As part of the Beijing auto show in 2007, the 2008 Brilliance M2 was presented. The rich equipment and defiant design amazed many motorists and experts from the automotive world. In the same year, the model appeared on the domestic market of China under a different name - Huachen Junjie.
The design of the car, as in the case of the previous model M1, was developed by specialists of the Italian studio Pininfarina. The novelty received an aggressive and respectable appearance.
The 2008 Brilliance M2 (BS4) is offered in two body styles - station wagon and sedan.
Sales of the model in Western Europe started only in September 2008. The Chinese manufacturer planned to bring the car to the market in August 2007, but the first crash test using the EuroNCAP methodology failed, so the start of sales had to be postponed.
Exterior and interior
Despite the low cost of the Brilliance M2, the designers managed to inspire confidence in the car to potential buyers by investing a lot of effort in its development. The elegant lines of the sedan body and the original exterior have become the main advantages.
Salon Brilliance M2 pleasantly surprises with its finish at first sight, but it soon becomes clear that the materials used for this are of poor quality. The model will be more to the taste of those motorists who value visual luxury in the interior rather than technical parameters.
Features of the exterior of the sedan:
- Since the car was created in conjunction with the specialists of the BMW concern, a large number of very interesting developments were invested in its design.
- The interior of the car is comfortable, luxuriously decorated. Judging by the reviews of the Brilliance M2 (BS4), the characteristics of the materials used and the average build quality are somewhat confusing.
- The driver's seat is characterized by excellent ergonomics, which is especially appreciated during long trips.
- The model performs very well during test drives.
Compared to the previous model, the Brilliance M2 underwent significant changes that affected both the design and the technical equipment, which positively affected the popularity of the car.
Specifications
The Brilliance M2 was designed on the platform of the previous M1 model, which underwent modernization, which entailed a change in dimensions:
- The body length of the M2 is 4648 mm.
- Height - 1450 mm.
- Width - 1800 mm.
- Wheelbase - 2790 mm.
The range of power units is represented by two four-cylinder gasoline engines with a volume of 1.5 liters and 1.8 liters and a capacity of 100 and 136 horsepower, respectively. The maximum speed depending on the installed motor is 180 km / h or 185 km / h.
The front suspension is represented by the classic multi-link McPherson, the rear - a semi-dependent torsion beam. Disc brakes.
Option packages
The rich equipment of the Brilliant M2 allows potential buyers to choose the modification as they wish. The basic equipment includes air conditioning, EBD and ABS, power steering and a good audio system. The package of options in the top version is complemented by rear parking sensors and climate control.
Restyling
In 2010, the company modernized the Brilliance M2. The updated generation of the model received the head optics of a modified configuration, new bumpers and fog lights. The salon was equipped with a modified dashboard, the package of options in the offered trim levels expanded. After restyling, the Brilliance M2 began to be produced only in the sedan.
The changes also affected the technical component of the car: the engine lineup was replenished with a 1.8-liter turbocharged power unit with a capacity of 170 horsepower. The motor is equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission.
Reviews
Brilliance M2 enjoys considerable popularity in the market: it turned out to be one of the most popular cars, car owners often leave reviews about it. Among the main advantages of the model are:
- Actual body design.
- Rich equipment in both basic and top-end equipment.
- Good handling.
However, the Brilliance M2 has its drawbacks:
- Too stiff suspension, which reduces the level of comfort while driving.
- Weak vibration and sound insulation.
- Unreliability of individual vehicle components. For less than 100,000 km, you have to change the clutch and struts of the shock absorbers several times, sort out the steering rack, which is not a good indicator for the model of the claimed class.
Test Drive
Experts who conducted a test drive Brilliance M2, immediately noted the attractive design of the car. The body is distinguished by swift and harmonious lines hinting at the sporty character of the sedan. Similarity to sports cars adds headlights with linzovannaya optics, body kit and low overhang of the front bumper. The abundance of chrome parts and large rims give the M2 a look of respectability and luxury.
The interior, unfortunately, cannot please with a high quality finish or an interesting dashboard design: everything is quite ascetic and practical. The plastic used for finishing is rather hard, and the inserts made for wood look miserable and budget.
The dashboard is informative, but only the main indications are located in the driver's field of vision. The center console is equipped with audio and climate system units with indicator displays. Unfortunately, they are more repulsive than attract attention due to the simple font and monochrome.
The driver's seat has excellent lateral support. On the back sofa, two passengers can comfortably accommodate. The luggage compartment is 480 liters.
The Brilliance M2 is equipped with a 1.8-liter engine in combination with a five-speed automatic transmission, which has good traction at medium speeds. The car's handling is pretty good, the steering wheel is responsive and informative, and when cornering, the roll is minimal. Excessive stiffness of the suspension transfers to passengers and the driver all the roughnesses of the route.