Chery A520

Overview:

Chery is the number one voted automobile manufacturing unit of China for consecutive eight successful years. It manufactures, assemble its own cars and distribute the finished products to its local partners alongside the ASEAN segment including Malaysia and few other countries. Due to the highly competitive pricing and overall features the manufacturers embed in the given cost, Chery has received a fairly good response in Malaysian market. With Chery automobiles, the company has given every citizen a dream of owning a dedicated sedan and meeting the demands of having a luxury lifestyle. The low pricing and confident styling of its cars arose interest in people in the country and the company in return, actually offered value for their money. True, Chery is not responsible of creating wonder cars but yes they do fulfill the demands of your gleaming eyes of having your personal cabin space with all the standard features equipped.

Among the models Chery automobiles launched in Malaysian market, Chery A52O is probably its most successful venture. Chery A520 is powered with a powerful 2.0-litre engine with 4-cylinders (4 valves per cylinder) configured with DOHC (double overhead camshaft) and thus deliver a decent maximum power output of 95 kW at 5750 rpm alongside a peak torque of 180 Nm between 4300 to 4500 rpm. In tandem, 4-speed automatic steptronic transmission sends maximum power from the gearbox to the ACTECO 2.0-litre engine. Thus, in combination with the engine, it improves the overall performance of Chery A520.

Its exterior profile is kept very calm and subtle, yet it looks confident in the styling. The headlights are given an eagle-shape with crystal lamps embedded inside. It not only gives poised look to the front of the vehicle, but it also ensures safety at night by giving clear visibility of high-low beams. The roof of the body is skylined arc-shape to give it smooth and sliding look. The inner structure is integrated in unique fashion with all the basic amenities one requires while traveling through dedicated long routes. The lever knob is also covered with the fabric lined as the other interior parts which only increases the sophistication on the inside. Henceforth, Chery A520 may not be the best sedan around when you talk of looks and features, but certainly when you consider the price tag embedded with it, it is a decent drive for upgrading to a serene lifestyle.

Mileage and Fuel economy:

Chery A520, the economical sedan is powered with ACTECO engine which is company's own flagship and the idea behind fitting this engine with the sedan is making it highly fuel efficient for its occupants compromising a little on the power aspect. In-lined with Electronic Multipoint Injection (EMI) fuel system Chery A520 is capable of covering a distance of 100 km bringing out a decent fuel consumption of 7.2 l/100km which is decent enough driving under standard conditions.

Power:

This 5-door sedan is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC (double overhead camshaft) engine which gives a maximum power output of 95 kW at 5750 rpm along with the peak torque of 180 Nm between 4300 rpm to 4500 rpm.

Acceleration & Pickup:

The 180 Nm torque achievable even at 4500 rpm is quite sufficient to maximize A520 acceleration and give the vehicle instant power for over-taking and speeding. The acceleration count for this car is 13.5 seconds to breach the speed mark of 0-100 km and the top speed it can go 180 km/h driving with 4-speed steptronic automatic transmission.

Exterior:

There is nothing too fancy about this budget sedan, be it outside or within. Chery A520's exterior profile is kept very calm and subtle, yet it looks confident in the styling. The headlights as such are an eagle-shape design with crystal lamps embedded inside. It not only gives poised look to the front of the vehicle, but it also ensures safety at night by giving clear visibility of high-low beams. The chrome grille is designed with a U-shape in horizontal slats with company logo embedded in the centre. It ensures proper radiation from the engine room and allows cool air to enter. The roof of the body is skylined arc-shape to give it smooth and sliding look. Looking at the side profile, one continuous streak traverse from headlight to the rear lamp enhancing the charm of the body. The side mirrors are provided with heating function and are electrically powered so that the driver can adjust the mirror as per the comfort and is kept in body colors with the door handles. The five-spoked alloy wheels are covered upright with the round bulging fenders rendering the vehicle balanced grip with the road.

Exterior Measurements:

This 5-door sedan has subcompact dimensions defining the complete body structure providing enough interior space with the overall length 4552 mm, width 1750 mm and the height 1483 mm. The wheelbase for the same is 2600 mm, which is one of the standout features in the drive, this extended wheelbase ensures big cabin space for a comfort filled driving adventure.

