Looking back on 2021, the changes in China's auto market are obvious to all. Under the attack of uncertain events such as the epidemic and chip shortage, China's auto market ended a three-year downward trend with a growth rate of 3.8%, the new energy track officially took off, and the independent brand fuel models were also in a tidal wave. But for a considerable number of consumers, the joint venture compact car is still the target of car purchase around the Spring Festival, today we bring four different personalities of the 150,000 yuan joint venture compact car, see which is your dish?
01 Dongfeng Honda Eleventh Generation Civic
Manufacturer guidance price: 11.99-16.99 million yuan
If I had to pick the most high-profile joint venture brand compact sedan in 2021, then Dongfeng Honda's eleventh generation Civic would definitely be in the top three. On the basis of the super reputation and sales of the tenth generation of Civic, the eleventh generation of Civic ushered in a new high in sales, reaching a monthly sales volume of 20,000+ at the end of last year.
In terms of appearance, compared with the shape of the radical movement of the Tenth Generation Civic, the Eleventh Generation Civic as a whole has a lot of restraint, and it also has similarities with its big brother Accord.
The eleventh generation Civic has a more rounded front and blackened design elements that continue on the new model. The inverted L-shaped daytime running lights are matched with the led light group inside, and the recognition is good. Similar to the previous model, the new Civic grille is divided into upper and lower parts, the lower front bumper shape is made of black plastic material that runs through, and the fog light area on both sides is not large.
In the side part, the body size of the new car has increased, reaching 4674*1802*1415mm, and the wheelbase is 2735mm, which has been improved to a certain extent. The size parameters are more eye-catching should be the body height and wheelbase. 1415mm in the compact sedan is relatively low, in the shape of a certain low feeling, while the increase in wheelbase parameters will bring more excellent space performance, although not the largest in the compact sedan, but the 2735mm wheelbase can also reach the first echelon.
The New Civic is equipped with a 17-inch rim, a 215/50 R17 Yukehao Ma dB V-551V, mainly muted, and will have a good improvement in tire noise control over the previous generation model.
The side of the Civic is also decorated with various blackened elements, black rims, exterior mirrors, door handles, and a small black tail fin above the trunk lid, the sense of movement is actually not bad. The rear wing is the finishing touch to this car, and the real car will look better than the photos.
The shape of the tail is relatively decent, the exhaust of the two sides is not deliberately decorated, and the lines of the overall tail are simple. The LED taillight shape echoes the headlight group, and the exquisite feeling after lighting up will be a little better than that of the Ten Generation Civic, and the interior of the taillight group has also been blackened.
The appearance of the new Civic has changed a lot, and the temperament of the whole vehicle is more inclined to the family, but under the decoration of the tail wing and blackened wheels, it actually has a certain sense of sport. In contrast, the shape and exquisiteness of the interior have been greatly improved, and the most conspicuous thing is the change in the layout of the center console.
Honeycomb-shaped through-the-middle control trim panel integrates the air conditioning outlet, and the entire air conditioning control area adopts the form of buttons, which is obviously more convenient to adjust in the central control screen than the previous model.
The full LCD dashboard is standard at this price point, and the 9-inch floating central control screen equipped with the New Civic has also improved in fluency compared with the previous model. However, I think the most obvious progress of the new Civic's multimedia system is practicality, and the previous generation of models intelligently performs simple navigation, music, and telephone functions. The new Civic has added more localization functions, and the built-in navigation has officially reached the level of usability, while supporting the voice system to control some functions of the vehicle, and can be upgraded by remote OTA.
In the power part, New Civic canceled the previous 1.0T engine, equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine, divided into high and low power versions, it turns out that the acceptance of three-cylinder engines in the Chinese market is still not as good as four-cylinder engines. The low-power version of the 1.5T engine has a maximum power of 95 kW and a peak torque of 180 Nm, while the high-power version of the 1.5T engine has a maximum power of 134 kW and a peak torque of 243 Nm. As the main sales force, it is naturally a high-power version of the model, and its maximum power is only slightly improved compared with the previous model. The entire series is matched with the CVT engine, and the eleventh generation Civic officially cancels the choice of manual transmission, which also announces the transformation of the car's attributes.
