Chinese Cars May Flood Market Soon

Carmakers of the world displayed their latest automotive prowess at the Guangzhou Auto Show 2016 in China. Not to be outdone by the powerful foreign rivals were dozens of domestic Chinese car companies. 

China’s car companies have developed at an incredible pace in recent years, not least due to their partnership with European and US brands, and the subsequent borrowing of technical know-how.

Some of the latest models at the Guangzhou continue the global trend towards SUVs. Below is a low-down of what could be expected in Iran in 2017/18. 

 Brilliance Shineray X7

At the show was the Brilliance-Shineray X7 MPV. This vehicle with more than a hint of BMW in its design is aiming to build on Brilliance’s range of sedans and small SUV’s. 

The X7 MPV has just been launched in the Chinese car market, with a large long body, usable roof rails and alloys are likely to get many families buying the large vehicle. 

There are two engines available: a 1.5 turbo with 156hp and 230nm, and a 1.8 with 137hp and 185nm. Engines come in five-speed manual or six-speed automatic

Prices start from 85,900 yuan ($12,440) up to 106,900 ($15,480) in the domestic market.

Working on the price differential between Brilliance cars in the local Iran market and their Chinese counterparts, there is a 24% increase in the cost to Iranian buyers. 

Thus, when the X7 comes to the Iranian market, the price tag would in the neighborhood of 740 million rials ($19,196) for the full-spec model. 

 Zotye T300 + EV

Another SAIPA partner, Zotye, which sells the Ario (Zotye Z300), also unveiled a new crossover vehicle in Guangzhou. And unlike the Brilliance, this one looks better proportioned. 

The T300 was first displayed earlier this year at the Beijing Show. However, the model displayed in Guangzhou has a more cost-efficient build according to a photo comparisons between the two. 

Accordingly, the production version of T300 will be launched by April 2017, according to Car News China, and it may punch above its weight if it offers European quality for less money. 

The gasoline-powered T300 will cost between 60,000 yuan ($8,000) and 90,000 yuan ($13,000) in China. The gasoline model has a 1.5 turbo engine with 162hp and 215nm. 

If the car were to come to Iran, there would be a 29% increase in the final price as is apparent from other Zotyes in the local market. Accordingly, the top-whack cost for the vehicle would be around 650 million rials ($16,670).

 JAC S7

JAC also displayed their latest models at the Chinese event, including the new JAC S7 SUV. 

The S7 is the largest SUV for the JAC brand. It will be launched at home in March according to Chinese sources. Design features include a large grille, just like on the new updated S3 and S5 models.

Power will come from a 2.0 turbo gasoline engine with about 190 horses, mated to a six-speed manual or a six-speed DCT. Prices will start somewhere around 100,000 yuan ($14,440) and head north from there. 

In Iran it would likely cost around 12% more, according to Kerman Motor prices. The Kerman company sells the vehicle in the market. Accordingly, it would cost 620 million rials ($16,128), by Financial Tribune estimates. 

 MG ZS SUV

The formally British MG brand also launched their latest SUV in Guangzhou. Called the MG ZS, the new large sports utility follows their already released MG GS in the local market. 

The ZS will be launched in the Chinese market in the first half of 2017 (no exact date yet). It will be positioned below the GS model.

Currently there is no date for an Iran release, but it is likely we could see this in local MG showrooms by next summer. 

There will be two engines available: a 1.5 with 120hp and 150nm mated to a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual, and a brand new 1.0 3-cylinder turbo with 125hp and 170nm, mated to a 6-speed DCT or a 6-speed manual. 

The price of the vehicle is expected to range from 80,000 yuan ($11,582) to 120,000 yuan ($17,373).

The ZS, following other MG prices in the market, would likely cost 900 million rials ($23,280), which is a 34% dearer due to high import tariffs.