on the Russian market, and, moreover, not the best possible. The engine is one, from the PSA concern: an atmospheric gasoline unit of 2 liters, capable of developing up to 140 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. Depending on the integrated transmission (5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic), it consumes 8-8.6 liters per 100 kilometers on the combined cycle. Naturally, like most competitors, DONGFENG AX7 has only front-wheel drive, for which, in the minimum configuration with mechanics, they ask for 1 million rubles. In this case, the 'fattest' option (Luxury) will cost about 1.25 million.

Advantages

• unique (that is, purchased from Honda and well reworked) DFMS architecture;
• not oversaturated, personable appearance;
• there are plastic pads on the bottom of the body;
• good handling, coupled with responsive steering.

disadvantages

• extremely direct drive;
• heavily 'stripped down' number of drivetrain and engine variations.

HAWTAI LAVILLE

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.5

The paradox of the Chinese market is that not all cars presented at car dealerships reach the markets of some countries right at the time of release. Hawtai Laville is a classic SUV that was released in China back in 2014 … and only reached the domestic market in 2018. The body motifs are immediately identifiable here: like the JAC S5, this model was clearly inspired by the ix35 outlines from Hyundai. Without forgetting to make your own adjustments: it turned out not bad, except for some hypertrophied features.

The interior decoration of Hawtai Laville also has a number of similarities to the original, but is more minimalistic and looks pretty cute. The seats lack lateral supports, but the implementation itself is good: people of all sizes feel comfortable in them. As for the engine, only a turbocharged 1.5-liter unit that produces 205 Nm of torque and 145 horsepower can be located under the hood for the Russian market segment. In conjunction with it, either a 5-speed mechanics or a 4-band automatic from ZF can work.

Even despite the acceptable technical performance of this Laville configuration, there is a reason to feel disadvantaged: in the rest of the world, buyers have the opportunity to choose a 2-liter turbodiesel, which comes in conjunction with the same gearboxes, but with much more impressive characteristics (150 forces and 310 Nm of torque).

Advantages

• build architecture copied from Hyundai ix35;
• the cost of a single configuration starts at 950 thousand rubles (+50 thousand for an automatic gearbox);
• comfortable back row and front seats for people of various sizes.

disadvantages

• the most powerful car model, as usual, passed the Russian market;
• front-wheel drive only.

CHANGAN CS35

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.5

A typical urban budget-class crossover, the cost of which, even at maximum speed, barely exceeds the prices for Hyundai Creta and other top competitors. CHANGAN CS35 is one of the few creations of a Chinese company that is new to Russia, which is not afraid to take confident steps to develop such a competitive market. Having sacrificed constructive quality (this can be seen in the little things), the car was 'pulled' into the segment of budget crossovers, and in this field it can easily compete with a few European (and Asian) representatives.

For a weight of 1250-1350 kilograms of the preinstalled (unique for all configurations) 1.6-liter Euro-4 engine is enough, but based on personal feelings, I would like more. 113 horsepower and 152 Nm of torque give little dynamics: acceleration to 100 kilometers per hour requires 14 to 15 seconds, depending on the type of transmission (mechanic or automatic), and the maximum speed is limited to 180 kilometers per hour. The platform is completely and completely front-wheel drive, and this also limits the vehicle's applicability. However, the 'SUV' was designed only to give comfort in the city – even Nissan Qashqai (with all due respect to the regalia of the best-selling model of the last few years) on the road shows itself to be a complete impotent.

Advantages

• good handling;
• low purchase price;
• elaborate body and interior trim with a dashboard;
• average consumption of 7 liters per 100 kilometers;
• an abundance of additions for a small fee (from complete set to complete set).

disadvantages

• not intended for off-road driving;
• has mediocre driving dynamics.

FAW BESTURN X80

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.4

A car that looks like the Infiniti FX and, remotely, the Mazda first generation CX-5. Indeed, FAW BESTURN X80 has a lot in common with the company Mazda, since both the old sample (2013 release, which visited the Russian market with a delay of 4 years – in 2017), and new (released in 2016) were built on the basis of the first sample Mazda 6. In general, everything looks quite organic and smart – the car is really ready to surprise.

The same can be said about the interior: covering everything entirely, we can assert a high class of attractiveness and ergonomics: even the facing plastic changes the texture from hard to soft in places. On sale in the domestic market FAW BESTURN X80 received only one type of engine: a 2-liter aspirated gasoline engine developing 142 horsepower and 184 Nm of torque. But there are two transmissions: automatic or mechanical with six shifting steps. Average fuel consumption in the combined cycle varies in a small range: from 8.2 to 8.8 liters per 100 kilometers. The minimum purchase price for the X80 will be 1.1 million rubles, with trimmed trim and a manual gearbox. The maximum is 1.3 million, but with a full package of 'chips' and automation.

