Brilliance Shineray SWM X7
This is the new Brilliance-Shineray X7 MPV for
China. It will be launched on the Chinese
car market in September. Price will range from 90.000 to 110.000 yuan, and that
will put it straight in the middle of the hottest-selling segment of the
moment. Note Italian-flag badge on the fender under the mirror.
The X7 was formerly known as the X5. The coming of the
X7 brings out X7 tally to xx: the others are the Hanteng X7, the Lifan Maiwai X7, the Landwind X7, and the
upcoming Zotye Damai X7.
Brilliance-Shineray is a joint venture
between Brilliance Automotive and Shineray Motorcycle Company, one of China’s
largest motorbike makers. They make a range of minivans
and mini MPVs under the Jinbei brand, which is owned by
Brilliance. SWM is a new sub-brand. It comes from
the Italian motorbike maker SWM Motorcycles, which was bought by
Shineray in 2014. That’s why the X7 has that flag on the fender.
SWM stands for Sironi
Vergani-Vimercate Milano (SV-VM > SVVM > SWM), the names of the
founders of SWM combined, with the two Vs combined to a W. Sineray changed the meaning to Speedy
Working Motors after they bought the company. But, surprise surprise, it has a
new meaning again: Start Win More.
Naturally, the company has the wildest
plans. Ten new cars are coming, including SUVs. MPV’s and pickup trucks. Well,
we got to see before we believe. But anyway; the more cars the better.
The interior of the X7 is nice. It has a
huge 12 inch touch screen with sharp graphics. Materials and fit & finish
look all right.
There will be two engines available: a
1.5 turbo with 150 hp and a 1.8 with 137 hp, both mated to a five-speed manual or
a CVT. Dimension size is 4710/1855/1750 mm, and wheelbase is 2750 mm.
