At the very end of summer 2016, as part of the international show of the automotive industry in Moscow (according to tradition, scheduled for the end of August), Lifan held the official premiere of a seriously modernized version of the Solano compact sedan with the "II" prefix, which the Chinese themselves call "the second generation ”of this model.
The car, presented in the Celestial Empire in April 2015 under the index "650", has been radically updated in appearance, added in size, got a more modern interior and received an improved technical component.
The second "release" Lifan Solano retained its recognizable shape, but became much more attractive, more mature and more distinctive than its predecessor. The three-volume tried on a harmonious facade with slightly frowned lighting equipment and a large radiator grill, and its stern was transformed in the direction of solidity due to cute lanterns "crawling" onto the trunk lid and a "fleshy" bumper.
The restyled Solano-650 has noticeably increased in size compared to its predecessor: its length is 4620 mm, of which the wheelbase fits in 2605 mm, and the width and height do not exceed 1705 mm and 1495 mm, respectively.
The declared clearance (ground clearance) is 165 mm.
The curb weight of the car ranges from 1270 to 1280 kg (depending on the version), and its maximum permissible weight reaches 1580 kg.
Inside, Lifan Solano II looks attractive, laconic and moderately strict, in no way inferior to direct competitors.
In the interior of the sedan, attention is drawn to a modern multi-steering wheel with a three-spoke design, an originally arranged and informative instrument panel and an ergonomic center console, on which a 7-inch touchscreen of an advanced infotainment complex and a stylish climate control are concentrated.
The four-door interior is well assembled using inexpensive, but quite good-quality finishing materials: hard plastics, glossy "decor", inserts "like metal" and artificial leather in seat upholstery with red thread stitching.
The front seats of the car have not the most comfortable profile with poorly developed support on the sides, but wide ranges of adjustments. On the second row is a hospitably molded sofa that can accommodate three passengers of average height (however, they will definitely not feel the excess of free space).
Full order in the three-volume and with cargo capacity is the same 650 liters, which can be increased by folding the rear sofa (ie sacrificing "passenger capacity"). In the underground niche there is a full-size spare wheel on a stamped disc.
On the Russian market, the "second Solano" is offered with two gasoline four-cylinder "atmospheric" equipped with a cast-iron cylinder block, variable valve timing, multi-point fuel injection and a 16-valve DOHC timing belt:
- The basic version is a 1.5-liter (1498 cubic centimeters) engine with 100 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 129 Nm of torque at 4000-5000 rpm.
- The more efficient versions relies on a 1.8-liter (1794 cubic centimeters) engine that produces 133 hp. at 6000 rpm and 168 Nm of torque at 4200-4400 rpm.
Both units are mated with a 5-speed "mechanics" and a leading front axle, and the "senior" - also with a continuously variable CVT variator as an option.
The maximum capabilities of the Chinese sedan do not exceed 180 km / h, and its fuel consumption varies from 6.5 to 7 liters (depending on the modification) for each "combined hundred" of run.
The Lifan Solano II tricycle is based on an upgraded platform from its predecessor with an independent MacPherson-type suspension in front and a semi-independent configuration with a twisting beam at the rear ("in a circle" - with anti-roll bars).
The vehicle is equipped with shaft-mounted electric power assisted rack and pinion steering. Disc brakes (ventilated in front) are used on all wheels of the four-door, working in conjunction with ABS, EBD and other electronics.
In the Russian market, Lifan Solano II is offered in three versions - "Basic", "Comfort" and "Luxury".
For the starting equipment of a car with a 1.5-liter unit, they ask for a minimum of 559,900 rubles, for which you get: front airbags, 15-inch steel wheels, leather upholstery, ABS, EBD, four power windows, air conditioning, an audio system with four speakers and some other equipment.
A three-volume with a 1.8-liter engine is provided from the "Comfort" version at a price of 729,900 rubles, for the "top" version you will have to pay from 759,900 rubles, and a modification with a variator is not cheaper than 809,900 rubles.
The most "sophisticated" cars have: 15-inch alloy wheels, multifunctional steering wheel, keyless entry, engine start from a button, heated and electrically operated rear-view mirrors, a multimedia system, heated front seats, "music" with six columns, rear parking sensors and others " chips ".
