The car market in Russia is undergoing tremendous changes, and manufacturers from China are confidently replacing the usual European brands. One of the most controversial and intriguing representatives of the new car industry was Voyah FreeIt is often called the “Chinese Voyager”. This is a premium electrified crossover, which is positioned as a direct competitor to the famous German and Swedish models. Buying a car like this today is not just a change of transport, but an entry into a new technological era, requiring the owner of a certain flexibility of thinking and technical literacy.
Many motorists are wondering: is it possible to buy a high-quality Chinese car that will not disappoint after a couple of years of operation? VoyahThe sub-brand of state-owned giant Dongfeng offers a level of equipment that was previously only available in the luxury segment. However, behind the beautiful wrapper hides nuances, which are silent official dealers. In this article, we will discuss all aspects of owning this car in detail so that you can make an informed decision.
It is worth noting that the term Voyager in this context is a popular name, fixed because of the consonance with the brand, but the correct name of the model is the name of the model. Voyah. This is important to consider when searching for parts or information on the network. The car is available in several versions, including an all-electric version and a hybrid with an increased range, making it a versatile solution for Russian realities with their vast distances and variable climate.
Technical characteristics and power plants
The basis of attractiveness Voyah Free It's the power plant. In Russia, most often supplied hybrid version of EVR (Extended Range Vehicle), which combines electric motors and gasoline generator. Total power The system can reach an impressive 490 horsepower, which allows this heavy crossover to accelerate to a hundred in less than 4.8 seconds. This dynamic is comparable to the powerful sports coupe, which for a family SUV is an excessive, but pleasant bonus.
The 1.5-liter gasoline engine here does not turn the wheels, but works exclusively as an electric power generator, charging the battery or powering the electric motors directly at high speeds. This solution avoids the “diesel generator effect” when the engine howls at high revs without providing traction. The key feature is the possibility of charging from the network: You can use the car as a full-fledged electric vehicle for daily trips around the city, stocking up on electricity at night at a low rate.
⚠️ Note: Despite the presence of an internal combustion engine, it is technically an electric vehicle. The 56 liter gas tank is only used to generate electricity, so the efficiency directly depends on the driving style and the frequency of charging from the outlet.
All-wheel drive transmission is implemented through two electric motors, one on each axle. This provides an instant response to the accelerator pedal and excellent permeability. The energy recovery system allows up to 25% of the energy used to be returned to the battery when braking, which is significant. power-up in the urban cycle. For those accustomed to classic machines, traction control may seem unusual, but adaptation takes only a couple of days.
Components and equipment level
Chinese manufacturers have traditionally been very generous in their equipment, and Voyah Free No exception. Even in the basic version, the buyer receives a set of options, which European competitors are available only for a hefty surcharge. The standard package already includes a panoramic roof with blackout, seat massagers, ventilation and heating of all possible surfaces, including armrests. Multimedia system It is based on a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, which provides speed of the interface.
Special attention should be paid to the safety and autopilot system. The car is equipped with radar, a variety of cameras and ultrasonic sensors, which allows you to implement the functions of adaptive cruise control, lane retention and automatic braking. However, it is worth remembering that the software is sharpened for Chinese and European maps, so navigation in Russian regions may require connecting a smartphone through the Internet. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
- 🚗 Adaptive air suspension with adjustable ground clearance and stiffness of shock absorbers, allowing you to change the nature of the car from a comfortable cruiser to a sports projectile.
- 🎥 Retractable instrument panelThe squat is hidden in a torpedo when parking, creating a sense of spaciousness and futuristic interior design.
- 🔊 Audio system from Devialet With 11 speakers, providing a concert sound, which is rare even for the premium segment.
- 🌬 Climate control with air ionization and aromatization of the cabin, creating a healthy atmosphere inside the car.
Comparison with competitors: Characteristics table
To objectively assess the place Voyah Free In the market, you need to compare it with direct competitors. In this segment, the main rivals are the Li Xiang One, Zeekr 001 and traditional Europeans like the Audi Q8. The Chinese crossover benefits from a combination of price and technology, offering richer basic functionality.
| Characteristics | Voyah Free | Li Xiang One | Audi Q8 (S-line) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power (L.S.) | 490 | 490 | 340 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 4.8 seconds | 6.5 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Range (hybrid) | 800 km | 1,000 km | 700 km |
| Air suspension | In the database. | In the database. | Option. |
| Initial price (ruble) | ~6.5 million | ~7.0 million | ~11.0 million |
As you can see from the comparison, Voyah It offers the best performance in its price class. At the same time, the level of comfort and trim is almost not inferior to more expensive analogues. However, it is worth considering that the liquidity of European brands in the secondary market is still higher, although the gap is rapidly closing due to the lack of official supplies.
