China-Made Small SUVs: Which German Gem SUV Suits Your Choices Best?

Introduction:

In our quest to explore the world of small SUVs, we’ve previously introduced you to Japanese and Korean offerings. Today, we shift our focus to China-made German small SUV as we delve into five remarkable SUV models from China Volkswagen, China Skoda, China Audi, and Smart. Join us as we uncover the power, dimensions, safety features, technology, and pricing of these vehicles, each with its own distinct character. Among these recommendations below, independent automobile consulting J.D.Power even ranked Kamiq and T-Cross with the highest award in terms of 2023 vehicle dependability study VDS.

Diving into the China Volkswagen 2023 T-Cross 1.5L Automatic Fashion Edition

The 2023 Volkswagen T-Cross 1.5L Automatic Fashion Edition represents Volkswagen’s foray into the small SUV market in China, which commenced in 2018. Before that, Volkswagen’s SUV offerings in China were primarily limited to the Tiguan model. However, since 2018, Volkswagen has been committed to expanding its presence in the Chinese SUV market across various segments, leading to the introduction of the T-Cross.

Power and Performance: The Heart of the T-Cross

Powering the T-Cross is the EA 211 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, a rarity in an era dominated by turbocharged engines. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission from Japanese manufacturer Aisin, this engine delivers a respectable 110 horsepower and 145 Newton-meters of torque. While it may not be a high-performance powerhouse, it prioritizes stable power delivery and cost-effectiveness, making it an ideal choice for China’s compact SUV market.

Compact Yet Versatile: Dimensions and Safety Features

The T-Cross boasts compact dimensions, measuring 4218 mm in length, 1760 mm in width, 1599 mm in height, with a 2651 mm wheelbase. These proportions make it agile for urban navigation while providing ample interior space. Safety is paramount, with features such as 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, six airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Additionally, advanced safety technologies like engine start-stop, energy recovery, and hill-start assist enhance both safety and efficiency.

Interior Comfort and Advanced Technology

Inside the T-Cross, a focus on driver and passenger comfort is evident. The cabin features an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with seamless CarPlay functionality, ensuring connectivity and entertainment are always at your fingertips. The instrument cluster complements this with an eight-inch LCD display, providing essential information to the driver. Comfortable fabric seats offer a pleasant seating experience, balancing simplicity and coziness.

Pricing and Variants: Affordable Quality

With an FoB starting price of $19,623 and a generous $3,000 discount, the Volkswagen T-Cross 1.5L Automatic Fashion Edition offers a competitive option for budget-conscious consumers seeking quality and reliability in a small SUV. For those desiring alternative configurations and more potent powertrains, such as the 1.4T with 150 horsepower or the 1.5T with 160 horsepower, our dedicated sales team is readily available to provide assistance and guidance.

Small Yet Featured: China Volkswagen Tacqua 1.5L Automatic Stylish Smart Edition

Unveiling the Tacqua

Introducing the Tacqua, Volkswagen’s offering in the compact SUV category, specifically the 2021 1.5L automatic Fashion Smart Link edition. Under its hood, you’ll find the trusty EA211 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, though it’s been tweaked for this model, resulting in slightly more power and torque. With a maximum horsepower of 113 and a peak torque of 145 Nm, this engine pairs seamlessly with a 6-speed automatic transmission from AISIN, offering a bit more oomph compared to its counterpart, the T-Cross.

Dimensions and Wheels

Despite its compact stature, the Tacqua boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 4149 mm in length, 1760 mm in width, and 1601 mm in height. Its wheelbase mirrors that of the T-Cross at 2651 mm. Both models sport 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, ensuring a stable and balanced ride.

Safety Features

However, the Tacqua diverges in certain safety features. It provides dual front airbags for the driver and front passenger, a minimalistic approach compared to the safety-conscious market. Optional side and head airbags are available, but this choice may raise concerns about safety. On the bright side, the Tacqua is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, engine start-stop technology, energy recovery systems, and hill-start assist, enhancing convenience and efficiency. It also comes with a rearview camera, though rear parking sensors are an optional extra, not a standard feature. Notably, the Tacqua doesn’t offer cruise control, a feature found in the T-Cross.

