Every spring, as the weather warms up, I find myself planning my road trips for the year. There are plenty of scenic routes across the country, from coastal drives to mountainous terrains, grasslands, and forests. Each time I plan a road trip, I carefully consider whether my vehicle is comfortable and reliable enough for the journey.
If you're also pondering over the ideal ride for your springtime adventures, then this roundup might just be what you need.
In this edition, I've handpicked five vehicles priced between 10,000 to 50,000 dollars, each perfect for spring outings and road trips. These selections aim to provide you with valuable insights when considering your next vehicle purchase.
In terms of this vehicle, we can consider it as a "rebadged" version of the Opel Astra. As a result, it exudes a European compact car vibe in its overall character. With a blend of refined European styling and Buick's premium feel, its body design certainly doesn't come off as cheap.
At the same time, SAIC-GM Buick brings a body length of 4664mm (4688mm for the GS version) and a wheelbase of 2700mm for this car. The interior space experience is on par with mainstream A-segment sedans. For young individuals or small families, its overall space is adequate, capable of meeting the needs of outdoor excursions, long-distance travel, and similar scenarios.
In these scenarios, it's crucial to focus on the driving performance of the vehicle. The Weilang Pro delivers a commendable power experience with its "Avatar" 1.5L four-cylinder engine and steel chain CVT transmission. With 184 horsepower and 250 N·m of torque, it effortlessly reduces the 0-100 km/h acceleration time to 7.7 seconds. Such power performance is attractive to younger drivers and also ensures a smooth experience for long-distance cruising or driving in high-altitude mountainous areas.
Additionally, the Weilang Pro adopts a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam (with Watt's linkage) suspension configuration, with overall tuning leaning towards European compact cars. In simple terms, it is well-suited for navigating winding mountain roads and provides a satisfying driving experience.
Vehicle in the price range of ¥100,000 to ¥200,000: Subaru LevorgGuidance price range: ¥199,800 to ¥230,800
Brief review: With its horizontally opposed engine and all-wheel drive system, the Subaru Levorg allows you to go wherever you want, whenever you want.
The Subaru brand may seem unfamiliar to many ordinary consumers. However, it's precisely this brand that has gained recognition among car enthusiasts for its classic horizontally opposed engine and all-wheel drive system. Dominating top-tier competitions like WRC, Subaru stands out as one of the most unique Japanese automakers in the hearts of fans.
The brand, as such, doesn't come with a hefty price tag, especially for entry-level models. Take, for instance, the entry-level SUV Subaru XV (next-generation model), which is priced at under 200,000 CNY. This compact SUV, while providing adequate space, also offers mechanical qualities suitable for long-distance travel.
The Subaru Levorg features a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed engine producing 169 horsepower and 252 Nm of torque, paired with a steel chain-driven CVT transmission. Despite its modest specifications, the combination of a medium to large naturally aspirated engine and the advantages of a horizontally opposed layout, such as a lower center of gravity, results in excellent handling characteristics. If you have a penchant for JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) models and are fond of Subaru vehicles, the Subaru Levorg is definitely worth considering.
The Xubao not only boasts an impressive powertrain but also comes equipped with a full-time four-wheel-drive system. Paired with front MacPherson strut suspension and rear double wishbone suspension, this vehicle offers top-notch handling, making it a capable option for both cornering and off-road adventures during self-driving journeys.
In addition, the author points out that the Xubao is a suitable SUV for travel and self-driving adventures. Apart from its commendable performance and handling, its safety features are also highlighted. Subaru's active and passive safety measures rival those of Volvo. Even the base model of the Xubao is equipped with the EyeSight active safety system, providing reliable protection during spring outings and journeys.
In the price range of 200,000 to 300,000 RMB: Tank 400 Hi4-T
Guidance Price Range: 279,800 RMB to 289,800 RMB
Brief Commentary: A true hardcore off-road vehicle that is suitable for both outings and daily use.
If the Subaru Xubao is considered suitable only for traveling on moderately challenging non-paved roads, then the Tank 400 Hi4-T from Great Wall is the real hardcore off-road vehicle.
"Picture this: At the edge of the map is exactly where the Tank 400 Hi4-T begins its journey. This tank boasts a sturdy unibody construction and is equipped with the Hi4-T four-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid system. This hybrid setup features a decently performing electric motor positioned between the 2.0T engine and the 9-speed automatic transmission."