Interior:

The interiors of Chery A520 is designed in dark and bright color upholstery all-over. Even, the lever knob is also covered with the fabric lined as the other interior parts and increases the sophistication inside. The ergonomically set 3-spoked steering wheel is adjustable to the desired height for easy handling and is mounted with switches to monitor functions meanwhile driving. Straight in the sight of steering wheel, the multi-function display panel is integrated in three arcs, that displays information including fuel consumption, speed, time, etc. Apart from this, a small digital display is provided on the dashboard which keeps you updated for climate changes which you can regulate as per your choice via Automatic Climate Control function. Increased driver control is regulated with multi function door panel and is allocated with several switches. This way, despite sporting a very basic and simple interior, the controls for driver offers dominant control and reach to all the sections of the car.

Interior Comfort:

The inner structure is integrated in unique fashion with all the basic amenities one requires while traveling long routes. There is enough legroom for both the cabins with 60:40 split folding rear seats and sliding adjustable front seats. Intelligent remote control key gives you electronic access and authorization for key-less entry, locking and unlocking of the vehicle. Storage compartments are provided to weigh your mini burden with front door side pocket storage, front seat back pocket, instrument panel storage box, driver storage box, front central armrest storage compartment and cup holders in the front and rear armrest. All the doors are equipped with Power windows lock switch so that everyone in the car upholds incremented comfort level.

Interior Measurements:

The boot capacity that this sedan offers to its occupants is 483-litres which is a good count for this range of the car. This volume can be further expanded up to some extinct by adjusting the rear seats in 60:40 ratio.

Engine and Performance:

Chery A520 is powered with ACTECO engine which is company's own patented engine embedding Electronic Multipoint Injection (EMI) technology. This 2.0-litre engine with 4-cylinders and 16 valves configuration alongside DOHC (double overhead camshaft) delivers a maximum power output measuring 95 kW at 5750 rpm along with a peak torque measuring 180 Nm between 4300 rpm to 4500 rpm. To regulate and keep check on this engine efficiency, company has integrated Intelligent Serial CAN-bus system inside. Through this system, regular communication is maintained between all on-board controllers from engine-transmission-ABS.

Stereo and Accessories:

Coming to the entertainment segment fitted in A520, the cabin is provided with 6 speaker system for giving a decent sound output. Chery doesn't facilitate too much of stereo functions in this vehicle but yes the centre of the dashboard houses a single CD player. It also comes equipped with a mini USB and Aux Jack for external music sources (phone or MP3 Player). There is not much to flaunt in this segment but this basic sound system may come handy in long journeys.

Wheels:

To add on to its elegance factor, Chery A520 is outfitted with 15-inch rims with the complete tyre size measuring 195/55 R15. The solid rim material is made with alloy and designed in five-spoke design and ensures balanced driving on all kind of path ways.

Braking and Handling:

One strong positive that Chery A520 holds against its competition while driving a Chery A520 is a stable drive with a suspension that ensures high quality comfort, ride and smoother handling. The front axle is outfitted with independent McPherson strut with cylindrical coil spring, dual-acting tube damper and anti-roll bar and rear with independent multi-link with cylindrical coilspring , dual-acting tube damper and anti-roll bar. This is further supported by dual diagonal split circuit powered by assistance braking system - ABS (Anti braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution). The front is fitted with ventilated disc brakes and rear with disc brakes. Its 5.3 m turning radius makes it easy to maneuver on narrow roads and easy to park.

Safety and Security:

The company has also kept the standard safety features in mind while designing this sedan for the occupants. Dual airbags equipped inside will provide you instant protection in just 0.04 seconds in case of any collisions or inadequate situations. The front row seats are further provided with 3-point, height adjustable pretensioner belts to offer you firm holding while jerks or applied emergency disc brakes. Anti Braking System (ABS) along with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is provided for firm handling and progressive control over the vehicle and ensures driver's control over steering. The EBD spreads equal force to all the wheels and stops the vehicle in immediate effect.

Pros

Ample space: cabin and cargo
Good for your pocket
Good Handling

Cons

Lacks top end features (entertainment and comfort)
No diesel variant available