Top 20 Chinese cars

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 enormous inflow of the budget, a number of important mergers and acquisitions took place: for example, the sale of the European Volvo to the Geely concern.

It is quite natural that many consumers began to be actively interested 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 automotive industry at a bargain price ... but the factor of high-profile brands still forces users to look for compromises between their own financial capabilities and desires. Amid such a growing popularity, iexpert.techinfus.com/en/en/ ranked the top 20 best Chinese cars divided into four thematic categories. As criteria for selection and ranking of nominees in the final list were taken:

1. comparison of the technical characteristics of cars with each other;
2. the number and content of user feedback;
3. price characteristics of the models at the time of the ranking.

Top Chinese cars rating

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

Best Chinese cars

GEELY EMGRAND GT

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.9

The first line of the rating goes to the car, the output of which was pleasantly surprised and confounded some negative critics. Geely Emgrand GT was a real attempt to compete with the already mentioned class “E” grandees in the face of the Camry, Elantra (and possibly Sonata), Mazda 6 and others. By requesting the appropriate money for the top-end equipment (about 1 million 700 thousand rubles), the engineers equipped the model with so many useful "chips" that it would be a shame even to Japanese grandees.

Attractive in appearance (thanks to Volvo's chief designer, Peter Horbury), the Emgrand GT showed itself well from the point of view of technical equipment. Under its hood in different trim levels are two engines:

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

All of them give a pleasant driving experience, however, the first one manifests itself frolic (it is understandable), giving more comfort due to less vibration loading and quietness of work. Actually, there is nothing more to say: 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 American (Ford Mondeo) sedan?

Lifan murman

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.8

Swiftly go to the next sedan from the company Lifan, which became the representative of the segment "E" and, at the same time, a competitor to the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Elantra. Murman (in the rest of the world known as the “820”) is an attempt to create a business class car at a price that others ask for state employees in top of the range. But what is good about him?

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

Secondly, it would not hurt to mention a good undercarriage. As a suspension in Murman, McPherson and a multi-link are used, in front and behind, respectively. Comfort while driving is provided, but at the same time for a very long time.

As for the engine, the car will not come to Russia in the best shape: in fact, 1500 kilograms of weight will be offered to “carry” a 1.8-liter atmospheric engine with 128 horsepower. Say, driving sensations are not the most pleasant: acceleration to a hundred will take about 16 seconds, and in general, driving dynamics can only make you sad. Fortunately, Lifan Murman will fit perfectly to distract eyes, and will request only 800-900 thousand rubles for the initial equipment.

Lifan Solano II

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.7

One of the few sedans in the world, awarded total reconstruction in conjunction with the change of generations. Lifan Solano II is positioned as a budget-oriented car for family use. Chinese engineers and marketers refused to reject the obvious, but accepted it as a fact and introduced some very successful changes. First, with the same body dimensions (an increase of one centimeter in length is not counted), the boot volume has increased from 386 to 620 liters. Secondly, the bumpers, doors and fenders were updated and redesigned, and the lighting elements were replenished with LEDs.

In general, from the point of view of external and internal design, Lifan Solano II makes a very pleasant impression - the location of the torpedo and the integration of control buttons, the on-board computer display, etc. are especially loved by users. As for the engine, it was replaced with a new 1.5-liter unit with installed hydraulic compensators and phase control ... however, this did not affect the ordinary dynamics of acceleration and movement in general. Given that under the hood is under 100 horsepower, and the mass of the car hardly exceeds any Solaris, the lack of a coherent reaction to the gas pedal is frankly confusing. The initial price of all this magnificence is 500 thousand rubles - in essence, Solano is much more interesting than the same on-DO, but it is still a long way from leadership in the ranking.

Top 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 fairly high marks from critics and experts who took the car to the heels of cogs, but at the same time they all recognized the relatively low competitiveness in the global market, since the Chinese auto industry does not yet have such a high credit rating. The model was developed under the strict guidance of the former Volvo designer Peter Horbury, thanks to which she received a purely European look without the “collective-farm” integration of plastic and chromium in unreasonably large quantities.

In fact, Geely Atlas - the first of the cars in question, which has four-wheel drive - this advantageous difference compared to competitors simply could not pass by. We will not comment on the cabin, as we consider it to be quite stylish and balanced: it looks expensive and rich, and this is only a plus.

What you can (and should) thank Geely for is loyalty to the Russian market segment: here, as in the rest of 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 petrol aspirated at 149 horsepower at 215 Nm of torque;
3. 1.8-liter turbocharged unit with two modes of boost: 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 at one o'clock.

