At the Guangzhou Auto Show, held in November 2014, the Chinese company Beiqi Foton held an official presentation of the new Sauvana mid-size SUV. In August 2015, the Russian premiere of this car took place - at the Moscow Off-road Show auto show, but official sales on the Russian market started only in 2017.
The five-door body of the Foton Sauvana is decorated in a pleasant and modern style. The car has rather muscular proportions, emphasized by a large radiator grill, stylish lighting, 17-inch wheels and chrome decor.
The mid-size Chinese SUV has the following external dimensions: 4830 mm long, 1910 mm wide and 1885 mm high.
The front axle is 2790 mm away from the rear axle, and the minimum clearance under the bottom is 220 mm (the vehicle can ford up to 800 mm deep, and the approach/departure angles are 28°/25°).
The mass of the Savannah Photon "in the stowed state" is 2 tons ± 60 kg (depending on the version), and the maximum allowable is 2530 kg.
The interior of the "Chinese" looks attractive and is quite in line with fashion trends - a neat multifunctional steering wheel, a "toolkit" with two "wells" and a modern front panel with a 7-inch monitor and an air conditioning unit. The interior is tailored mainly from "good grades" of plastic.
Salon Foton Sauvana, by default, has a "classic" five-seat layout of the cabin (optionally available - a seven-seat configuration with three rows of seats).
Luggage compartment volume:
- with a seven-seat layout - 290 / 1060 / 1880 liters (respectively, with "three-row" / "two-row" / "single-row" placement)
- with a five-seat layout - 1510 / 2240 liters (respectively, with "two-row" / "single-row" placement).
A full-size "reserve" is suspended from the SUV "on the street" - under the bottom.
Specifications. For "Savannah" there are three options for power plants:
- 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with direct fuel injection, the output of which depends on the "degree of boost":
- The "junior" produces 201 hp. (at 5500 rpm) and 300 N m (at 1500-4500 rpm);
- The "senior" is capable of 218 hp. (at 5500 rpm) and 320 N m (at 1750-4500 rpm);
- The second is a 2.8-liter Cummins ISF turbodiesel generating 163 “horses” (at 3600 rpm) and 360 N m (in the range of 1800-3000 rpm).
By default, in most markets, the engines are mated with "mechanics" (5-speed for "younger petrol" and "diesel" or 6-speed for "older petrol") and rear-wheel drive transmission, and a 6-band "automatic" (ZF ) and all-wheel drive transmission (TOD, 2H / Auto / 4L modes, with rear axle limited slip differential) are optional.
But in the Russian market: “4 × 4” is already by default, “automatic” without options is “attached” to the “senior” gasoline unit, and “mechanics” for the “junior”.
The SUV picks up the “first hundred” in ~ 11 seconds, and its maximum speed is 170/190 km / h (respectively, “diesel” / “gasoline”).
The fuel consumption of gasoline cars is 9.0~9.5 liters (combined cycle), diesel 8.0~8.5 liters. The volume of the fuel tank, in any case, is 75 liters.
Sauvana is based on a ladder-type frame structure. The SUV is equipped with independent double wishbone suspension at the front and dependent architecture with coil springs at the rear.
All versions of the "Chinese" are equipped with a hydraulic booster and brake system with disc devices on both axles and 4-channel ABS.
Options and prices. Sales of the mid-size Chinese Savannah SUV in Russia started in the spring of 2017 (we offer a car exclusively with gasoline power units).
The initial version, at a price of 1,454,990 rubles - with a five-seat interior, is equipped with a 201-horsepower gasoline engine and "mechanics" (the seven-seat version is 40 thousand rubles more expensive). A car with a "senior" gasoline engine and an "automatic" is offered at a price of 1,620,990 rubles. And the most equipped version (with a "senior" motor and "automatic") is offered at a price of 1,704,990 rubles.
The basic equipment of the Foton Sauvana already includes: air conditioning, a pair of airbags, a variety of electronic driving assistance systems, parking sensors, a multi-steering wheel, an audio system and 17-inch wheels. For the "top" versions are available: "climate", a multimedia complex with a 7-inch screen, a rear-view camera with "marking", a keyless entry system and much more.
Many brand "Photon" is known for commercial vehicles. However, an SUV of this brand has recently appeared on the Russian market. What is remarkable: the car is not new - the car was presented back in 2014 at an exhibition in Guangzhou. However, in Russia, he appeared only now. What is Photon Savannah 2017? Owner reviews, description and specifications - later in our article.
