The first invasion of the Chinese auto industry into the domestic market was not very successful. The first samples from the Celestial Empire came out too “raw”, among which was Chery Amulet. However, Chery has come a long way in the past few years both technically and marketingally. Back in 2008, at the Beijing Motor Show, company representatives presented to the public a replacement for the Amulet model called Chery A13, and already in 2010, this car enters the European and CIS market under the name ZAZ Forza or Chery Bonus (in fact, this is the second generation of this car).
The car was not only renamed, but also began to be assembled in Ukraine in Zaporozhye. Welding and paintwork are carried out at the local plant, and motors are supplied from neighboring Melitopol. Ukrainian batteries and wheels, upholstery and interior details, even tires manufactured by Rosava are installed on the Chery Bonus car. So the Chery Bonus sedan can be called Chinese-Ukrainian.
The appearance of Chery Bonus is typical for Chinese automobiles in recent years. He is neither bad nor good. It does not cling to the eye in a car stream. And this is despite the fact that, according to Chery specialists, the Italian masters from Torino Design were engaged in the design of the model. Although the exterior of the car is quite aggressive and sporty. This feeling is created thanks to the volumetric head optics of an unusual shape, a heavy bumper and sidewalls with embossed stampings. A slightly sloping tail with large rear optics completes the modern dynamic look. Despite the appearance of a sedan, the trunk lid rises along with the rear window, so Chery Bonus is a rare example of a “liftback” in the budget segment. Compared to the Amulet model, the wheelbase and height of the car have increased, which promises a more spacious interior.
The interior of the Chery Bonus has been slightly changed from the original A13. It has become more practical and more solid, instead of light upholstery and plastic, everything is done in black and gray. Perhaps because of this, the interior looks cheap and simple, but the good build quality and fit of parts, the absence of large gaps and the phenolic smell make it clear that the Chinese have understood that simple does not mean bad. But if no one thought to expect designer frills from a budget car, then there are much more questions and complaints about ergonomics.
The driving position in the Chery Bonus is not very comfortable due to the short high pillow and unsuccessful steering column adjustments. You have to peer into the dials of the dashboard. The profile of the seats is amorphous with virtually no lateral support.
On the other hand, the Chery Bonus salon has its own bonuses. Even tall passengers can be accommodated on the back sofa, without the risk of resting their heads against the ceiling or their feet against the back of the front seat. True, only two will fit in width. Three hundred and seventy-liter trunk can be increased to 1400 liters by expanding the rear sofa. Unfortunately, here, too, not everything is in order with ergonomics. A flat loading platform does not work out, and the trunk lid can only be opened from the passenger compartment or using a key fob.
If we talk about technical characteristics, then Chery Bonus is assembled on the platform of the previous Amulet model, which means that some technological solutions are already more than twenty years old, because the roots go back to the Seat Toledo of the 90s. Of course, Chery experts claim that they have seriously redesigned components and assemblies, but the essence remains the same. MacPherson type independent suspension with transverse stabilizer and disc brakes at the front, semi-independent beam and drum brakes at the rear. And if there are no complaints about the braking dynamics, then the suspension settings are great. As a test drive demonstrates, Chery Bonus has noticeable body roll even in corners at low speed.
Another disadvantage is the ground clearance of 140 mm, with the exhaust pipe and lambda probe being the most vulnerable low points.
The steering is equipped with a hydraulic booster. True, you can’t call it informative, at any speed it can be twisted with one finger.
As a power unit, Chery Bonus is equipped with an ACTECO gasoline engine, a joint development of Chery and the Austrian company AVL. The 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 109 horsepower, which is more than enough for such a small car. In addition, it can run on 92nd gasoline. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox.
Thanks to such an impressive localization of production, Chery Bonus is delivered duty-free to Russia. Therefore, the price of the Chery Bonus basic configuration, which already includes air conditioning, an immobilizer, central locking and front power windows, is only ~ 390 thousand rubles. In the maximum configuration with an MP3 audio system and a USB port, full power accessories, including heated side mirrors and front seats, as well as 15-inch alloy wheels and ABS, the price of Chery Bonus will be approximately 420 thousand rubles.
