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The train was late: how we sourced, tested and bought the Evolute i-Joy crossover

  • March 13, 2023
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Interestingly, at the end of last year, the start of sales of the Evolute i-Joy crossover, which is produced by Motorinvest in the Lipetsk region, was announced at

The train was late: how we sourced, tested and bought the Evolute i-Joy crossover
Interestingly, at the end of last year, the start of sales of the Evolute i-Joy crossover, which is produced by Motorinvest in the Lipetsk region, was announced at the end of last year. But in reality it was not so easy to get to know the car. But an ordinary buyer will not spend money and only draw a conclusion from a beautiful picture. What the potential owner of “innovation on wheels” has to go through in order to evaluate it in action, the AvtoVzglyad portal tells.

Recall that under the name Evolute i-Joy hides the Chinese electric car Dongfeng Fengon. It has no four-wheel drive, only the front wheels drive. They are “spinned” by a 163 hp electric motor, which is powered by a battery with a capacity of 53 kW / h. Power reserve – 407 kilometers.

SEARCHES

The novelty of the Russian market has long been intriguing, but until the end of last year even most Moscow dealers did not have test cars. During the call, some managers immediately offered to consider the i-Pro sedan, that is, the converted Dongfeng Aeolus E70. And in Avilon they praised the products of the Asian brand Voyah – the Free crossover and the Dreamer van – although they are an order of magnitude more expensive than the Evolute. It is not clear what the sellers were counting on: it is unlikely that anyone intends to take out a mortgage for the sake of an “electro-Chinese” premium.

After the New Year, the situation improved: the long-awaited SUVs appeared in car dealerships, about which the sellers immediately informed the author of these lines. But with the test drive, the situation remained unclear – either there were no cars, then “their status is unclear”, then “they will be there in a week.” For example, they gave it to car sharing, where they test a single example. Finally, Avtomir organized a test drive after all. Admittedly, I literally had to break free and run, because i-Joy had to go somewhere again. And at the same time it is curious that for an urgent visit the administrator promised “goodies” in the form of winter tires as a gift.

Not bad, of course, but this approach to customer test drives raises a lot of questions. Almost six months of waiting! Any impatient buyer would have changed his mind ten times and bought, say, the same Moskvich.

TO TEST

Arriving in the showroom, I was surprised by the wide choice – there were several crossovers in different colors. Let me remind you: red, blue and black colors are metallic and white is non-metallic. The editing isn’t bad, I didn’t find any frank jambs. The claim only arose on the tailgate, which was closed with excessive force: a fragile girl would certainly not appreciate this. Well, the hozblok itself is excellent – a couple of large suitcases will fit in it without any problems. Under the floor is a dokatka, a repair kit and two cables. The first has a fast charging connection, the second a normal household socket. And around the inscription in Chinese. As the manager explained, this is the first batch of cars: everything will be Russified later.

It’s time to ride! The compact car was very spacious. The seat, trimmed in imitation leather, has a good profile, is electrically adjustable and equipped with heating on three levels. The steering wheel with beveled bottom edge looks fashionable, but the edge is thin. By the way, i-Joy thawed quickly. As the experts said, the operation of starting the “electric train” is as follows: first, the heating of the traction battery is activated, and then the interior begins to warm up. Only the side mirrors “slowly go away”, which is somewhat annoying.

In motion, the crossover leaves a pleasant impression. The cab is expected to be quiet and nothing vibrates at traffic lights under the hood. The start is spicy, because the maximum torque is available throughout the rev range. Disc brakes grip everywhere. Controllability is a gamble, as the “steering wheel” is sharp and precise.

The back row did not disappoint either. There, even with a panoramic roof, the head of a tall person does not rest against the trim, because a special stamping is provided. Another plus is that there is no tunnel under it, which does not restrict the third passenger. The only pity is that there is no heating in the back seat.

WE BUY

Taking into account the state subsidy of 895,000 rubles, the price of “Evolute” is 2,595,000, without the “price” biting – 3,490,000 rubles. Please note: this benefit is subject to certain conditions. First, the buyer’s credit history cannot include car loans (not even repaid) for 2021 and 2022. Second, you must work as a teacher or doctor, have minor children, trade in a car over 6 years old, or buy an Evolute for the first time. Therefore, sellers are in a hurry, because no one knows how long the discount will last.

