In October 2015, the Chinese company Zotye officially unveiled to the public a new premium compact crossover called SR7, striking in its external resemblance to the German Audi Q3 SUV and its distinctive interior. But it was possible to get acquainted with the pre-production car back in September at an international bride show in Chengdu, where it was shown under the working index S21.
In the Celestial Empire, the sale of new items will start in December 2015, and at the beginning of 2016 it should go to the Russian market.
The appearance of the Zotye SR7 instantly traces a resemblance to the Audi Q3, and from some angles the cars can be completely confused.
Aggressive "face" with stylish optics and sculpted bumper, dynamic silhouette with large radii of wheel arches and expressive stampings and powerful stern with LED lights and imitation of a bifurcated exhaust in a "sports" bumper - the "Chinese" looks beautiful, modern and harmonious.
The car belongs to the community of compact crossovers: its length is 4510 mm, height - 1610 mm, width - 1835 mm, wheelbase - 2680 mm. The ground clearance of the five-door in the "stowed" state does not exceed 190 mm.
The interior of the Zotye RS7 looks original and even distinctive, and the credit for this belongs to a huge 12-inch touchscreen display that completely occupies the center console and controls all the main functions. No less interesting to look at is a multifunctional steering wheel with a raised rim, and a combination of devices with several "wells" and a trip computer screen.
In the interior of the crossover, high-quality finishing materials are used, in particular, pleasant plastics, genuine leather and inserts "like metal".
The interior of the Chinese SUV is designed to accommodate five riders, including the driver. The front seats have comfortable seats with reasonable lateral support and wide setting ranges, while the rear seats have a comfortable sofa offering ample space on all fronts.
How large the luggage compartment of the car is is still unknown.
Specifications. There is only one engine available for the Zotye SR7 - a four-cylinder petrol engine with a working volume of 1.5 liters (1499 cubic centimeters) with a 16-valve timing, turbocharging system and direct fuel supply, producing 150 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 195 Nm of torque at 2000 -4400 rpm.
In combination with it, a 5-speed "mechanics" or a continuously variable variator are involved, but the transmission is exclusively front-wheel drive. How dynamic, fast and economical the "Chinese" is, the automaker has not yet announced.
At the heart of the Zotye SR7 lies a budget front-wheel drive architecture with an independent suspension structure with McPherson struts at the front and a semi-independent configuration with a torsion beam at the rear.
The crossover is equipped with an electric power steering rack and pinion. The braking system of the car is represented by disc devices on the front and rear wheels (in the first case with ventilation) and ABS and EBD technologies.
Options and prices. At the beginning of 2016, the Zotye SR7 should reach the Russian market at a price of 768 thousand rubles.
The basic configuration of the SUV includes front airbags, a multimedia center with a 12-inch screen, ABS, EBD, climate system, multifunction steering wheel, 16-inch wheel rims, power windows for all doors, as well as LED daytime running lights and taillights.
