The obvious fact is that China plays one of the most important roles in the global automotive market. At the same time, not only the volume of production, but also its quality is growing rapidly, so that Chinese cars are represented in almost any part of the world.
In 2013, China produced 82 million cars of its own production and is gradually increasing this figure. Experts believe that in the near future the annual release of Chinese models will increase to 100 million (25% of the annual world fleet). One of the last cars playing in this far from the last role is the "Geely GC6".
Geely is one of the largest Chinese car manufacturers. Despite the fact that the company is relatively young, it has long established itself with the best hand and not just occupies a high place in the world market.
Start
The history of Geely begins in 1984 when it was created as a small company specializing in the production of refrigerators and spare parts for refrigeration units. A few years later she was retrained for the production of building materials. And only in 1992 Geely started manufacturing motorcycles and scooters, and in 1994 became the leader in this segment in the Chinese market. The first models of the company entered the Chinese market in 1998, and on the world market in 2003.
According to the popular Forbes magazine, Geely is in the TOP-20 of the best companies in Asia, and in the Chinese market it is also the most innovative enterprise. In 2010, the company bought the world famous brand - Volvo Personvagnar.
The lineup of Asian automakers includes more than three dozen cars produced under different brands. It also includes biofuel models.
Exterior Dimensions
Chinese manufacturers periodically delight buyers by releasing new, more modern cars. And in 2014 another new product arrived on the Russian market - the “Geely GC6”. Responses of owners said that the Geely MK model, produced since 2006, is outdated and requires replacement. Therefore, it is the GC6 that will replace the well-proven, but boring car. In the novelty, motorists note their advantages and disadvantages. The pluses include high ground clearance, good suspension, a roomy interior and luggage compartment, and accessibility. Among the shortcomings note the low engine power, the high location of the clutch pedal, problems with finding the necessary parts.
Despite the simple appearance, devoid of any frills, the model has an attractive head part that distinguishes it even in a dense city stream.
The car received an updated grille, modern head optics with fog lights, an impressive bumper with a slot for the air intake. On the aft side there is a standard trunk lid with a chrome bar, an attractive bumper, LED optics. "Geely GC6" is a standard four-door sedan designed to carry five people (with a driver).
Like its older "relative", the car does not differ in impressive size. The total length of the body is 4,342 mm, the width is 1,692 mm and the height is 1,435 mm. The wheelbase of the novelty is 2 502 mm, the front track width is 1,450 mm, the rear track is 1,445 mm. An important characteristic for domestic motorists is the clearance. Here it is 150 mm. The curb weight of the model is 1,178 kg. Recall that for the domestic market, the car is delivered with crankcase protection.
Salon
Unlike its predecessor, the Geely GC6 interior is made in a traditional layout style with a combination of devices located opposite the driver. The modern instrument panel is in harmony with the flowing lines of the interior and is ergonomic and highly informative. On the center console there is a small screen of the control unit for additional indicators, a large display, heating control, audio system, air conditioning. Multimedia supports flash technology, USB-drives, memory cards.
Passive and active security
According to experts, the Gili GC6 is able to seriously compete with Korean and Japanese counterparts in its segment in terms of security. The manufacturer supplemented the body of the model from high-strength steel with a special reinforcement frame for doors, racks and zones of programmed deformation of the head of the car.
All configurations include two airbags, three-point seat belts with pretensioners. It is possible to adjust the height of the seats; ISOFIX mounts are installed for child seats .
The basic versions also include ABS and EBD systems, which help maintain control during emergency braking, while not allowing them to go into uncontrolled sliding. Test drive "Geely GC6" showed the high-quality operation of electronic auxiliary systems.
It should be noted that the developers combined the engine control unit , ABS and airbags together with the dashboard into a special CAN data exchange system, previously used for older "relatives" - models Emgrand 7, Emgrand X7. In general, the main objective of this technology is to increase the safety of passengers due to the fastest possible response to collisions (in the case of airbags, every 0.1 s plays a large role).
Engine, transmission
The choice of power units is limited to a 16-valve gasoline engine with distributed fuel injection, with a capacity of 94 liters. from. and a working volume of 1.5 liters. In urban driving conditions, the average consumption of Geely GC6 is 7.8 liters, on the highway - 6.3 liters, in the combined cycle - 6.8 l / 100 km. For the engine, it is advisable to use quality gasoline A92. It meets the environmental standards of Euro-4.
The choice of transmission is also limited only by a 5-speed manual transmission. With it, the car is capable of speeds of 165 km / h. In the future, the company intends to organize the production of more powerful engines and automatic transmissions.
Chassis, brakes
The chassis was based on a standard front-wheel drive platform. In front, the suspension is represented by independent MacPherson struts, at the rear - a torsion beam and coil springs. Engineers installed ventilated discs on the front axle, and standard disc brakes on the rear.
Options, prices
On the Russian market, the "Geely GC6" is presented in two trim levels that are practically no different from each other: Base and Comfort.
The basic version of the model includes an on-board computer, power windows, adjustable side mirrors, electric heating, central locking, fog lights. This also includes the ability to control the fuel cap at a distance. The audio system is a radio with an MP3 player, equipped with four speakers (the Comfort version audio system includes 6 speakers). The equipment list also includes air conditioning, an adjustable driver's seat and a steering column.
The more expensive version of Comfort, in addition to all of the above, is equipped with alloy wheels and parking sensors.
The official cost of the basic configuration of the car is 395,000 rubles, Comfort - 425,000 rubles.
"Geely GC6": an overview of the advantages and disadvantages
Since the official test drive was not carried out, it is too early to judge the merits and demerits of the car. In general, the Chinese manufacturer introduced the car, after acquaintance with which there are only pleasant impressions, in particular after the inspection of the passenger compartment. Immediately noticeable is the small number of niches and drawers for small things, but this drawback more than compensates for the capacious luggage compartment of 468 liters.
According to those who already had the opportunity to inspect this model, the car has every chance of becoming a popular family sedan and the best option for those who are used to making a reasonable choice based on the optimal price / quality ratio. Compared to its peers, the GC6 looks more attractive.
The main competitors of the car in the domestic market will be Renault Logan 2, Lada Priora.