Chinese carmaker Chongqing Lifan Auto has created a MINI lookalike the Lifan 320 and will launch it at the 2009 Shanghai auto show next week. The Chinese MINI will be priced between 5,860 USD and 7,300 USD.

A 5-door compact hatchback, the Lifan 320 measures 3,755mm x 1,624mm x 1,435mm on a 2340mm- wheelbase, with a self-developed 1.3L engine (LF479Q3) capable of 90 bhp and 155km/h. It may carry a 1.1L engine when it's mass-produced for the market.

Hyped as an "elegant" "classic" model like an "English gentleman", the Lifan 320 minicar of the Lifan 3-series is certainly a breakaway from Lifan's usually clean cut designs. Even though the Lifan 320 is somewhat disproportioned in comparison with the original MINI Cooper, the resemblances between the two cars are crystal clear. It remains to be seen whether its similarities with MINI will become a compelling selling point as intended.

Lifan will bring three new models to the Shanghai auto show: the Lifan 620 CVT, Lifan 520 CVT and all-new Lifan 320. The Lifan 520 and 620 models are equipped with the all-new CVT transmission. The Lifan 320 is a major step in Lifan Auto's operations as it had been seen as a producer of motorcycles. A small player, Lifan began producing cars in late 2005 and has launched the Lifan 520 sedan and hatchback, and Lifan 620 sedan from domestic and overseas markets.

Source: Gasgoo




Ostatnie wiadomości o Lifanie:

• Lifan develops engines with Euro 5 norm
• Lifan 320 to be produced in Russia next year
• Lifan 520 - the first car's test
• Lifan will enter Europe through the Czech Republic
• Geely-branded vehicles to be assembled in Russia
• The first SUV model from Lifan
• The first Lifan’s minivan for 5,853 USD
• Italy: Martin Motors to import Lifan