When Chinese brands began to appear en masse on the Russian budget car market in the mid-2000s, many car enthusiasts were faced with unusual names. Lifan became one of the most popular, and the model Solano (often popularly called simply “Plum” due to the translation of the brand name) aroused keen interest. In those years, the question “what kind of drain is this machine” was heard everywhere, because few people understood what was hidden behind the Chinese nameplate and what the real resource of this unit was.
In fact, Lifan Solano is a classic C-class sedan, which was originally created as a copy of the Toyota Corolla in the E120 body. Chinese engineers did not hide their sources of inspiration, copying not only the appearance, but also the technical platform of the Japanese bestseller. This made the car predictable to maintain and easy enough for even inexperienced drivers to understand, which played a key role in its popularity.
Over the years of sales, the model has undergone several restylings and changed several generations, acquiring new options and engines. Today, looking at the secondary market, we can say with confidence: this is a working tool for those who need inexpensive transport with a clear design. However, the devil, as usual, is in the details, which we will examine in this material.
Origin story and connection with Toyota
The fundamental basis of the first generation Lifan Solano (model range 620) is a deep reworking of the Toyota Corolla E120 platform. Chinese company Lifan Industry went the proven way: took a successful design, adapted it to its production capabilities and offered the market a product at a price 30-40% lower than the original. Visually, the car is practically indistinguishable from the Japanese, if you don’t look closely at the nuances of the plastic and the shape of the optics.
The engineering thought of the Chinese was aimed at simplifying the design as much as possible to reduce costs. The suspension, steering and engine compartment layout are completely identical to the Japanese original. This means that body geometry and the attachment points of the units meet high standards, which is rare for the budget segment of that time. It was this “Toot” heredity that provided the car with good handling and predictable behavior on the road.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the external similarity, the quality of metal stamping and anti-corrosion treatment of the Lifan Solano is inferior to the original Toyota. The body requires mandatory additional protection in the first years of operation.
Over time, the company began to move away from direct copying, introducing its own developments into the design of the front end and interior. The second generation (model 820) already looked more aggressive and modern, losing direct associations with Corolla, but maintaining the general concept of a simple and reliable sedan. However, in the mass consciousness, “Plum” forever remained the “Chinese Corolla”.
Technical characteristics and power units
The basis of the Lifan Solano's technical content has always been 1.6-liter gasoline engines. In the early stages it was a motor 1.6 l (106 hp) 16V series, which has proven itself to be quite high-torque, but not without childhood diseases. Later, with the release of restyled versions and the second generation, the line was replenished with a more modern 1.8-liter engine, but it was the “one and a half” that became the most popular.
The transmission was offered in two options: a classic 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. A manual transmission (manual transmission) is considered more reliable and durable, although it is somewhat difficult to switch to cold. The automatic transmission is a good old hydraulic transmission that does not like sudden starts, but with careful use it lasts a long time.
It is important to note that the Solano engine is equipped with a timing chain drive, which theoretically should increase its service life compared to its belt-driven counterparts. However, the quality of the chain itself and tensioners in the first batches left much to be desired. Hydraulic compensators valves eliminate the need for the owner to adjust thermal clearances manually, which greatly simplifies maintenance.
Below is a comparative table of the main modifications found on the Russian market:
| Modification | Engine size | Power (hp) | checkpoint | Acceleration 0-100 km/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lifan Solano 1.6 | 1587 cc cm | 106 | 5 manual transmission | 12.9 sec |
| Lifan Solano 1.6 Auto | 1587 cc cm | 106 | 4 automatic transmission | 14.5 sec |
| Lifan Solano 1.8 (New) | 1794 cc cm | 131 | CVT / 5 manual transmission | 10.5 sec |
| Lifan Solano 1.5 (rare) | 1498 cc cm | 94 | 5 manual transmission | 13.8 sec |
Features of the 1.8 engine
The 1.8 liter (1794 cc) 1800QNE series engine was a response to criticism of the lack of power. It received an i-VVT variable valve timing system, which improved elasticity and reduced fuel consumption. However, this engine is more demanding on the quality of oil and gasoline.
Features of operation and typical problems
Owning a Lifan Solano requires a certain amount of care from the owner, especially when it comes to older specimens. One of the main problems of the first years of production was body corrosion. The metal used by the Chinese manufacturer was galvanized with insufficient quality, so the thresholds, arches and bottoms of the doors could bloom already in the second or third year of operation, especially in the harsh Russian winters with reagents.
The electrical part of the car also deserves special attention. Owners often encounter sensor failures, problems with the generator, and incorrect operation of the on-board computer. Contact groups can oxidize, leading to floating faults that are difficult to diagnose without a good multimeter.
☑️ Checklist for checking Lifan Solano before purchasing
The car's suspension, despite its simple design, has its weak points. The front stabilizer struts and bushings require replacement quite often - approximately every 30-40 thousand kilometers. The rear beam is more durable, but the shock absorbers can leak during active driving on bad roads. In general, the chassis is repairable, and spare parts cost pennies compared to their European counterparts.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a used Lifan Solano, be sure to check the condition of the catalyst. Its destruction on early models often led to ceramic dust entering the cylinders and scuffing, which required a major engine overhaul.
