Recently, more and more Chinese cars have started to appear in our country. There is always a demand for such machines. This is not surprising, because these cars are much cheaper than European or Korean ones. In today's article we will take a look at Lifan Solano. Some call it the Chinese "Corolla". But is Lifan as reliable as Toyota, and is it worth buying it?
Description
So, "Lifan Solano" is a four-door five-seater sedan, serially produced since 2007. The production of these machines has been established in several countries:
- China.
- Iran.
- Tunisia.
- Russia (assembly at the Derways plant in Cherkessk).
Appearance
The car does not have a catchy appearance. It's simple budget sedan... Front - conventional halogen headlights ( high beam linsed) and chrome-plated radiator grill. The car has a large windshield that slopes smoothly onto the roof. Turn signals are integrated in the mirrors. Iron discs are offered as standard for the car, but casting is available in more expensive trim levels. Additional brake light and fog lights are available as standard.
What do owner reviews say about the Lifan Solano body? Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the poor quality of the paintwork. After two years of operation, the paint is covered with numerous chips. The chrome peels off on the grill. However, this is not the worst thing yet, say the reviews of the owners. Lifan solano II rusts, and quickly. Owners have to regularly process the metal to keep the car from rotting. From the Lifan Solano plant, it is poorly protected from corrosion.
"Lifan Solano": dimensions, ground clearance
According to the European classification, the car corresponds to the C-class. The total body length is 4.55 meters, width - 1.7, height - 1.5 meters. The magnitude ground clearance- 15 centimeters. As noted by reviews, the Lifan Solano is not too low, but due to the long wheelbase (2.6 meters), it will be difficult to overcome irregularities.
Salon
Inside, it is a typical Chinese car with wood accents and chrome accents. The steering wheel is four-spoke, adjustable. There is an integrated CD radio in the center console. Nearby are compact air vents. The air conditioning unit is located a little lower. The interior color may vary. There are both black and beige interiors. But the latter looks much nicer, reviews say.
Lifan Solano also comes with heated seats. But here, too, there were some incidents. So, many owners complained about the system failure. The heating did not work after the third start. For some, the situation was different - the system literally burned through the seat upholstery. Good official dealer recognized this as a warranty case and replaced the chairs completely.
Specifications
For the car there are two power unit... So, the base engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder "aspirated" with a 16-valve cylinder head and an aluminum block of cylinders. Maximum engine power - 106 Horse power... The torque is 137 Nm, available at 3.5 thousand rpm. In tandem with this unit, a five-speed mechanics or a continuously variable variator works. Acceleration to hundreds according to passport data - 15.5 seconds. The maximum speed is 170 kilometers per hour. Fuel consumption in mixed mode - 7.5 liters.
The top of the line is the 1.8-liter engine with 125 horsepower. It also has a 16-valve head and an aluminum block. The engine torque is 160 Nm at 4.2 thousand revolutions per minute. This unit is completed with uncontested five-speed mechanics. Acceleration to hundreds takes exactly 14 seconds. The maximum speed is 200 kilometers per hour. Fuel consumption is 8.2 liters per hundred in combined mode.
Motor problems
As noted by the reviews of the owners, Lifan Solano 2 has a serious "disease" - this is vibration from the motor. They are quite strong and appear as in idle, and when driving. The reason for this phenomenon is not clear - the dealer explains this by the peculiarity of the installation attachments... In order to somehow reduce vibrations, the owners install the corrugation on the front pipe and loosen the muffler. There is an opinion that the mount is very rigid and vibration is easily transmitted to the car body.
Transmission
There were a lot of complaints about the box, namely the clutch. As the reviews note, clutch slippage is often noticeable on the Lifan Solano. The reason for this was the thin petals of the basket, due to which they were significantly deformed on small runs. But as the reviews say, such a problem is rarely observed on the Lifan Solano 2 - the manufacturer began to install a reinforced basket with more durable petals.
Owners also complain about the unreliable drive design. The clutch rod did not fully enter the slave cylinder due to a stiff and thick spring. Because of this, the clutch was not completely disengaged. The owners themselves had to change the stiffer spring to a softer one (by the way, they often installed it from the Corolla, without modifications). Some have altered the clutch stem to a shorter one.
V service center the mechanics noticed that clutch problems on the Lifan often occurred due to a poorly adjusted pedal. Its free play and position had to be set again using a locking cotter pin.
On a run of twenty thousand kilometers, the bearing began to hum input shaft... This noise was clearly audible when driving in second and third gear.
Chassis
The car is built on a front-wheel drive "bogie" with a monocoque body. Front - independent suspension with MacPherson struts. At the back there is a semi-dependent beam with trailing arms. Disc brakes on both axles. Steering- a rack with a hydraulic booster.
