For a long time, our understanding of hybrid was: non-Toyota or Honda. In particular, Toyota's THS hybrid can be described as a pioneering work. Nowadays, independent brands also attach importance to hybrids, and most of them are concentrated in the field of plug-in and mixing, but Trumpchi has taken another path and held a small hand with Toyota.
Its own 2.0T + Toyota THS
We will not talk much about the cooperative relationship behind the two car companies, as consumers look at the product to see the efficacy is the key. Trumpchi did not choose to use the entire system directly, but only took the outer part of the engine, using its own 2.0T turbocharged (Miller cycle) engine, which can output 190 hp and 320 Nm.
We actually tested the four-wheel drive version of the dual-engine series in the GS8 series, so there will be one more rear axle motor than the two-wheel drive motor in the motor configuration. The front axle motor can output 134 kW and 270 Nm, while the rear axle motor is 40 kW and 121 Nm. On the drivetrain, it is also the E-CVT electronic induction gearbox that we are familiar with.
At first, I was nervous. Although only the engine is Trumpchi's own, will the actual matching effect be unsatisfactory? The answer is obvious, no, and compared to the familiar 2.5L self-priming THS hybrid, it is still in a state that is more than enough. The advantage is also in this 2.0T.
In the middle and rear section or full acceleration, when the engine and the electric motor are needed to work together, relying on more torque will feel more refreshing than the Toyota series models. And Trumpchi deliberately adjusted this 2.0T machine to the gentle, combined with the hybrid to produce a trace of large displacement natural inhalation feeling. Not impatient, but reserved.
Our test drives are more concentrated in the urban area, so we have more say in the urban transportation status of this power system. There is no doubt about the perfection of the match, at least the author feels that it is almost the same as the body sensation given by Toyota. The power response is positive, and the texture improvement brought by the silky smooth driving experience is what most fuel models can't give you.
The most important part of fuel consumption, look carefully at the picture. Under the premise of completely unconscious driving and including intense driving, the average fuel consumption of about 20 kilometers and 40 minutes is only 6.7L/100km; under the working conditions of a large number of car shooting and air conditioning, the cumulative distance of 181 kilometers, 10 hours and 18 minutes is only 7.7L/100km.
For this fuel consumption, the author is personally very satisfied, to know that this is a medium-sized SUV with a curb weight of more than 2 tons. It can also be seen that Toyota, as a big brother of hybrids, the efficiency and effectiveness of the system will not disappoint. Of course, fuel saving is one aspect, and the improvement of tranquility, texture, driving quality, etc. cannot be ignored.
Good design? There is a rate of return!
What is good design? After all, it is a matter of opinion, but I think good design must not lack return rate. In the past few days as the "pseudo-owner" of GS8, in fact, we have gained a lot of return rate, and even the previous generation of GS8 owners will stop to ask us about the price and feel.
There are several points that are more impressive: the design of the headlight group and the tail light group are mutually reinforcing, the recognition is high, and the sense of ceremony is also in place (watch video); the design of the air intake grille supports the aura of the entire front face, and the hybrid version and the fuel version of the grille will be different; the overall body contour, especially the side, has a slight taste of inheritance.
Finally, some details. The 255/50 R20 Michelin PS4 SUV, Trumpchi shed the next step; the hidden door handle design is only available on the hybrid version of the model, and the fuel version of the GS8 is the traditional door handle (a good distinguishing point) This chrome decoration on the ;D column also echoes the chrome decoration at the sill, stretching the visual body length.
Go to the interior section. The light tone of white is easy to texture, the combination of piano black and silver and white trim, the details are embellished with orange stitching, combined with the material and workmanship, the GS8 carriage can be worth the fare. In the rest of the part, the blessing of the atmosphere light will have a bonus point at night, and the sound of the Alpine is decent overall.
As an SUV and a more home-oriented model, some designs and configurations can see Trumpchi's intentions. There is a large storage space under the center console, and the opening hole is carefully designed above to facilitate the passage of the data line; the second and third rows not only have independent air conditioning, but also the small details of the storage space will not fall.
Buy six or seven?
Buying six or seven is a problem that many SUV buyers today will struggle with. In my experience, if it weren't for the hard 7-seater demand, the 6-seater model would have been more recommended by me. Back to the GS8, we got the same 6-seater version, and concluded based on the actual ride: the third row is available.
No matter which row of seats, the seat padding on the GS8 is soft enough, and the chassis adjustment is also biased towards comfort, and the overall riding experience is not bad. In addition, the second row supports front and rear and backrest angle adjustment, the third row of seats can also be electrically reclined and raised, practically the author personally can not fault the GS8 too much.
Some practical buying advice
Unfortunately, I haven't tried the fuel version of the GS8 yet. But judging by the product strength presented by the hybrid version of the GS8, I would recommend the hybrid more. At present, the price of the hybrid version of the GS8 ranges from 228,800 yuan to 246,800 yuan, which is actually the price of the two-wheel drive version and the four-wheel drive version, and I personally recommend the two-wheel drive version of the six-seater model.
In contrast, the two-wheel drive version and the four-wheel drive version are only the two differences between the power system and the Alpine audio, and the matching difference of 18,000 yuan is personally felt that the two-wheel drive version is more cost-effective. However, at present, the terminal seems to be a hybrid version of the GS8's pick-up cycle will be relatively long, interested riders can go to the 4S shop for detailed inquiries.
Write at the end
Also combined with Highlander to sum up. Some people say that the hybrid version of GS8 is the equal replacement of Highlander, but with its product strength, some places are even better than Highlander. Under the difference between the two cars of nearly 100,000 yuan, the cost performance of the hybrid version of GS8 is highlighted. Of course, the decision on who to buy is still in your hands.