In the modern Russian automobile market, you can increasingly find brand names that were unknown to the general public just yesterday. One of these names was Atlant Motors, offering a model BU is a compact crossover that attracts attention with its affordable price and modern appearance. Potential buyers are looking for information about what is hidden behind the abbreviation “M Bu Auto” and often confuse the model name with technical characteristics or modifications.
In reality, BU - this is the designation of a specific model in the manufacturer’s line, which is positioned as a city car for an active life. It is important to understand that under the hood of this car lies a time-tested engine, and assembly is carried out at facilities aimed at exporting to the CIS countries. In this article we will take a closer look at whether this car is worth considering as a primary purchase.
The growing interest in Chinese brands is due not only to the shortage of familiar brands, but also to a real leap in the quality of assembly and equipment. Atlant M offers customers not just hardware, but a comprehensive solution with a guarantee and service. However, before visiting a dealership, you need to weigh the pros and cons by studying the technical nuances and real reviews from owners.
Specifications and engine
The heart of the crossover Atlant Motors BU is a 1.5 liter naturally aspirated petrol engine. This power unit has long proven itself in other models in the budget segment, characterized by its simplicity of design and maintainability. The engine power is 113 horsepower, which for a city crossover, taking into account its weight, is quite sufficient for a confident start from a traffic light.
The engine is paired with a manual or automatic transmission, depending on the selected configuration. The CVT automatic transmission (CVT) provides a smooth ride, but requires careful handling in winter. Mechanics, in turn, are more reliable and predictable, especially in conditions of bad roads and ice.
⚠️ Attention: When operating the CVT version in severe frosts, be sure to warm up the transmission for at least 5-10 minutes before driving to avoid damage to the belt and cones.
The dynamic characteristics of the car cannot be called record-breaking; acceleration to 100 km/h takes about 12-13 seconds. However, for quiet driving in the city and country trips at the permitted speed, this is quite enough. The main advantage of the power unit is its adaptability to fuel of a quality not lower than AI-92, which reduces operating costs.
Dimensions, ground clearance and cross-country ability
Crossover BU belongs to class B+, which determines its compact dimensions, convenient for parking in a cramped city. The length of the car is 4360 mm, width - 1780 mm, and height - 1625 mm. Such dimensions make it easy to maneuver in traffic and take up minimal parking space, which is a critical factor for residents of megacities.
The ground clearance, which is declared by the manufacturer at 185 mm, deserves special attention. This is a really high indicator for a passenger car, allowing you to feel confident on broken roads, dirt roads and when driving onto high curbs. The suspension is tuned for comfort, it is quite soft and absorbs small asphalt irregularities well.
However, one should not forget that all-wheel drive This model does not have it. The car is exclusively front-wheel drive, so its cross-country ability is limited only by its ground clearance and geometric cross-country ability. It is not intended for deep snow or muddy clay, remaining a city dweller with increased capabilities.
To protect the lower part of the engine during active driving on bad roads, it is recommended to additionally install a metal crankcase protection, since the standard plastic one may not withstand a serious impact.
Interior, equipment and comfort
The interior of the crossover is made in a modern style using medium quality materials. The finishing is dominated by hard plastic, which, nevertheless, is assembled without gaps and does not emit unnecessary squeaks when used carefully. The ergonomics of the driver's seat are well thought out: all controls are within reach.
In basic configurations, the car is equipped with a multimedia system with a touch screen that supports connecting smartphones via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This allows you to stream navigation and music directly to the car's display. There is also air conditioning, electric windows and a height adjustable steering wheel.
The rear row of seats is spacious enough for two medium-sized adults. It will be difficult to accommodate three people in the back due to restrictions on the width of the cabin. The luggage compartment volume is about 400 liters, which is standard for this class of car.
