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by Bilal Muhammad

Chinese-produced Cars: Which Ones Are Worth Buying And Which Ones Are Better To Skip

30 Aug 2024

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Chinese car manufacturers are taking the limelight. They’ve managed to successfully shake off the stigma of producing low-quality vehicles and have been pumping out reliable cars with improved designs, competitive pricing, and advanced technology. Chinese cars are now being considered as serious contenders on the international stage. But are they worth buying? Let’s talk about it

The numbers speak for themselves. China exported more than five million vehicles last year, taking the title from Japan and being crowned the biggest car exporter in the world. China is now the world’s largest automotive market, both in terms of production and sales. Brands like Geely, BYD and NIO are taking mantel as household names, not just in China but globally. And now the UAE is taking notice.

What are the Hard Facts?

Why should you purchase a Chinese-produced car?:

Affordable Pricing: The biggest hurdle to anyone looking to buy a car is the (often hefty) price tag. In a world where cars can reach millions of dirhams, Chinese-made cars often undercut their competitors by a lot. They’ve successfully managed to bridge-the-gap between budget and luxury. They are taking their cars to the world stage. The Geely Xingyue offers the sleek design and sophisticated features of a luxury coupe-SUV but at a fraction of the cost — undercutting its European counterparts.

Advanced Technology: Chinese automakers have been heavily focused on integrating cutting-edge technology into their cars. Especially in the world of electric vehicles (EV’s).

Companies like NIO are pushing boundaries, the NIO ET7 is loaded with cutting-edge self-driving features, boasting more powerful integrations than the tesla. The car uses advanced sensors, like LiDAR, to navigate tricky driving situations almost on its own. It is like it has its own brain. An added bonus in most Chinese cars is the added (might we say massive) touchscreens, AI assistants, and all the latest connectivity options. No more trying to navigate around endless wires in your car. If you are a tech enthusiast, these cars have a lot to offer

Electric Vehicle Pioneers: When it comes to EV’s, China is seemingly leading the charge. BYD is now the world’s second-largest EV maker, right behind Tesla. Their models, like the BYD Han EV, deliver highly-impressive range and a solid build quality — all at prices that are hard to beat.

They’ve even developed a new type of battery, called the Blade Battery, which is safer and lasts longer than most other EV batteries.

What are some drawbacks?:

Brand Recognition and Resale Value: While Chinese cars have made huge strides in quality and technology, they still struggle with brand recognition. Names like BYD, Geely, and NIO are starting to get noticed, but they don’t yet have the same reputation as brands like Audi or Volswagen. If a brand isn’t well-known, it has a lower resale value (if you decide to sell later down the line) which means you might be losing a lot of money on it. For many people, knowing they can get a good resale value is important, and this is one area where Chinese cars still have some catching up to do.

Quality Concerns: There is no doubt that Chinese cars have improved a lot in recent years, but some first-time-buyers especially still have concerns about their long-term reliability. While many models are well-built, there are still reports of inconsistent quality. Issues like the use of cheaper materials and occasional mechanical problems have surfaced, putting its reliability into question.

Safety Standards: Safety is another area where Chinese cars have faced challenges. While many Chinese vehicles now meet international safety standards, there have been instances where certain models didn’t perform as well in crash tests as their Western or Japanese counterparts. This inconsistency can be concerning for buyers who prioritize safety above all else.

My pick of the top models available:

BYD Han EV

Why Buy: This is an electric vehicle that rivals all others on the market. Perfect for those looking for a premium electric car that doesn’t break the bank.

  • The BYD Han EV offers an impressive range of up to 605 km (376 miles) on a single charge. This puts it in direct competition with premium EVs like the Tesla Model S but at a significantly lower price point. 
  • The Han EV’s acceleration is somewhat a stand-out feature, with the dual-motor version reaching 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 3.9 seconds. 
  • The interior exudes luxury, with high-quality materials, a spacious cabin and a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen that serves as the centrepiece of the car’s infotainment system. It is packed with advanced driver-assistance systems including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. 
  • The Han EV has been positioned as a technologically advanced vehicle with its proprietary Blade Battery technology, which is designed for enhanced safety, longevity, and thermal management. This innovation addresses one of the major concerns with EVs: battery safety, particularly in terms of fire resistance.

