At the end of October this year, the domestic GAC Toyota Syna announced its listing. 6 models, guide price: 30.98-40.58 million yuan. Before the introduction of parallel imports into the domestic Xena, the price after domestic production is no longer high, and GL8, Weiran and other MPVs fall in the same price range. What is the product strength, and what is the actual driving experience? Is it worth starting now? This issue [Shopping Guide] gives you the answer.
Since the launch of the first generation of Xena in 1997, it has accumulated a good sales and word-of-mouth foundation after four generations. As a Toyota MPV model that has been "competing" in the North American market for many years, Xena's positioning is lower than alpha, and the price is more affordable in comparison. The domestic market has been introduced in parallel imports before. Since the news that Sai Na wants to be domestic, many friends have begun to pay attention to it, especially its price.
In October this year, the domestic Xena was officially listed. The guide price of 30.98 million yuan is much cheaper than the previous price of 45-52 million yuan of parallel imports. Moreover, the guidance price after domestic production falls within the price range of GL8 Luzun ES models and SAIC Volkswagen Weiran. With the product reputation accumulated by Xena, it is expected to achieve good market performance. Of course, it also depends on the strength of the domestic post-match?
First, the new car - where is the new?
★ Appearance: Compared with imported models, domestic style is more "fierce"
Compared with the imported version of the previous generation, the design of the front face of Xena has changed significantly. The size of the net was weakened, and only a black trim panel was used for decoration. Both sides are equipped with sharp barb-shaped LED light groups, while the overall size of the lower intake grille has been increased, and the overall style is more fierce.
The side has a number of complex waist lines, the main waist line through the body is relatively thick and flat, and the bottom auxiliary line is more sharp. It is worth mentioning that Xena adopts a side sliding door design, and the slide rail is hidden under the rear window to ensure a better visual effect.
Compared to the sportiness of the front face, the rear part of the car is relatively thick. The LED taillight groups on both sides also adopt a sharp "T" design and are blackened at the outer contour.
★ Interior: The lines are rough and the family style is inherited
Compared with the relatively fierce lines on the outside, the overall lines of the Xena interior are relatively rough. Equipped with a large size central control screen, the overall line design style is basically consistent with Highlander, and the family style is obvious.
★ Configuration: The general configuration is given, and the details are well considered
In terms of configuration, the top and sub-top models are equipped with a 12.3-inch full LCD dashboard, the car machine system runs relatively smoothly, and the low-end models support Apple CarPlay, Baidu CarLife and Huawei HiCar interconnection. Others, such as the active safety system, are also equipped on the corresponding models, which will be introduced later.
It is worth noting that Xena's handling of practical functional configurations is quite good. For example, the double-sided electric sliding door is designed with kick induction to facilitate the quick opening of the door when the hands are occupied; the second row of handlebars is also very thick, and the grip is full of security; for example, the second row of reading lights can be adjusted in the front and rear directions, front/middle/rear a total of 7-9 charging ports, etc., although these functions are technically easy to achieve, but can be truly applied to the real place, for the convenience of use, this point, give Sai Na praise.
★ Space: Interior space + storage space + trunk space, play to the extreme
As a medium and large MPV, Xena has a length, width and height of 5165mm / 1995mm / 1785mm, and a wheelbase of 3060mm.
The distance between the passengers in the inner space from the accelerator pedal to the third row is 2760mm, the distance between the second row of passengers is 850mm, and the maximum distance from the front to the second row is 1490mm. Moreover, the second row of sliding front and rear strokes can reach a maximum of 816mm, and the maximum adjustment angle of the backrest is 81°, and the overall interior space and flexibility are fully guaranteed.
Of course, sufficient interior space is the foundation, and in terms of the use of interior space, Xena's performance is also remarkable. There are many storage spaces on both sides of the door, the central armrest box is "deep and bottomless", the open space under the center console is convenient for storage, and the whole car is equipped with multiple cup holders. In short, mobile phones, water cups, cards, accompanying bags, etc. are not worried about no place to put, and the storage space in the car is maximized.
In addition, the trunk space is more impressive. The third row is full, with a volume of 525 liters, and when the third row of seats is folded, the trunk volume can be expanded to 2112 liters (1545 liters for the luxury welfare version). Whether it is domestic or commercial, it can be better balanced.