Haval H6

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.8

I want to notice 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 a leader in the ranking. And it so happened that the second line was given to the Haval H6 - 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: the absolute originality, but what is more! The inserts “under the tree”, the line, the chrome-plated bezels and the well-detailed dashboard give everything premium, albeit a bit fake.

There are two motors in Haval H6:

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

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

Chery Tiggo 5

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.7

Chery Tiggo 5, externally refreshed, visited the Russian market in 2016, with almost a year's lateness and disappointment due to the unchanged content of the technical part. During the restyling, the following components were changed: optics with LED-backlit, updated bumper and redesigned (in time with the headlights) grille. Changes are not enough, but the contrast with the old version was obvious. In the end, all of this contained one goal: to attract a younger target audience.

Important clarification: Chery Tiggo 5 salon has never been distinguished by its magnificence, but after restyling it has a little prettier, incorporating a new multimedia complex, an abundance of color trim schemes and a traditionally beautiful dashboard.

As we said above, the technical part did not undergo any changes during the style change. The old Acteco SQR484F gasoline engine with a volume of 2 liters remained in place, producing a rather modest 136 horsepower and 182 Nm of torque. Even in conjunction with 1.5 tons of weight of the crossover, the speaker leaves much to be desired. But, which is nice, the basic transmissions also remained: the mechanics and the variator, in which the 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.

DONGFENG AX7

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.6

The mid-size urban crossover of a pleasant appearance, which was presented at the Beijing Auto Show in 2014. DONGFENG AX7 assembled according to the patterns of the unique DFMS architecture, has a body that fits best with the definition of “optimal”: there is no traditionally Chinese oversaturation of chrome-plated parts, nice front and rear parts, as well as 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, the abundance of complete sets, engines and drives didn’t end up on the Russian market, and not the best of the possible. The engine is one from the PSA concern: an atmospheric petrol unit of 2 liters capable of developing up to 140 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque at 4000 revolutions per minute. Depending on the integrated transmission (5-speed manual or 6-band automatic) consumes 8-8.6 liters per 100 kilometers in the combined cycle. Naturally, like most of the competitors, the DONGFENG AX7 has only front-wheel drive, for which in the minimum configuration with the mechanics they ask for 1 million rubles. At the same time, the fattest version (Luxury) will cost about 1.25 million.

HAWTAI LAVILLE

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.5

The paradox of the Chinese market is that far from all the cars represented at car dealerships get to the markets of some countries right at the moment of release. Hawtai Laville is a classic "SUV", released in China in 2014 ... and reached the domestic market only in 2018th. The motives of the body are identified here immediately: like the JAC S5, this model was clearly inspired by the ix35 outlines from Hyundai. Not forgetting to make their own adjustments: it turned out well, except for some hypertrophied features.

The interior of the Hawtai Laville also has a number of similarities with the original source, but minimalist and looks pretty nice. The seats do not have enough side supports, but the implementation itself is good: people of any body feel comfortable in them. As for the engine, then under the hood for the Russian market segment can only be a turbocharged 1.5-liter unit, issuing 205 Nm of torque and 145 horsepower. In conjunction with it, either a 5-speed manual or a 4-band automatic from ZF can work.

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

CHANGAN CS35

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.5

Typical urban crossover budget class, the cost of which even at top speed barely exceeds the price of Hyundai Creta and other top competitors. CHANGAN CS35 is one of the few creations of a Chinese company new to Russia, which is not afraid to take confident steps to develop such a competitive market. Having sacrificed constructive quality (it is seen in trifles), the car was “pulled out” into the segment of budgetary crossovers, and in this field it can easily be with few European (and Asian) representatives.

For the weight of 1250-1350 kilograms pre-installed (unique for all configurations), the 1.6-liter Euro-4 standard 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 (mechanics or automatic), and the maximum speed is limited to 180 kilometers per hour. The platform is entirely front-wheel drive, and it also limits the car's applicability. However, the "SUV" and was designed only to give comfort in the city - even the Nissan Qashqai (with all due respect to the regalia of the best-selling model of the last few years) on the roads shows itself to be completely impotent.

