Test drives and reviews Zotye Z300 (Zoti Z300). Zotye Z300

Exterior

Appearance remains recognizable precisely from the Japanese model, the manufacturer did not bother to introduce something really of its own. A very prosaic style, a lot of things require a thoughtful description. No matter how the concern claims, it will be easy to distinguish the original Japanese from this car, you only need to remove the emblem.

The front part is aggressive to some extent, with its own special character, which, by the way, is typical for those years, given that the first prototypes of the model presented by Toyota appeared back in 2003.

An interesting style of optics, with roundings, overlaps, but with an outdated filling, perhaps in the future, the car will still receive a high-quality filling.

If you can put it in relation to the bumper, as amorphous, it is. Because there are absolutely no even decorative elements, a calm form, without aggressive details.

The only structure of the air intake, which is not classic for budget cars, is in the lower part, connected by a single platform. The silhouette is simple, the chopped off “muzzle” stands out compared to the rather voluminous stern, especially since even the wheel arches are without pomposity.

The stern, as already mentioned, has a voluminous texture, largely due to the bumper, which is huge and monolithic. The rear part is generally characterized by the style of the same Japanese of the 2000s.

Huge lanterns, with an unconventional arrangement, occupying a large space. On the lid there is an interesting solution, with an association with old American cars, with a chrome trim around the number frame. It’s a pity that instead of chromium, the usual coating, which does not please with special quality.

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Interior

Salon Zoti is well done – the gaps in the plastic are adjusted evenly, lateral support is provided in the backs of the front seats.

The material of the instrument panel is quite high quality, but hard. There is no touch screen or any other bells and whistles here: the air conditioner is controlled by rotary knobs, and the radio is controlled by ordinary buttons.

The steering wheel is small and generally comfortable with one small exception – the steering wheel rim is thin, and immediately there is a desire to install a braid on it.

The steering column can be raised and lowered, it is not adjustable for reach.

The Zotye Z300 is very well suited for taxi work: there is a lot of space for passengers, three people can easily fit on the back sofa, and the central tunnel practically does not protrude on the floor.

The rear backrests recline, so you can easily transport long loads in the car.

The doorways are large, and since the doors open wide, getting into the car is very convenient.

The only negative on the “gallery” is that there is no rear armrest, although it is provided for the front passenger and driver.

Specifications

In technical terms, it would be foolish to expect a revolution, given that all other units were copied, here the appearance of our own developments was not even foreshadowed. The test drive showed that the platform is constructively from Toyota Alion, with all the corresponding system set.

The concern claimed that some changes were made in terms of the suspension to comply with Russian roads, it is hard to believe in this. At the front, a MacPherson system, reinforced with an additional strut, at the back we see a traditional torsion bar, with crossbars.

In terms of electronics, they will not be able to offer so many “things”, but they will still turn on a couple of reliable brake assistance systems. Also, the steering rack will receive a hydraulic booster, outdated though, but should last a long time.

The power part plays a significant role when choosing this machine, given the Japanese origin of the motors, we can say with confidence that they are resourceful. A test drive of Zoti Z showed that the initial unit is 1.5 liters, capable of generating 113 hp. in tandem with a 5-speed “mechanics”.

The test of the second motor gave a more productive result, its volume is 1.6 liters, and the abilities increase to 122 hp, and in pair with it, an “automatic” for four gears is already relying.

In terms of reliability, there is no doubt, even if there are any technical problems, spare parts can always be found in the secondary market, from the same “Japanese”.

Trunk

The luggage compartment of a Chinese car is quite large (volume 457 liters), but it is problematic to transport bulky goods in it: the trunk lid is short and, moreover, narrowed at the bottom.

It would be much cheaper if a liftback were made instead of a sedan, such a constructive solution would increase the loading opening.

The spare tire is hidden in a niche, sound-absorbing material is not laid here.

The trunk light is in the center of the soft top, but there is no handle to close the trunk lid.

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