What do the reviews say about the Lifan Solano II suspension? The owners complain about an unknown squeak, which manifests itself on a run of more than 20 thousand kilometers. It especially intensifies in winter. Also, owners are often faced with suspension knocks. Shock absorbers flow after 30 thousand kilometers. By this time the racks are tapping lateral stabilizer.
Delivers no less problems ABS system, with which the car is equipped as standard. The reason for the failure of the system is low quality brake fluid and in non-clicked chips. Original pads are very hard, which leads to rapid wear of the discs themselves. In winter, the power steering pump hums. The problem also lies in low-quality liquid. The steering rods knock on a run of 20 thousand kilometers.
Price
On secondary market you can buy Lifan Solano at an average price of 175 to 300 thousand rubles. If we talk about new models, they are available at a price of 600 thousand rubles. Moreover, in basic configuration includes:
- Stamped 15 '' rims with decorative hubcaps.
- Fog lights.
- Steering block adjustment.
- Full size spare wheel.
- Power windows for all doors.
- central locking.
- Air conditioning.
- Heated side mirrors.
At the same time, the "base" contains only a cloth interior and no radio (audio preparation is provided). The deluxe version has:
Summing up
So, we found out what it has reviews Lifan Solano. As you can see, the car is not devoid of various "diseases". Do not think that for a small price (almost three times lower than that of the "Corolla") you can buy a truly high-quality and reliable car... When purchasing Lifan Solano, you need to be prepared for unforeseen breakdowns and other situations.
At the very end of summer 2016, as part of the international show of the automotive industry in Moscow (traditionally scheduled for the end of August), Lifan company held the official premiere of a seriously modernized version of the compact Solano sedan with the prefix "II", which the Chinese themselves call it the "second generation" of this model.
The car, presented in the Middle Kingdom back in April 2015 under the index "650", has been radically renewed in appearance, added in size, got a more modern interior and received an improved technical component.
The second "release" Lifan Solano retained its recognizable shape, but became much more attractive, more mature and more distinctive than its predecessor. The triple volume tried on a harmonious facade with slightly frowned lighting equipment and a large radiator grill, and its stern was transformed towards solidity due to cute lanterns "crawling" onto the trunk lid and a "fleshy" bumper.
The restyled "Solano-650" has noticeably increased in size compared to its predecessor: its length is 4620 mm, of which the wheelbase fits in 2605 mm, and the width and height do not exceed 1705 mm and 1495 mm, respectively.
The declared clearance (ground clearance) is 165 mm.
The curb weight of the vehicle ranges from 1270 to 1280 kg (depending on the version), and its maximum permissible weight reaches 1580 kg.
Inside, Lifan Solano II looks attractive, laconic and moderately strict, in no way inferior to direct competitors.
In the interior of the sedan, attention is drawn to a modern multi-steering wheel with a three-spoke design, an originally arranged and informative instrument panel and an ergonomic center console, on which a 7-inch touchscreen of an advanced infotainment complex and a stylish climate control are concentrated.
The four-door interior is well assembled using inexpensive, but quite good-quality finishing materials: hard plastics, glossy "decor", inserts "like metal" and artificial leather in seat upholstery with red thread stitching.
The front seats of the car do not have the most comfortable profile with poorly developed support on the sides, but a wide range of adjustments. On the second row there is a hospitably shaped sofa that can accommodate three passengers of average height (however, they will definitely not feel the excess of free space).
Full order in the three-volume and with cargo capacity is the same 650 liters, which can be increased by folding the rear sofa (ie sacrificing "passenger capacity"). In an underground niche - full-size spare wheel on a stamped disk.
On Russian market The "second Solano" is offered with two gasoline four-cylinder "atmospheric" equipped with a cast-iron cylinder block, variable valve timing, multi-point fuel injection and a 16-valve DOHC timing belt:
- The basic version is a 1.5-liter (1498 cubic centimeters) engine with 100 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 129 Nm of torque at 4000-5000 rpm.
- The more efficient versions relies on a 1.8-liter (1794 cubic centimeters) engine that produces 133 hp. at 6000 rpm and 168 Nm of torque at 4200-4400 rpm.
Both units are mated with a 5-speed "mechanics" and a leading front axle, and the "senior" - also with a stepless CVT variator as an option.
Maximum possibilities chinese sedan do not exceed 180 km / h, and its fuel consumption varies from 6.5 to 7 liters (depending on the modification) for each "combined hundred" of run.
Tricycle Lifan Solano II is based on an upgraded platform from its predecessor with independent suspension type MacPherson front and semi-independent design with a twisting beam at the rear ("in a circle" - with anti-roll bars).
The vehicle is equipped with a shaft-mounted electric power assisted rack and pinion steering. Four-doors are used on all wheels disc brakes(front - ventilated), working in conjunction with ABS, EBD and other electronics.
