My Chinese Acquisition

[Nish_H]

20 000 kms completed with the GAC in just under 11 months.

Other than serving as my daily car of choice, it’s used for the family holidays and all the weekend running evident by the mileage in less than a year of ownership.

To date, other than the minor screen glitches which seems to be sorted post the 15k kms service, I’ve had zero issues. The build quality and solid feel is as good as the day I bought it, with all interior bits and bobs holding up very well.

When buying a car, you have expectations and this car has met all those expectations. Hasn’t fallen short in any aspect - very comfortable as a daily and for the long KZN trip, copes well with gravel roads when visiting game reserves or other similar holiday destinations and spacious rear seating for 3 comfortably together with decent boot space.

Average fuel consumption around the 8.3-8.5l/100 kms.

Dealership experience has only been at time of purchase and the 2 services thus far. All handled well with service level fine. More communication, feedback and professionalism when compared with my Mini service experience at BMW Centurion.

Let’s see how it continues to hold up as I rack up more mileage and then the inevitable resale question when it’s time to sell.

I’m still looking for a nice set of 20” rims however options are limited compared to when shopping for a VAG so patience is key.

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[Nish_H]

One year ownership and 22 500 kms covered.

My 12 month review:

As a daily:

Very comfortable, tackles the imperfect roads really well. Have done some gravel driving and no issues there as well. Has all the features one could want and average fuel consumption around the 8-8.5L/100kms
So tick!

Build quality:

Absolutely no issues, not one rattle and everything feels as solid as the day I drove it off the showroom floor brand new.
Seats are holding up great with no signs of any wear.
Paint still looks good, and has the shine after a car wash. No proper detail done to this car.
So tick!

Service:

2 services completed, GAC Bryanston was good and nothing to report that warrants any complaints. Booking was easy and straightforward and comprehensive feedback given when I went to fetch the car.
So tick!

Driving dynamics:

Takes you from A to B, can’t say it’s a fun drive but then again it’s been used for the mundane tasks. Gearbox is very smooth but does suffer, somewhat less than other Chinese cars, with the laggy take-off
No tick here!

Family/holiday car:

Did 2 trips to KZN, and some other 2-3 hour weekend away journeys and enough space, in the boot and for backseat passengers.
Nothing to really complain about.
So tick!

I am bored of the car though, but that’s just me with most cars around the 12 month time frame. Can’t sell now without taking a bath on resale/shortfall so it has to continue doing the above for my family and I.
Thankfully I have other options to get my heart racing!