Now in Russia there is a wide selection of cars of different brands. You can choose a car for every taste and budget. Budget segment cars are very popular in our country. Many people think that VAZ cars are the most affordable. However, it is not. For many years, our market has been confidently "stormed" by Chinese manufacturers. And today we will consider one of these instances. This is Chery-Bonus A13. Description, reviews, photos, specifications - later in our article.
general characteristics
What is this car? "Cheri-Bonus A13" is a B-class car that has been mass-produced since 2008. The car is assembled at several factories in different countries (Ukraine, China and Iran). The Chinese car "Cheri-Bonus" is available in several bodies. This is a liftback and a five-door hatchback.
Design
The appearance of the car is quite pleasant. The car doesn't look bad. At the front, there is a compact grille with chrome trim and large taillights. Below - a wide air intake and small fog lights.
However, you can not love this car only for a nice design. Many owners complain about a very weak body. As noted by the reviews, "Cheri-Bonus A13" has a thin and corrosion-resistant metal. Wings, sills, arches rot very quickly. Rust is the main enemy of a Chinese car. And this applies not only to Cherie. Only cars worth over a million are more or less well protected from corrosion. Chery A13 is still a budget segment. But the Chinese could save on metal not so globally - the owners complain.
Dimensions, ground clearance
If we talk about the sedan, the total length of the car is 4.27 meters. The hatchback is 13 centimeters shorter. As for the rest of the dimensions, the Chery-Bonus A13 sedan has the same dimensions as the hatchback. So, the width and height are 1.69 and 1.49 meters, respectively.
The ground clearance of the car, according to the owners, is not enough. Its size is only 14 centimeters. The situation is also aggravated by the fact that the lowest point is the exhaust pipe and the lambda probe. If the oxygen sensor is damaged, the “Check” will certainly light up.
"Cheri-Bonus A13": interior
Inside, the car looks like any representative of the budget segment - a fabric interior, a simple panel and shapeless seats. Of the features - sports red illumination of the instrument panel. Note that with the use of black plastic, the interior began to look not so cheap. But there are also disadvantages to be noted. The main disadvantage that reviews note is the quality of the plastic. Since the car is cheaper than Grants (we will talk in detail about prices and trim levels at the end of the article), the manufacturer did not bother about its softness. But besides the fact that the plastic is hard, it emits a characteristic pungent odor. This is especially felt when the car will stand for some time in the sun.
The next disadvantage is poor sound insulation. She is practically absent in the car. Very often, the owners glue the body on their own - the floor, ceiling and doors, disassembling the interior almost to the screw.
The rear sofa is designed for three, but only two can comfortably fit here. Of the pluses, it is worth noting the high roof. Even tall passengers will not rest their heads on the ceiling. But if everything is fine with free space, then with the architecture of the seats, not so much. And this applies to both the front and back row. Long distances may cause pain in the lower back. Although the driver's seat is adjustable in many directions, it is also impossible to call it convenient, alas.
Trunk
The car has a small amount of luggage. Its value is 380 liters. But if necessary, you can fold the back of the rear sofa. As a result, the trunk volume will expand to 1300 and 1400 liters in the case of the liftback and hatchback. This will not create a flat floor. And the trunk opens in two ways - with a button or with a key fob.
"Cheri-Bonus A13": specifications
Unfortunately, the Chinese manufacturer did not provide a choice of power plants. The engine in Chery-Bonus A13 is always used the same - it is a four-cylinder gasoline engine with a displacement of 1.5 liters. At the same time, the engine has good power for such a volume - 109 horsepower.
Of the pleasant features of the Chery-Bonus A13, the reviews note that the motor was developed jointly with the Austrian company AVL. Despite the fact that the engine has good power, it easily digests the 92nd gasoline. As for the dynamics, it is quite good. Up to a hundred the car accelerates in 11.9 seconds. The maximum speed is 160 kilometers per hour.
The transmission is also the same. This is a five-speed manual gearbox. The fuel consumption of the car is acceptable. In the city, the car spends no more than 10 liters, outside it - 5.8. In the combined cycle, the car consumes 7.2 liters.
Chassis
It is worth saying that this car was built on the platform of the Cheri-Amulet car. At one time, the latter was designed on the basis of the Seat Toledo of the 90s. The suspension scheme remained the same. MacPherson struts with a transverse stabilizer are installed at the front, and a semi-independent beam at the rear. Brakes - disc front and drum rear. Steering - rack with hydraulic booster.