In the Russian market, Lifan Solano II is offered in three versions - "Basic", "Comfort" and "Luxury".
For the starting equipment of a car with a 1.5-liter unit, they ask for a minimum of 559,900 rubles, for which you get: front airbags, 15-inch steel wheels, leather upholstery, ABS, EBD, four power windows, air conditioning, an audio system with four speakers and some other equipment.
A three-volume with a 1.8-liter engine is provided from the "Comfort" version at a price of 729,900 rubles, for the "top" version you will have to pay from 759,900 rubles, and a modification with a variator is not cheaper than 809,900 rubles.
The most sophisticated machines have: alloy wheels 15 inches, a multifunctional steering wheel, keyless entry, starting the engine with a button, heating and electric rear-view mirrors, a multimedia system, heated front seats, "music" with six columns, rear parking sensors and other "chips".
Lifan Solano 620 is a Chinese class C sedan, produced in the Middle Kingdom since 2008. The car appeared on the Russian market in 2010, and its production was established at the Derways plant in Cherkessk.
The Lifan Solano sedan is based on the model, but dimensions the latter are noticeably inferior to the considered model. The Solano is 4,550 mm long, 1,705 mm wide and 1,495 mm high.
Configuration and prices Lifan Solano 2017
The appearance of the sedan is rather unremarkable, and of the features, only the presence of LED running lights integrated into front bumper... The ground clearance (clearance) of the Lifan Solano 620 is 150 mm, the trunk volume is 386 liters.
Inside, the two-tone trim catches the eye, and the infotainment screen is framed by air vents and housed in a separate unit on the dashboard.
The engine for the Lifan Solano was originally offered only one - this is a 1.6-liter gasoline unit with a capacity of 106 hp. (149 Nm), paired with a five-speed mechanical box gear shifting. Acceleration from zero to hundred in such a sedan takes 15.5 seconds, maximum speed- 170 km / h.
Later, a more powerful modification appeared with a 125-horsepower 1.8-liter engine, providing acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 1.2 seconds. and a top speed of 200 kilometers per hour.
It was possible to buy a pre-styling Lifan Solano 620 in one of two configuration options. The price of the basic version of the DX was 439,900 rubles. Its equipment includes two airbags, ABS, air conditioning, full power accessories and head unit.
Lifan Price Solano in the CX configuration with a 1.8-liter engine is 439,900 rubles. This version sports leather upholstery, heated front seats, a light sensor, rear parking sensors and alloy wheels. In the fall of 2013, they began to supply us with a sedan equipped with a variator - it is only allowed for a car with a basic engine in the CX version (519,900 rubles).
Updated Lifan Solano
In the summer of 2014, sales of the updated Chinese sedan Lifan Solano 2015 in a new body, which received a retouched exterior and a modernized interior, started on the Russian market.
Outside, the restyled Lifan Solano (2015-2016) attracts attention with a radiator grill in the style of the latest Lexus models, as well as other head optics with orange stripes of turn signals integrated into it.
In addition, the car has got a modified front bumper with other foglights, as well as redesigned rear-view mirrors and taillights... Due to other bumpers, the overall length of the sedan increased to 4 610 mm (+ 60).
In the cabin updated Lifan Solano 2017 can be recognized by the new design of the instrument panel and the revised center console, and under the hood, a more modest 1.5-liter gasoline unit with a capacity of only 74 hp was registered, which, as before, is available with a 5-speed manual, or with variator. The cost of the model at the time of sales ranged from 499,900 to 579,900 rubles.
Photo Lifan 620
For several years now, Lifan has been the leader in the Russian Federation among Chinese automakers. Despite the fact that the sales volume of the "celestial" brand is now more modest than before the crisis, it still occupies a leading position in the Russian market: its main competitor Chery sold more than 3 times in 2016 fewer cars... Lifan is on the 18th line of the rating of the most popular brands in Russia and is only slightly inferior to Mazda, at the same time overtaking Audi. The main volume of the brand's sales falls on a pair of SUVs, and approximately every 10th client buys a four-door Solano. For what merits? Read about this and how the updated Solano differs from the first generation model in our review!
Design
Compared to its predecessor, the Solano II, of course, looks fresher, but you cannot call such freshness the first: there are too many borrowings in the appearance of the second generation sedan. The front of its body is painfully similar to the "front" of a Honda Accord, and the "stern" resembles anything from the old Mercedes E-Class before Lada Vesta... However, this is not surprising, because Chinese manufacturers they often sin by copying other people's designs, and the results of copying are often successful, which Solano II proves. Considering that the first generation model was created based on the 9th Toyota corolla E120, the novelty also has a certain resemblance to the "Japanese", being a little more practical due to the presence of a trunk with a volume of 650 liters.
