Chery Amulet is a car that the Chinese manufacturer makes a special bet on in the Russian Federation. Firstly, we are talking about a fairly roomy city car - these are the ones that are in great demand in Russia. Secondly, buyers should be attracted by the price of this car (and it is very attractive). Well, thirdly - his appearance.
It is no secret that many Chinese cars are copies of famous brands. So Cheri Amulet looks very similar to the Hyundai Accent. Although there is another opinion - Chery Amulet is a "remake" of Seat Toledo twenty years ago.
In general, the "Amulet" is very similar to a sedan, but, in fact, this car is equipped with a "fifth door" (like a hatchback) - this body is called a liftback.
Salon "Amulet" is executed in typical, for Chinese cars, reddish-beige tones. The quality of the materials is a pleasant surprise. Even an inquisitive eye can hardly notice irregularities in the gaps and joints. In general, the quality of the interior is satisfactory.
The front fascia is a slightly modified version of the aforementioned Seat Toledo. All scales, highlighted in a pleasant green color, are easy to read in the dark.
There are no serious ergonomic mistakes in the interior of this car. However, there are some shortcomings - for example, for some reason you constantly touch the comfortable swinging light control keys with your knee (when leaving the car), and the window regulator buttons are shifted back so much that it is not very convenient to use them.
But the biggest drawback of the Chery Amulet is the seats. Nice light velor chairs turned out to be amorphous, with a push-out profile. It just won't work to get comfortable in them.
And the rear passengers are offered a simple, straight profile with no frills. Maybe it's for the best. Three riders will be cramped here, but two can be accommodated with acceptable comfort. They have a comfortable armrest with cup holders at their disposal.
The decision with beige flooring and seats seems to be dubious - it is too impractical in Russian realities.
Under the hood, Chery Amulet has a licensed Mitsubishi engine made in China (of course) with a volume of 1.6 liters and a capacity of 94 hp. In the future, it is planned to complete the Chery Amulet with an engine with a 16-valve gas distribution mechanism and a self-developed variator, but so far these are only plans.
Turning the key in the Chery Amulet ignition lock is accompanied only by a slight shuddering of the body ... no sound. Only a tachometer indicates that the engine has not stalled, but in fact is working.
Vibroacoustic isolation from Chery Amulet, at idle, is excellent for this segment. Engine sound only enters the passenger compartment after 2000 rpm.
The dynamics of the power unit cannot be called outstanding, but it can be considered quite sufficient both on the highway and in the city. In addition, the driver is assisted by a wide range of traction rpm - from 2000 to 4500 rpm. The Amulet's engine spins very willingly, which makes it possible to win "mini-victories at traffic lights."
Cherie Amulet's brakes are just as good. Only a few "spoils the picture" is the anti-lock braking system, the work of which is accompanied by a crazy vibration of the pedal.
It feels like driving this car is very similar to driving a domestic "top ten". Similar: clutch, accelerator, gear shifting. Even the handle of the gearbox lever seemed to have been removed from the front-wheel drive "Lada".
It may seem strange, but the work of the suspension also resembles the "tenth VAZ family". Smooth running and comfortable passage of irregularities are the hallmarks of the Chinese "Amulet". Even tram tracks, which can be flown at full speed, do not become an obstacle. This is facilitated by the high energy intensity of the suspension.
By the way, in China, Chery Amulet is often used as a taxi - and this already says something.
A serious trump card of the car is the presence in the basic configuration: a hydraulic booster, an air conditioner and electric windows. Well, for an additional fee, you can install: ABS, airbags and a CD-receiver.
Main technical characteristics:
- Number of seats - 5
- Curb weight, kg - 1100
- Dimensions (length / width / height), mm - 4393/1682/1424
- Maximum speed, km / h - 172
- Acceleration to 100 km / h, from -11.5
- Fuel consumption (combined cycle), l / 100 km - 8.2
- Engine - 4-cylinder, fuel injection; working volume, cm3 - 1596; power, l. with. at min-1 - 94/5500; torque, Nm at min-1 - 132/3000
- Transmission - mechanical, 5-speed
- Tire size - 185 / 60R14
Price for Chery Amulet (A15) in 2006 varies in the range from 215,000 to 270,000 rubles (depending on the configuration).