Advantages

• clear gradation of prices (the lifting threshold for complete sets is 100 thousand rubles);
• fresh design, albeit using the concepts of the first generation Mazda 6;
• quite ergonomic and attractive interior;
• driving performance (McPherson suspension front and rear multi-link).

disadvantages

• front-wheel drive only;
• high purchase cost and, therefore, low performance.

JAC S5

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.3

The compact crossover JAC S5 is a favorite of the expert assessment, which is predicted to have good sales in Russia and the CIS countries. The design for this model was carried out by the well-known Italian bureau Pininfarina, which, either intentionally or by pure chance, presented the S5 with elements that closely resemble the body Hyundai ix35.

As for the interior, it is rather difficult to say anything definite: it is a mixture of sport and the inherent futurism of Asia, which creates a rather interesting mix of rejection and acceptance. Weird feeling. But for the engine-transmission pair, everything is much more unambiguous: the choice of Russian consumers will be given a 2-liter 130-horsepower naturally aspirated engine with 180 Nm of torque (from 3000 to 4500 rpm), or a 2-liter turbocharged unit with 176 horsepower and 235 Nm of torque. Their fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is about the same, and amounts to 7.5-7.7 liters in the combined cycle. Only 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions are available from the boxes, but in the foreseeable future, an automatic transmission is possible. The cost of JAC S5 in Russia is from 900 thousand rubles for the initial configurations – quite a lot, considering that all models have only front-wheel drive.

Advantages

• good overclocking potential;
• excellent dynamics and handling;
• nice body design;
• extraordinary interior design.

disadvantages

• high price;
• in all trim levels, only front-wheel drive is implemented.

Best Chinese SUVs

HAVAL H9

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.9

Very brave in striving to conquer the market, HAVAL H9 raised the price tag for top-end configurations under 2.5 million rubles – the world has never seen such audacity from the Chinese grandee. But we will try to explain why this is not bad, and why, in our opinion, this full-size SUV deserves the first place in the ranking.

Firstly, it's all about the successful restyling of the body – small touches from all sides, a redesigned radiator grille and front bumper, and the car began to play with new colors, adding brutality, but not anger.

Secondly, the interior design: if you do not go into details, then it is almost perfect. Unless the seats lack accented lateral supports, since the car on the road can be rearranged … and the driver and passengers will move with it.

Third, the gasoline engine. He's pretty crazy. With a volume of 2.7 liters, 350 Nm of torque (from 1800 to 4500 rpm) and 245 horsepower are squeezed out of it. This is more than enough to move 2.5 tons, and, moreover, quite frisky. By the way, the Land Cruiser Prado indicators are almost 100 points behind in each criterion. There is another standard diesel common rail engine, which produces 190 forces and 420 Nm at low revs – this version looks more interesting, but it also costs more, so for 100 thousand.

Unfortunately, the summary format does not allow for a more detailed analysis of the merits. However, believe me, this list could be continued for a very long time … unambiguous first place.

Advantages

• excellent running characteristics;
• organic design of the restyled version;
• complete noise and vibration isolation of the cabin;
• as a transmission – a hydraulic ZF 8HP45 with 8 shifting steps.

disadvantages

• not found.

DW HOWER H5

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.8

One step away from the leader of the rating has stopped another mid-size SUV with four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, which is very suitable in description to the category of 'uncompromising off-road conquerors'. Firstly, due to the presence of a frame body structure and a continuous rear axle; secondly, for a proper appearance.

DW Hower H5 was presented to the court of Russian users in 2017, and was received very warmly. Conceptually, this model is a good rethinking of the Great Wall Hover H3, which in the recent past was very popular in Russia. The car (with a very consonant name) received an updated body, but at the same time it did not diminish the temper and dynamics.

One of the advantages of the DW Hower H5 interior is a very large luggage compartment – 810 liters + the ability to recline the rear seats, even if not to a flat floor (then the volume increases to 2074 liters). In front, there is a completely organic dashboard and civil design of other elements, complemented by the integration of a 7-inch on-board computer. The SUV uses a 4-cylinder petrol Mitsubishi 4G63S4T with a volume of 2 liters, producing 150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. This is more than enough to ensure good driving dynamics and traction. 1950 kilograms of its own weight, and the consumption is not very expensive: only 8.7 liters for every 100 kilometers.

