A new car, from a new manufacturer, arrives in Israel and changes everything we knew.
A landmark that marks the face of things to come
In the 1960s, it was common to refer to products coming from Japan as imitating the "real thing" from Europe or the United States.
It took the Japanese several decades to close the gaps in capacity and image and it is no secret where this industry has come from.
Back in the current century - until a few years ago it was common to look at Chinese industry in the same way.
And you could say that now - they closed the gap and it only took them a few years.
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Take AIWAYS for example.
Until about three years ago this company did not exist.
The model under test (U5) did not exist until more or less two years ago.
In other words, this is a new and first car, from a new and primary manufacturer.
From China.
And we'll get to the bottom line right now - it's well made and definitely produces a pleasant and quality experience on the road.
It's not that it's completely flawless, but the real story here is the feeling.
The U5 does not feel like a car, we'll get to that soon.
Brain Escape
There are many factors that have helped the Chinese narrow the gap.
The move to electricity removed from them the problems involved in developing internal combustion engines, the money helped them recruit people with knowledge from the old continent, steps taken by the government there and more, all of which contributed to the revolution that is right here.
There are more than 100 car manufacturers in China, and these things are not said about all of them.
There are some of them, who have managed to take advantage of all these conditions to their advantage.
The U5 is an all-new vehicle as mentioned.
It offers electric propulsion (204 hp), an oversized SUV look and an endless list of equipment.
There are screens here that broadcast and communicate everything you need to operate the vehicle.
A huge variety of advanced safety systems that contribute to semi-autonomous capability.
Adaptive cruise control can be found here, autonomous braking capability, alerts on a vehicle in dead space, warning of cross traffic in reverse, guarding the lane, detecting signs, a traffic jam system and more.
There are also 360 cameras and a system that produces pleasant sounds.
Cheap it does not feel.
The test model is from the more expensive version (NIS 172,500) and adds to the list of equipment loaded with larger rims, a huge panoramic roof, a wireless charging pad, leather upholstery and more.
A few more consumer details, the warranty is given for 8 years, the vehicle requires a periodic inspection once every 3 years and the latest versions of the vehicle systems are transmitted to it (OTA) so that a visit to the service center can be waived.
Successful translation
Chinese logic translates quite successfully on the road.
The cabin is very spacious and no less flattering.
It feels modern not to say futuristic.
The operation is very simple.
This is not an ordinary car converted into electricity but a car designed as such from the beginning.
A platform designed for electrical and advanced safety accessories.
There is no sample key - pressing the brake pedal wakes up the systems, selects a drive and that's about it.
The advanced driving systems are not ashamed to take responsibility when needed, leading the vehicle alone safely.
It gives you time to look at the huge sunroof, play with the system (whose responses are a bit slow) and mark what alerts you want the car to show you.
Those who try to drive will find excellent responses from the electric motor, safe and solid behavior and a sponge brake pedal about a signal to the regenerative system.
The said space is excellent, the seats are a bit narrow and the base is short, but the overall comfort is quite good.
On bumpy urban roads, the calibration feels a little too stiff, but the situation improves significantly on reasonable roads and up.
On an intercity cruise the U5 reveals a fairly quiet ride with the hum of a remote electric motor and a bit of off-road sensitivity.
The engine offers three travel modes, we spent most of the time in the economical mode that offered enough performance and speed.
The most powerful condition felt a bit redundant, with very strong accelerations, repeated attempts to rip the front tire grip and damage to the range of travel.
And if we get to this point - the stated driving range is 400 km.
We are on a fairly leisurely and relaxed ride and have achieved about 25 percent less.
There is a quick charge option here if a suitable position is in the vicinity.
In any case, a home charging station is included in the price of iWays and with such a range night charging will suffice for most daily needs.
Since such a car is not really driven, there is a lot of time to wonder about the functioning of the various systems and their functioning.
It can be noted that the stability control system does not really disconnect and the traction control also connects automatically above 80 km / h.
The more interesting part is known for the functioning of advanced safety systems.
Overall the ability is very good.
Contrary to what we are familiar with, the adaptive cruise control system, combined with the lane keeping system, allow for relatively long periods of semi-autonomous driving.
Maintaining the center of the lane was generally good and so was the identification of the cars and the independent braking.
What is less impressive is the ability to detect and respond to bicycles and pedestrians.
And that brings us to the score of this car in the EURONCAP safety tests where the U5 received a score of only 3 stars.
One of the reasons for this score is related to the functioning of the advanced safety systems and their ability to prevent pedestrian injury, the other is related to the airbag / curtain.
According to the company, the required software updates have been made and the result of the next test during the year will reflect the changes made.
So far a car
This is the first time we are examining such a vehicle on Israeli soil.
A vehicle that was originally designed as electric, is aimed entirely at an electric and autonomous place.
It offers everything a sane person could ask for, at a very affordable price.
Needless to compare it to models at a similar price that will not offer the same performance, instrumentation or feel.
Needless to compare it to a car at all.
Driving it feels like using a sophisticated and innovative product.
As such it offers a lot of logic and ability completely devoid of excitement.
Marks the turning point, between the cars we know, and those to come.
As an Ivy product we were very impressed.
It felt like a unique and quality product from the first second.
One can spot here and there design fragrances that reminded us of Volvo, and switches that look very familiar (from Volkswagen), tell us who the people behind this product are, and where their previous workplace was.
With another slight update to the systems, it will become a complete and completely round product.
One that offers the look of a recreational vehicle, large dimensions, excellent performance and all the equipment that a person could want.
At the price of a mediocre recreational vehicle with reasonable equipment.
The future is already here.
Ivy U5
Motor:
electric
Power:
204 hp
Torque: 31.5
Propulsion:
Front
Wheelbase:
280 cm
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h:
7.5 h
Maximum speed:
163 km / h
Driving range (test):
313 km
Price (test):
157,500 (172,500)
Pros:
Cars are reborn
Cons:
Driving lovers
Bottom line: the
future is already here