Lifan Solano, colour white, emerged in 2011…
First, I’d like to mention, that until going to the auto show, I didn’t know anything about the Lifan, and I’ve never seen it before. Just heard the word ‘Lifan’ once or twice from one of my pals, who is on a short hand with motorcycles.
So, when I felt it was a time and opportunity to change the car, I had the following criteria for a new one: 13-15000 $ and a brand-new model. I didn’t want to buy the foreign car with a mileage, and the more – native car with a mileage I couldn’t even imagine as mine. Under my criteria, in the Internet I could find just the Lada Priora. And I went to the store to search for it.
The Priora wasn’t there, but I have noticed something else. I asked the seller about the models I’ve noticed outside, and he told me they were the Chinese brand Lifan Solano, emergine here in Russia.
“Ok, let’s go and see them”, - I said.
When I sat at the wheel of the Solano first, I forgot about the Priora: the cabin was spacious, accurate and modern, including the controlling elements. Also, it had a comfortable seat and a good angle of view. The passenger seats seemed satisfying, too. The standard Solano also contained the air conditioner, 4 disc brakes, ABC, anti-fog lights, parking sensor, good audio-system, warming of everything usual (mirrors, driver seat), alarm system, and it went under the Euro IV standards.
About engine… I liked its placement and plenty of room under the hood. Won’t be the problem maintaining something there. Could feel a little vibration because of the usual for this engine bags. The vibration, though, stopped after a few days of driving.
Bodystyle is well-designed, makes a harmony altogether. The only thing I didn’t like about it was the doors which shut too loudly and badly. Yet again, after about 8500 miles they became partly better.
While driving, noticed one fact about the brakes: they worked great. But, with a speed over 100 mph the car feels a bit ‘unsure’.
