Auto Express writers appear to be the luckiest of all, paid trips to China to drive around in cars! Theres a job we would like, or do we already have that job?The AutoExpress article mentions that the Lifan 520 is based off ancient Citroen ZX underpinnings, whilst China Car Times is unsure if this true or not, we only found one Citroen fan club website that says it is illegally based.
Click continue reading to read the review from Autoexpress.co.uk
There’s no doubt that China is serious about developing its car industry. Despite the shocking performance of the Brilliance BS6 in crash tests, and controversy over some of the country’s copycat designs, manufacturers are determined to steal sales abroad.
The latest offering is the first four-wheeler from motorcycle maker Lifan. Called the 520i, it aims to deliver family hatch space at a supermini price.
Behind the modern-looking wraparound headlamps and bold chrome grille lurks the chassis of a Citroen ZX – a car that dates back to 1991! As a result, the model has an old-fashioned stance with a narrow track, low waist- line and small wheels. Bosses say the structure has been strengthened to improve accident performance, while driver and passenger airbags are fitted.
The cabin is totally reworked and nothing is carried over from the ZX. But despite the fresh new look, it is full of hard shiny plastic and poorly screwed together. There is a decent amount of space though, with easily enough room for five adults.
The most up-to-date feature is the 115bhp 1.6-litre engine. Taken from the last-generation MINI, the smooth-revving unit provides the Lifan with punchy performance. But the sporty sounding engine is at odds with the soft and supple ride. Add in the over-light steering and it is clear the 520i is more at home cruising the motorway than blasting down back roads.
But the trump card is the five-year, 60,000-mile warranty, which combines with the £8,500 price to make the car a bit of a bargain. If safety is up to scratch, the 520i could be a surprise hit with families on a tight budget.
China Car Times wonders where Auto Express get the 8,500 GBP price tag from? The Lifan 520i costs from 50,000rmb to 70,000rmb. Even the top, 70,000rmb model of the 520i works out to just less than 5,000GBP.
That £8500 figure might be a guess as to what the car will sell for if it were to be imported to the UK. Who knows, maybe Lifan is already planning this ;). For whatever reason, cars in Britain sell for inflated prices (e.g., a car that sells for $20,000 in the US might go for £15,000 in the UK.
Auto Express is not nick named Auto DISTRESS for no reason, they always manage to cock things up, make cars up in photoshop and then call it a ‘world exclusive’
Auto DISTRESS is probably the worst magazine you could possibly buy.
UK is notorious for taxes on taxes….the extra 3500 could all be tax…lol
Those £3500 paid their trip!
Lifan 520 series is developed by TJ Innova of Shanghai. TJ Innova used the ZX platform for several cars: they designed the JMStar models (later Shanghai Maple) on this platform too. Citroën has tried to infringe Maple, but we never heart of it again.
The ZX doesn’t have Citroen’s hydropneumatic suspension, right??
They’ve killed it on the BX, as I remember, correct?
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Because if it does, than this must be a pain in the ass for maintenance…
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Anyway.. the ZX had one of the best handlings of it’s time… if they managed to keep the suspension tuning similar to the ZX’s, this shouldn’t be a bad car, if combined to mini’s good 1.6 !
never mind
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>> But the sporty sounding engine is at odds with the soft and supple ride. Add in the over-light steering and it is clear the 520i is more at home cruising the motorway than blasting down back roads.
How to fix the 520: add the new 1.8 litre, 6 forward gears, LSD, brakes from the 620, remove 2 doors, lower by 4cm, better tires, only make it in black.
yeah
plus 20″ rims, an ugly bodykit, two or three wings and some neon lights…
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LSD?? to get really high..?
hahahaha =)
Gotta have them DUBS! yeah right 16 or 17’s and call it a day. Be pretty decent for the price.
The point is who the hell would buy ona, at 8.5 UK pounds there are other and far better options than this peice of crap. I suppose Brits generally have enough brain power left to help them make a better choice?