In a parallel-driven scenario, the Tank 400 Hi4-T boasts a system integrated power of up to 300 kW and comprehensive torque of 750 N·m, ensuring ample power for both long-distance highway cruising and off-road adventures. Furthermore, this vehicle comes equipped with off-road features such as central locking, rear locking, tank turning, and creep mode, making it effortlessly capable of tackling challenging off-road terrain this spring, allowing you to experience the joy of "off-road-style outings".
The Tank 400 Hi4-T is noteworthy for its ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 6.8 seconds. With the assistance of its plug-in hybrid system, it achieves an impressive fuel consumption of only 9.52 liters per 100 kilometers, making it a truly fuel-efficient option among mid to large-sized off-road vehicles. Additionally, under WLTC conditions, the vehicle boasts a pure electric range of 105 kilometers. This means it can be driven purely on electric power for daily urban commutes and weekend excursions, further reducing overall operating costs. It's suitable for both travel and city driving alike.
Vehicle Model: Buick GL8 ES Landking
Price Range: ¥317,900 - ¥417,900 (Only for ES Landking trim, excluding Business Lounge and AVIA variants)
Brief Overview: This fella here, it's all about comfort, and most folks seem to agree.
When it comes to the Buick GL8 MPV, there might still be some lingering skepticism among prospective family car buyers. After all, the GL8's performance in the C-IASI safety test by China Insurance Research Institute was quite a shocker. However, SAIC-GM Buick swiftly improved the passive safety of this flagship MPV after the crash test, and in subsequent tests, the GL8 consistently earned good (A-grade) or higher ratings in terms of safety.
Objectively speaking, when it comes to travel, the GL8 can be considered a rather impressive vehicle. Firstly, its spacious seven-seat layout ensures ample practicality, even for a family of six or seven people with a substantial amount of luggage. The GL8 effortlessly accommodates all your needs.
Additionally, this MPV offers quite impressive comfort. The second-row seats, labeled as "first-class cabin" level, are optimized with precise ergonomics to provide a genuinely comfortable riding experience. Despite experiencing many seats claiming to provide a "cloud-like" or "zero-gravity" sensation, the author still finds none of them as comfortable as those in the GL8.
Besides providing comfortable seating, the GL8 also offers numerous thoughtful details for the whole family during outings. For instance, its multi-layered soundproof glass ensures a quiet cabin environment, enhancing the overall tranquility. The foldable table in front of the second-row seats adds to the comfort during journeys. Additionally, the eco-friendly interior materials and air purification system are particularly beneficial for the respiratory health of seniors and children, effectively reducing the risk of spring pollen allergies and similar issues.
Price Range: Volkswagen Touareg
Guidance Price Range: 587,800 CNY to 793,800 CNY
Brief Review: Reasonable pricing and a driving experience that surpasses luxury brands
The Volkswagen Touareg, once renowned alongside the Volkswagen Phaeton as a "subtle luxury," is now available at a reasonable price range, especially amidst significant price drops in the market. During a recent visit to an authorized imported Volkswagen dealership, the entry-level version of this vehicle was observed to be available for around 500,000 CNY.
In the price range of under $500,000, you can find Volkswagen models that offer comfort and mechanical quality comparable to the Audi Q8.
Firstly, in terms of the chassis, the Touareg is essentially on par with the Audi Q8. Its multi-link front suspension structure is actually similar to a double wishbone front suspension, providing excellent support. Similarly, the rear suspension structure of this vehicle also remains largely consistent with models like the Audi Q8, delivering both comfort and sportiness.
The Touareg is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission and the Touareg's 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, which provides excellent driving stability in scenarios like self-driving tours. Essentially, while the Touareg's 4MOTION system is named differently, it operates similarly to the mechanical quattro all-wheel drive system found in the Audi Q8.
Furthermore, it's advisable for everyone to opt directly for the 2.0T version of the Touareg. This is because in terms of actual driving performance, the Touareg's 2.0TSI version, with 265 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque, offers ample power reserves, making its overall power sufficient. Additionally, the power tuning of the Touareg 3.0TSI version is not as excellent as that of the 2.0TSI, often resulting in early-stage power lag and hesitation issues. Taking into account price factors and driving experience, the Touareg 2.0TSI offers great value for money.
Closing Thoughts:
In our latest Spring Outing Vehicle Roundup, I didn't include any pure electric models. That's because in the context of outings, the practicality and peace of mind offered by conventional fuel and plug-in hybrid vehicles are indeed much higher. Among the five recommended models in this issue, they cover a wide range of price points, so for consumers, these models are unlikely to disappoint.
