Summary: C-NCAP’s first batch of vehicle safety rankings of 2017
The Chinese car safety assessment program, C-NCAP, released its first batch of rankings of passenger automobile models for the year earlier this month. Models assessed included the BYD Yuan, Shanghai VW Phideon, Great Wall Haval H7, Beijing Hyundai Elantra, FAW-VW Audi A4L, Jeep Renegade, Chevrolet Malibu, Hanteng X7 and Soueast DX3 during the testing work, which took place from early January to mid-April. All of the models received five-star grades aside from the Hanteng X7, which only earned a three-star ranking.
BYD Yuan
Price: 59,900 RMB-121,900 RMB
C-NCAP ranking: 56 points/five stars
The BYD Yuan (pictured above) is a popular compact SUV that has received praise for its eye-catching design. The unique fog lamps and two-tone profile design imbue the vehicle with a distinct, stylish character.
Shanghai VW Phideon
Price: 349,000 RMB-659,000 RMB
C-NCAP ranking: 58.2 points/five stars
The Phideon (pictured above), whose length exceeds five meters, is among Shanghai VW’s premium models. The model’s design is remarkably similar to that of the discontinued VW Phaeton. Use of chrome plating on the front bumper and grille, as well as the long rectangular headlights and fog lamps, help add to the car’s feeling of simple yet refined luxury.
Great Wall Haval H7
Price: 149,800 RMB-193,800 RMB
C-NCAP ranking: 57.4 points/five stars
As one of Great Wall’s mid-tier models, the Haval H7 (pictured above) has helped diversify the brand’s product catalogue. The five-seat version of the H7 takes full advantage of its 2.85 m wheelbase to maximize interior space, while its turbocharged 2.0 L engine provides ample performance. The Haval H7 has also been praised for its design and build quality.
Beijing Hyundai Elantra
Price: 99,800 RMB- 151,800 RMB
C-NCAP ranking: 54.4 points/five stars
The redesigned Elantra (pictured above) sports an edgier design, with its fish-shaped headlights and oversized front grille being distinctive attributes. However prospects for the sales of the Elantra and other Korean models are unclear as political tensions have affected Korean businesses operating in China.
FAW-VW Audi A4L
Price: 299,800 RMB-430,000 RMB
C-NCAP ranking: 56.1 points/five stars
The all-new Audi A4L (pictured above) sports a redesigned look. The A4L benefits from the Audi brand name and the manufacturer’s well-developed sales infrastructure. There has been speculation regarding potential Audi models from FAW-VW’s fellow joint venture Shanghai VW.
Jeep Renegade
Price: 134,800 RMB-202,800 RMB
C-NCAP ranking: 55.5 points/five stars
Jeep released the Renegade (pictured above) in an attempt to revitalize its brand. Although its priced a little higher compared to domestic brand models, the Renegade’s exterior design and attention to detail still make it highly attractive to consumers.
Shanghai GM Chevrolet Malibu
Price: 164,900 RMB-189,900 RMB
C-NCAP ranking: 55.8 points/five stars
The Malibu (pictured above) is only one among Shanghai GM’s many sedan models. Despite extensive advertising and marketing campaigns, the Malibu hasn’t managed to replicate the success of the JV’s Cadillac and Buick models.
Hanteng X7
Price: 79,800 RMB-148,800 RMB
C-NCAP ranking: 48.9 points/three stars
Hanteng is a young company whose most noticeable aspect is its logo, which is a mixture of the Ferrari and Fiat logos. The Hanteng X7’s (pictured above) mediocre C-NCAP ranking casts doubts on the vehicle’s overall build quality.
Soueast DX3
Price: 67,900 RMB-103,900 RMB
C-NCAP ranking: 56.9 points/five stars
The Soueast DX3 (pictured above) has been praised for having a superior design to the Pininfarina-designed DX7. Its two-tone motif is targeted towards younger buyers and caused quite a stir at the recently concluded Auto Shanghai expo.
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