Convenience and Comfort

When it comes to keyless entry, the Tacqua has you covered. Its lighting system relies on halogen bulbs, a conservative choice for a compact SUV. While a panoramic sunroof is available as an option, it doesn’t come standard. Inside, the infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen with CarPlay support but lacks a digital instrument cluster. The seats are upholstered in fabric and are manually adjustable, with the rear seats offering split-folding functionality to enhance cargo versatility. The audio system includes four speakers, and the Tacqua provides rear air vents and a manual air conditioning system with a PM2.5 filter, ensuring a comfortable cabin environment.

Variants and Pricing

The 1.5L automatic Fashion Smart Link edition of the Tacqua, available on the CrissCross Auto platform, boasts a starting FoB price of $19,167, with a $3,500 discount. While it comes at a more budget-friendly price point than the T-Cross, the latter still offers a more extensive range of features and options. Of course, for those seeking enhanced configurations, the Tacqua also offers 1.2T and 1.4T engine variants, delivering improved performance and an even richer set of features.

Exploring the 2024 China Skoda Kamiq 1.5L Automatic Comfort Edition

In this segment, we delve into the 2024 China Skoda Kamiq 1.5L Automatic Comfort Edition, a vehicle that redefines the classic EA211 1.5L naturally aspirated engine. With its distinctive tuning, this small SUV delivers a compelling performance with a maximum horsepower of 109 and a peak torque of 141 Newton-meters. But what truly sets it apart is its size – boasting a length of 4390 millimeters, a width of 1781 millimeters, a height of 1606 millimeters, and a wheelbase stretching to 2610 millimeters. Power is channeled through an Aisin six-speed automatic gearbox, ensuring a smooth and efficient ride.

Elevated Standard Features

The 2024 China Skoda Kamiq is a step above its Volkswagen counterparts, the Tiguan and the Tacqua, when it comes to standard features. It comes equipped with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels that not only enhance aesthetics but also improve overall performance. Safety takes center stage with the Kamiq, offering a comprehensive package of front and rear six airbags, providing peace of mind for both the driver and passengers. Additionally, it features a tire pressure monitoring system, engine start-stop technology for enhanced fuel efficiency, and hill-start assist for tackling inclines with ease. For added convenience, the Kamiq is fitted with rear parking sensors and a rearview camera, catering to the needs of novice drivers. The inclusion of cruise control and satellite navigation further elevates its user-friendliness.

Seamless Technology Integration

A standout feature unique to the China Skoda Kamiq is its keyless ignition system, a convenience not found in the Volkswagen Tiguan or Tacqua. While the Kamiq relies on halogen headlights, it integrates LED daytime running lights for improved visibility during the day. The vehicle’s appeal is further enhanced with an electric sunroof and rain-sensing windshield wipers, adding a touch of luxury to the driving experience. The infotainment system boasts a larger nine-inch touchscreen display, supporting CarPlay functionality for seamless smartphone integration. However, it’s important to note that the driver’s instrument panel retains the traditional analog pointer-style design, maintaining a blend of classic and modern elements.

Interior Comfort and Immersive Audio

The China Skoda Kamiq prioritizes interior comfort, setting it apart from the competition. While it offers USB charging ports, it’s worth mentioning that they are primarily located in the front row, which may be a minor drawback for some passengers. The seats are upholstered in high-quality faux leather and can be adjusted manually to find the perfect seating position. To provide an immersive audio experience, the Kamiq is equipped with a six-speaker audio system, ensuring that every journey is accompanied by your favorite tunes. Additionally, the vehicle features an automatic climate control system equipped with PM2.5 air filtration, enhancing the overall cabin air quality.

Competitive Pricing and Affordability

One of the most compelling aspects of the China Skoda Kamiq is its competitive pricing. Despite sharing its lineage with the Volkswagen Tiguan and Tacqua, the 2024 China Skoda Kamiq 1.5L Automatic Comfort Edition stands out as a budget-friendly choice. On the CrissCross Auto platform, this remarkable small SUV can be yours for an FOB starting price of just $17,035. With an additional discount of $2,200, the actual selling price drops below $15,000, making it an irresistible option for budget-conscious buyers.

In summary, the 2024 China Skoda Kamiq 1.5L Automatic Comfort Edition combines power, comfort, and affordability in a package that competes favorably with its Volkswagen counterparts. Stay tuned for more in-depth reviews of other small SUVs produced in China by German brands.