Needless to say: DW Hower H5 turned out to be a really cool flagship project, the cost of which in the top configuration will be 1.5 million rubles.

Advantages

• competent selection of engine and transmission;
• reasonable cost for top-end equipment;
• very organic design;
• 810 liters of trunk volume;
• good build quality;
• feels great off-road.

disadvantages

• not found.

Great wall safe

Rating of a Chinese car: 4.7

A mid-size, budget-class SUV that was produced from 2001 to 2009. The Great Wall Safe concept is a well-forgotten Toyota 4Ranner from 1989, slightly retouched, individually wrapped and became the flagship of the Chinese manufacturer. In 2005, he began to assemble in Russia, and in two versions of the drive: either full or rear.

As befits the previous generation, the Great Wall Safe (even in the latest models) does not have the best engine from a power point of view: a 2.2-liter copy Toyota 4Y with 105 horsepower. Accordingly, one could not expect outstanding dynamics here, but it broke down quite rarely. As a transmission, the model offered only a manual 5-speed gearbox – not a lot by today's standards, but the owners did not complain too much. In connection with the removal of an SUV from production, it is now possible to purchase it only on the secondary market, and at a very low price (about 300-400 thousand rubles). But it is worthwhile to understand that obsolete hardware may require immediate maintenance: even if not the most expensive, but the fact remains.

Advantages

• performs well enough off-road;
• not subject to frequent breakdowns: the cost of maintenance is low compared to competitors;
• the cost in the secondary market hardly reaches 400 thousand rubles;
• good appearance.

disadvantages

• low travel dynamics.

Lifan x70

Rating of a Chinese car: 4.7

Lifan X70 is an impressive step forward compared to the 60th model, which has changed its appearance and character to please users. If the old flagship of the manufacturer clearly guessed the features Toyota RAV4, then this concept was inspired by another representative of the European 'nobility' – Range Rover Evoque. This can be seen, first of all, by the finishing of the side part – you don't even need to look closely. But the chassis has completely migrated from the X60, albeit with slightly modified settings.

The salon for once ceased to cause rejection and acquired interesting features, but it's not so easy to get used to the inverse speedometer (the numbers go counterclockwise). The ergonomic component has also returned to normal: neither the driver nor the passengers feel deprived. In the engine compartment of the Lifan X70, engineers have finally placed a new 2-liter engine with 139 horsepower. Although, until recently, it was supposed to shove a 1.8-liter unit with a 60th looking too badly there. As a transmission, a 5-speed mechanics or a variator is used here, the warranty for which is valid for 5 years from the date of purchase. But the most important component of the X70's success, nevertheless, is the price: in the initial configuration, the SUV will cost at the level of Hyundai Creta and Renault Kaptur, about 800 thousand rubles.

Advantages

• low purchase price;
• well-designed body and interior (ergonomics, appearance);
• more powerful engine than in the previous flagship X60;
• the presence of a variator as a transmission.

disadvantages

• only front-wheel drive is, in fact, a verdict for an SUV.

CHANGAN CS75

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.6

A car of a brand unknown to a wide domestic user, quite interesting in its nature and behavior on the road. CHANGAN CS75 is almost the only model of the manufacturer that is worthy of review and adding to the rating of the best. Its appearance is somewhat remotely reminiscent of the flagships of European production (either Ford, or Cayenne and Range Rover), but the front part gives out a truly 'Chinese soul'. Inside, no 'luxury' was found: a rather faded interior with a panel made of rough plastic and a standard projection of devices.

A little more than three years ago, the CHANGAN CS75 was just making steps on the Russian market, but even then, two engines were included in the vehicle configuration staff: a 2-liter gasoline aspirated with 157 horsepower and a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine producing up to 177 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque up to 5500 thousand rpm. Good, although not completely optimal parameters, because when driving you expect more dynamics from the car. However, all these small shortcomings are compensated for by the cost: in the maximum configuration, the price for the CS75 will be about 1 million 290 thousand rubles. Competitiveness is low, but as an option, this model may be present on the market.

Advantages

• quite pleasant appearance (with the exception of small details);
• two engines to choose from + automatic or manual transmission;
• a fairly low price (but for real rivalry with the giants it should be even lower).

disadvantages

• off-road conditions at a low level: the car lacks overhangs and agility;
• low competitiveness.

Foton Sauvana

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.5

A massive SUV with strong claims to competitiveness, the name of which (with minor changes) migrated directly from the GMC car. It has a rather nice appearance with a slightly incomprehensible 'face' – the Chinese have once again bent a little using chrome pads. But the same cannot be said about the cabin: everything is done without any frills, in a rustic black color, but tastefully and quite orderly.