Design
How do the owners' reviews characterize the appearance of the Chinese Photon Savannah SUV? Many compare it with the Toyota Fortuner. The car has the same muscular silhouette and look of the front optics. But if the "Japanese" costs about 60 thousand dollars, then the "Chinese" is many times cheaper (we will tell you about prices in detail at the end). According to reviews, the Photon Savannah car has a pleasant appearance. Although by 2017 it is slightly outdated (at home, in the Middle Kingdom, this jeep has been “stamped” for the third year already). The car looks no worse than the "Haval" or "Lifan" performed by the "crossover".
At the front, the car received halogen optics and a large bumper with a chrome grille. Fog lights - lined, with neat stripes of running lights. The Photon Savannah discs are no less attractive. Owner reviews say that with them the car looks like a Japanese Prado. Cast wheels 17 inches with a high profile give the car brutality and a real, masculine look. The side mirrors are chrome-plated (in the Prado style), and there are rails on the roof to secure an additional trunk.
As for the metal itself on the Photon Savannah SUV, owner reviews note high corrosion resistance. This was partly achieved thanks to high-quality body painting. The car withstands winter operation well.
Dimensions, ground clearance
As noted by the reviews, "Photon Savannah" has large dimensions. The SUV belongs to the middle class SUV. The length of the body is 4.83 meters, width - 1.91, height - 1.89 meters. Ground clearance is one of the main advantages of the Photon Savannah SUV. Reviews about the car say that the jeep copes well with pits and bumps.
A clearance of 22 centimeters is enough for off-road and driving on snowy roads. The SUV is able to overcome fords with a depth of 80 cm. The maximum climb angle is 28 degrees. Departure angle - up to 25.
Interior
Reviews of the 2017 Photon Savannah indicate that the car has a lot of free space inside. The salon is much more spacious than in the "Duster" or the same "Patriot" - motorists say. The car in expensive trim levels has a rather pleasant interior with leather trim. The reader can see a photo of such a salon below.
The front panel has a smooth overhang, and a large multimedia complex is located on the center console. It is slightly recessed inside, which made it possible to place buttons and "twists" to control the radio right at the bottom of the screen. On the sides there are two vertical deflectors that are adjustable in two directions. Also on the console is It can work both in manual and automatic mode. A little lower is a 12-volt outlet and a niche for small things - everything is like a standard, full-size SUV. The gearshift lever is slightly shifted towards the driver, which is very convenient. When switching speeds, you do not need to reach for the handle - note the reviews. Auto "Photon Savannah" is equipped with a comfortable three-spoke steering wheel with recesses for the palms. Additionally, there is a plastic insert "aluminum" and multimedia control buttons. Of course, it was not without an airbag - it comes already in the basic configuration. Belts - three-point, with pretensioners. On the passenger side is a huge glove compartment. True, it is not cooled and does not lock with a key.
About the disadvantages
Despite the constantly growing pace of development, the Chinese are not able to "catch up" with Japanese manufacturers. The build quality is significantly inferior to Toyota, as many motorists say.
On the other hand, for such a price to find something better simply will not work. In terms of comfort, the car lacks electric drive and steering wheel adjustment. The latter is not adjustable for reach - only for height. The manufacturer promised to take into account these shortcomings and correct this situation.
Trunk
According to the reviews of the owners, "Photon Savannah" has a roomy trunk. This is a huge plus, since the car is mostly family-owned. So, with a five-seat layout, the trunk size is 1510 liters. If you fold the rear row of seats, the volume will increase to 2240. A seven-seater version will also be available to customers. In the trunk area there is a small bench for two passengers (however, adults will no longer fit here). In this case, the trunk volume will be 290 liters in a three-row version.
A lot of criticism from the owners causes a full-size spare tire. It is not on the back cover and not even under the floor. The spare is located under the bottom. This is very inconvenient. If such a car gets stuck on off-road, it will be very difficult to get the wheel out. On the other hand, with this decision, the Chinese got rid of the lack of free space in the trunk and the ever-sagging loops (as happens on the Patriot). After all, the weight of the spare wheel is about 25-30 kilograms.
Specifications
For the Photon Savannah SUV, the manufacturer has provided three power plants. This is one diesel and two petrol aspirated. The first is a unit from Cummins. With a working volume of 2.8 liters, it produces 163 horsepower. This motor is widely used on GAZelles of the Next and Business brands. This unit is characterized by low consumption and high resource. Mileage before overhaul - at least 400 thousand kilometers. But, unfortunately, this engine is not available on the Photon Savannah versions for the Russian market.