China Smart # 1: Revolutionizing China-Made Small SUVs in 2023

In this deep dive into the world of small SUVs, we shine a spotlight on the 2023 China Smart # 1 Pro, a compact electric SUV that signifies a significant shift in Smart’s recent evolution. Traditionally known for its two-seater models, Smart has expanded into four- and even five-seater versions in recent years, catering to the growing demand for versatile and eco-friendly vehicles. But what truly sets the Smart # 1 apart is its innovative approach to electric mobility.

Dimensions and Interior Space: Where Size Meets Comfort

Let’s start with the basics – the dimensions. The Smart # 1 measures 4270 millimeters in length, 1822 millimeters in width, and 1636 millimeters in height. These numbers alone make it stand out in the compact SUV category, but what truly sets it apart is its exceptional 2750-millimeter wheelbase. This generous interior space is a direct result of the innovative electric powertrain layout, which redefines the concept of spaciousness in a small SUV.

Electric Powertrain and Battery: Efficient and Powerful

Under the hood, the Smart # 1 houses a rear-mounted electric motor, delivering an impressive output of up to 272 horsepower and 343 Newton-meters of torque. This motor is paired with a cutting-edge 49 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack, proudly manufactured in China. The use of this advanced battery technology ensures not only impressive performance but also environmental sustainability.

Charging the battery is a breeze, with slow-charging taking just 5.5 hours, and rapid charging from 30% to 80% achievable in a mere 30 minutes. These capabilities enable the Smart # 1 to achieve a remarkable range of 400 kilometers under CLTC (Combined Charging System & Low-Temperature Charging) conditions, setting a new benchmark for small SUVs in the market.

Safety Features and Driving Modes: Your Safety, Our Priority

Safety is a top priority for Smart, and the Spirit 1 is equipped with an array of advanced safety features. These include lane departure warning, active braking, forward collision warning, rollover prevention, low-speed driving alerts, and a road rescue calling system. These features not only enhance your safety but also provide peace of mind while navigating diverse driving conditions.

Drivers can choose from three distinct driving modes: Sport, Economy, and Standard, allowing you to tailor your driving experience to your preferences and the road ahead. As an electric vehicle, the Spirit 1 also incorporates regenerative energy capture, automatic parking assistance, and hill descent control, further enhancing its versatility and ease of use.

Technology and Design: Where Innovation Meets Aesthetics

The Smart # 1 distinguishes itself not only with its electric powertrain but also with its technological features. It boasts front and rear parking sensors, a comprehensive 360-degree panoramic camera system, and even a millimeter-wave radar for added safety. What’s more, the Smart # 1 offers Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities. This includes full-speed adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, lane centering, and lane-keeping assist, making your journeys not only more convenient but also safer.

When it comes to design, the Smart # 1 is nothing short of distinctive. It features frameless doors, a power trunk with position memory, concealed door handles, and an active grille that can discharge electricity. Lighting throughout the vehicle is entirely LED-based, including the LED headlights and an unopenable panoramic sunroof, which showcases the vehicle’s commitment to sustainable and forward-thinking design.

Inside the cabin, you’ll find a 12.8-inch infotainment screen driven by a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, ensuring smooth and responsive performance. Additionally, there’s a 9.2-inch all-digital instrument cluster and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, adding to the vehicle’s tech-savvy appeal. USB and Type-C charging ports are conveniently available for both front and rear passengers, ensuring that your devices remain charged throughout your journeys.

Interior Comfort and Ambience: Elevating Your Driving Experience

The Smart # 1 prioritizes interior comfort and ambience, making every ride a luxurious experience. Its seats are elegantly upholstered in faux leather, with both the driver and front passenger seats offering power adjustments. For those who appreciate the extra touch of warmth, heated seats are available as an option, providing a cozy embrace during colder days. What’s more, the driver’s seat even includes position memory functionality, ensuring that you can easily find your preferred seating arrangement every time you step into the vehicle.

The vehicle boasts a five-speaker audio system, complete with ambient lighting offering a choice of 64 colors. This allows you to create a personalized and inviting atmosphere inside the cabin, setting the perfect mood for your journeys. An automatic climate control system keeps everyone comfortable, while rear air vents with temperature zone control ensure the perfect temperature balance for all passengers. To top it off, the Smart # 1 includes an in-cabin PM2.5 air filtration system, enhancing the overall driving experience by providing clean and fresh air throughout your travels.

