Xiali C1..........
Well, as promised here is a short review of the new Xiali C1. I personally drove this about 3 weeks ago here in Nanning and I was able to take it out on the streets for about 15 minutes or so. I did NOT get it on the highway, so I can't tell you how it drives at highway speeds (100kph and above).
First, the initial appearance of the car. Upon seeing it for the first time, I was surprised at it's size - it's BIGGER than it appears in pictures. Walking around the car, I noticed that the body panels fit well together and there was a OBVIOUS difference in quality between the C1 and the N series. If I had to compare it to any other car as far as size/shape, I would compare it to the Fiat Palio. Once I opened the driver's door and sat inside, I was again surprised at it's size........VERY roomy on the inside. The front seats are quite comfortable and firm - no cheap rubbery foam in the C1. Sitting in the back seats...........well, just amazing. The leg room and overall comfort level is far and above the BEST Xiali has ever offered (and just about the best of any car in it's price range).
Starting the engine, my first impression is how QUIET it is (no suprise considering the fact that the engine is the Toyota 8E). Once I started to drive the car, I noticed that the engine is VERY responsive and powerful - and the shifter has nice short throws and feels very positive (a HUGE difference from the N series). Brakes are nice and solid, and the power steering feels very natural. Shifting through the gears (I got up to 4th gear on the street) was no problem, and the responsiveness of the engine remained consistent. I had a feeling of confidence while driving this car.........it felt SOLID and well built.
My overall impression - Xiali has a BIG winner in the C1. The price is a little high right now (58,000rmb for the 1.3 model) and it will most certainly come down in the next few months (especially considering the fact that you can buy a VW Gol now for the same price......and the Gol has a 1.6 engine). This car will sell VERY well once the price is 48,000 - 50,000 rmb (putting it in direct competition with the SMA 205, the Chery QQ6 and probably the upcoming Chery A1). This is without a doubt the BEST car Xiali has ever had (as far as a original design........I don't compare it toe the Vizi/Vela models because that is a co-op with Toyota), and it is hopefully the beginning of a new era for Xiali. It's not perfect though.......the rear seat is a bench (not a 60/40 split) and the front dashboard is a bit "plain" (even though it IS centrally located instead of being directly in front of the driver). All in all though, a VERY impressive car and a good example of the improving quality of today's current chinese cars. I'm still waiting to test drive a few other new models (like the Chery QQ6 and A1) - it will be exciting to compare all of these new cars in the near future!