FAW BESTURN X80

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.4

The car, whose appearance evokes thoughts about the Infiniti FX and, remotely, the first-generation Mazda CX-5. Indeed, FAW BESTURN X80 has a lot in common with Mazda, since both the old model (2013 of release, which visited the Russian market with a delay of 4 years - in 2017), and the new (released in 2016) were built on the base of the first sample of the 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: encompassing everything entirely, one can argue about the high class of attractiveness and ergonomics: even the facing plastic in places changes the texture from hard to soft. On sale in the domestic market, the FAW BESTURN X80 received only one type of engine: a 2-liter gasoline aspirated, developing 142 horsepower and 184 Nm of torque. But there are two transmissions: automatic or manual with six switching levels. The average consumption in the combined cycle varies in a small range: from 8.2 to 8.8 liters for every 100 kilometers. The minimum purchase price of the X80 will be 1.1 million rubles, with a trimmed bundle and manual gearbox. Maximum - 1.3 million, but with a full package of "chips" and automation.

JAC S5

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.3

The JAC S5 compact crossover is a favorite peer review predicted by good sales in Russia and the CIS countries. The design for this model was developed by the very well-known Italian bureau Pininfarina, which, either intentionally or by chance, presented S5 with elements that are very similar to the body of the Hyundai ix35.

For the interior, to say something definite is quite difficult: it is a mixture of sport and futuristicism inherent in Asia, which creates a rather interesting mix of rejection and acceptance. Strange feeling. But for a pair of engine-transmission, everything is much more unambiguous: the choice of Russian consumers will be given by a 2-liter 130-strong aspirated with 180 Nm of torque (from 3000 to 4500 revolutions per minute), or a 2-liter turbocharged unit with 176 horsepower and 235 Nm moment. Fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is about the same, and is 7.5-7.7 liters in the combined cycle. Of the boxes, only 5- and 6-speed mechanical are available, but in the foreseeable future it is possible to “deliver” an automatic transmission. The cost of JAC S5 in Russia ranges from 900 thousand rubles for the initial configuration - a lot, considering that all models have only front-wheel drive.

Top Chinese SUVs

HAVAL H9

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.9

Very bold in striving to conquer the market, HAVAL H9 pulled up a price tag on top configurations for 2.5 million rubles - the world has not yet 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 is worthy of the first place in the rating.

First, the whole thing is in a successful restyling of the body - small touches from all sides, a reworked grille and front bumper, and the car began to play with new colors, adding to the brutality, but not anger.

Secondly, the interior design: if you do not go into the little things, it is almost perfect. Is that the seats do not have enough accented side supports, since the car on the road can rearrange ... and with it the driver with passengers will move.

Third, the gasoline engine. He's crazy crazy. With a volume of 2.7 liters, 350 Nm of torque (from 1800 to 4500 revolutions per minute) and 245 horsepower are squeezed from it. This is more than enough to move 2.5 tons, and, moreover, enough frisky. By the way, Land Cruiser Prado performance is almost 100 points lower by each criterion. There is one more regular diesel common rail engine, issuing190 power and 420 Nm at low revs - this version looks more interesting, but it is also more expensive, so thousands by 100.

Unfortunately, the format of the overview does not allow for a more detailed analysis of the merits. But believe me, this list could go on for a very long time ... an unequivocal first place.

DW HOWER H5

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.8

One more mid-size SUV with full or rear-wheel drive, very suitable for the description to the category of “uncompromising conquerors of off-road”, stopped one step away from the leader of the rating. First, due to the presence of the frame structure of the body and the continuous rear axle; secondly, for the proper look.

DW Hower H5 appeared in 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 character and dynamics.

Of the advantages of the interior of the DW Hower H5, you can select a very large luggage compartment - 810 liters + the ability to tilt the rear seats, even if not to a level floor (then the volume increases to 2074 liters). On the front, the completely organic instrument panel and the civilian styling of other elements, complemented by the integration of a 7-inch on-board computer. The engine in the SUV uses a four-cylinder petrol Mitsubishi 4G63S4T with a volume of 2 liters, issuing 150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. This is more than enough to ensure good dynamics of movement and thrust of 1950 kilograms of dead weight, and the flow does not “hit” much: just 8.7 liters for every 100 kilometers.

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

Great wall safe

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.7

Mid-size SUV budget class, which was produced from 2001 to 2009. The Great Wall Safe concept is a well-forgotten 1989 Toyota 4Ranner, slightly retouched, having acquired individual “packaging” and became the flagship of the Chinese manufacturer. In 2005, he began to gather in Russia, and in two drive versions: either full or rear.