Now let's move on to gasoline units. The basic version offers a two-liter engine with a capacity of 200 horsepower. The Chinese managed to achieve such high performance through the use of a turbocharger and a direct fuel supply system. The torque of this unit is 300 Nm. Thrust is scattered over almost the entire range - from one and a half to four and a half thousand revolutions. This is a big plus, since there are no “blunts” during acceleration, motorists note.
In more expensive versions, an engine with 218 forces is available. What is remarkable: this is the same two-liter gasoline engine, just more "bloated" software. The torque of the unit is 20 Nm more than its predecessor. Traction is available in the range from 1.7 to 4.5 thousand revolutions, which is also very good.
Transmission
For the 200-horsepower engine, a six-speed manual gearbox is provided. It is made by ZF. A more powerful unit for 218 forces is equipped with an automatic transmission from the same manufacturer. Diesel versions can be equipped with one of two gearboxes to choose from. But we repeat: officially diesel "Photon Savannah" in Russia is not yet sold.
As an option, Photon offers the installation of a rear axle limited slip differential and an all-wheel drive transmission TOD. Thus, the Savannah turns from an urban crossover into a real SUV with locks and all-wheel drive.
Performance characteristics
The car has acceptable dynamics - reviews say. Acceleration to hundreds takes about 11 seconds on a 200-horsepower engine. In terms of fuel consumption, Cummins is the most economical. Diesel "Photon Savannah" consumes about 8.5 liters per hundred. For an SUV of this mass (about two tons), this is not bad. Gasoline versions consume about 10. In the city, this figure increases to 13, although according to passport data it should be 11. On the highway, the Photon Savannah with a gasoline engine spends about 8 liters. But off-road consumption can increase to 17.5.
Options and prices
How much can you buy this car in Russia? The initial cost for the Photon Savannah SUV in 2017 is 1 million 454 thousand rubles. The car is assembled at the Stavropol Auto plant. Basic version includes:
- Air conditioner.
- Multiwheel.
- Front-wheel drive.
- Audio system.
- Rear parking aid.
- Two front airbags.
- 17" alloy wheels.
- Tire pressure monitoring and lift assist.
- Power windows on all doors.
- Power mirrors.
- Electronic stabilization system.
It will be a five-seat modification with a 200-horsepower engine and a manual transmission. The Comfort version with an automatic transmission and a 218-horsepower engine is available at a price of 1,620,000 rubles. For the seven-seat option, you will have to pay separately 40 thousand rubles.
The maximum configuration of "Luxeri" is available at a price of 1 million 705 thousand rubles. This price includes:
- Leather upholstery.
- Dual zone climate control.
- Keyless entry.
- Four-wheel drive.
- Multimedia complex with a seven-inch display.
- Rear view camera with dynamic markings.
- Light and rain sensor.
- Climate and cruise control.
- Chrome trim on the rear bumper.
- Aluminum footrests.
Regardless of the configuration, the Photon Savannah SUV is provided with a three-year warranty (three years or 100 thousand kilometers). is 10 thousand kilometers.
Conclusion
So, we found out what the Chinese car "Photon Savannah" is. Judging by the reviews, this is one of the most powerful equipped "Chinese" in its class. The car does not pretend to be a budget line, so it is easily bypassed by competitors - UAZ Patriot and Great Wall H5. Many are accustomed to associate China with cheapness. And taking an SUV for one and a half million rubles from China is a strange decision. However, those who have purchased "Photon" respond generally positively. The car is assembled much better than the Lifan, Haval, and much more reliable than the modern UAZ Patriot. But you have to pay for quality. In this case - from 1 million 454 thousand rubles.
Since the late 90s and early 2000s, Chinese manufacturers have been actively exhibiting their products on the world stages of car podiums. This is due to the formation of new enterprises and the re-profiling of other production facilities in the area for the manufacture of cars. Before presenting a novelty to the public in the form of Foton Savanna, Foton Motor was engaged in the production of agricultural machinery, trucks and buses.
Launch of a new brand on the market
The company has set up its headquarters in Beijing. The founding date of the automaker is 1996. It has several subsidiaries in its country. Among the manufacturers of commercial vehicles, Foton Motor is one of the leaders.
Gradually, according to the reviews of the owners of Chinese cars in Russia, the myth about the low quality of cars from the Middle Kingdom is becoming a thing of the past. This is facilitated by the introduction of new technologies in the production of Chinese SUVs and the use of modern high-quality materials. The Foton Sauvana that appeared on the market satisfies these parameters and at the same time remains affordable for most people who want to purchase a high-quality Chinese crossover.
