VGV cars: owner reviews - the truth without embellishment

Chinese crossovers VGV over the past 2-3 years, they have firmly entered the top budget cars on the Russian market. Company owned brand Changan, positions itself as a manufacturer of affordable but modern cars with good equipment. However, around VGV Disputes do not subside: some praise it for the price-quality ratio, others criticize it for its “crudeness” and problems with reliability. We have collected real owner reviews models U70, U80, S60 and others, analyzed typical complaints and identified strengths that dealers often keep silent about.

In this article you will find not only subjective opinions, but also specific data on fuel consumption, maintainability, behavior on the road in winter conditions - everything that is important to know before buying. We also compared VGV with main competitors (Haval, Geely, Chery) and found out how justified the fears of the “Chinese assembly” are. If you are considering VGV As a first or family car, this information will help you avoid costly mistakes.

VGV models: what cars are produced under the brand and their features

Ruler VGV includes several models, but three are most in demand on the Russian market:

• 🚗 VGV U70 — compact crossover (4.4 m), competitor Haval Jolion and Geely Coolray. Popular due to its low price (from 1.8 million rubles in 2026) and rich basic equipment.
• 🚙 VGV U80 — mid-size crossover (4.6 m), analogue Changan CS75. It features a spacious interior and a 1.5T turbo engine (188 hp).
• 🚘 VGV S60 — a business class sedan, rarely found in Russia, but interesting as an alternative Geely Emgrand.

All models are equipped turbocharged engines volume 1.5 liters (power from 150 to 188 hp) and a pair of transmissions: 6-speed manual transmission or 7-band “robot” DCT. The latter is often the subject of criticism - owners complain about jerks and delays when switching. However, in new batches (2023–2026), the manufacturer claims that the problem has been solved by updated software.

Feature VGV — high level of equipment even in basic versions. For example, U70 included Comfort already includes:

• 📱 10.25 inch touch screen support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto;
• 🚨 6 airbags;
• 🔥 Climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel;
• 📡 Rear view camera with dynamic markings.

But there are also pitfalls: many owners note that interior plastic gets scratched at the slightest touch, and sound insulation leaves much to be desired at speeds above 90 km/h. Read more about the disadvantages in the next section.

Pros of VGV: what owners praise in reviews

Despite skepticism towards Chinese cars, VGV has a number of undeniable advantages, which are noted even by experienced car owners. The main plus is price/equipment ratio. For example, U70 in maximum configuration Luxury (RUB 2.2 million) offers:

• 🔋 360-degree camera;
• 🚗 Adaptive cruise control;
• 🛡️ Blind spot monitoring system;
• 🎨 Two-tone body paint.

For comparison: similar options for Haval Jolion will cost 300–400 thousand rubles. more expensive. Another plus - warranty 5 years or 150 thousand km (one of the longest on the market). Owners also praise:

• 🛣️ Chassis: independent suspension at the front and semi-independent at the rear copes well with Russian roads. The service life of shock absorbers and stabilizer struts with careful driving is 80–100 thousand km.
• 🔧 Ease of maintenance: most spare parts (filters, brake pads, lamps) last for 15–20 thousand km, and their replacement does not require special tools.
• 🏔️ Patency: ground clearance 190 mm (at U80) allows you to overcome off-road conditions better than many European crossovers.

Separately worth noting design: The aggressive front end with LED optics and a large radiator grille appeals to young drivers. The ergonomics in the cabin are at a good level - the climate and multimedia control buttons are conveniently located, and the seats have good lateral support.

Cons and typical problems: what owners complain about

It is not without its drawbacks. The main complaint is build quality and materials. Owners VGV U70 and U80 often complain about:

• 🔊 Plastic creaks already after 10–15 thousand km (especially in the area of ​​the dashboard and doors);
• 🚪 Poor door adjustment — some copies require fine-tuning in the service;
• 🔥 Interior overheating in summer due to poor thermal insulation of the roof (the air conditioner copes, but works at the limit).

Another painful topic - DCT gearbox. The reviews contain complaints about:

• ⚡ Jerks when shifting in 1st–2nd gears;
• 🐢 Delayed reaction to the gas pedal (especially in traffic jams);
• 🔧 Necessity software updates every 20–30 thousand km.

However, the problem is of a “lottery” nature: some owners drive without complaints, while others are faced with the need to replace the clutch already at 50 thousand km. According to statistics from service centers, most often complaints are received for cars manufactured before mid-2023.

