In 2014, a new competitor to the popular Toyota XV50 Camry appeared. This is a completely updated car "Lifan 820". Prices and specifications, as well as technical specifications of the machine are already known. After his presentation, experts called the model the "killer" of the Japanese Camry. And it’s worth noting, not in vain, because the Lifan 820 is in all respects a worthy adversary who, with almost one hundred percent probability, will soon become a sales leader.
Background
The new car has firmly taken its place among the representatives of the European class D. That is how the Chinese manufacturers of Lifan Motors concern position their updated development. Moreover, there is an opinion, based on the facts, that over time the Lifan 820 will noticeably outperform its main competitor in terms of sales. For this reason alone, the Chinese business flagship has not yet appeared on the markets. Lifan Motors design engineers strive to perfect even the smallest detail before launching the car.
Another masterpiece of the Chinese manufacturer - the sedan of the 2015 Lifan brand business segment was officially presented in April 2014. The presentation took place at the exhibition at the Beijing Motor Show. The new “Lifan 820”, the price of which will start from 700 thousand rubles, will appear on the territory of the Russian Federation in early 2016. The cost of the flagship sedan will vary depending on the configuration.
Technical equipment
The Lifan 820 is quite massive, you can even say a monumental car. Toyota XV50 Camry (its main competitor), deservedly popular in the Russian Federation, is noticeably inferior to it in size. However, the wheelbase of both models is absolutely identical and amounts to 2,775 mm. Which, in turn, suggests the use by the Chinese masters of the Japanese platform. But this is only speculation, since officially this information is not confirmed.
The suspension of the Lifan 820 sedan is completely independent, with MacFerson struts in the front and a multi-link unit at the rear. All wheels are equipped with disc brakes. This technical equipment has convenient settings that allow you to comfortably move around even on broken roads.
A few words about the dimensions
As mentioned above, the car has an impressive size. In order not to be unfounded, we give them. The length of the sedan reaches almost 5 m, or rather, 4865 mm. The width parameter is not inferior, it is 1835 mm. It is also worth paying attention to the height - only 20 mm is not enough up to 1.5 m (1480 mm). Of course, these dimensions are fully consistent with the width of the wheelbase, which is equal to 2775 mm. In order to increase the passability of the Lifan 820 car, the manufacturer gave preference to a clearance of 121 mm.
Exterior Features
The exterior of the new business sedan will please with its appeal even the most demanding buyer. Although this is an independent development of Lifan Motors, a detailed study reveals a slight plagiarism on such popular cars as the Hyundai Genesis and Toyota XV50 Camry. And the most attentive consumer can see the similarities with Lexus sedans and even the BMW 7 Series. This can be judged from the numerous reviews of motorists.
On the front of the car there are narrowed headlights with a high-tech modern filling: LED side lights and low beams, as well as lens-enhanced optics. In the center is a trapezoidal fake radiator grill with voluminous horizontal inserts and a frame decorated with chrome. Powerful semi-sports bumper with additional aerodynamic elements and LED fog lights.
In profile, the new “Lifan 820” looks classic for a business segment car: a large sloping engine compartment lid, large doors, rounded wheel arches of the correct form, where forged wheels with a diameter of 18 inches, dressed in low-profile rubber, strongly inclined roof racks will look great.
The powerful stern of the sedan also requires special attention: dimensional LED optics, a stylish luggage compartment lid with a neat, stamped spoiler, a monumental bumper with many aerodynamic solutions. Solid and stylish, sporty and extravagant - this is the impression this new Chinese flagship business class creates.
What is interesting in the cabin?
After examining the exterior, you can look inside the car. The interior of the Lifan 820 is in no way inferior to the exterior design. Strict and in Chinese judicious, while comfortable and cozy. What is especially nice is the complete absence of tinsel and extra decorative elements.
Unfortunately, with all the advantages, European brothers in the segment are ahead of the Chinese novelty in this indicator. Why is this happening? And because the salon has both positive and negative sides. Consider the latter:
- weak lateral support of the front seats;
- fine print dashboard;
- an on-board computer overloaded with excess information;
- slippery, standard steering wheel;
- mediocre media system;
- simple air conditioning.
However, for the Russian market will be presented richer in equipping the car "Lifan 820". The price largely depends on this configuration.
What will please the domestic consumer? First of all, it is heated and electrically adjustable front seats, climate control, designed for two zones, access to the interior without a key (chip key) and the engine start button. Also, the filling will include such options as heated mirrors with electric drive, panoramic sunroof, leather trimmed steering wheel and interior, a modern touch multimedia system, tire pressure, light and rain sensors, 8 airbags and a host of interesting technical and interior solutions. According to motorists, this equipment deserves increased attention.
Conveniently located controls are easy to use, but not cheap in their decoration. Worthy of a separate mention and excellent insulation of the cabin and engine compartment. The cabin can comfortably accommodate five adults. And the luggage compartment will please with its capacity, in this model its volume is 500 liters.
"Lifan 820": characteristics and types of engines
In the basic configuration, the car will be equipped with a 1.8 L LFB479Q engine and 133 horsepower combined with a 5-speed manual transmission. Such an engine will provide a two-ton sedan with an almost 16-second run to 100 km / h and a top speed of 180 km / h.
More powerful equipment is the ICE LF489Q (2.4 liter, 160 hp) and a 6-speed automatic. However, such equipment will not be able to give fans of fast driving the opportunity to exceed the treasured 180 km / h. Strangely enough, the Chinese automatic transmission, which limits the maximum speed indicator, is to blame. In the top configuration, the Lifan 820 is announced with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and 210 hp.