New Spy Shots of the Brilliance V7 reveal it has a
big ‘n flat touch screen in the center stack. The screen is a true giant, it
appears to have a diameter of at least 14 inches. There are no buttons on the
center stack or on the center tunnel, indicating the touch screen will control
all, including the aircon.
The Brilliance V7 is the seven-seat variant of the
upcoming Brilliance V6 SUV. Both cars share the same platform and most of the
design, but the V7 is longer to accommodate the two extra seats.
Power comes from a 1.6 turbo with 204 hp. This
engine is sourced from PSA. It is made in China by the Dongfeng-PSA joint
venture. Designation is CE16. The CE16 is part of an engine series that also
includes a CE12 1.2 turbo and a CE20 2.0 turbo. The engines were a
joint-development by PSA and BMW.
Dongfeng, as the largest shareholder of PSA,
apparently forced through Chinese production of the engines, and then offered
them for sale to whomever wants them. Most interestingly, BMW is also the
partner of Brilliance in the Brilliance-BMW joint venture. It is unclear if
BMW was involved in the Brilliance Dongfeng-PSA deal.
Transmission are 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT. Dimension size in 4702/1932/1753 mm, and wheelbase is 2770 mm. The V7 will be launched on the Chinese
car market in later this month. Price will start around 150,000 yuan.