One more point - fuel consumption. The 6.5–7.5 l/100 km declared by the manufacturer in the city rarely coincides with reality. Owners U80 with the 1.5T engine they report consumption of 9–11 l/100 km in winter (at temperatures below -15°C). In summer the figure drops to 7.5–8.5 l/100 km.

Model	Typical problem	Frequency of complaints (%)*	Average repair cost (RUB)
VGV U70	Interior plastic creaks	65%	5,000–15,000 (elimination)
VGV U80	DCT box jerking	40%	20,000–50,000 (software update/clutch replacement)
VGV U70/U80	Interior overheating in summer	30%	10,000–30,000 (tinting/thermal insulation)
VGV U80	Increased fuel consumption in winter	25%	— (not a malfunction)

*According to a survey of owners on the Drive2 and Drom forums (2026).

⚠️ Attention: If you buy VGV with mileage, be sure to check the service history VIN. Cars that have not undergone routine maintenance every 15 thousand km often have problems with the turbine and cooling system.

VGV in winter: how it behaves in snow and cold

One of the key questions for Russian drivers is winter operation. Owners VGV from regions with cold climates (Siberia, Ural) share conflicting reviews:

• ❄️ Pros:
  • 🔥 The stove heats well - the interior warms up in 5-7 minutes even at -25°C;
  • 🚗 High ground clearance (190 mm) allows you not to be afraid of snow drifts;
  • 🔋 The battery (60–70 Ah) holds a stable charge, if you don’t forget to turn off multimedia at night.
• ⚠️ Cons:
  • ⛽ Increased fuel consumption on a cold engine (up to +2 l/100 km);
  • 🚪 Freezing of door locks at temperatures below –20°C (solved by treating with silicone grease);
  • 🛑 Long warm-up of the DCT box - you need to drive carefully for the first 5-10 km.

Deserves special attention handling on ice. The owners note that VGV prone to lack of agility (front axle drift) on slippery surfaces. This is typical for front-wheel drive crossovers with a high center of gravity. The problem is solved by installing winter tires with studs (recommended size: 215/60 R17) and careful driving.

Interesting fact: in 2026, dealers began offering the option heated windshield (for 25 thousand rubles). The owners who installed it note that this greatly simplifies winter operation - there is no need to waste time cleaning the ice.

How to properly warm up a VGV in winter?

1. Start the engine and let it idle for 1-2 minutes.

2. Start driving at a speed no higher than 40 km/h, avoiding sudden acceleration.

3. For the first 5 km, do not exceed 2,000 rpm - this will protect the turbine and gearbox from wear.

4. If the car spent the night outside at –20°C or below, before starting, turn on the low beam for 10 seconds - this will warm up the battery.

Comparison of VGV with competitors: Haval, Geely, Chery

To understand whether it's worth buying VGV, let's compare it with the main competitors in the budget crossover segment:

Parameter	VGV U70	Haval Jolion	Geely Coolray	Chery Tiggo 7 Pro
Price (base, 2026)	from 1.8 million rubles.	from 2.1 million rubles.	from 2.3 million rubles.	from 1.9 million rubles.
Engine power	150–188 hp	143–190 hp	150–190 hp	156–197 hp
Warranty	5 years / 150 thousand km	5 years / 150 thousand km	4 years / 120 thousand km	5 years / 150 thousand km
Average consumption (city)	8.5–9.5 l/100 km	9–10 l/100 km	8–9 l/100 km	9–10.5 l/100 km
Main complaints	Creaks, DCT	Poor sound insulation	Expensive maintenance	Unreliable electrics

What to choose?

• 💰 If the budget is limited - VGV U70 or Chery Tiggo 7 Pro (but Chery worse reliability of electronics).
• 🛡️ If reliability is important - Haval Jolion (but it is 200–300 thousand rubles more expensive).
• 🚗 If you need dynamics - Geely Coolray with a 1.5T engine (190 hp), but its maintenance is more expensive.

By the end of 2023 VGV U70 took 3rd place in sales among Chinese crossovers in Russia (after Haval Jolion and Changan CS35 Plus). This indicates good value for money, despite some shortcomings.

