Just when it seemed that the Chinese invasion was over, it was announced recently that a new brand from the Far East will soon be establishing itself on South African soil.
Zotye's stable will initially include one vehicle, the Nomad SUV.
The era of Hippies might be long gone, but those seeking to adopt a nomadic drifter lifestyle in the quest for peace and love needn't search for a psychedelic Volkswagen Van, as Zotye's offering appears the most affordable vehicle of this kind. Prices start at a reasonable R119 995.
Cheap and cheerful seems to be the aim. But at the price, one wonders what to expect from the Nomad in terms of quality and safety.
It would be a pleasant surprise if the Nomad's interior uses none of those hard-textured plastics often seen in certain Chinese vehicles and boasts safety credentials certified by an international organisation, like
EuroNcap. This would certainly give some assurance to prospective buyers, unconvinced by the testing initiated by SABS. (The same beaureau that deemed the death trap Citi Golf safe for our roads almost 3 decades after its release).
The Nomad appears well-equipped and even the entry-level 1.3 model features air conditioner, power steering, electric windows, ABS, EBD and surprisingly, keyless entry - a nicety usually seen on premium vehicles with price tags double that of the Nomads.
While its raised driving height might prove beneficial on pothole-ridden roads and light dirt-trails, the Nomad's lack of four-wheel drive means that its off-road capability is limited.
In addition to a three year/75 000km service plan, the Nomad also includes a three year/100 000km factory warranty and one year road-side assistance.
Distribution will start from selected branches, and a Zotye dealer network increase would be dependent on public reception. Currently, two derivatives of the Nomad are available: the 1.3 and 1.5 petrol-engined versions, however there are plans to introduce more models to the Nomad range.
With keen pricing and the promised excellent specification levels, it seems that Zotye Nomad could enjoy great success in South Africa.
Prices:
Kotye Nomad 1.3 4x2: R119 995
Kotye Nomad 1.4 4x2: R139 995
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