★ Power and control: 2.5L oil-electric hybrid response is fast, easy to control
In terms of powertrain, Xena is equipped with an enhanced version of the 2.5L HEV hybrid system with a comprehensive power of 183 kW. The fuel consumption of 100 kilometers is only 5.9L (WLTC working conditions), which takes into account the power performance and also meets the fuel economy, and this power system is no stranger to you, and the new Highlander is equipped with the same set.
In terms of actual driving experience, the throttle response is very linear, although the overall power parameters are not very eye-catching, but for a more domestic MPV, not on the track, stable, is the most important.
In terms of control, based on the TNGA-K platform, Xena continues TNGA's unique low center of gravity design, using front McPherson independent suspension and rear double wishbone independent suspension to achieve a more stable and comfortable driving experience. After the actual control experience, the steering feel is very good.
In addition, in terms of comfort, the suspension is very well placed for fine vibration filtration and for cobblestone sections. However, or due to the greater impact of the test drive on the day, there is still some room for improvement in the noise isolation.
Second, the model analysis - how to choose?
The previous has a preliminary introduction to the domestic race, I believe that many friends have been paying attention to this car. Let's take a look at how to choose several models of Xena.
Due to the relatively low overall configuration of the entry-level comfort version of the six models on this time, the luxury welfare version of the model provides extendable seats for passengers with limited mobility, such as the elderly, to facilitate getting on and off, and the overall audience of these two cars is relatively small, so it is not reflected in the actual configuration table comparison.
Equipment and price comparison of different configurations
The introductory model mentioned earlier, simply put it: the introductory comfort version is priced at 309,800 yuan. The overall configuration is not high. LED far/low beam lights, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights, electric mirrors, 17-inch rims, etc. It is equipped with fabric seats, 8-way electric adjustment of the driver's seat, 4-way manual adjustment of the passenger seat, 4.2-inch LCD instrument, 8-inch central control screen, reversing image, and three-zone independent air conditioning. Overall, in terms of household use, the configuration is slightly insufficient, but it can be considered as a commercial passenger;
With a budget of 24,000 yuan, you can buy a Luxury Edition model priced at 333,800 yuan. Compared with the start-up version, it mainly adds automatic folding of exterior mirrors, external mirror heating, automatic anti-glare, keyless entry of the whole car, surround-type premium body chrome parts, electric luggage compartment, leather steering wheel, leather + imitation leather splicing seats, electric adjustment of the co-pilot, heating of the front seats, 8-speaker sound system, etc. The overall configuration has increased a lot, but it is also some relatively basic configuration, and in the case of a general budget, home use can be considered.
The budget is increased by another 19,000 yuan, you can buy the premium version with a guidance price of 352,800 yuan, and in terms of configuration, the LED luminous welcome pedal, the atmosphere light, the 12.3-inch central control screen, the front seat ventilation, the rear seat electric adjustment, the second row of independent seats with electric backrest adjustment, the second row of independent seats with electric leg rests, rear seat heating, rear seat ventilation, voice recognition control system, Internet of Vehicles, OTA upgrades, four-zone independent air conditioning and other configurations, the price is relatively high. In addition, comfort features such as the addition of electric leg rests for the second row are crucial for an MPV. For friends on a regular budget, this model is worth considering.
The budget is increased by 27,000 yuan, you can buy the supreme version model with a guidance price of 379,800 yuan, and the configuration adds the rear panoramic sunroof, the side sliding door kicking sensor function, the roof luggage rack, the front side window noise reduction glass, the 18-inch rim, the rain-sensing wiper, the 12.3-inch full LCD instrument, the parallel blind spot monitoring system, the rear blind spot monitoring system, the PM2.5 filter system, and the negative ion generator. The configuration has indeed increased a lot, and it is equipped with a side sliding door kick induction, which will greatly increase the convenience of use. If you have a good budget, it is recommended to focus on this model.
As for the top platinum version model priced at 405,800 yuan, it is 26,000 yuan more expensive than the supreme version, adding streaming media rearview mirrors, electric adjustment multi-function steering wheel, front mobile phone wireless charging, 11.6-inch rear video and audio system, 10-inch HUD, PVM panoramic monitoring system, ANC active noise reduction system, JBL sound system (12 speakers), face ID recognition system. Of course, the top match is incense, that is, the price, look at the pocket budget.