During the modernization, the distance between the axles of the four-door wheels did not change, and the length increased by 1 cm thanks to the new bumpers. As a result, the updated "Chinese" exceeds in length Volkswagen polo by 23 cm, Hyundai solaris- by 25 cm, and Renault logan- by 27 cm. This difference in dimensions is mainly achieved due to the large and solid hood - looking at it, as well as the stylish optics (including LED running lights) and quite appropriate chrome parts in the exterior, you really start to feel respect for such a car.
Design
At the heart of the Solano II is a borrowed Toyota MC design, presented back in 1997 along with the first hybrid Toyota Prius... It has MacPherson struts at the front on an H-shaped stretcher, and at the back is a twisting beam with a stabilizer. On the steering shaft - EUR. On all wheels - disc brakes, handbrake - with a cable drive. Each version of the model is equipped with an anti-lock braking system and a brake force distribution system, and the stabilization system is not available in any configuration.
Adaptation to Russian conditions
For driving in Russian conditions, the Solano II has 165mm ground clearance, which is pretty good for a sedan, as well as the front seats, rear glass and heated exterior mirrors. Heated steering wheel and windshield unfortunately not provided. In addition, there is electronic system Bosch ignition, which makes it possible to save gasoline and reduce harmful CO2 emissions. By the way, the four-door engine is whimsical in terms of fuel quality and prefers 95th gasoline. Sound insulation in this case is far from ideal, and yet it is better than that of a number of cars from the PRC offered at a similar price. Most of the noise is usually observed during acceleration.
Comfort
The interior of Solano II is decorated with higher quality materials than the interior of the previous version. In any configuration, the seats are trimmed with eco-leather with red stitching and fabric headlining. The plastic on the dashboard is harsh, but there is no riot of textures, unlike the same Lada Vesta. The small glovebox is devoid of trim, the steering wheel is polyurethane, with buttons for controlling the audio equipment (in the top-end version) and adjustment only for the angle of inclination. The doors of the sedan open easily, providing a convenient entry into the salon, but it is not always possible to close them the first time. In the front doors, red lights come on at the moment of opening. There is quite enough space on the back sofa for two adults, but three of them will already be uncomfortable to sit, including because of the central tunnel towering above the floor. There is not enough free space above your head, like many other representatives of the Chinese car industry.
The seats in the first row are not very comfortable and are regulated exclusively by hand: the driver's seat is in three directions, and the passenger seat is in two directions. But visibility is all right thanks to the large and very informative electrically adjustable side mirrors. On the center console there is a seven-inch touchscreen of the multimedia complex, which is available only in the most expensive configuration. Above it rise elegant ventilation deflectors with a chrome edging, and under it the air conditioning control unit is "registered" - climate control, alas, is not provided for any of the Solano II versions. Dashboard as well as "multimedia", boasts a modern design and has soft backlighting. The cabin also has a bunch of cupholders, a USB connector for charging gadgets, a cigarette lighter and an eyeglass case built into the ceiling.
Responsible for the protection of the driver and passengers of the updated Solano ABS systems and EBD, only two front airbags, "child" door lock, height-adjustable 3-point belts, rear parking sensor and crash steering column... In a frontal collision, the column absorbs the energy from the impact, leaving enough space between the driver's body and the steering wheel to avoid damage.
The base Solano II is equipped with a regular CD radio with 4 speakers and AUX / USB inputs. The top version is equipped with an infotainment complex with a 7-inch touchscreen and steering wheel control buttons. The touchscreen uses outdated technology: it responds to pressing, not touching. At the same time, the screen is quite responsive and responds not only to fingers, but also to any objects - with the onset of cold weather, you can press it directly with gloves. The multimedia system is capable of playing music from mobile devices via Bluetooth, as well as from a flash drive or memory card. Sound quality - a "four with a minus". The developers took a separate microSD card for navigation, which is provided by software from Navitel.
Lifan Solano Specifications
The technical "stuffing" of the second Solano is a single engine - a gasoline 4-cylinder 16-valve unit LF479Q2-B with a volume of 1.5 liters. The "Quartet", created by the British engineering company Ricardo, produces 100 hp. and 129 Newton meters of torque. Its pedigree goes back to the Toyota 5A-FE engine. The engine with a cast iron block, variable valve timing and a plastic intake manifold complies with Euro-5 environmental standards. Instead of a Delphi controller, the block is used here Bosch control... So far, only 5-speed is combined with such an engine. manual gearbox, although the first generation sedan was also offered with a CVT transmission. Fuel consumption on the highway, according to the manufacturer, does not exceed 6.5 liters. 100 kilometers, which is a liter less than its predecessor.
