While browsing through the many premieres of the 2013 Shanghai motor show, I came across the Lifan 620 and 630, with the latter being a new “more upmarket” variant. However, what struck me was the fact that these two models, styled and built by the same automaker, copy two different cars’ fascias.
The 620 is a combination of older Volkswagen and a Chinese interpretation of the headlights found on the BMW 3-Series E90, as well as an M-inspired lower grille and bumper. However, this is not a new model, but the new 630 is.
It is apparently a more luxurious version of the 620, but its styling cues are quite different. It looks the same aside from the front fascia, which clearly brings to mind Lexus. On the other hand, the headlights have been reshaped and look nothing like those of a Lexus, hinting more at a French car, like a new Peugeot or Citroen.
This kind of strategy is somewhat surprising, and it is beginning to show the gap between Chinese automakers that are receiving a lot of help from abroad, and the ones that aren’t. From what we know, Lifan is a smaller and more independent manufacturer, but this does by no means translate into unique products. Lifan’s range also includes a more blatant copy of the MINI Cooper.
By Andrei Nedelea
PHOTO GALLERY
