China is the world’s largest automobile market and has the most number of automobile manufacturing companies than anywhere else in the world. While we cherish the 3 auto assemblers in Pakistan, China has more than 140 of them! And that number is on the rise as new companies keep popping up, wanting their share in the lucrative yet highly competitive auto manufacturing business.
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Weichai Auto is one of the latest names among automobile manufacturers in China & is a subsidiary of Weichai Power, one of the largest engine makers in China. Weichai Auto’s Enranger (Yingzhi in Chinese) is a passenger car brand for the Chinese car market currently consisting of SUVs and MPVs.
Last week Weichai Auto have launched the impressive Enranger G5 MPV, and we thought to post it on CarSpiritPK to show our readers how a company with almost no automobile manufacturing history can come with such an impressive product at such an amazing price.
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The G5 is labeled as an SUV but it’s actually an MPV having appearance of a Crossover SUV with black plastics around the wheels, side bars, and skid pad under the bumpers. Overall it’s a very sporty looking MPV unlike the common majority. The MPVs are becoming rapidly popular due to their practicality and versatility, and people prefer them over sedans, well… at least in China.
Like the eye-catching exterior, the interior of G5 is very impressive with a nice dashboard design and combination of Black & Orange everywhere. However the best part is the huge 16 inch, yes… sixteen inch touch-screen which is there for the infotainment system, Wechat, rear camera, Climate control, Navigation and the entire vehicle setup. The G5 is a proper 7-seater with a 2/3/2 setup and even has a decent storage space behind the third row.
Key features include Driver, Passenger & Side Airbags, Power steering, Power windows, Power outside mirrors, Seatbelt reminders, ISOFIX Child seat interface, Engine Immobilizer, Engine Start/ Stop button, Central Locking, Keyless entry, ABS+EBD with Electronic Brake Assist, Multifunction Leather steering wheel, Cruise Control, Front/ Rear Parking Sensors, Rear view camera, Built-in Dash-cam, Seat height adjustments, Front/ Rear Heated seats, GPS Navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, 16-inch center console touch-screen, Built-in Wechat, USB/Aux connectivity, 6 speakers, Automatic headlamps with height adjustment & Back wiper to name a few.
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The engines for the Enranger series are sourced from Mitsubishi. The G5 has a ‘4A91S’ 1.5 liter petrol engine under the bonnet, with an output of 113hp mated to either a five-speed manual or a CVT transmission. The Enranger G5 is priced from 69,800 yuan which is just PKR 10.65 lac when converted into our currency. The top of the line version goes up to 75,000 yuan which is only PKR 11.44 lac.
It sure is a bitter reality that around the world this sort of money can get you modern vehicles with loads of hi-tech stuff, safety equipment, and environmentally friendly engine. Compared to our market where majority of the available options are obsolete, feature ripped and comes without necessary safety equipment for their occupants.
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It is also a matter of concern that even after nearly three decades of vehicle production, we cannot even produce a basic car like Mehran on our own. Considering this, the Enranger G5 developed by an auto manufacturing newbie, deserved to be praised!
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
