Great Wall’s Wey sub-brand founded in 2016 revealed a full-size SUV named Mocha earlier this year. The coffee theme now continues with the compact-sized Macchiato crossover coming to replace the dated VV5 model.
The newcomer is similar in style to its
larger sibling and utilizes the same L.E.M.O.N. architecture with its
independent rear suspension. At 4,520 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,665 mm tall
with 2,710 mm between the axles, it is considerably smaller and ships with 17-
and 18-inch wheels.
The cabins are also similar. The usual
dashboard space is occupied by a modest-sized display for non-essential
information, whereas all main gauges and navigation hints are projected on a
HUD. A touchscreen in the middle contains HVAC controls, the steering wheel has
sensor buttons, and the center tunnel boasts an original trim. You can pay
extra for a rearview display instead of the mirror and a panoramic glass roof.
In its most basic form, the L.E.M.O.N. DHT
hybrid powertrain is FWD only and not chargeable from utility power network. It
consists of a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine rated at 102 PS and a DHT100 electric motor good for 136 PS and 250 Nm. The sum of the two does not exceed 192 PS.
The electric motor drives the car alone
when going under 35 km/h. The gasoline engine acts purely
as a range extender at these lower speeds, producing power for the main motor.
However, when rapid acceleration is required, the petrol engine temporarily
switches to driving the wheels. The traction battery sits beneath the rear bank
and holds up to 1.7 kilowatt-hours of power.
Sales are expected to start in late
spring. Higher specifications, including a PHEV one and an AWD one, will hit
the showrooms later.
