Test Drove WuLing Journey 22th June 2008

[Typhoon125]

Being Hunting for a Mini Van to replace my 1992 Suzuki Swift 1.0 MT, went to test drove the Wuling Journey on the 22th June 2008. Below are my opinions, please bare in mind that I pass all this judgement based on my oberservations and experience, you need not agree. Thank you.

 

Ride comfort:

 

Having own minivan before, my last being Honda Mobilio 1.5 auto, ride comfort of Journey is pretty decent, as the sales person told me their luxury version will have all round sound clad, it will be even better. But the suspension feels soft on uneven road surfaces. Bodyroll is expected as of most tall vans, overall, 6 out of 10.

 

Build:

 

Weildings are of good workmanship, fit and finish is of good standard, it's like a japanese standard of the nineties, it actually give me a pleasant surprise considering the other minivans that i view of same origin. All gaps are consistent, cant spot any uneven fittings. Would score it 6 out of 10.

 

Undercarriage:

 

Feels and look well bolted together, will get tough coat for the luxury model, springs all round. No further comment.

 

Wheels:

 

Let's just say I will change it upon collection if i buy. Would score it 3 out of 10.

 

Powertrain:

 

Power comes from a 50 plus bhp suzuki engine, if it's true, I will trust it almost immediately considering my harsh treatment of my old swift powerplant.The block is located under the passenger seat. Heat from it is pretty well insulated, sound is harsh when push beyond 3500 rpm.

 

Drive and control:

 

Gear changing is good, gears are pretty close considering other vans that I have driven, hence it's a plus point. All controls are simple and easily access, central console looks and feels good, comes with a flushing surface factory fitted cd radio, again it's a plus. Power is decent, it's able to move 7 but i have to say that journey is best for speeds bellow 90 to really enjoy and feel less stressfull.

 

Crash test:

 

Cant find any and sales executive is not sure too. Doubt that it's tested.

 

Seats arrangement:

 

For this price, I give it a 8 out of 10, middle seats can be turned to face last row, it's well bolted down and leathers come with the luxury model.

 

Stopping power:

 

Tried braking hard while turning and going straight, sales executive is not pleased, wont encourage you to try as it's good for normal driving and stopping, it's not meant to be push hard, my 92 swift did better on this subject. But hey, it's a van afterall and it's expected to be driven like one. Would rate it 6 out of 10.

 

Strong points to consider:

 

Very good air condition, second row over head large air con vents is a plus plus plus! Comes with 3 points seat belts for 6 and one waist belt on the center last row. All doors close with a nice tug. Out look is modern and nice, like the red especially. Very affortable.

 

Weak points:

 

As all makes that does not have a strong presence here, reliability on parts availability and aftersales support.

 

Overall:

 

Will consider to trade in my swift, best mini van of same origin so far!

Edited June 24, 2008 by Typhoon125

[Arsonist]

helo so how is it? did u buy this car in the end?