But technically Foton Sauvana is ready to surprise. A turbocharged variation of the unit from Mitsubishi (according to other sources, from Volkswagen) to 201 or 217 horsepower is used as an engine. Not bad, you say, and you’ll be absolutely right: off-road this SUV shows great agility, willingly responding to the gas pedal. But you should not overdo it: with a mass of over 2 tons and high-profile standard tires, gasoline consumption will be colossal. On long trips, you start to forget that under you is a Chinese car – such a good chassis and what is associated with the engine. The only caveat: a specific smell that allows you to accurately determine the country of origin. The cost of the basic configuration Foton Sauvana is 1 million 500 thousand rubles.

Advantages

• good driving performance;
• a turbocharged engine with a capacity of more than 200 horsepower (in both variations);
• good appearance and interior trim.

disadvantages

• a specific smell that invariably haunts manufactured cars
• uncompetitive price for top configurations.

The cheapest Chinese cars

DATSUN ON-DO

Rating of a Chinese car: 4.7

The popular sedan from the Celestial Empire was one of the main competitors of the pre-styling LADA Granta, but was pushed aside for undeniable adherence to the same style. However, this did not reduce the audience at all, but on the contrary: against the background of rising prices for competitors, a simple “rural” car received an influx of demand.

Actually, for so many years in the Russian market, he managed to assimilate and adapt to difficult operating conditions. In particular, in the very initial configuration (Access for 474 thousand rubles), disgusting black plastic bumpers await users … and that's it. Neither the wheel arches nor the sills are sealed, which speaks of the utility of the car. Something more presentable can be seen in the 1st generation Trust configuration – the bumpers are replaced with standard ones painted in body color, and small decorative elements give a more interesting look. Traditionally, two types of 1.6-liter engine are hidden under the hood:

1. 8-valve inline-four with 87 horsepower;
2. 16-valve analogue with 106 horsepower.

All these options are found in conjunction with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, and their cost varies from the aforementioned 474 to 660 thousand rubles.

Advantages

• the most popular Chinese sedan in Russia;
• an abundance of complete sets (about 15);
• relatively inexpensive maintenance, availability of spare parts on the Russian market;
• adaptation of models to driving in the climatic conditions of Russia.

disadvantages

• very ambiguous appearance and equipment.

CHERY BONUS 3

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.5

The third generation B + class car, which became a logical continuation of the restyled series of the original Chery Bonus. The release of the version took place in 2014, however, due to internal difficulties with financing and the emerging trend towards a crisis, the Chinese company decided to sell it under the model name A19, together with the pre-styling 1st version.

Conceptually, Chery Bonus 3 (A19) has become a clichéd version of Renault Logan and Toyota Corolla, and clearly outdated. Nevertheless, there is no hint of pretentiousness and hypertrophiedness inherent in the Chinese: this is a balanced body design with typical European features, which, although outdated, still delivers a semblance of liking. As an engine, it uses a 1.5-liter ACTECO-SQRD4G15 unit, delivering up to 140 Nm of torque and 109 horsepower. Mediocre, but for a dynamic ride and traction, 1200 kilograms is quite enough for itself. The cost of the basic configuration of the model starts from 420 thousand rubles, but on the secondary housing you can look at acceptable options two years ago and for half the amount.

Advantages

• quite good (albeit outdated) design;
• consumes 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers in the combined driving cycle;
• has a passable interior design and an informative dashboard (projection type).

disadvantages

• behind is a semi-independent suspension with a harsh ride.

FAW OLEY

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.2

The car, which debuted on the world market in 2011, does not differ in its expressive appearance and does not copy (as is usual in the Chinese market) anyone's concept with point changes. The developed body design looks calm, modest and minimalistic, especially with the stock R14 wheels. The interior also does not leave any vivid impression, although on the whole it looks extraordinary and has a well-realized dashboard.

It so happened that since the founding of Faw Oley, neither the engine nor the transmission has ever been updated. Since 2011, under the hood of this model, only a 1.5-liter unit is hidden, producing from 102 to 112 horsepower with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a similar automatic, respectively. At the same time, in terms of auxiliary systems, the program is at least 100% complete: there are ABS, fog lights, power windows for all windows, and a fabric interior with airbags. Such a complete set with a standard manual transmission will cost 400 thousand rubles, which is quite acceptable for the market in its current state.

Advantages

• calm and interesting body design;
• users like the interior;
• low price for a full set of additional functions and a bunch of 1.5-liter engine with manual transmission.

disadvantages

• small variability of complete sets;
• not the most reliable body (subject to corrosion).

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.