Talking about motivation is always one of the most important parts of Civic's target consumers. From the book parameters, the new Civic's 1.5T engine is not very outstanding, 182 horsepower in the 1.5T camp can only belong to the middle side, but the Excellent part of the Civic powertrain lies in its smoothness and fuel economy, in the pursuit of 190 horsepower or even 200 horsepower +, Civic has won a good reputation for excellent fuel economy and compliance.
Editor's recommendation: 1.5T low-power models do not consider many consumers, most of them love the exterior interior of the new Civic, and consumers who do not have so high requirements for power, because there are only two low-power models, the cost performance of the 180TURBO Shangqing version will be higher in the configuration comparison. There are four 1.5T high-power models, and the relatively high cost performance is the fuel version with a guidance price of 149,900 yuan, which has many functional configurations, and has more sports kits than the entry-level models.
02 SAIC-GM Buick Veyron Pro
Manufacturer guidance price: 12.99-159,900 yuan
The new Veyron Pro was officially launched in September this year, and there are five models in the series, including two versions of the Veyron Pro GS with sports kits and the other three are the ordinary Veyron Pro. At this price point, which can compete head-on with the Civic, I think the Veyron Pro is one - the same appearance, the same configuration, the same good 1.5T engine.
First of all, look at the appearance, Veyron Pro adopts the design concept of "sculptural aesthetics", the front face is Buick's latest family design, and the flying wing grille is integrated with the light group. This design language is not unfamiliar to us, and it is also more harmonious on the compact sedan Veyron Pro.
Buick Veyron Pro is equipped with LED headlights as standard, and it is interesting that its daytime running lights also adopt the shape of "boomerang", the light group shape is relatively narrow and long, the LED daytime running lights and the flying wings of the intake grille are connected, and the integrity of the front face design is very strong.
The front bumper shape is full of sportsmanship, on the one hand, the fog light area of the past Buick models resembles "fangs", on the other hand, the front lip of the Veyron Pro is prominent, and there is a certain sense of low lying.
The body size of the Veyron Pro is 4664*1786*1472mm, the Body Length of the Veyron Pro GS will be 24mm more due to the appearance of the kit, and the wheelbase of both models is 2700mm, which is a medium body in this class.
In terms of rims, it is slightly stingy, and the Veyron Pro series is equipped with 16-inch rims as standard, and the shape is relatively more ordinary. Hankook tires with tire sizes of 205/55 R16.
In the tail shape, although the Veyron Pro does not set the tail wing, the trunk lid adopts a concave design to create the style of the tail wing, and the rear bumper is integrated design, adding some ribs to enhance the sense of movement. The Veyron Pro features a concealed exhaust with decorative trim on the rear bumper.
Compared to the exterior part, the interior of the Veyron Pro will be more brilliant. First of all, in terms of materials, the interior of Veyron Pro uses a large number of soft materials, which are covered with soft materials in the central control and door panel areas that everyone often touches, with exquisite stitching, whether it is a good look or feel.
In addition, the suspension of the double screen is definitely a sharp weapon to attract the eye, the size of the full LCD dashboard and the central control screen are 10.25 inches, and the resolution reaches 1920 * 720, which is a very good level in the same level, plus the dark UI interface is designed to be relatively simple, and the display effect and aesthetics are first-class. Buick Veyron Pro is equipped with the Buick eConnect 3.0 intelligent interconnection system, which supports voice control and rich Internet of Vehicles functions.