How does this car behave on the road? The suspension handles bumps well overall. Yes, the car does not float like a barge, but it is not too rigid either. Of the strong shortcomings of the "Cheri-Bonus A13", reviews note the suspension's roll. The car does not feel the road well at speed. It is very dangerous. In terms of handling, the “Chinese” will be outclassed by our “ten” with a loose suspension. Many owners say that it is very scary to overtake. The car in a rut literally throws from side to side.
Frequent problems
Since the production of this machine was saved as much as possible, you should not expect special quality from it. The car has many "childhood diseases". So, the owners after 10-15 thousand kilometers have rust spots on the trunk lid. After heavy rain, water accumulates under the mat in front. The generator whistles. The CV joint boot simply cracks. On vehicles with ABS, it is difficult to replace wheel bearings. The suspension itself is fragile and does not withstand our pits. Wiring issues often arise. Power windows, central locking.
By the way, when you turn on the air conditioner, the car stops driving dynamically. The windows in the cabin sweat, the low beam lamps burn out. The bumper cracks at the slightest impact. Faulty ABS sensor. On a run of 30 thousand clutch problems are possible. Plastic creaks in winter. And there are a lot of such problems in the car - say the reviews of the owners.
Prices, equipment
Due to the impressive localization of production, the Chinese Chery is delivered to Russia without duties. Therefore, the car has a fairly attractive price. The cost of the car starts from 390 thousand rubles. At the same time, the basic equipment is quite good. According to reviews, Cheri-Bonus A13 in the initial version is equipped with an order of magnitude better than VAZ cars. The initial package includes:
- Fabric interior and child seat mounting system.
- Stamped wheels.
- Rear fog lamp.
- Brake force distribution system.
- Central locking.
- Immobilizer.
- Front airbags.
- Air conditioner.
- Hydraulic booster.
- Steering column with mechanical height adjustment.
- Electric headlight range control.
- Front power windows.
- Opening the trunk with a button.
- Four-way adjustable front seats.
- Mirrors painted in body color.
- Dokatka.
- Music with two speakers.
In the maximum configuration there is a full-fledged audio system with USB support, power windows for all doors, an ABS system, as well as heated mirrors and front seats. In addition, there are 15-inch alloy wheels in the "maximum speed". The price of Chery A13 of this configuration is about 420 thousand rubles.
Summary and comparison with competitors
So, we examined what the Chery-Bonus A13 car is. What competitors does this machine have? These include only a few models. These are Chevrolet Aveo and Lada Granta. But it is immediately worth noting that their price will always be higher. What is better to choose? There is no single answer to this question. Everyone chooses between quality and economy. If you want to get the cheapest car possible, you should consider buying Chery-Bonus A13. But you need to understand that this car does not have corrosion protection, and also gets bad ratings in a crash test (this is not surprising, because the platform was inherited from Chery-Amulet). If you want a more reliable and stronger car, you should choose the Chevrolet Aveo. This car is no worse than the Lacetti, while it does not rot as quickly as the Chinese counterpart. "Grant" can be considered for purchase if there is a fear of finding spare parts. But as practice has shown, it is not difficult to find the necessary parts on Aveo. As for Cherie, things are a little more complicated here. Parts are not cheaper at all, and their quality is much worse.
Thus, the Chinese manufacturer presented the candy in a beautiful wrapper, but with dubious filling. Don't be foolish about saving money. As practice and numerous reviews show, you should not expect any reliability from Cherie. This machine, although simple in design, will make even an experienced driver-mechanic nervous.
This car has different names in several countries at once. However, this did not prevent him from being remembered by the buyer for his merits and affordable price. For several years now, the Chinese compact has managed to maintain a stable position in sales and attract new fans to its camp, which in some way can be considered an achievement for a product from the Middle Kingdom.
The history of Chery Bonus begins in 2008 - the car was shown to the public as part of one of the Chinese auto shows under the name A13 and in the same year stood on the assembly line. The novelty attracted the public with an unusual design, as well as rich equipment.
In February 2010, the production of the car started in Ukraine. The Chinese company signed an agreement on the production of Chery A13 with the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant, and the power units for the model were manufactured by an enterprise in Melitopol. It is noteworthy that in the Ukrainian market the car is known as ZAZ Forza. In the Russian Federation, the model is positioned under the name Bonus.
The Seat Toledo platform was taken as the basis for the design of Cherie Bonus. Previously, this base has already been used on a different model of the concern - and migrated to the new car almost unchanged. The front axle is equipped with an independent MacPherson strut suspension, while the rear axle is notable for a semi-independent beam.
