Chinese manufacturers have made a big song and dance about entering the price points that joint venture manufacturers traditionally occupy in the 100,000rmb and rising segment. Traditionally cars priced less than 100,000rmb was the realm of the Chinese, 100,000 and up was foreign territory, territorial lines became blurred over the past 24 months when companies such as Geely, Chery and BYD launched their own mid to high end brands with vastly improved vehicles. Chang’an have arrived late to this party, but if you come late to a party then you have to bring something good with you, in this case Chang’an has not let us down with the Eado. The Eado has had its first airing in China but this is the second time that it has been shown, it was of course shown at the Frankfurt Auto Show earlier.
The Eado was benchmarked against the Hyundai Elantra, one of China’s best selling cars, on the inside Buick type quality was set as a benchmark for the Eado. Western sales are unlikely to begin soon, but Chinese sales are going to begin later this year or in early 2012. Power trains are a real mix, 1.6L, 1.8L and 2.0L, transmissions are the same – 4sp auto, 5sp manual, 6sp auto and 6sp manual, it almost seems that Chang’an are quite desperate to sell this vehicle and make a success out of it, although you cannot blame them as their previous sedan models such as the Zhi Xiang came and went within the blink of an eye.
When it hits the market the Eado will likely be priced high, we can guess that prices will be in the 110,000rmb at the low end although even this seems too low for a car of this quality. The Eado really is a benchmark for which the rest of the Chinese manufacturers can place themselves on in terms of materials and design. It seems Chang’an will be going places.
Thanks to: China Car Times
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