Sales of the Chinese crossover SUV Lifan X80 have started earlier today in Brazil. This is only the first South American country where the company plans to sell its flagship off-roader, but not the last.
The cars are being assembled in Uruguay with ready imported parts, a method widely known as the Complete Knock-Down (CKD) assembly.
The seven-seat SUV uses the same automotive architecture as the Lifan 820 sedan series. It is 4,820 mm (15.8 ft.) long, 1,934 mm (6.4 ft.) wide and has almost 2,800 mm (9.2 ft.) axle spacing. In its Brazilian version, it ships with an invariable 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine rated at 184 hp / 137 kW, and a six-speed manual transmission.
The only other option is called VIP. It comes with an all-digital instrument panel, parking sensors in front and in the back, imitation leather finishing, power front seats, an engine start/stop system, six safety airbags, a panorama glass roof, a climate control unit, an infotainment system with a touchscreen display, ABS, EBD, and 19-inch wheels.
You can buy a new Lifan X80 at U.S. $34,400 – more than the Brazil prices of the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, Peugeot 5008, Toyota SW4 and Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Photo: g1.globo.com