Introduction:
Enter the Chery Explore 06, a newcomer that takes a different approach. It offers only one powertrain option, a 1.6T engine, and lacks a differential lock in its four-wheel-drive system. However, it significantly lowers the price, making it easy to get a four-wheel-drive model for around $20,000 (FOB). Recently, we had the opportunity to test drive the Explore 06 four-wheel-drive version to see how it performs in the real world.
In recent years, the popularity of light offroad SUVs has been on the rise. Positioned between urban SUVs and hardcore offroaders, they offer better offroad capabilities than city SUVs while maintaining lower fuel consumption than their rugged counterparts. The Haval Big Dog has been a representative model in this category, boasting consistent sales figures. However, if your budget falls in the range of $18,000 to $20,000, choosing the right model from the Haval Big Dog lineup can be a bit perplexing. This is because only the 2.0T variant offers four-wheel drive, and it pushes the price beyond the $20,000 mark.
Chery Explore 06: Exterior Design
At first glance, the Chery Explore 06 stands out with its lower body height and ample width. The front of the vehicle features a vertically squared-off front fascia adorned with a dense grille pattern that incorporates a prominent badge. The headlights are of a split design, with the top section housing LED daytime running lights and the lower section containing the main LED headlights.
These lights have equipped with automatic illumination and adaptive high-beam assist, available in both mid and high trim levels. The front bumper adds to its offroad character with body-colored accents and rugged side sills. The rear of the vehicle is wide and low, with a sloping rear window and a prominent roof spoiler. The taillights also feature a pixelated design, and the rear bumper incorporates black cladding, black wheel arches, and dual exhaust tips, adding a touch of ruggedness.
A Typical Compact SUV
The dimensions of the Chery Explore 06 are as follows: length 4538mm, width 1898mm, height 1680mm, and a wheelbase of 2672mm. These measurements place it in the compact SUV category. Compared to the Haval Big Dog, the Explore 06 has a shorter wheelbase and overall length, lower height, but ample width. In terms of offroad capability, it offers an approach angle of 20 degrees, a departure angle of 24 degrees, a minimum ground clearance of 200mm in an unladen state, and a maximum wading depth of 605mm. While these figures fall short of the Haval Big Dog, they still provide decent offroad performance.
The Chery Explore 06 offers a choice of three wheel sizes: 17, 18, and 19 inches. The 17-inch wheels are exclusive to the four-wheel-drive variant, designed to improve offroad capability with thicker tire sidewalls. The model we tested featured 19-inch wheels with a dual-tone, low-drag design, albeit with an unconventional touch of red brake calipers. The tire specifications are 235/50 R19, providing ample width, and they pair with Goldway EVOLUTION CTT tires, delivering good traction and water dispersion. The tires also offer a quiet ride.
Interior and Technology of Chery Explore 06
Inside the Chery Explore 06, the cabin layout exudes a modern and minimalist vibe with a limited number of control buttons. The horizontally stretched center console features two horizontal decorative strips, with air vents concealed within the upper strip and a metal-finish panel and 64-color ambient lighting below. The large rectangular air vents on both sides of the center console give a rugged appearance. Most of the dashboard is covered in soft-touch materials, ensuring a comfortable feel.
The passenger-side dashboard features a stylish pattern, and the dual screens—10.25 inches for the instrument cluster and 13.2 inches for the center display—create a futuristic atmosphere. The D-shaped steering wheel is wrapped in genuine leather, providing a comfortable grip. Both sides of the steering wheel equip with flat layouts for easy control.
Intelligence Technology Enables Chery Explore 06 Smart
On the left, you’ll find controls for the advanced driver assistance systems, with the Explore 06 offering Level 2 ADAS in mid and high trim levels. The 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster offers a three-zone display, with the ability to project navigation information onto the instrument cluster using a two-finger swipe gesture.
This high-trim model also features a color head-up display (HUD) that displays speed, navigation, and assistance information, enhancing convenience. The 13.2-inch vertical center display has a narrow frame, is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip for smooth operation, and features quick-access cards at the bottom, fixed menus, and vertical and horizontal menus for easy navigation. The voice recognition system is accurate and responsive, making it easy to use.
Comfortable is Not Forgotten
The Chery Explore 06 offers ample storage space throughout the cabin. The center console features storage for two smartphones with 50W wireless charging and ventilation. It also includes a large dual-cup holder that can accommodate large-sized water bottles. The rear center armrest has a spacious interior, a magic tissue box holder, and a sizable storage space below. The seats are upholstered in faux leather with a balanced level of cushioning, ample seat length, and sufficient lateral support.