Geely Xingyue

Why Buy: a sophisticated and stylish SUV at a more accessible price than current market competitors.

  • The Geely Xingyue is a sleek car that brings a new level of sophistication to SUVs. This vehicle is part of Geely’s strategy to create world-class vehicles, and it shows in the Xingyue’s design and engineering.
  • Xingyue's design is exceptional. It is sleek and modern, with a sloping roofline that gives it a dynamic, coupe-like appearance. 
  • Inside, the car is lined with soft-touch surfaces, leather upholstery, and a large touchscreen infotainment system. 
  • The cabin is spacious, and the seats are both comfortable and supportive, making it an excellent choice for long drives. 
  • The Xingyue comes equipped with a lot of safety features, including a 360 camera system and powerful driver-assistance technologies like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

NIO ES8

Why Buy: For those looking for a high-end electric SUV, the NIO ES8 offers a blend of performance, luxury, and innovative technology that makes it a welcomed addition to the SUV car market.

  • Ready for something awesome? One of the ES8’s most distinguishing features is NIO’s unique battery-swapping technology. Unlike traditional EVs that require lengthy charging sessions, NIO has developed a network of battery swap stations where owners can exchange their depleted battery for a fully charged one in just a few minutes. These only exist in China at the moment, but the brand will be rolling these out globally very soon. 
  • The ES8’s performance is impressive, with dual motors providing all-wheel drive and a total output of 644 horsepower, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 4.9 seconds. The vehicle’s range is also competitive, offering up to 580 km (360 miles) on a single charge, depending on the battery configuration. 
  • Inside, the ES8 boasts a luxurious interior with a spacious seven-seat configuration, and a range of advanced features, including a digital cockpit, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and NIO’s NOMI, an AI-powered personal assistant that enhances the driving experience.

My opinion on cars to maybe think twice about before buying, especially being in a desert terrain

Great Wall Motors Haval H9

Why Skip: For those seeking an off-road-capable SUV, there are better options available that offer superior quality, refinement, and reliability. Despite its low price, it may not be the best long-term investment.

  • While the price is attractive and the car offers a capable off-road performance, it lacks the refinement and quality found in many of its competitors. The overall internal fit-out leaves much to be desired and the design is also somewhat dated. The interior quality isn’t up to the standards set by similarly priced SUVs.
  • In terms of driving experience, the Haval H9 is good off-road, thanks to its body-on-frame construction and four-wheel-drive system. However, on paved roads, the ride can be rough with its less-than-precise steering. 
  • Another area of concern is reliability as the H9 still lags behind the industry leaders in long-term reliability and customer satisfaction.

Changan Alsvin

Why Skip: While the Alsvin’s low price may be tempting, subpar performance and lack of modern safety features make it a less attractive option in the long run.

  • The Changan Alsvin is marketed as an affordable compact sedan, appealing to budget-conscious buyers. However, while the low price might be attractive at first glance, it does come with various drawbacks.
  • Performance-wise, the Alsvin’s engine options are underwhelming, providing adequate power for city driving but it will definitely fail on Sheikh Zayed Road. The ride quality also compromised, with a suspension that doesn’t absorb road imperfections well, leading to a bumpy and uncomfortable experience. - In terms of interior quality, the Alsvin falls short with materials that feel cheap and a design that lacks sophistication. 
  • Once it was finished, the car’s crash test ratings were not as high as those of its competitors, raising potential safety concerns.

BAIC BJ40

Why Skip: For those serious about off-roading (very common in these desert roads), there are better options available that offer a more complete package without sacrificing on-road comfort.

  • The BAIC BJ40 is an SUV that aims to capture the rugged, off-road spirit of vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler, but falls short in several critical areas. 
  • The BJ40’s ride quality is one of its biggest drawbacks. While it’s built to handle off-road terrain, the vehicle’s off-road driving isn’t very impressive. The suspension can sometimes be stiff and unforgiving. 
  • In terms of interior quality, the BJ40 is disappointing. The cabin design is outdated, with hard plastics and subpar materials that give the interior a cheap feel. The infotainment system is basic and lacks the modern features found in rival vehicles.

It's clear that Chinese cars have come a long way but it's important to keep in mind that while these cars offer great value, they still face challenges faced by people in desert climates. As with any big purchase, it's all about finding what fits your needs and lifestyle best.

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