Third, the comparison of competitors - who can be selected at the same price?
As mentioned earlier, the domestic MPV in the price range of 300,000-400,000, Sai Na is a latecomer. In the past, the sales of the Buick GL8 soared, and then saic motor Volkswagen Weiran continued to expand the market, both of which are direct competitors of Xena. In contrast, how strong are the three?
Considering the market performance, we selected the GUIDING PRICE OF 343,900 YUAN GL8 2022 ES Luzun 653T Premium Type, THE GUIDANCE PRICE OF 369,800 YUAN SAIC VOLKSWAGEN WEIRAN 2020 380TSI Premium Edition and the 379,800 YUAN XENA 2021 2.5L Hybrid Extreme Edition for comparison.
Domestic Xena vs Buick GL8 & SAIC Volkswagen Weiran
In terms of power, the GL8 is equipped with a 48V light hybrid system + 9 block hand self-integration, a 2.0T engine with a maximum power of 174kW (237 hp), a maximum torque of 350 Nm, a Weiran equipped with a familiar 380TSI 2.0T engine + 7 wet double clutch, a maximum power of 162kW (220 hp), a maximum torque of 350 Nm, and a 2.5L oil-electric hybrid system, the system has a comprehensive maximum power of 183 kW (engine maximum power of 141 kW/192 hp, Maximum torque 238 Nm). In terms of power parameters, Xena has the largest comprehensive power, and the torque is lower than that of competitors, which is considered to have its own strengths overall.
It is worth mentioning that of the three cars, only Xena suggested that the fuel label is No. 92 and can eat coarse grains, while the other two models are No. 95. In terms of fuel consumption, whether it is NEDC or WLTC, Xena is 5 points, compared to the other two models, the advantage is very obvious.
In terms of body size, the GL8 is the tallest, the Wiran is the longest, and the Xena is the widest. Therefore, the actual experience requires you to go to the store to directly feel it.
In terms of specific configuration, in contrast, the GL8 configuration is relatively simple, the other two models are equipped with adaptive cruise in the full speed domain, while the GL8 is equipped with ordinary adaptive cruise, and does not provide a variety of driving modes to choose from, the electric trunk memory, induction function is not equipped, and the seat function in the front and rear is also more limited than the other two models.
As for Volkswagen Weiran, the richness of the configuration is relatively high, but compared with the Xena, knee airbags, reversing side warning, induction trunk, remote start, front seat ventilation, rear small table panels, OTA upgrades, soundproof glass, etc. are not equipped.
Overall, the richness of the Xena configuration is relatively high, and it is more competitive among the three competitors.
Fourth, model recommendation - who should I buy?
After the previous comparative analysis, everyone should have a general understanding of these cars, and finally summarize it for everyone:
For the Sena car, it is recommended to choose like this:
1. Starter version, home use is not recommended to consider;
2. The budget is about 350,000 yuan, considering the premium version with a guidance price of 352,800 yuan, the configuration is better and the cost performance is relatively high;
3. The budget is relatively sufficient, or it is recommended to consider the supreme version model with a guidance price of 379,800 yuan, the configuration upgrade is many, and the convenience configuration is more, which can be focused on consideration;
4. The top version of the model depends on the budget, not bad money on the top. Welfare version of the model, depending on the specific needs.
For horizontal comparison, it is recommended that you can choose like this:
1. The budget is tight, you can consider GL8 and Weiran, but the overall configuration is weaker than saina;
2. The budget is relatively sufficient, it is recommended to consider Xena, the configuration is rich, although the power is not the strongest, but it is worth recommending in terms of space and convenience of use.
However, combined with the current market situation of Xena, the actual delivery cycle may be relatively long, which requires more patience. If you really like it, place an order directly and wait for delivery; if you still hesitate, it is recommended to wait until the actual price and value are relatively matched before considering it. After all, with the rapid development of the domestic automobile market, our consumer vision has gradually opened, and the era of "god car" is gone. If you are not in a hurry, it is recommended to wait.
Above, I hope to be able to play a certain role in helping you to choose a car. Of course, in the process of comparative analysis, it is natural to be benevolent. I hope that you can see more and choose more when buying a car, and you are also welcome to leave a message in the background to compare the models, and the discussion content may appear in the next issue of the [Shopping Guide] column.
The author of this article is Yang Fan, a kick car gang