Review ZX Grand Tiger 2013
Buying a Chinese car has become as quick, easy and inexpensive as buying Chinese food. The same philosophy - simplicity and low prices - is gradually starting to make Chinese-made cars just as appetizing.
Hebei Zhongjing is simply ZX Auto, although it's advertised as Grand Tiger - a 22-year-old commercial vehicle manufacturer who accidentally witnessed a splinter group of executives leave to form Great Wall Motors.
Although GWM is independent, their respective cars have a lot in common - for better or for worse. The ZX Auto is distributed in Australia by the Perth-based John Hughes group, which is also a national distributor for Geely and already has five WA dealers and plans to build a national network.
John Hughes director Rod Gailey says national dealers will be announced in July and in line with the launch of the diesel version. He expects ZX sales to reach 250 units per month by mid-year 2014.
VALUE
The double-cab 24,990WD Grand Tiger petrol costs $4, about half the price of the comparative Hilux. The cheapest model, by the way, is the 2WD Single Cab Chassis Chassis, with pallet, for $16,990.
It has a standard three-year or 100,000 km warranty, which should soften customer niggles. The double cab car is also well equipped for its market, with remote keyless entry, air conditioning, front and rear fog lights, Bluetooth, and alloy wheels. Options include a tub liner, sports bar and tow bar.
Design
Uncompromising Chinese design, it is functional and made for its purpose. The test car's grille isn't very pretty, although it's certainly distinctive. Cabin access is, again, an industry standard while the cabin is spacious enough for five adults.
It's got a generous dose of hard plastic - the ZX is not alone in this practice - but has a functional and ergonomic approach to operation, aside from the unusual placement of the headlight height switch on the passenger-side console. The rear seat back folds down for additional cargo space, and there are also three hooks for child restraints.
TECHNOLOGY
It follows the Great Wall competitor, sharing Mitsubishi's 100kW/200Nm 2.4-litre petrol four, a Toyota-built 2.5-litre turbodiesel coming later this year, and a five-speed manual transmission. It easily accelerates to 100 km / h at 2700 rpm, and its real consumption is 11.3 liters per 100 km.
This is part-time 4WD with 4WD High and 4WD Low electrically enabled. There's no differential lock, and the car must be stationary to engage 4WD. Prodrive in Melbourne tuned the suspension for Australia. Simplicity extends to double wishbone, torsion bar front and rear suspension with leaf springs, front disc and rear drum brakes.
SECURITY
It wasn't a crash test. It gets ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, two airbags, a full-size spare tire and rear parking sensors. Electronic stability control is not required on commercial vehicles.
DRIVING
Better than I thought. The Grand Tiger feels more confident on the road and seems to sit more firmly than the similar Great Wall. The high driving position and excellent visibility are one of its main features. He is simple to disgrace, but fits his role.
It has some cons - the plastic gauge cover sometimes reflects light and covers the dials, the transmission warning lights are too small, and the driver side needs a grip handle - and the pros like great grip, stick quality and seat comfort. .
Engine power is weak, and although the gearbox has an easy and positive gear shift, the work is leisurely. Add weight - it's designed for a one-ton payload and/or two-ton towing - and progress is slow. Ride comfort is good - a result of the Prodrive setup - but they forgot the light and vague steering.
Tested on gravel, the ute is surprisingly capable with good ground clearance and a snappy low-end gear ratio. Buyers who spend time in the mud will appreciate the LSD.
VERDICT
You always have to be careful with anything new, but the Grand Tiger is so similar to the engineering part of the Great Wall that it's more like a sister car. Good value for money and capable though be aware of the leisurely drive.
ZX Grand Tiger
Cost: $24,990 per trip
Guarantee: 3 years/100,000 km
Limited Service: No
Service Interval: 6 mo/10,000 km
Resale: n /
Safety: 2 airbags, ABS, EBD
Accident Rating: none
Engine: 2.4 liter 4-cylinder petrol, 100 kW/200 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual; part-time 4wd
Thirst: 11.3 l/100 km; 95 RON; 237 g/km CO2
Dimensions: 5.0 m (L), 1.8 m (W), 1.8 m (H)
The weight: 1730kg
Spare: Full size