Price and Conclusion: Setting New Standards in Small SUVs

In terms of pricing, the 2023 Smart # 1 starts at a competitive FOB price of $25,035 on CrissCross Auto, with a current $1,000 discount being offered as a testament to Smart’s commitment to affordability and value. While it may command a slightly higher price point than some of its counterparts, the Smart # 1 delivers exceptional value in return. It offers robust power, advanced features, luxurious comfort, and a unique design language, making it a standout choice in the world of compact SUVs produced in China.

In conclusion, the 2023 Smart # 1 Pro redefines the landscape of China-made small SUVs, combining innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology to provide a driving experience like no other. Whether you prioritize performance, safety, or simply want to make a statement with your vehicle choice, the Smart # 1 has something to offer for everyone. As the automotive industry continues its shift towards electrification, the Smart # 1 stands as a testament to the future of mobility, setting new standards in the world of compact SUVs.

China Audi Q2L 2024 35TFSI: Get to know the upgraded features and specs

Our exploration of small SUVs takes us to the 2024 China Audi Q2L 35TFSI Ambition trim, the only luxury brand in our lineup. As the name suggests, the Q2L is an extended version of the China Audi Q2, and this becomes evident when we examine its dimensions. While the global Q2 measures 4208 millimeters in length with a wheelbase of 2589 millimeters, the Q2L stretches out to 4257 millimeters in length with a wheelbase of 2628 millimeters. This translates to an overall factory lift of approximately 50 millimeters and an impressive 40-millimeter increase in wheelbase.

Powertrain: Efficient and Familiar

Under the hood, the Q2L packs a 1.4-liter turbocharged EA211 engine, a powerplant well-known for its reliability and performance. It produces a maximum output of 150 horsepower and 250 Newton-meters of peak torque. Paired with this engine is a 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission, ensuring a smooth and responsive driving experience.

Features and Safety: An Ideal Entry-Level SUV

Despite being an entry-level small SUV, the Q2L offers a range of features and safety enhancements that make it a compelling choice. It comes equipped with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, front and rear six airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system for added safety and convenience. The Q2L also includes essential active safety features like lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, and forward collision warning.

For improved driving control, the Q2L features engine start-stop technology, automatic hill hold assist, and variable steering ratio, making it easy to maneuver in various driving situations. The vehicle is equipped with front and rear parking sensors, though it’s worth noting that a rearview camera is available as an optional upgrade for an additional cost of approximately $380. Additionally, the Q2L offers adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, enhancing both comfort and safety on the road. However, keyless start and keyless entry are not standard features on this model.

Lighting and Technology: A Modern Touch

The Q2L comes with standard LED headlights and an electric sunroof, allowing you to enjoy natural light and fresh air during your drives. Inside, you’ll find a 7-inch infotainment display that supports CarPlay, ensuring seamless connectivity with your compatible devices. While an 8.3-inch upgrade is available, some may find the larger screen more appealing.

The instrument cluster retains a classic analog-style design, but for those seeking a more modern touch, there’s an option to upgrade to the 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster. Alternatively, if you opt for a higher trim level, the 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster comes as a standard feature. The Q2L provides front passengers with two USB charging ports, and the seats are upholstered in genuine leather, making it the only small SUV in its class to offer this premium material. Both the driver and front passenger seats support manual adjustment, and if you desire heated seats, it’s available as an optional upgrade for an additional $300. The vehicle features an 8-speaker audio system and manual air conditioning.

Conclusion: The China Audi Q2L – Luxury Meets Practicality

In conclusion, the 2024 China Audi Q2L 35TFSI Ambition brings a touch of luxury to the small SUV segment while maintaining practicality and efficiency. With its extended dimensions, powerful yet economical engine, and a host of safety and convenience features, it’s a well-rounded choice for those seeking a premium driving experience. While it may not offer some keyless features as standard, the Q2L compensates with its genuine leather seats and the option to upgrade to advanced tech and safety enhancements.

The China Audi Q2L caters to drivers who value both style and substance, making it a standout contender in the world of small luxury SUVs.

Car Dimension and Price Table:

Conclusion:

As we wrap up our journey through these German-made small SUVs in China, it’s clear that each model brings something unique to the table. Whether you prioritize luxury, affordability, electric mobility, or a blend of features, there’s a small SUV for every preference. These vehicles represent the evolution of automotive technology and design, setting new standards for compact SUVs in the market.