You can buy Chery Bonus only in one modification, the features of which are the following technical characteristics:
- The power unit is 1.5 liters with a return of 109 horsepower.
- Mechanical transmission in five steps.
Already in the initial configuration, the car has many useful options. Among them are air conditioning, Isofix child seat mounting, power windows, power steering.
Owner Review
On the Internet, you can find a lot of reviews from those who decided to use it for daily trips.
I bought Chery Bonus only because of the attractive cost and did not expect that the "Chinese" could surprise me with something. However, everything turned out to be not so bad. For example, the air conditioner worked quite tolerably even at +35 degrees, and the head optics effectively illuminates the roadway at night. A revelation was a spacious interior that can accommodate up to five people.
Driving performance can not be counted among the strengths of the model. Rulitsya and accelerates the Chinese car does not matter. But you can get used to it. Much sadder is that the suspension does not tolerate bad roads and the shock absorber struts do not even care for 30 thousand kilometers. Another trouble that I had to face in the course of operation is body corrosion. The latter occurs with a high probability with frequent driving on roads that are treated with reagents.
There are also some improvements. For example, the steering wheel has a slippery plastic rim and for this reason it is inconvenient for them to actively maneuver. I had to do a little tuning - sheathe the steering wheel with perforated eco-leather. The grip after that became much more pleasant. In addition, for the purpose of entertainment on a long journey, a multimedia complex was installed with the ability to play video and music files of many formats, as well as with a rear-view camera. With the new media system, the interior began to look more presentable and interesting..
Market price
Test Drive
outside view
From the point of view of appearance, the Chinese compact causes mixed feelings. Puffy body shapes are completely devoid of swiftness. However, the optics of head lighting with broken lines give the design some zest. The developers tried to give the appearance of aggression due to the front bumper with a low overhang, as well as the body kit.
Internal review
The interior is nothing special. The instrument panel has a standard layout and is read well thanks to the contrasting backlight. The center console houses a standard audio system, as well as a climate control system with three rotary knobs. The air conditioning works well, but the central air vents are placed low and all the air flow goes to the knees.
The flat front seats also lack lateral support. Sitting in them is not very comfortable, and on a long journey there is a aching pain in the lumbar region. As for the rear sofa, it has only two head restraints. However, it can accommodate up to three people. There is enough knee room for a person with a height of 175 centimeters.
On the run
Despite the acceptable power, the 1.5-liter engine is not at all designed for nimble movement in space. Elasticity is mediocre due to the lack of torque at low revs, as well as at high revs. Acceptable thrust appears in an extremely narrow range of revolutions - from 3000 to 4500 thousand, but this cannot be called agility, but only a slight revival.
The manual transmission makes a noise when driving. Its gear ratios are stretched, and the inclusions of steps are fuzzy. Therefore, there is not the slightest desire to wield the gearshift lever once again.
The steering is also far from ideal. Namely, the steering wheel is sorely lacking in information content and sensitivity. Rolls and buildup are very noticeable.
Long-travel suspension on small bumps provides a tolerable ride without disturbing unnecessary shaking. However, on large bumps, laxity and unpleasant vibrations appear. Moreover, the shock absorber struts are not too energy-intensive and can break through when the passenger compartment is fully loaded.
Photo Chery Bonus:
A compact Chinese car, which, depending on the choice of body and country, has completely different names. This is the Chery Bonus a13 model, which in our country is sold only in the Liftback body.
The release of the model began in 2008 and the car gained quite good popularity, given how popular past models of the company were. Prior to this, the manufacturer did not receive high sales in our country, but now engineers and marketers have done a good job, and this model can get relative success.
Designers from Italy worked on the appearance of this car, and the main condition in creating the car was to make the a13 model safe. Appearance did not turn out amazing, it is simple, eyes will not catch on it in a car stream. This car in 2010 began to be sold in Ukraine and it was produced there at the ZAZ plant, and after that it began to be sold there as the ZAZ Forza. They are engaged in welding work, they also install batteries of their own country on the models and also tires of Ukrainian production.
Specifications
If you still decide to buy this car for yourself, then the manufacturer will not offer you to choose a motor, since only one type of power unit is installed on this model. This is a 1.5-liter gasoline 4-cylinder engine that produces 109 horsepower.