The mid-size SUV was presented at the Guangzhou Autumn Auto Show by Beiqi Foton. The interest shown by consumers allowed the development of sales markets. As a result, in the Russian Federation, the car ended up at the Moscow Off-road Show in 2015. The Salivana car, due to the successful presentation, got into domestic car dealerships in 2017.
The automaker plans to launch Russian production on the basis of Stavropol Auto. The first batch of cars is assembled in the Belarusian "Belgy". The main competitors of the brand in Russia, experts include the following models:
- UAZ Patriot;
- Jeep H8 Great Wall;
- Auto Dongfeng;
- XZ auto.
The model is sold in Africa, Australia and Latin America, where it is called Toplander.
Price policy
Modern frame SUV Sauvana hardly belongs to the budget category of cars. In the most affordable configuration, you can buy it for 1,670,000 rubles. With an increase in the equipment of the model to the Comfort level, the price already rises to 1.710 million rubles.
Luxury parameters will go to car owners who are able to lay out for large heavy cars from 1.836 million rubles. There is a premium variant with seven seats in the cabin. This Chinese frame SUV has a price tag of 1.920 million rubles.
Asian frame exterior
Modern forms of a five-door car look nice both in the photo and in reality. Designers endowed the car with muscular proportions, stylish stethotechnics, deliberately large radiator grille. The engineers reinforced the positive effect with 17-inch wheels with 265/65 R17 tires and chrome elements.
The Photon Savannah car is endowed with the following parameters:
- length - 483 cm;
- width - 191 cm;
- height - 188.5 cm;
- wheelbase - 279 cm;
- track - 1600 mm;
- ground clearance - 220 mm;
- angle of entry / exit 280/250;
- the maximum ford level is 0.8 m.
The maximum permissible weight of an SUV is 2530 kg.
The style of the profile is chosen in the classic version, which adds solidity to the overall Foton Savanna car. Due to its parameters, it can easily cope with most off-road areas.
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Salon of a Chinese car for two million
Manufacturers have tried to decorate the interior in an attractive way with a slight hint of brutality. The requirements that drivers of expensive models make to their four-wheeled off-road friends are taken into account.
Inside Savana provides maximum comfort to the driver. This is facilitated by the current set:
- multifunction steering wheel;
- an overview panel with a pair of wells;
- seven-inch touchscreen on the dashboard;
- optimally located air conditioning unit with a "washer" and buttons.
The interior is spacious enough for all rows. Even with the installation of the third row, adult passengers can fit there.
Visibility from the driver's seat is optimal. Even slightly massive racks do not interfere with it. The disadvantage may be thin glass, through which you can hear the noise of the wind at high speed. Also on the bumps there is a rattling of the trunk lock, which can be attributed to the Chinese assembly of Foton Savanna.
In a five-seat layout, the luggage compartment space is 1510 liters, and when the second row is folded, it increases to 2240 liters. In the enlarged seven-seater version, the minimum is 290 liters, adding two more rows, we get 1060/1880 liters, respectively.
The second row is folded in a ratio of 40:60. The spare wheel was prudently hidden not in the cabin, but under the bottom of the car. It is full size, not a dokatka.
Specifications Photon Savannah
Hidden under the hood are three possible combustion engine options:
- they put a two-liter gasoline unit with a turbine and direct fuel supply, delivering power of 201 hp, and also providing traction of 300 Nm at a speed of 1500-4500 rpm;
- a two-liter forced turbocharged engine with a thrust of 320 Nm (1750-4500 rpm) and power parameters at the level of 218 hp;
- turbocharged diesel Cummins ISF with a volume of 2.8 liters, accelerating due to 163 hp and a torque of 360 Nm at 1800-3000 rpm, but this option will not yet be available to Russian buyers for the first time.
The first two types of assembly imply the presence of rear-wheel drive. In the basic version, manufacturers tried to equip it with optimal units, so those who bought it in this configuration will get a 5-speed “mechanics” for an unforced gasoline engine. More powerful diesel / gasoline engines are aggregated by 6 steps of "mechanics".
Car owners also have access to optional ZF automatics, also six-speed. They are compatible with TOD all-wheel drive, 2H / Auto / 4L modes.
Foton Savanna manages to reach the first hundred in 11 s. In the presence of a gasoline engine, a maximum of 190 km / h is available on the speedometer. Diesel owners are content with a maximum of 170 km / h.
In the combined cycle, gasoline engines require a lot of fuel: from 9 to 9.5 liters, depending on the transmission. Diesel units are also very "gluttonous", as they need 8.0-8.5 liters of high-quality diesel fuel. To increase the distance between gas stations, manufacturers have installed large fuel tanks - 75 liters.
