Electric Technology Car News: Facing the competition from Wuling Hongguang and Baojun, can the Gatu im8 carve out a path forward?

The opening of the national two-child policy has more or less saved the embarrassing situation of the MPV market. Faced with the high prices of 7-seat SUVs, many people have turned their attention to more affordable MPV models. In 2015, MPV achieved a good result of 2.02 million units in total sales in the Chinese auto market; in 2016, the cumulative sales of the MPV market hit a new high, reaching 2.46 million units, a year-on-year increase of 21.8%, further demonstrating the growth potential of MPV. In addition, nearly half of the models in the 2016 MPV annual sales list were new models that entered the market in the second half of 2015. This phenomenon of a high success rate for new markets and new models has undoubtedly been widely adopted by many automakers.

At the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show, many manufacturers brought new MPVs, among which domestic brands were particularly prosperous, such as Lifan Xuanlang, Changan Lingxuan, Haima's new Fulaimei, and the new generation BYD Song 7-seater version, all of which exhibited real cars. In this fierce emerging market, car companies have to compete not only for the current sales volume, but also need to seize the initiative in the MPV field in order to occupy a place in the future market. Today, we will introduce another newcomer to the domestic MPV team, Foton Jiatu im8, and the price of 70,900 is also quite satisfactory.

Jiatu im8 is a family MPV model launched by Foton Jiatu. Its appearance adopts Jiatu Automobile's brand-new design style. Its high-value appearance has left a deep impression on many car owners. Jiatu im8 also has a good performance in this regard. The front grille of the car has added a lot of chrome decoration, which is connected to the slender headlights on both sides, giving people a good sense of fashion. In terms of body size, Jiatu im8's length/width/height are 4730×1810×1830mm respectively, and the wheelbase is 2760mm. Compared with other models of the same level, the body size is comprehensively superior.

The U-shaped front grille has a lot of chrome decoration and the logo is integrated into it. The two sides are connected to the flat headlights, which are designed with split high and low beams, and have automatic opening and LED daytime running lights. Keyless entry and one-button start functions are increasingly appearing in this level of models, increasing the convenience of daily use. The highlight of the rear is the two irregular taillights, which look quite similar to the Odyssey. The brake lights and width lights are all LED light sources, which perform well.

The interior has been greatly improved compared to previous products. In order to make the interior look younger, a large area of ​​imitation carbon fiber trim is introduced. Although the feel is average, the visual effect is still good. The 10.1-inch floating screen on the center console has a clear display effect, which includes functions such as mobile phone interconnection, Bluetooth, and driving recorder.

Automatic air conditioning is rare in this class, and rear air conditioning vents are installed on the top of the second row seats to take care of the riding comfort of the rear passengers. The front and second row seats of the Jiatu im8 are equipped with USB charging ports to provide power for the electronic devices of the passengers in the car.

In terms of power, it is still the familiar 1.5L+5MT combination. This Dongan 1.5L engine, codenamed DAM15D, is now more commonly used in entry-level MPV models. Its maximum power is 116 horsepower (85 kilowatts) and maximum torque is 150 Nm. Its power parameters are at an upper-middle level in the same class.

The Jiatu im8 is a stylish family MPV. Although it is a new model, its configuration, steering wheel, instrument panel and other shapes are the same as those of the Jiatu ix7. At the same time, we also saw that brake assist, traction control and body stability control systems are not equipped, which is not appropriate for a car of this level.

In addition, the noise control of the Jiatu im8 is satisfactory. However, its 1.5L engine is tuned for medium and high speed power output. The vehicle feels soft within 2000rpm. Only when the engine speed exceeds 2500rpm can you feel the surge of power. The actual acceleration performance is not ideal, with an acceleration time of 0-100km/h of 16.4 seconds. In terms of braking, the fluctuation of the g value during the entire braking process is still relatively large, and the final braking result is 45.5 meters, which is a standard result. In addition, Foton Jiatu needs to further strengthen its dealer network coverage and brand influence.

As a winner of Toutiao's Qingyun Plan and Baijiahao's Bai+ Plan, the 2019 Baidu Digital Author of the Year, the Baijiahao's Most Popular Author in the Technology Field, the 2019 Sogou Technology and Culture Author, and the 2021 Baijiahao Quarterly Influential Creator, he has won many awards, including the 2013 Sohu Best Industry Media Person, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Beijing Third Place, the 2015 Guangmang Experience Award, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Finals Third Place, and the 2018 Baidu Dynamic Annual Powerful Celebrity.