China Car Times

The hatchback market in China is certainly hotting up, previously saloons were all the rage, but since good looking, and roomy hatchbacks have started to appear on the market, Chinese consumers are beginning to warm to them. One article on Sohu.com’s auto channel compared the BYD F3r, Chevrolet Aveo and the Lifan 520i against each other, and below is the results (Translation by China Car Times)

When it comes to looking the consumers rational knowledge of cars, they mostly look at the following aspects: economy (i.e. oil use) and price trends. These two aspects have become the most important issues for city families. Lifan 520i, BYD F3r and the Chevrolet Aveo hatchbacks are perfect for city families who need a small car, that can do a lot, for a little. We will compare the above cars, to help consumers decide which car is the best for them.

Power and Consumption

In the process of choosing a car to buy, the engines abilities and its consumption of oil is perhaps the most important aspect. In the days of high priced oil, we consumers need more bang for the buck.

The Aveo gives out a respectable 69kw of power from its 1.4, and the BYD F3r with its Mitsubishi sourced 1.5l engine gives out 78kw, and the Lifans 1.6 Tritec 1.6 engine gives out 85kw.

The Aveo uses GM technology in its engines, the 1.4 engine isnt big, and it isnt small either, when you apply your foot to the gas pedal, the 1.4 motor gives a strong reply, especially at 2000rpm. For a small car, it has a lot of power.

The Lifan 520i has the choice of a 1.3 or a 1.5l engine. The engine is an imported 1.6 Tritec model, which has superb abilities. Lifan has had help developing this engine from the British technology company, Ricardo. Lifan have improved the ECU air intake abilities, which has had a knock on effect on the whole cars power.

The BYD F3R uses the Mitsubishi 4G15S motor. This is the first time that that this particular model of Mitsubishi motor has been put into a Chinese car. The Mitsubishi motor has been paired with the latest generation of Delphi electronic management systems. The BYD F3r has high abilities, and low fuel consumption.

Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption per 100km is broken down as follows

Chevrolet Aveo: 6.3L per 100km

Lifan 520i: 4.3l per 100km

BYD F3r: 4.7 per 100km

The Lifan 520i comes in with the lowest here, and the Chevrolet Aveo, the highest (with the smallest engine)

Safety Aspects

In recent years, Chinese consumers have become more aware of the car safety issues in their cars. Consumers are already asking dealers about the cars structure, and crash impact bars.

The Lifan 520i, BYD F3r are packed full of electrical safety equipment such as ABS, EBD etc. All three of the cars are fashionable from the outside, but safe on the inside too, safety bags and good quality 3 point seat belts come as standard on all models. The top model of the Lifan 520i comes with reverse parking sensors as standard, also the Lifan 520i’s sedan brother has passed the Russian crash test with full points.

In the European crash tests, the Aveo was awarded 2 stars for passenger safety, yet in the USA, it was awarded 5 stars. Mememe kindly pointed out that the Aveo got a measly one star in the Euro NCAP and not two as stated.

Internal Room:

Lifan 520i:

BYD F3r

Chevrolet Aveo:

Interior:

Left to right: Lifan 520i, BYD F3r, Chevrolet Aveo.

Hatchbacks must be fashionable, sporty, and look modern. This exterior theme must also be carried over to the interior. The bubble style of design seems to be existing in all three of these cars. Interior room in a hatchback is also extremely important, a factor which all of the cars seem to have incorporated well.

The Lifan 520i has continued the Lifan 520’s basic style across into the hatchback 520. The rear end of the 520i is very distinct.

F3r, despite being a self designed model has certain similarities to the Buick HRV (Daewoo Lacetti in overseas markets). The design is actually quite beautiful and harmonious. The sports feeling is 100%. Also the colors offered by BYD are very interesting.

The Aveo was designed in Italy, the exterior looks are very cute and appeals to female consumers tastes, the Aveo is full of European flavor and styling.

Trunk Space

Possibly the greatest advantage of having a hatchback is the improved rear space. These three cars are no exception to this rule

1) Lifan 520i - 500l of trunk space

2) BYD F3r - 360l of trunk space

3) Chevrolet Aveo - 195l of trunk space.

However, when the cars are measured up against each other, the results are as follows

Lifan 520i (LxWxH) - 4040mm x 1700mm x 1473mm. Wheelbase = 2540mm

BYD F3r (LxWxH) - 4325mm x 1705mm x 1490mm. Wheelbase = 2600mm

Aveo (LxWxH) - 3896mm x 1600mm x 1499mm. Wheelbase = 2480mm

All of the above cars are in the 50, to 70,000rmb range. Domestic brands, such as the BYD and Lifan models design have already received much praise from the car market, but there are certain things that set the three apart, aspects such as economy, price, and interior space should be thought of prior to purchase, however, all of these cars are well suited to Chinese city life!