The power part is the highlight of the new Veyron Pro upgrade. The Veyron Pro is powered by SAIC-GM's eighth-generation Ecotec 1.5T four-cylinder engine, which has a power parameter of 135 kW/250 Nm, and matches the engine with a simulated 7-speed CVT transmission. This powertrain is equipped with many of GM's current advanced technologies in the internal combustion engine, and will be installed on more models in the future. The official announcement of velang Pro's acceleration time from 100 km to 100 seconds is 7.7 seconds, while the fuel consumption of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is 5.95L/100km (GS version), which is excellent in both power and fuel economy.
Editor's recommendation: Veyron Pro is a model with no shortcomings, whether it is the exterior interior or the space power is actually in the middle of this level. And to choose among the five configurations, I recommend that you choose the Veyron Pro GS Version with a guidance price of 158,900 yuan. As the top model of the whole series, first of all, the Blaster version has a GS exclusive sports kit, and secondly, the interior is made of a more sporty fur material, and such functions as induction wipers, automatic air conditioning, and active safety configuration are available. Of course, the current terminal's good preferential margin is also the basis for the top version to be more cost-effective.
03 Dongfeng Nissan Xuanyi
Official guidance price: 9.98-17.49 million yuan
If the Civic is the representative of sports and the Veyron Pro is the representative of refinement, then Dongfeng Nissan Xuanyi is the representative of comfort.
In 2021, Dongfeng Nissan Xuanyi sold more than 500,000 units in the whole year, with an average monthly sales volume of 40,000+ making Xuanyi unbeatable in this market segment.
Xuanyi's success has many factors: rich product configuration, low entry price, excellent comfort. Major car companies are implementing the strategy of rejuvenation, and Dongfeng Nissan Xuanyi has also played the brand of young sports. However, in terms of products, Dongfeng Nissan Xuanyi core is still cost-effective and comfortable. Behind the annual car sales champion is Dongfeng Nissan Xuanyi's precise pricing strategy and user analysis capabilities.
The appearance part, Dongfeng Nissan Xuanyi uses the Nissan family design language, from a distance it is difficult for ordinary people to distinguish the difference between Xuanyi and Tianlai, only in the light group and bumper shape. V-motion 2.0 design language is actually a very good sense of trend, the V-shaped middle net design is more recognizable, and the shape of the big mouth is sharp enough.
The front bumper shape is also sharp, in the design of Nissan Xuanyi uses more trapezoidal folding elements, such as this recognizable arrow feather light group, the slender light group uses LED light sources inside, and it has been equipped since then.
However, the side does not have the impact of the front face, the segmented waist line weakens the sense of movement, and the curvature from the hood to the roof is also the standard family car style. However, the side of Dongfeng Nissan Xuanyi enhances the texture through many details, such as the black trim panel on the C pillar runs through the C pillar and the rear window, and the visual effect is longer, such as the black decorative parts on the side of the tail lamp, which creates a blackened feeling for the tail lamp.
In terms of body size, Xuanyi is 4641*1815*1447mm, wheelbase is 2712mm, and the body size is between Civic and Veyron Pro, but the visual effect will actually look bigger than these two cars.
In terms of rims, Dongfeng Nissan Xuanyi uses a 17-inch five-spoke rim, and the tires use Dunlop 215/50 R17 tires, which have a good visual effect and ensure a certain degree of comfort. The DUNLOP ENVSAVE EC300+ tires feature mute and braking, in line with the car's positioning.
The tail Nissan Xuanyi is more concise, except for the blackened taillight shape is more eye-catching, the rest of the part has no superfluous elements. Dongfeng Nissan Xuanyi is impactful in the design of the front face, but the overall shape is somewhat restrained, which is more suitable for consumers who want to have some small personality but are more open than those who like to show off. And the appearance design similar to the natural sound can indeed meet the psychology of many consumers.
The interior part of nissan Xuanyi also has a significant improvement compared to the old model, the most important part is the upgrade of the material and interior color. The interior part continues the V-shaped element on the exterior, the top of the center console is wrapped in all soft materials, but the bottom is still hard plastic material, but the designer makes the interior very textured through the combination of colors. The center control area is set up with a floating center control screen with a size of 8 inches.