In addition to the standard power adjustments, the front seats offer 4-way lumbar support adjustment, ensuring comfort on long journeys. High-trim models come with ventilated and heated front seats, and the driver’s seat includes a memory function and welcome lighting for added convenience. The rear seats feature the same material as the front seats, with extended seat cushions, suitable backrest recline, and some lumbar support, providing good lateral support. In terms of space, a 175cm-tall individual found ample legroom, headroom, and lateral space. The flat floor provides a nearly flat cargo area, enhancing practicality.
The regular cargo capacity of the trunk is 410 liters, which is decent but has a relatively shallow depth. A partition board can be used to separate the space both vertically and longitudinally, improving utility. And the rear seats have a 4:6 split-folding function, allowing for a maximum cargo volume of 1338 liters.
Performance and Drivetrain in the Chery Explore 06
Powering the Chery Explore 06 is Chery’s in-house developed 1.6T engine, which is widely used in models like the Tiggo 8, boasting a high level of maturity. The engine features an aluminum alloy cylinder block and cylinder head, direct fuel injection, and DVVT (Dual Variable Valve Timing) technology. It produces a maximum power of 145kW at 5500rpm and a peak torque of 290Nm between 2000 and 4000rpm.
While these figures may be slightly lower than the Haval Big Dog’s 2.0T engine, the Explore 06’s lower curb weight compensates for this difference.
At idle, the engine exhibits minimal vibrations and remains unobtrusive. During initial acceleration, low-end torque feels modest, providing a smooth and gradual acceleration response. However, the engine is highly responsive to throttle inputs delivering noticeable torque around 2000 RPM. Once the vehicle gains speed, acceleration becomes more direct. It is able to cruise at around 1500 RPM results in a satisfying acceleration response.
Solid Performance of Acceleration
The vehicle can quickly reach speeds beyond 150 km/h with ease. The engine is paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which offers smooth shifts except for a noticeable gap between 1st and 2nd gears. The transmission operates seamlessly in the other gears. During highway cruising, sudden acceleration prompts a swift downshift, with a slight delay of about half a second before the system determines the appropriate gear based on vehicle speed and throttle input.
Fuel efficiency for this model, thanks in part to its lighter weight, easily reaches around 6 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway and approximately 7.5 liters per 100 kilometers in city driving, resulting in a combined fuel consumption of around 7 liters per 100 kilometers.
In terms of the chassis, the Explore 06 features a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup. On straight roads, the suspension effectively absorbs minor vibrations, providing a smooth ride. At high speeds, the chassis stability is commendable, avoiding the floating sensation often associated with some SUVs. The tires maintain a strong grip on the road, owing to the vehicle’s wider and lower body.
Outstanding Off-roads Capabilities
The vehicle exhibits a high level of responsiveness, with precise steering and two steering assist modes—comfort and sport. These settings offer varying levels of resistance. Due to its stable chassis, we conduct some slalom maneuvers and quick turns, and the Chery Explore 06’s performance was akin to a sedan. It display excellent control over body roll, quick re-centering. And it is also creating a strong connection between the driver and the vehicle.
This four-wheel-drive model employs an on-demand four-wheel-drive system with seven driving modes, including snow, mud, sand, and offroad. Activating the four-wheel-drive mode redistributes power to the rear axle. For instance, when tackling a stretch of uneven terrain, engaging the four-wheel-drive mode enables the vehicle to perform admirably with lighter throttle inputs, resulting in noticeable improvements in traction.
Even without central and rear differential locks, the Intelligent Power Distribution (IPD) system can apply brake force to slipping wheels, effectively simulating a limited-slip differential. Explore 06 may not match the Haval Big Dog in terms of offroad prowess. But it significantly enhances offroad capability compared to its two-wheel-drive counterparts, making light offroading a possibility.
Conclusion:
Previously, Haval Big Dog introduced the concept of a 3/4 scale. This conception describes a state of offroad capability that falls between urban SUVs and hardcore offroaders. Borrowing this concept, we can position the Chery Explore 06 at the 2/4 scale mark. It is a little lighter and more accessible than the Haval Big Dog. While it may not excel in extreme offroad situations, it excels in everyday commuting with its simplicity and comfort. The Explore 06 boasts lower fuel consumption, user-friendly infotainment, and a more affordable price tag for the four-wheel-drive variant. For young individuals who primarily use their vehicle for daily commutes and occasional weekend outdoor adventures, the Explore 06 is an excellent choice.
Outbound Links: