Lifan X60

Lifan X60 at a glance

The X60 was Lifan's first crossover and one of the best-known Chinese SUVs of the early 2010s in export markets. It was designed as an affordable, practical family car rather than an off-roader: the old 1cars text describes it as closer to an estate with raised ground clearance than a true SUV. Lifan's background is told in the history of Lifan, and its other models, such as the smaller Lifan X50 and larger Lifan X70, are in the Lifan catalogue.

Styling and the RAV4 comparison

The X60's proportions and body shape drew obvious comparisons with the Toyota RAV4, as the old 1cars text notes. The same source describes pronounced wheel arches, a narrowed chrome grille, large door mirrors and an auxiliary light unit placed where fog lamps usually sit, with the fog lamps mounted lower. The 2015 facelift brought minor changes to the exterior and technical details, and cars of the 2017 model year, launched in late 2016, received a revised front end and improved interior materials.

Cabin, seats and boot

The cabin seats five, with a two-level dashboard, three deep instrument dials and a large centre console; the top version has a touchscreen multimedia system. The old 1cars text reports generous rear legroom, rear seat backs with adjustable recline and better-quality trim materials after the 2017 update, but also a heavy tailgate and a small glovebox. The boot holds 405 litres, rising to 1,170 litres with the rear seats folded and to 1,638 litres when loaded to the roof. Owners in the old 1cars text criticise the noise insulation, noting that noise comes from the tyres and the engine.

Engine and gearbox

The 1.8-litre engine runs on regular 92-octane petrol, according to the old 1cars text, and combined fuel use is around 8 litres per 100 km. The drivetrain was originally developed for the lighter Lifan 620 saloon. Wikipedia notes that, in the heavier X60, the short first gear causes vibration when pulling away and the clutch can overheat on steep climbs, which limits performance when fully loaded. The CVT, offered on the better-equipped versions, makes the car easier to drive in town.

X60 size and weight

Suspension, steering and brakes

According to the old 1cars text, the X60 uses MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear suspension, hydraulic power steering and disc brakes on all four wheels. The soft set-up absorbs bumps well but allows some body roll in corners, and the steering feels slow to respond. Ground clearance of 179 mm is enough for unpaved roads, but the lack of all-wheel drive limits its abilities off tarmac.

Assembly and motorsport

Besides China, the X60 was assembled in several other countries, including Azerbaijan, Iran, Uruguay and Myanmar, which made it one of Lifan's most widely built models. In April 2013 Lifan prepared an X60 rally car for the China Offroad Championship.

Versions and equipment

The old 1cars text lists four trim levels for the 2017 model year: Basic, Standard, Comfort and Luxury. Basic versions have two airbags, ABS with brake-force distribution, power windows and mirrors and an audio system; higher trims add air conditioning, heated seats, leather upholstery, rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels and, on the Luxury, a multifunction steering wheel, touchscreen multimedia and a sunroof. No Euro NCAP test was carried out.

What owners praise and criticise

The old 1cars text gathers a long list of owner impressions, which can be summarised as follows.

Strengths:

• Attractive styling and, on later cars, LED rear lights and a distinctive lighting signature.
• A spacious cabin with adjustable rear seat backs and a large, flexible boot.
• Generous equipment in every trim, including a touchscreen from the 2017 model year.
• A comfortable suspension and reasonable fuel consumption.

Weaknesses:

• Modest performance from the only engine, with manufacturer acceleration figures that owners found optimistic.
• Slow steering response and a brake pedal that must be pressed hard.
• Limited adjustment of the steering wheel and driver's seat, and little side support.
• Build and material quality behind European rivals, plus a heavy tailgate.

Rivals: how the X60 compares

The X60 competed with affordable crossovers such as the Chery Tiggo 5, the Geely Emgrand X7 and the Renault Duster. Its strengths are a roomy cabin, a large boot, simple mechanicals and good equipment for the money. Its weaknesses are the lack of all-wheel drive, poor noise insulation, modest performance from the 1.8 engine and a drivetrain originally designed for a lighter car.