Compared with Civic and Veyron Pro, Nissan Xuanyi's Nissan Zhilian entertainment system is relatively simple in interface and function, and commonly used navigation, Bluetooth, and vehicle information are available, but more are not required. Some physical buttons are set up below the central control screen, which are more convenient to operate with the knob control on both sides. The all-touch screen is full of technology, but it will also sacrifice in terms of convenience, and for Xuanyi's buyers, convenience is more important.
The air conditioner air outlet is shaped like a cannon barrel, and each air outlet supports independent closing. Below is the air conditioning control area, and the knob and button control are equally intuitive and convenient.
The 7-inch TFT LCD screen with mechanical pointer instrument is relatively decent at the moment, and if it can be equipped with a full LCD instrument, it will attract younger consumers more.
In the power part, Xuanyi is equipped with Nissan's third-generation HR16 engine, which has improved emissions, power and fuel economy compared with Xuanyi's classic second-generation HR16 engine. Its maximum power is 99 kW, the peak torque is 159 Nm, and the all-aluminum engine meets the National VI emission standards. Matching the engine is a CVT gearbox, combined with the ISS intelligent start-stop system and active air intake grille, which can make the MIIT fuel consumption as low as 4.9L/100km.
From the book parameters, Xuanyi's 1.6L naturally aspirated engine is of course no way to compare with the 1.5T turbocharged engines, but the consumers of this car do not care too much about absolute power, although overtaking at high speed may be a little slow, but urban driving is not too much of a problem. Even if you step on the accelerator deeply, the car will not give any push back feeling, but the smoothness of the naturally aspirated engine + CVT gearbox is also impossible for turbocharged engines to give.
Editor's recommendation: Xuanyi currently has three types of models to choose from: Xuanyi Classic, equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, with a price range of 99,800-118,600 yuan; for the exterior interior configuration upgrade of the new Xuanyi, its price range is 11.90-14.49 million yuan; equipped with Nissan extended range hybrid technology, its price range is 138,900-17.49 million yuan.
The main sales model of the Xuanyi car series is still the Xuanyi classic and Xuanyi with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, and we recommend the new Xuanyi model this time. Among the four configurations of Xinxuanyi, we recommend the 1.6L TOP CVT luxury version priced at 144,900 yuan, which not only has a more complete active safety configuration, but also has configurations such as panoramic image, full-speed adaptive cruise, and rearview mirror heating. Of course, if you are an old driver, then the 133,900 yuan smart version is also good, the safety configuration has not shrunk, and the lack of reversing radar and electric seats can also be overcome.
04 New FAW-Volkswagen Sagitar
Price range: To be determined
As the earliest batch of A+ sedans in China, sagitar's average monthly sales last year were also about 20,000 units. However, the model we recommended this time is about to usher in the mid-term modification of sagitar, officially unveiled at the Guangzhou Auto Show last November, the appearance and interior have been upgraded accordingly, the shape is biased towards the detailed design of the Passat, and the sense of premium of the whole vehicle has been improved a lot. Of course, what is more remarkable is that the new Sagitar has been equipped with the EA211 1.5T EVO engine in terms of power, which is also the debut of the 1.5T EVO in the Asia-Pacific region. Since it is not yet officially listed, we are only talking to you about the product in this part.
The Sagittarius, which ushered in the mid-term redesign, has changed significantly in the appearance part, and the front of the car uses Volkswagen's latest dot-matrix grille, which is basically similar to the new Passat. The new enveloping style also follows the trend, whether it is the grille or the front bumper shape has the usual style of volkswagen: through-line lines to stretch the horizontal visual width. The Volkswagen LOGO also adopts the latest flat design, and connects it with the headlight groups on both sides through two chrome trim strips, with chrome strips on the upper, middle and lower parts, to outline a richer layering of the front face.
