Time is rapidly running forward. Before we knew it, the notorious “five” years had passed and we were all driving “Chinese” cars. Troubled times have come. Direct proof of this is that Ilya Sviridov and his “Club Service” began trading with these very “Chinese” people. But for you and me, dear reader, this is even a plus. After all, now through Ilya’s Japanese prism we can see which chocolate bar the foil for the next “rice cart” was taken from.
And this time the GAC M8, known in our country under the name GAC GN8, was given away. This is a new generation of minivan that has not yet officially reached us. And this review-analysis is all the more interesting. What can those who are stifled by sanctions and prevented from buying Alphard be able to afford to buy? What will they have to travel in and suffer, looking out the window at you and me in the credit Tiggo?..
GAC M8 outside
Minivan GAC M8 / screenshot from video
The appearance of the car not only shows, but literally screams who it was stolen from. Huge grille, lots of chrome. So much so that even the lower “lip” of the bumper shines in the sun. And it is for this lip that Ilya gives the M8 a minus – it is not for our harsh roads. Especially in winter.
A turbo engine with 252 horsepower is installed in the engine compartment. Nothing is known about reliability yet, but what you can already fix a stern gaze on is the engine control unit. According to Chinese tradition, it is installed directly behind the left headlight. And Ilya turns his and ours stern gaze to this. You understand: in the event of an accident, the car will no longer be able to move under its own power.
GAC M8 inside
Inside the GAC M8, maximum digitalization / screenshot with video
Inside the M8, captain’s chairs are installed for its main passengers. They are comfortable and have plenty of space. An ottoman for people of Ilya’s height is an absolutely useless option here. The chairs are stuffed with electronics: there is heating, ventilation, backrest tilt, and even massage. Back and forth, however, they move mechanically. The passenger row also has access to control the doors, climate control, and sunroof. By the way, the door glass can be lowered. The finishing materials are good and of high quality. By the way, Ilya notes that even for Alphard, the Japanese order such chairs from China.
There is, of course, not much comfort in the third row. Airflow, lighting, cup holders, USB, and that’s it. Places for children. By the way, there is an airbag in the pillar between the second and third rows. Such care for passengers is not found in all minivans. Naturally, with the third row folded down, the car actually has no trunk.
The third row of seats in the GAC M8 will be comfortable only for children / screenshot from video
The driver has access to two huge screens. They are beautiful and work quickly. The information one has several display modes. There are three physical buttons under the multimedia system screen: automatic operation of the air conditioning system, glass defrosting and emergency lights. Through the entertainment system screen, you can control all vehicle functions, including the operation of electronic assistants and comfort functions not only for the front row, but also for the second row. But what the driver will have to do manually is to close the front hatch curtain.
GAC M8 bottom
Well, according to tradition, Ilya examined the car from below. Did the Chinese try to copy the same from the Japanese or did they create something of their own? In the area of the front wheels, the units are more similar to VAG. Light alloys, not very powerful lower arms and everything else that Ilya doesn’t really approve of. Well, at least the ball joint is bolted on.
Anticorrosive under GAC M8 and does not smell / screenshot from video
Also under the bottom you can see “healthy” spars with many partitions. This should have a positive effect in a side impact. True, the welding is not very greasy, spot welding. And on the bottom you can find some kind of sound insulation in the form of mats. There are no protections. Doesn’t smell like anticorrosive.
The rear suspension is multi-link with a powerful subframe and a thin stabilizer. The presence of plugs in the rear axles hints that the car may have all-wheel drive. But, alas, it is only front-wheel drive.
Video: GAC M8 disassembled from Club Service
What’s the result?
In general, nothing unusual or eye-catching. Ilya considers the strengths of the M8 to be design, rich equipment, and materials. The disadvantages are standard: it’s “Chinese”, made of something unknown, low ground clearance and lack of all-wheel drive.
Well, that’s all. Of course, there were little things that I did not mention in the article, but I tried to record the main points in the protocol. Personally, while watching this review, I got the strong impression that this was an advertisement. Advertising for Ilya’s car and “car showroom”. Everything was too sweet and pleasant. Although, maybe I’m just being picky, and the M8 is really such a good car that Ilya melted in it, even though it’s Chinese?.. Although, on the other hand, who are we to blame him for that. Everyone spins as best they can.
And what do you think? Both about the car and about the review? Drop a few words in the comments, okay? Well, see you soon!
Sergey TSAREV
Previously on this blog:
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2023-10-23 08:52:12
#GAC #Ilya #Sviridov #Chinese #Alphard #Chinese #cars
