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Wuling Journey Test Drive

Typhoon125

By Typhoon125,
in China Talk

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Typhoon125

Typhoon125

3rd Gear

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 judgment based on my observations 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. Body roll is expected as of most tall vans, overall, 6 out of 10.

 

Build:

 

Weldings are of good workmanship, fit and finish is of good standard, it's like a Japanese's 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.

 

Power train:

 

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 power plant.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 stressful.

 

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 after all 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 affordable.

 

Weak points:

 

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

 

Overall:

 

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

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Deathstalker

Deathstalker

2nd Gear

Just curious...

 

For about 5K more(I think), why not consider getting a Suzuki APV; no offense to Wuling, I do feel that the APV is, IMO, look nicer, & more solid looking.

 

Plus it's a sushi van, so it's likely more reliable. I seen quite a no of APVs on the road, so the confidence for this van is there.

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Typhoon125

Typhoon125

3rd Gear
  • Author

sure boh....let's meet at the agent....how do i regonise you.....me....easy, I got huge boooooooobs.................

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Typhoon125

Typhoon125

3rd Gear
  • Author

Driven....Sorry I might have missed you saturday...was there since 0245pm....waited till 0330pm.......showroom still empty leh....were you there?

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Sirionsteak

Sirionsteak

Neutral Newbie

Remember to share some photos and experience on your new baby. I think many family man in Singapore is looking for a reasonable price OPC 6 seater also.

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