Exploitation in Russian conditions
Buying a Chinese car always raises questions about its adaptation to the harsh Russian winters. Voyah Free is equipped with a heat pump that works efficiently in negative temperatures, keeping the battery range. There is a preheating system, which can be controlled through a mobile application, warming up the cabin and battery before leaving the house.
The clearance of the car with raised air suspension is 213 mm, which allows you to feel confidently on broken roads and when parking at high curbs. The body has good anti-corrosion treatment, but experts recommend additional treatment of the bottom and hidden cavities, as the quality of the factory coating may be inferior to the requirements of Russian regions with the aggressive use of reagents.
☑️ Checking before winter operation
An important aspect is the software. The head can be in Chinese or English, and the voice assistant does not understand Russian. The solution to this problem is to use an external Android block or flash media, which is a common practice among owners. Russification of the interface It significantly improves the convenience of daily navigation and vehicle settings.
⚠️ Warning: Self-flashing of the head unit can lead to loss of warranty. Only contact specialized services with experience with Dongfeng electronics.
Service and reliability
The issue of spare parts and service for Voyah It is being developed through Dongfeng dealer network, which is actively developing. The situation with consumables (filters, pads, brushes) is favorable - many parts are unified with other models of the group or are standard. Difficulties can arise with body parts in the event of an accident, since logistics from China takes time, and inventory is not always complete.
The hybrid power plant has proven itself to be reliable. The absence of a classic gearbox (a single-stage gearbox is used) reduces the risk of mechanical breakdowns. The electrical part also shows high fault tolerance, but requires qualified diagnosis. Battery has a liquid cooling and heating system, which prolongs its service life.
Battery resource and warranty
The manufacturer claims to retain 80% of the battery capacity after 200,000 km of mileage. The battery warranty is 8 years or 160,000 km, which is standard for the industry. The actual service life depends on the number of full charge-discharge cycles and temperature operating conditions.
The cost of planned maintenance is comparable to the service of European business class cars, but lower than that of premium German brands. It is important to keep an eye on software updates, as manufacturers often release patches that improve energy saving and climate management systems.
Cost of ownership and liquidity
Purchase Voyah Free An investment that requires an analysis of the cost of ownership. On the one hand, you get a car with a fuel consumption of about 8-10 liters per 100 km when driving actively (or much less when charging from the mains), which is more economical than many analogues with internal combustion engines. On the other hand, insurance (CASCO) for such cars can cost more because of the high cost of spare parts and complex electronics.
Liquidity in the secondary market is still being formed. The first owners selling cars often lose less in value than the owners of the mileage Europeans, due to the high demand for modern technological cars. However, in 3-5 years, the situation may change, and the availability of official service support will play an important role.
When buying used Voyah, be sure to check your battery charging history through a diagnostic scanner. This will allow you to assess the real state of the batteries and avoid buying a car with a degraded battery.
In the long run Voyah It looks like an attractive proposition. It combines the comfort of a large SUV, the dynamics of a sports car and the economy of an electric car. For those who are willing to put up with the features of software and spare parts logistics, this car will be a great choice.
Voyah Free is a technological hybrid that offers higher-level characteristics of cars, but requires the owner of technical literacy and readiness for the peculiarities of operation of the Chinese automotive industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to charge a Voyah Free hybrid from the socket?
No, not necessarily. The car can operate as a conventional hybrid, using a gasoline engine to generate electricity. However, charging from the network allows you to significantly reduce operating costs and increase the power reserve in electric mode to 100-140 km.
Does Voyah have a localized menu?
The car is available in either Chinese or English. The full Russification of the multimedia system interface is usually performed by dealers or specialized services by installing additional software or replacing the head unit.
What is the real fuel consumption of Voyah Free?
With a fully discharged battery and active driving, the consumption is about 9-11 liters per 100 km. With regular charging from the grid and a calm ride, gasoline consumption can be close to zero in urban conditions.
Is it hard to find parts on Voyah?
Consumables and often breaking body elements are available through Dongfeng dealers. Complex components and electronics can be ordered from China, which increases the time required for repairs in case of serious incidents.