2h-mono drive or 4h-full version of the design assumes the presence of a ladder-type frame. The suspension on the car is installed in front independent on transverse double wishbones, and in the rear with coil springs and dependent type.
For steering, hydraulics are provided to facilitate the effort on the steering wheel. Brakes are disc brakes on all axles. ABS with four channels is available.
The basic configuration assumes a considerable number of useful options, which include air conditioning, parking sensors, a multifunctional steering wheel, voluminous power accessories, and a high-quality audio system with several speakers. The advanced configuration includes keyless entry to the cabin, a reversing camera with virtual markings, a large touchscreen monitor, a climate zoned system, etc.
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- Exterior
The design of Sauvana combines the elegance of a modern passenger car and the brutality of a frame SUV. This model will look harmoniously in the parking lot of a business center during a business meeting, but at the same time it will perfectly fit into the forest landscape of a family walk or the mountain landscape of an extreme trip. The appearance of the Sauvana car is not only pleasing to the eye, but also embodies the careful work of the designers. Every detail is functional and designed to provide maximum enjoyment of the Sauvana.
- LED daytime running lights
A necessary attribute of a modern car. The lights shine much brighter than classic incandescent bulbs, look better and have an almost unlimited lifespan. Included in the basic package.
- Rear LED optics
In addition to the aesthetic component, it is an important element of security. LEDs burn brighter than conventional bulbs and have a faster response time.
- Aluminum thresholds as standard
Significantly simplify access to the car, especially in wet weather, guaranteeing clean clothes when boarding.
- Interior
Salon Foton Sauvana is made of high-quality modern materials and has excellent ergonomics.
- 6 adjustment driver's seat
Allow you to easily get behind the wheel in comfort and make a long journey without fatigue.
- Ease of storage
The cabin provides a large number of various niches and boxes for convenient placement of personal belongings on a trip. The car will always be in order.
- Salon transformation
Thanks to the wide possibilities of transforming the internal space, you can easily adjust the layout of Sauvana to your specific needs - whether you need to travel with a large company of up to seven people or transport bulky goods up to 1880 liters.
- Climate control
An effective climate control system is responsible for the comfort of passengers on long journeys. Thanks to the presence of air ducts at the feet of the rear passengers and the second heater as standard, the Sauvana will be warm even in the most severe frost.
- Multimedia
Passengers are offered a convenient multimedia complex with the ability to play from any source - CD, USB, AUX or SD-card. Thanks to the 7-inch touch screen control of the multimedia system is simple and clear.
- Bluetooth
The Bluetooth function for connecting mobile devices allows you to use your phone without compromising traffic safety.
- Safety
The safety of Foton Sauvana is ensured by a modern body with a power structure made of high-strength steel, frontal airbags and seat belts with pretensioners.
The new Foton Sauvana jeep is equipped with a set of necessary active safety systems, such as directional stability, emergency braking assistance and brake force distribution.
A rear view camera with lane indicators and a tire pressure monitoring system are indispensable for everyday use.
- Engine
The 4G20TI series engine provides Sauvana with the highest power-to-weight ratio in its class. Power 201–217 hp With. enough for dynamic driving on the highway, and to overcome off-road obstacles. Modern technologies used in the development of this unit make it one of the most economical in its class.
- Transmission
The automatic 6-speed ZF transmission, which has proven itself on many models of European manufacturers, makes the Foton Sauvana easy and safe to drive, regardless of driving conditions. Properly selected transmission ratios guarantee excellent dynamic performance and high fuel efficiency. A manual transmission from the Japanese manufacturer Aisin is the epitome of reliability and unpretentiousness.
- Off-road potential
Foton Sauvana is not only a modern and comfortable car, but also a real uncompromising SUV. The Foton Sauvana arsenal includes a powerful spar frame, a BorgWarner transfer gearbox with a lowering transmission range, an automatic all-wheel drive system, a self-locking rear axle differential, as well as descent and ascent assistants.
- Units from the world's best manufacturers
The use of units from world leaders such as ZF, DANA, BorgWarner and Bosch endow Foton Sauvana with a margin of safety and endurance even in very difficult operating conditions.
- Impressively favorable cost of ownership
The price of Foton Sauvana with all the characteristics of the car remains affordable. It is one of the lowest in the class of such machines. Also, in comparison with other cars of the class, the cost of fuel, operation and maintenance is very low. Evaluate the benefits yourself! You can buy Photon Savannah in Moscow right now. For sales inquiries, please contact authorized dealers.