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

Lifan x70

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.7

Lifan X70 - an impressive step forward compared with the 60th model, changed the appearance and character in favor of users. If the old flagship of the manufacturer clearly guessed the features of the Toyota RAV4, then this concept was inspired by another representative of the European “nobility” - the Range Rover Evoque. This can be seen, first of all, on the finishing of the side part - even it is not necessary to get accustomed to it. But the chassis is 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 (numbers go counterclockwise). The ergonomic component also came to a normal state: neither the driver nor the passengers feel themselves 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 intended to shove a 1.8-liter unit looking badly bad from the 60th. The transmission uses a 5-speed mechanic or a variator, the guarantee of which is valid for 5 years from the date of purchase. But the most important component of X70 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.

CHANGAN CS75

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.6

The car is unknown to a wider domestic user of the brand, quite interesting in its nature and off-road behavior. CHANGAN CS75 - almost the only one model of the manufacturer, which is worthy of review and adding to the ranking of the best. Its appearance resembles the flagships of European production (either Ford, or Cayenne and Range Rover), but the front part gives a true "Chinese soul". Inside, no “luxury” was found: a rather faded interior with a panel of rough plastic and standard projection devices.

A little more than three years ago, the CHANGAN CS75 was just taking steps on the Russian market, but already then two engines were withered to the car staff: a 2-liter gasoline aspirated with a capacity of 157 horsepower and a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine, giving out up to 177 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque up to 5,500 thousand revolutions per minute. Good, though not completely optimal parameters, because when driving from the car you expect more dynamics. However, all these small flaws are compensated by the cost: in the maximum configuration, the price for CS75 will be about 1 million 290 thousand rubles. Competitiveness is low, but as an option this model can be present on the market.

Foton sauvana

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.5

A massive SUV with a strong claim to competitiveness, the name of which (with minor changes) migrated straight from the GMC car. It has quite a pretty appearance with a slightly incomprehensible "face" - the Chinese once again bent a bit with the use of chrome lining. But in the cabin this can not be said: everything is done without any frills, in black rustic color, but with taste and quite orderly.

But in technical terms, Foton Sauvana is ready to surprise. The engine used here is a turbo variation of the unit from Mitsubishi (according to other data, from Volkswagen) for 201 or 217 horsepower. Not bad, you say, and you will be absolutely right: on off-road this SUV shows great agility, willingly responding to the gas pedal. But you still should not overdo it: with a mass of over 2 tons and high-profile standard tires, gas mileage will be enormous. With long trips, you start to forget about the fact that under you car is Chinese - so good chassis and that is associated with the engine. The only caveat: a specific smell, which allows to accurately determine the country of origin. The cost of the basic configuration Foton Sauvana is 1 million 500 thousand rubles.

Cheapest Chinese cars

DATSUN ON-DO

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.7

The popular sedan from the Middle Kingdom was one of the main competitors of the dorestayling LADA Granta, but was pressed for the indisputable 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 474,000 rubles), users will find disgusting black plastic bumpers ... and that's it. Neither wheel arches, nor thresholds are sealed, which speaks about the utility of the car. Something more presentable can be seen in the 1st generation Trust package - the bumpers are replaced with standard ones painted in body color, and even small decorative elements give a more interesting look. Under the hood, traditionally hides two types of 1.6-liter engine:

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

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

CHERY BONUS 3

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.5

The car of the third generation B +, which has become a logical continuation of the restyled series of the original Chery Bonus. The release of the version occurred in 2014, however, due to internal difficulties with financing and the emerging crisis trend, the Chinese company decided to sell it under the model name A19, together with the dorestaylingovoy 1st version.

Conceptually, Chery Bonus 3 (A19) has become a clichéd version of Renault Logan and Toyota Corolla, with a clearly outdated sample. Nevertheless, there are no hints of pretentiousness and inherent hypertrophicity of the Chinese here: this is a balanced body design with typically European features that is outdated, but it still delivers some liking. As the engine it uses a 1.5-liter unit ACTECO-SQRD4G15, issuing up to 140 Nm of torque and 109 horsepower. Mediocre, but for dynamic driving and thrust 1200 kilograms is quite enough for yourself. The cost of the basic configuration of the model starts from 420 thousand rubles, but on the secondary market, you can look at acceptable options two years ago and for half the amount.

FAW OLEY

Rating of the Chinese car: 4.2

The car, which debuted on the world market in 2011, is not distinguished by its expressive appearance and does not copy (as is customary in the Chinese market) anyone's concept with pinpoint changes. The developed body design looks calm, modest and minimalist, especially with regular R14 wheels. The interior also does not leave any vivid impression, although in general it looks extraordinary and has a well-implemented dashboard.

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

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.