Interior, comfort and equipment
The interior of the Lifan Solano is a realm of hard plastic, but the ergonomics here are well thought out. The seats are of average comfort, but over long distances the back may get tired due to insufficient lumbar support. Noise insulation The car is at a low level: road noise and engine hum penetrate into the cabin already at speeds above 80 km/h, which forces owners to often make additional noise.
Depending on the year of manufacture and configuration (Standard, Normal, Luxury), the car could be equipped with various options. Top versions offered leather upholstery, an electric sunroof, climate control and a multimedia system with navigation. For the budget class, this was a generous set, although the quality of the electronics implementation often gave rise to criticism.
Legroom in the rear row is sufficient for passengers of average height, but the high center tunnel makes it difficult to seat three adults comfortably. The trunk with a volume of about 600 liters is an absolute plus of the model, allowing you to load large cargo, which makes the car attractive for use as a taxi or family transport to the country house.
To improve the acoustic comfort in the Lifan Solano, owners often recommend, first of all, soundproofing the wheel arches and doors, as well as replacing the standard speakers with better ones, since the “original” ones quickly wheeze.
Maintainability and availability of spare parts
One of the main advantages of Lifan Solano on the Russian market is the high degree of unification with other models and the availability of spare parts. The engine, as already mentioned, has much in common with Toyota units, which allows you to find compatible filters, spark plugs and some elements of attachments. The manual transmission is also well studied by the services.
Body parts (bumpers, headlights, fenders) can be found both in the original version and in the form of high-quality analogues from third-party manufacturers. This significantly reduces the cost of restoring a car after minor accidents. Standard hour cost in services specializing in Chinese cars, it is usually lower than in official European brands.
However, you should be prepared for the fact that some specific elements (for example, climate controls, ABS units or rare sensors) may disappear from sale if the model is officially discontinued. In such cases, owners often resort to disassembly or ordering parts from China, which increases machine downtime.
High maintainability and low cost of spare parts make Lifan Solano a cost-effective choice for those who are willing to put up with possible minor faults for the sake of a low cost of ownership.
Cost of ownership and resale value
Lifan Solano belongs to the category of cars with a high degree of depreciation. Buying a new Plum was a profitable deal only at the time of purchase, but upon resale the owner lost a significant part of the investment. On the secondary market, prices for these cars are very low, which makes them attractive for novice drivers or for use for commercial purposes (taxi, driving schools).
Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is about 8–9 liters per 100 km for version 1.6 with manual transmission. An automatic transmission increases this figure by about 1–1.5 liters. For a modern engine, this is not the most economical result, but it is quite acceptable for a car of this mass and aerodynamics.
Insurance payments for MTPL and CASCO for Lifan Solano are usually lower than the market average due to the low estimated value of the car. It also reduces the total cost of ownership, making the budget affordable even for drivers with little experience.
Final Summary: Is it worth buying?
Answering the question “what kind of car is it?”, we can say that this is a simple, understandable, but not without its shortcomings car. It is ideal as a “first sign” for learning to drive and repair, or as a workhorse for traveling around the city and countryside. If you are looking for a reliable, comfortable and status car for many years, you may want to consider other options.
However, if the budget is limited and having your own transport is necessary, Lifan Solano offers the maximum car for the minimum money. The main thing is to carefully check a specific instance before purchasing and be prepared to promptly correct minor faults. With proper maintenance, this “Chinese” can run more than 200 thousand kilometers without serious intervention in the engine.
Why is the model called 'Plum'?
The brand name Lifan is translated from Chinese as “Going in full sail”, but in Russia the association with the word 'Lifan' -> 'Li-fan' -> 'Plum' has taken root (due to the similarity of sound with the English Plum or simply folk etymology). Sometimes the model is mistakenly called 'Solano', which is a transliteration of the model name Solano.
How reliable is the Lifan Solano 1.6 engine?
The 1.6 engine (106 hp) is considered quite reliable, subject to timely oil changes (every 7-8 thousand km) and the use of high-quality fuel. The main risk is associated with the catalyst and cooling system. If treated with care, the resource is 200-250 thousand km before the first major overhaul.
What problems does the Lifan Solano have with the body?
The main problem is corrosion. The sills, wheel arches, door edges and the bottoms of the wings rust. The layer of paint and anti-corrosion treatment at the factory was thin. We strongly advise the buyer of a used car to carefully inspect these areas and be prepared for welding work or installation of non-original elements.
Is Lifan Solano suitable for taxi?
Yes, this is one of the popular models for working in economy class taxis. The spacious interior, large trunk and cheap parts make it cost-effective. However, the comfort of passengers and the driver is inferior to more modern models (Solaris, Rio), and fuel consumption may be higher.
Where can I find spare parts for Lifan Solano now?
Original spare parts can be ordered through official dealers (if they still operate in your region) or specialized online stores for Chinese cars. There is a wide range of consumables (filters, pads) and suspension elements from third-party manufacturers (CFAO, Patron, Sat, etc.).