China’s assault on the European and world market is taking place across the board. Not just sedans or SUVs, the Dragon Republic thinks of another type of vehicles: microcars, a category in which the Jinpeng XY fits.
A trendy item
Microcars have become a trendy object, a dream of kids, due to the same conditions established by the legislator on the minimum age. Unlike a car in the classic sense of the term In fact, it is not necessary to have a B driving licence and parents have the opportunity to rest assured. In fact, compared to the classic scooter, it achieves a higher level of safety, without costing a fortune.
It also rose to general attention in Italian territory, with the Fiat Topolino. The small “Turin” (it is produced in Kenitra, Morocco) tries to follow in the footsteps of the Citroen Ami and the Opel Rocks-e, to record maximum profit with minimum (economic) effort.
The name, evocative of the first 500 so nicknamed due to its compactness, immediately aroused interest. Despite not having an illustrious history behind her, she will challenge Jinpeng XY, revealed in recent weeks and on the verge of landing in Italy too, thanks to the importer Desner Auto.
This light electric quadricycle – 285 cm long, 140 cm wide, 154 cm high and with a wheelbase of 194 cm – fits very well with the needs of urban people. Upon obtaining the AM driving licence, pIt can be driven from the age of 14.
Double variant and driving mode
There are two variants on the list. The entry level features a 4 kW and 79 Nm alternating current electric motor of maximum torque powered by a 6 kWh battery, for a maximum speed of 45 km/h and a range of 72 km.
The top of the range features a 6 kW and 95 Nm permanent magnet engine, combined with a 7.7 kWh battery, for a peak speed of 65 km/h and a range of 80 km. On flat city routes, Desner reports, the autonomy exceeds the 100 km threshold, while a full charge takes between 6 and 8 hours.
Estimated consumption falls within the range of 126 to 147 Wh/km. With rear-wheel drive, the planet-friendly microcar features 210 mm disc brakes at the front, drum brakes at the rear and 12-inch wheels with 145/70 tyres.
In terms of equipment, the package I put on the table is interesting, also because the price (still to be communicated in our peninsula) will certainly be competitive. In addition to the 7-inch LCD instrument panel, there is also a 9-inch central touchscreen. Exclusively on City E-CCO and Long Range E-CCO they are guaranteed on the E-CCO and Long Range E-CCO trim levels.
Even started without a key (keyless ignition), the rear-view camera helps drivers in their manoeuvres, which they have two driving modes to choose from: the more economical Drive and the fun Sport. As for the “relationship” with smartphones, it is excellent, with two USB sockets (one in front, one in back), the phone holder with cable (Android or Apple) and Bluetooth.
The first units of the Jinpeng XY have landed in Italy and will be completed in the next few days, when we will finally find out how much it costs. The launch is scheduled for summer 2024.