This type of power unit only works in tandem with a 5-speed. In terms of dynamic characteristics, the car does not attract or surprise at all. The good thing is that this engine consumes a small amount of fuel, according to official data, the model consumes 7.2 liters of fuel per hundred kilometers.
Interior Chery Bonus a13
The original version of the interior was a little different, now it has gray and black tones and because of this it looks cheap, but the engineers decided to go the other way and decided to surprise buyers with really good assembly and lack of large gaps.
Inside, the car is spacious for its class, but its design is anything but unappealing. The steering wheel is 3-spoke or 4-spoke, the two spokes are very close to each other, and therefore the steering wheel feels like a 3-spoke steering wheel in the hand. It will be a little uncomfortable for the driver to be behind the wheel of this model, since the seat cushion is short and high, and the steering column adjustments are chosen unsuccessfully.
The rear seats of Chery Bonus a13 have already been made a little better, the 3rd person will fit there without problems and even tall passengers will not feel discomfort. Trunk volume is 370 liters, but at the same time it can be increased by folding the rear row of seats up to 1400 liters, but you will not get a flat floor.
The center console is also completely unattractive, at the very top there is a regular ugly and low-functional radio tape recorder, below there is a small niche for small things, after which the designers placed 2 air deflectors. The stove and air conditioning controls are huge, as is the emergency button. Below this is an ashtray.
Inside there are two airbags that will save only the front passengers.
The suspension of the car can be said to be quite good, the front is independent and this is known to everyone on wishbones, while the rear suspension is semi-independent with shock absorbers. The rear brakes are drum, and the front disc brakes, there are no complaints about them, but the suspension is not set up very well, the car is rolly, and rolls occur in corners even at low speeds.
In general, the Chery Bonus a13 car looks modern in appearance, but still it has problems, this is a weakness of the power unit, an ugly interior, and that’s all. In our opinion, this car is suitable only for those who just need a car that delivers from one point to another, in other cases this model is unlikely to be suitable.
The car is delivered to Russia without duties and therefore the price for it is relatively low, the basic package includes air conditioning, immobilizer, central locking, front power windows. The maximum configuration is equipped with an audio system with a USB port, power accessories, heated mirrors and front seats, 15-inch alloy wheels and.
Video
Chery Bonus is a budget C + category car with a liftback body. The first copy was released in 2008. The premiere of Chery Bonus in Russia took place at the Moscow Motor Show 2010, and sales began only in the summer of 2011.
Such a long way to the Russian buyer of the new Chery Bonus is due to the fact that it was decided to supply cars manufactured at the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant to our country, where their production was launched only in April 2011.
Options and prices Chery A13 Bonus 2020
Chery Bonus (2016-2017) is built on a significantly redesigned base of the well-known one, therefore, technically, there is practically nothing new to be found in it. But the design, which Italian designers from the Torino Design studio worked on, turned out to be absolutely fresh.
Externally, the liftback looks like a sedan, but the trunk lid opens with the rear window, like a hatchback. In front of the Bonus, you can see the relationship with, which is due to the emergence of the automaker's corporate identity. And although this car cannot be called handsome, it is quite modern and original.
Chery Bonus (2015-2016) turned out to be shorter than its predecessor, which affected the capacity of the luggage compartment. But there is still enough space for passengers in the back - the knees do not rest against the front seats, but the high landing with a low roof height does not fit comfortably.
The driver's seat suffers from a lack of lateral support, which, however, can be noted in most budget competitors. In general, the interior of Cherie Bonus is made in a calm style. Let there be no special design frills, but the front panel made of good materials and good build quality indicate a serious progress of the manufacturer from China.
There is only one engine for Chery Bonus. It is a 1.5-liter gasoline 16-valve unit jointly developed with the Austrian company AVL. With a power of 109 hp. this motor develops a torque of 140 Nm and pulls pretty well from the bottom.
It is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, but there is no automatic transmission for this model.
The price of the new Chery Bonus 2020 starts at 389,999 rubles for the basic version, and the most expensive option will cost 419,999 rubles. There are four complete sets on the Russian market for the model.
Already in the base there is air conditioning, a driver's airbag, power steering, an alarm system with a central lock, EBD, an on-board computer and full power accessories. And the most expensive Luxury added a six-speaker MP3 audio system, ABS + EBD, parking sensors, front airbags and 15-inch alloy wheels.
Chery Bonus A13 2015 photo
