VGV: New brand attracts with crossovers at low prices

Break into the Russian market today cars a new brand is an extremely difficult task. Especially if we are talking about Chinese models. Nevertheless, since 2023 we have been witnessing persistent attempts by the little-known company VGV to occupy its niche in the crossover segment.


But what kind of manufacturer is this, who during the presentation of their car products declared that their brand stands for Victory Go Victory? This can be translated as "Pobegay, davay, pobegay!" ("Victory after victory") or "Very Good Vehicle". Is it really possible that a little-known manufacturer has come to us, which, without support from above, independently breaks into the market? As it is written in one famous work, "... and the box was simply opened."

SINOTRUK

It is this giant of the Chinese auto industry that is the creator of the VGV brand. In Russia, as well as throughout the world, SINOTRUK is well known as a major manufacturer trucks and commercial vehicles. Its history dates back to 1930, and VGV – to 2019. Although, if you dig deeper, it dates back to 2013, when the Enranger brand was created under the wing of the state-owned Weichai Group. However, the new product did not find success, the assets were redistributed and, in the end, VGV became part of SINOTRUK.


What has the company been producing since its inception? The range is rather meager, at least for now. The first car, the mid-size crossover VGV U70, was introduced in 2019. The second SUV appeared two years later under the name VGV U75Plus. And in 2022, the VGV VX70 pickup was presented. At first, things were going well: after the debut, the first crossover was bought by 2020 thousand people in 17. Which is very good for a new product, and especially in the conditions of the bottomless Chinese market. But then a reorganization began at the plant in Chongqing and in 2023 (from January to November), the number of sales fell to 4907 units.


This was one of the reasons for the attempt to "conquer" Russia. For it, VGV offers only a couple of SUVs manufactured in Belarus at the Unixon plant. Officially, they are positioned as mid-size, but in fact they turn out to be quite large cars. Both have the same dimensions: length, width, height - 4,825, 1,87 and 1,691 m, wheelbase - 2,8 m.

U70 Pro

If you compare the car by dimensions, they surpass the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max, which is popular in the Russian Federation. The large dimensions of the U70 Pro allow it to accommodate up to seven people (as many as five trim levels are provided). In terms of suspension, nothing special is observed: the same "McPherson" in front and a torsion beam under the stern. Ground clearance is 20 cm.


The car is equipped with a 143-liter gasoline engine, developing 207 hp with a torque of 92 Nm. Average fuel consumption (AI-100) per 7,6 km is declared at 1,5 liters. This is quite good for such a large car, which can be explained by its relatively small weight - less than 8,5 tons. Acceleration to "hundred" - 6 sec. Transmission - six-speed manual or XNUMX-range "automatic".


The manufacturer's website states that the body "has increased resistance to corrosion." The crankcase is protected by "composite fiber." Interestingly, you can choose two driving modes: normal or on snow.

In the salon and prices

Inside, everything is at a fairly high level: a multifunctional steering wheel, a multimedia display, an LCD instrument panel. However, there are also regular buttons for controlling the climate control system. As well as a start-stop button, electrically adjustable front seats with heating. In the five-seater version, the car received 2 trim levels: Comfort and Lifestyle, and in the seven-seater version - Comfort, Lifestyle and Executive. On the official website, the cost of the U70 Pro starts from 2 million 299,9 thousand rubles.


In the maximum seven-seater configuration, the car will cost 2 million 749,9 thousand rubles. If you take it on credit, they will knock it down to 200 thousand rubles, if you use trade-in - another minus 100 thousand rubles.

U75 Plus

The main differences from its predecessor are technical. If the front suspension is the same "McPherson", then the rear one is a multi-link mechanism. The engine of the U75 Plus is more powerful: 199 hp, volume - 2 liters with a torque of 380 Nm.


Transmission – only eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive. Fuel consumption in mixed mode – 8,9 l/100 km. In terms of ecology, the engine complies with the Euro 6 standard.

Body and interior

Interestingly, the car's base color is white. If you want another, you'll have to pay an extra 30 thousand rubles. Inside, two main differences from its predecessor are striking: a larger multi-display screen and a "washer" instead of the traditional gearshift lever. The rest of the basic design is the same as its predecessor.


There is air conditioning and heating of everything possible: seats (including the second row), washer nozzles, rear and windshield, mirrors with electric drive. Apparently, the manufacturer seriously adapted the car to the harsh Russian climate. The interior can be upholstered in fabric or eco-leather.

Configuration and price

The car is sold in three versions. Five-, seven-seater Executive and the most expensive Premium, designed for 7 people. The price starts from 2 million 949 thousand rubles, the limit is indicated on the website at 3 million 149,9 thousand rubles. The discount for a loan is up to 200 thousand rubles, trade-in will reduce the cost by another 150 thousand rubles. A "bonus" is provided (it also applies to the U70 Pro) - the first maintenance will be free.


The VGV company has taken the introduction to the Russian market seriously: there are already 20 official dealers operating across the country. All this is impressive: it is a pity that it is impossible to answer the main question – how reliable will the cars be? Time will tell.