Lifan 520 - the first car's test

Sun, 11/08/2009 - 17:20 — Joanna Kujawska

The sale of Chinese Brand Lifan with European logo Martin Motors has already started in Czech Republic. The offer covers only one model 520, being available in two bodies versions - hatchback and sedan. What is interesting, Lifan - is connected mainly with motorcycle - started cars’ production nearly 5 years ago, and 520 is its first project. Czech journalists from service auto.idnes.cz were the first to have possibility to check this exotic vehicle.

Low price is a myth

Invasion of cheap cars, being expected for a long time, has already started in Czech Republic. Journalists downed the myth about low prices from the very beginning. Basic version of 520 was priced at 209 900 crowns, similar to competetive B-class sedans: Dacia Logan, Hyundai Accent or Renault Thalia. The most expensive (314 900 crowns) with 1.6l engine is more expensive than Octavia Tour with the same engine. The Chinese car’s advantage is fabric LPG installation and series air conditioning, but in journalists; opinion it is too less to trust the brand, which additionally has the biggest service network in the country. Weak reputation “paper” Chinese cars should make the prices twice cheaper, because only such kind of purchase would be competetive in this case.

Safety, stricte minimum

The car passed the Russian crashtest, considering European parameters of homologation ECE-R 94 procedures. The Chinese sedan after crashing 40% corruption appeared not enough safe for front seat passengers. Air bags were good enough and protect dummies. Passenger compartment kept its share, and experts did not discovered any petrol leak. It is worth to say, that crashtests with ECE-R 94 norm, are being conducted with 56 m/h, 8 km/h less than crashtest organizes by European ADAC and Euro NCAP. The car offered only two airbags and ABS.

Interior, well and bad

The car’s advantage is good ergonomic of dashboard, readable clocks, good fitting and not so bad interior materials. Journalists pointed also comfortable triple armed steering wheel, which position is not central in front of driver’s seat. Disadvantage of optional navigation system is weak graphic and not good sound quality. Manual air conditioning is assembled as standard, which is not a standard equipment in cars of such class. Seats are also far from European standard, which have to low backs and headrest, integrated with back rear. On the rear seats, there are only two three points safety belts. According to producer, luggage compartment has 630 litres (500 litres in hatchback), which in journalists’ opinion is not possible, because the same compartment is available in Superb Kombi. How much, it is unknown. Some kind of simplification are outside hinge, which hide inside the boot, after closing.

Engine, the biggest advantage Lifan

Lifan 520 is available with two petrol engine - 1.3l (88 KM) and 1.6 l (115 KM). The bigger one is produced in Brasil by Tritec company, established in 1997 by Chrysler and Rover (took later by BMW, and currently by SAIC). The engine was successfully used for example in previous MINI generation. Weightining 1.2 t Chinese sedan has enough dynamic - acceleration to 100 km/h in almost 11 s and maximum 185 km/h. Drivers appreciated sport sound of engine. Average combustion is around 7.5l/100 km, but fabric LPG installation lets reduce cost of fuel consumption.

Bravery’s test - motor way ride

Bravery’s test – this is the journalists’ name for car’s ride with the highest speed, which in 140 km/h speed is a „real hazard”. Weak road feeling and badly calibred suspension are particular dangerous while changing the driving lane. Moreover, the quiet in interior were noted really bad, in which especially bad were suspension sounds, braking steering wheels possibilities. While emergency braking on a wet road, the car were definitely swooping. Suspension is quite soft, but passengers, especially on the rear seats, will feel every touch of skin. Summarizing drive parameters, Czech journalists said unequivocal judgment - better road keeping and more comfortable suspension offered … Skoda Favorit.

Source: auto.idnes.cz

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