Cost of ownership: maintenance costs, spare parts and insurance

One of the key advantages VGV is low cost of maintenance. Let's look at the main expense items:

• 🔧 Scheduled maintenance:
  • Changing oil and filters - 6,000–8,000 rubles. (every 15 thousand km);
  • Replacement of brake pads - 12,000–15,000 rubles. (once every 40–50 thousand km);
  • Replacing the timing belt - 25,000–30,000 rubles. (once every 100 thousand km).
• 🛡️ Warranty repair: Most problems (creaks, minor electronic malfunctions) are fixed under warranty free of charge.
• 📄 Insurance (CASCO/OSAGO):
  • OSAGO - 8,000–12,000 rubles. per year;
  • CASCO — 80,000–120,000 rub. (depending on the region and age of the driver).

For comparison: service Geely Coolray costs 20–30% more due to the higher price of spare parts. But Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Cheaper to repair, but breaks down more often.

Important nuance: spare parts for VGV have become more accessible. If in 2022 you had to wait 1-2 months for some parts, now most items (filters, brake discs, lamps) are available from dealers or on the market (for example, Exist.ru or AutoDoc). Prices for original spare parts:

• 🔋 Battery — 12,000–15,000 rub.;
• 🚗 Brake discs (front) — RUB 8,000–10,000. per pair;
• 🔥 Low beam lamp (LED) - RUB 3,000–4,500.

Non-original analogues (for example, Bosch or TRW) cost 20–40% less, but installing them may void your warranty.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing spare parts, check their compatibility according to VIN code car. For example, brake pads for VGV U70 2022 and 2023 may be different!

Is it worth buying VGV in 2026: conclusions and recommendations

To summarize, we can highlight 5 key pointsthat will help you make a decision:

1. Who is it suitable for: VGV - a good choice for those looking for budget crossover with a rich set of equipment and is ready to put up with minor shortcomings (creaks, imperfect box). Ideal as a first car or a family car for the city.
2. Who is not suitable for: If you need maximum reliability or you plan to drive off-road, it is better to consider Haval or Japanese used crossovers (Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5).
3. Optimal model: VGV U70 included Comfort+ (2 million rubles) - the best balance of price and equipment. U80 It's worth taking only if you need a spacious interior.
4. Important nuance: Buy only from official dealers with a full package of documents. Cars brought through the “gray” route may have problems with the warranty and title.
5. Alternative: If your budget allows, pay attention to Changan CS55 Plus — it is 100–150 thousand rubles more expensive, but more reliable in the long term.

If you still choose VGV, here checklist before purchasing:

Check the car's VIN history on the traffic police website|Make sure the car hasn't been in an accident (Autocode or Carfax report)|Inspect the body for traces of paint (especially the fenders and bumper)|Take a test drive at different speeds (pay attention to the smoothness of the gear shift)|Check the operation of all electronic systems (camera, parking sensors, climate control)-->

And the last thing: Don't take reviews' word for it. Better find the owner VGV in your city (for example, through groups in VKontakte or Telegram) and chat with him personally. This will help avoid unpleasant surprises.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about VGV

❓ How much does maintenance cost for VGV U70 in the official service?

The cost of scheduled maintenance (oil change, filters, diagnostics) in 2026 is 6,000–8,000 rub. Once every 60 thousand km, the brake fluid and spark plugs need to be replaced - this will cost an additional 8,000–10,000 rubles.

❓ What kind of oil should I pour into the VGV 1.5T engine?

The manufacturer recommends synthetic oil 5W-30 or 5W-40 with permission API SN or SP. Optimal options:

• Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 5W-30;
• Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30;
• Total Quartz INEO ECS 5W-30 (original oil for VGV).

Oil volume - 4.2 l (with filter replacement).

❓ Is it possible to install R18 tires on the VGV U70 instead of the standard R17?

Technically it is possible, but there are some nuances:

• 🔧 Wheel rims will need to be replaced (bolt pattern 5×114.3, departure ET45);
• 📏 Recommended tire size for R18 - 225/50 R18;
• ⚠️ There may be problems with passing the technical inspection (if the size is not included in the PTS).

Owners note that on the R18 the car becomes stiffer, but handles better at high speeds.

❓ How often do you need to update the firmware of the DCT box in VGV?

Officially, dealers recommend checking that the firmware is up to date every 20–30 thousand km. However, in practice, most owners update the software only when problems arise (jerks, switching delays). Latest stable firmware version for VGV U70/U80 — V3.2.1 (released March 2026).

❓ Where are VGVs produced for Russia?

All models VGV, officially supplied to Russia, are produced in China in factories Changan in the cities of Chongqing and Hefei. Since 2023, some components (plastic interior, glass) have been localized in Russia, but there is no full assembly in the Russian Federation yet. Build quality depends on the batch - cars produced after mid-2023 are considered more reliable.