- 📱 Multimedia with support for smartphone screen mirroring
- ❄️ Manual air conditioning or climate control at the top
- 🛡️ Stability control system ESP and ABS in all versions
- 🪑 Height adjustment of the driver's seat in maximum configurations
Sound insulation features
In budget versions, sound insulation of arches and doors is minimal. At high speeds (above 110 km/h), wind and tire noise may be heard in the cabin. The situation can only be improved with comprehensive additional sound insulation.
Fuel consumption and efficiency
The issue of efficiency often becomes decisive when choosing a budget car. The manufacturer claims mixed fuel consumption at 7.5 liters per 100 km. Actual figures may vary depending on driving style, traffic conditions and time of year.
In urban conditions, especially during rush hours with frequent stops, consumption can reach 9-10 liters. On the highway at a speed of 90-100 km/h, the car shows excellent results, consuming about 6.5 liters of gasoline. The 1.5-liter engine is not very powerful, so overtaking on the highway often requires switching to a lower gear, which also affects appetite.
| Driving mode | Claimed consumption (l/100 km) | Actual consumption (l/100 km) |
|---|---|---|
| City | 9.2 | 9.5 - 10.5 |
| Route | 6.0 | 6.5 - 7.0 |
| Mixed | 7.5 | 8.0 - 8.5 |
To reduce fuel consumption, it is recommended to monitor tire pressure and not overload the trunk with unnecessary things. Savings are also facilitated by a smooth start to movement and the absence of sudden accelerations. The use of high-quality fuel also has a positive effect on the stability of the engine.
☑️ How to reduce fuel consumption
Safety and driver assistance systems
Security in the budget segment often becomes a compromise between price and the availability of electronic systems. Model Atlant BU equipped with a basic set of active safety systems. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and brake-force distribution (EBD) are standard.
The car body has reinforced deformation zones at the front and rear, as well as a reinforced interior frame. The presence of airbags depends on the configuration: at a minimum there can be two of them (driver and front passenger), in top versions the number increases. ISOFIX anchorages for child seats are present in all versions.
⚠️ Attention: Not all trim levels are equipped with side airbags and curtains. When purchasing a used or basic car, be sure to check for these items, as they are critical in a side impact.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) helps avoid skidding during sudden maneuvers or on slippery roads. However, you should not rely entirely on electronics, especially in winter. Standard tires on a car often have an average grip coefficient, so replacing them with high-quality winter tires is a mandatory procedure before the season.
The presence of ESP and ABS makes the car safer, but the absence of side airbags in basic versions requires increased caution when maneuvering in heavy traffic.
Maintenance and cost of ownership
One of the main advantages of the brand is the availability of spare parts and the low cost of scheduled maintenance. The maintenance schedule involves changing oil and filters every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. For Russian operating conditions, it is better to reduce the interval to 7-8 thousand kilometers.
Spare parts for the engine and chassis are unified with other models using similar units, which simplifies the search for the necessary components. Official dealers offer warranty service, but many owners prefer to have their car serviced at specialized services due to lower prices.
The cost of ownership consists not only of the purchase price, but also of insurance, fuel and repairs. Thanks to the simple suspension design (MacPherson strut at the front, beam at the rear), chassis repairs are inexpensive. With proper care, the service life of the main components allows you to travel more than 200,000 km without major intervention.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that Atlant M Bu is a rational choice for those looking for a new car on a minimal budget. It doesn't offer record-breaking dynamics or premium comfort, but it does its job of getting you from point A to point B honestly.
What is the real engine life of the Atlant M Bu?
With timely oil changes and the use of high-quality fuel, the engine life before the first major overhaul is 200-250 thousand kilometers. The key factor is the condition of the timing belt, which requires replacement according to regulations.
Does the model have body problems?
The body has a standard zinc-containing coating for the budget class. In the absence of mechanical damage and chips, corrosion appears no earlier than 5-7 years of operation. It is recommended to carry out anti-corrosion treatment of hidden cavities after purchase.
Does Yandex support multimedia navigation?
The standard system supports navigation applications via smartphone screen projection (Android Auto / Apple CarPlay). Installing applications directly to the head unit is not possible in all versions and may require flashing.