When the budget runs out, the already insignificant interest of private buyers in Lipetsk “trains” will fall. Consequently, it will be much more profitable for car dealers to trade the same Moskvich. Perhaps for the same reason, managers do not impose additional options and even, I repeat, offer a set of wheels as a gift, because they want to book a car as soon as possible. They deserve my like.

Photo: “AutoVzglyad”
Photo: “AutoVzglyad”

Recall that under the name Evolute i-Joy hides the Chinese electric car Dongfeng Fengon. It has no four-wheel drive, only the front wheels drive. They are “spinned” by a 163 hp electric motor, which is powered by a battery with a capacity of 53 kW / h. Power reserve – 407 kilometers.

SEARCHES

The novelty of the Russian market has long been intriguing, but until the end of last year even most Moscow dealers did not have test cars. During the call, some managers immediately offered to consider the i-Pro sedan, that is, the converted Dongfeng Aeolus E70. And in Avilon they praised the products of the Asian brand Voyah – the Free crossover and the Dreamer van – although they are an order of magnitude more expensive than the Evolute. It is not clear what the sellers were counting on: it is unlikely that anyone intends to take out a mortgage for the sake of an “electro-Chinese” premium.

After the New Year, the situation improved: the long-awaited SUVs appeared in car dealerships, about which the sellers immediately informed the author of these lines. But with the test drive, the situation remained unclear – either there were no cars, then “their status is unclear”, then “they will be there in a week.” For example, they gave it to car sharing, where they test a single example. Finally, Avtomir organized a test drive after all. Admittedly, I literally had to break free and run, because i-Joy had to go somewhere again. And at the same time it is curious that for an urgent visit the administrator promised “goodies” in the form of winter tires as a gift.

Not bad, of course, but this approach to customer test drives raises a lot of questions. Almost six months of waiting! Any impatient buyer would have changed his mind ten times and bought, say, the same Moskvich.

TO TEST

Arriving in the showroom, I was surprised by the wide choice – there were several crossovers in different colors. Let me remind you: red, blue and black colors are metallic and white is non-metallic. The editing isn’t bad, I didn’t find any frank jambs. The claim only arose on the tailgate, which was closed with excessive force: a fragile girl would certainly not appreciate this. Well, the hozblok itself is excellent – a couple of large suitcases will fit in it without any problems. Under the floor is a dokatka, a repair kit and two cables. The first has a fast charging connection, the second a normal household socket. And around the inscription in Chinese. As the manager explained, this is the first batch of cars: everything will be Russified later.

It’s time to ride! The compact car was very spacious. The seat, trimmed in imitation leather, has a good profile, is electrically adjustable and equipped with heating on three levels. The steering wheel with beveled bottom edge looks fashionable, but the edge is thin. By the way, i-Joy thawed quickly. As the experts said, the operation of starting the “electric train” is as follows: first, the heating of the traction battery is activated, and then the interior begins to warm up. Only the side mirrors “slowly go away”, which is somewhat annoying.

In motion, the crossover leaves a pleasant impression. The cab is expected to be quiet and nothing vibrates at traffic lights under the hood. The start is spicy, because the maximum torque is available throughout the rev range. Disc brakes grip everywhere. Controllability is a gamble, as the “steering wheel” is sharp and precise.

The back row did not disappoint either. There, even with a panoramic roof, the head of a tall person does not rest against the trim, because a special stamp is provided. Another plus is that there is no tunnel under it, which does not restrict the third passenger. The only pity is that there is no heating in the back seat.

WE BUY

Taking into account the state subsidy of 895,000 rubles, the price of “Evolute” is 2,595,000, without the “price” biting – 3,490,000 rubles. Please note: this benefit is subject to certain conditions. First, the buyer’s credit history cannot include car loans (not even repaid) for 2021 and 2022. Second, you must work as a teacher or doctor, have minor children, trade in a car over 6 years old, or buy an Evolute for the first time. Therefore, sellers are in a hurry, because no one knows how long the discount will last.

When the budget runs out, the already insignificant interest of private buyers in Lipetsk “trains” will fall. Consequently, it will be much more profitable for car dealers to trade the same Moskvich. Perhaps for the same reason, managers do not impose additional options and even, I repeat, offer a set of wheels as a gift, because they want to book a car as soon as possible. They deserve my like.

Source: Avto Vzglyad

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