Test drive Chery Arrizo 8. Specifications, prices and impressions – in the Auto Mail.ru project
The Chery Arrizo 8 sedan entered the Russian market last summer and occupied the same niche with such models as the Kia K5 and Toyota Camry. During the autumn test drive of Chery Arrizo 8, the editors of Auto Mail.ru cautiously assessed the prospects of the Chinese car, but sales statistics for 2023 turned out to be quite convincing. Despite a handicap of several months, Arrizo 8 ended up in second place in the D+ segment right after… Camry, which was imported through parallel import (and at the same time sold off dealer inventory). What is the secret of success?
Chery Arrizo 8: what kind of car is it
Chery Arrizo 8 is a fairly new model; it appeared in China in mid-2022. And the design was definitely a success – the beautiful silhouette is emphasized by the glazing line, the shape of the LED optics is made quite discreet. The range of colors consists of 5 shades, among which there are unusual green and blue. All Arrizo 8s are equipped with 18-inch wheels.
The only thing you can find fault with is the four exhaust pipes, which in fact turned out to be plugs, and the mufflers themselves are hidden behind the bumper. Moreover, another representative of the Chery Arrizo family, which in Russia is called Omoda S5 GT, has exactly the same story. Apparently, Chery hoped that a young audience would fall for such a move.
But, fortunately, Arrizo 8 may well satisfy the ambitions of active drivers. Under the hood is a 1.6-liter turbo engine, known from other Chery models. Its 186 hp. and 275 Nm of torque is enough for the sedan with a seven-speed robot to accelerate to hundreds in 8.2 seconds, according to our measurements (although the passport indicates 8.9).
I drove the Chery Arrizo 8 to St. Petersburg, and I especially liked that the engine has a good reserve of traction at high speeds – fast overtaking does not cause problems. And Chery was clearly being modest with the declared maximum speed (205 km/h) – in reality, the speedometer can show 230 km/h.
At permitted speeds it is quite quiet inside, and fuel consumption during the trip was about 9 l/100 km. Moreover, Chery officially allows the Arrizo 8 to be filled with AI-92 gasoline, which taxi drivers are probably happy about.
The Chery Arrizo 8 goes well on winding roads, delighting with informative power steering, but you will have to pay for good handling with your own spine. Typical city bumps – hatches, rails, patches – the suspension transfers to the body too hard. And there may be swaying on the waves.
Chery Arrizo 8 salon: what’s interesting there
The interior of Chery Arrizo 8 is very impressive! Especially in the Ultimate SE trim with beautiful white and blue trim on the seats, doors and dashboard. You don’t expect this at all in an ordinary Chinese sedan.
The attention to detail is also nice – stylish door handles, beautifully designed atmospheric lighting framing the audio system speakers, a corrugated volume control knob on the central tunnel. And the steering wheel seems to have migrated here directly from the Mercedes. So, in the interior, Chery Arrizo 8 is clearly superior to its Korean and Japanese competitors.
It is comfortable to sit behind the wheel, there is heating and ventilation (the rear sofa is also heated). But there is less space in the back than in the same Camry – Chery Arrizo 8 is inferior to it both in length and in wheelbase (2770 mm versus 2825 mm). The trunk is also more modest, and it doesn’t even have an internal closing handle.
Chery Arrizo 8: price
In Russia, Chery Arrizo 8 is sold with one power unit (the already mentioned 186-horsepower turbo engine and robot) and in three trim levels. And even the “basic” one fully lives up to its name Prestige. Standard equipment includes front and side airbags, air curtains, and a suite of driver assistants that includes active cruise control, blind spot monitoring and lane keeping.
The list continues with dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, heated all seats, steering wheel and windshield, ventilation and electrically adjustable front seats, leather interior, 18-inch wheels, wireless charging, DVR, atmospheric lighting, Chery Connect application for smartphones, which allows you to control some functions remotely, and even double windows in front! So the price of 3,410,000 rubles without discounts does not look too high.
For an additional payment of 100 thousand rubles (Ultimate version) you get a panoramic roof, an auto-dimming interior mirror, an improved Sony audio system with 12 speakers, knee airbags for the driver and passenger, as well as second-row side airbags and an expanded set of electronic assistants. Finally, Chery Arrizo 8 Ultimate SE for 3,560,000 rubles is distinguished by a blue and white interior, a black roof and decorative trim elements.
Therefore, it is not surprising that Chery Arrizo 8 has already earned popularity in the Russian market. And, if Chery decides to expand the line of modifications not only towards higher prices (a hybrid version of the Arrizo 8 is expected), but also through more affordable trim levels, then sales will become even better due to taxis and corporate fleets.
2024-02-29 13:06:36
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