In detail, the C-shaped daytime running lights are connected to the chrome strip through the center of the grille, and the fog lights adopt a special vertical shape, which looks very advanced. At the same time, the front grille, the floor lamp and the side nameplate all have the addition of atmosphere lights, and the sense of technology is full.
On the side of the body, the waistline of the new car is straight and smooth without losing the sense of strength, following the overall design style of the current model. In the body size part, the size of the new car reached 4791/1801/1465mm, and the length was increased by 38mm compared with the current model, becoming the longest in the same class, with a wheelbase of 2731mm, which also belonged to the first echelon of the same level
As an important A+ class sedan of the Volkswagen brand, the revamped Sagittarius provides 16 to 18 inches of different sizes of two-color multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, and the new 18-inch double five-spoke whirlwind wheels in the picture show a good dynamic atmosphere.
The tail light group is also quite bright, the tail light group and the headlight group, using Volkswagen's latest IQ.Light light source, the internal X-type brake lights are highly recognizable. The area of the rear encirclement is as high as that, but the overall tail is still a familiar style for the public, with more horizontal elements, and the trunk lid has also been concave to form a slightly upturned ducktail.
The interior section is officially up-to-date, with Volkswagen's latest family-style interior. This interior design language we have seen in the new Volkswagen models in the past two years, but it is still worthy of praise. The 12-inch central control screen and the more layered center console make the sense of grade and technology of this interior very obvious. The new Sagittarius has been equipped with the latest style of the family's Micro-fiber multi-function flat-bottom steering wheel, and the air conditioning control area has also been updated to the family's new touch buttons. The resolution of the full LCD meter should be the best of these models, supporting the navigation projection function.
The resolution of the 12-inch floating central control screen reaches 1720* 860, the display effect is clear, the operation control is also very smooth, and it supports gesture control. Functions such as online navigation, voice control, and support for CarPlay, 360-degree panoramic imaging, tire pressure display, etc. are all available.
The new car also supports travel Assist full-journey intelligent driver assistance system, which meets the L2+ autopilot assistance level. After the full upgrade of ACC, with lane keeping, emergency braking and other driving auxiliary functions, it is easy to achieve automatic follow-up driving, and with the lane keeping system, it can be done on the highway, including some small curves, can do follow the trail, this system I believe that the recent high-speed long-distance self-driving friends will be very envious.
In short, whether it is the appearance or the interior, the new Sagittarius is on pars with the big brother Passat, which also makes the new Sagittarius have the taste of IKEA and business, but the sense of premium will indeed be better than the old model.
And the change in power will come more important than the exterior interior. The new Sagitar is fitted with the latest EA211 1.5T EVO engine, which is matched by a 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission with a maximum powertrain of 160Ps. It is reported that the fuel consumption of 100 kilometers will be nearly 1L/100km less than 1.4TSI. Compared with the existing combination of 1.4T + 7DSG, the 1.5T EVO engine also uses advanced technologies such as Miller cycle and APS coating, which has significantly improved fuel economy.
From the parameter point of view, this new powertrain is not so brilliant, but we believe that the ability of volkswagen DSG, the somatosensory acceleration brought about by rapid gear changes during rapid acceleration is not bad, and the actual acceleration ability needs to be tested after we get the test drive of this car. However, this powertrain is more technically biased towards both fuel economy and power, and we will see how it will be performed.
Full text summary: In addition to Xuanyi, which has been on the market for a long time, whether it is New Civic or Veyron Pro, or new Sagitar, it is a model that will be listed in the second half of last year or this year, in a word, it is the latest. At the same time, these four cars actually do not have much repetition in style, although they all have young elements, but the sport of civic, the refinement of Veyron Pro, the comfort of Xuanyi and sagitar IKEA all have their own flavors. How to choose is really not a good choice, so after reading the introduction of these four cars, which one do you like more in front of the screen? You can go to the comments section and tell us what you think.