Chana Benni has arrived!

• xunmeng

  3 May 08, 19:05

  Chana, a new brand from China

  http://www.sgcarmart.com/new_cars/newcars_adpage.php?Make=Chana

  TTS Chana Automobile Pte Ltd  - Distributor of Chana

• Oxide

  3 May 08, 20:17

  I thought the Brand name is Changan and the model is BenBen?Why did they chang to Chana Benni?

• QX179R

  3 May 08, 21:33

  so how did it fare in the crash test..

• NoobBOY

  4 May 08, 15:05

  OMG! Another CHINA car has arrived!!!! Com'on pls spare the road user here lol

• Fatum

  4 May 08, 15:09

  I'm not sure if they were trying to sound italian ...

  but I thought it was an indian car when i saw "chana benni"...

• sexy girls

  4 May 08, 16:28

  Budget surprise

  Chana's first effort – the Benni is cheap but far from nasty

   

  Justin Lee
  [email protected]

   

  Over 1.3 billion people, or nearly a fifth of the world's population, live in China. The country is also known as the bicycle kingdom of the world, with each household owning, on average, 1.43 bicycles.

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  Two-wheeled pedal power is, however, on the decline as the country's newly minted middle class turn to car ownership.

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  The booming demand for cars has led to the rise of many state- and privately-owned automakers. Most are contract assemblers for established European and Asian brands but a few have branched out and started producing cars with their own brand names.

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  Chongqing-based Changan Automobiles is one of them. The Benni compact hatchback is Changan's subsidiary Chana Automobile's first model to be sold in Singapore.

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  First impressions of the car are good. Large projector headlamps flank a simple grille at the front, while the rear has contemporary vertical tail lamps.

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  Overall, the Benni's design is neat and inoffensive. Buyers will be pleased that the car doesn't look glaringly cheap in any way.

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  A modern 1.3-litre 16-valve engine producing 84bhp and 110Nm of torque sits under the short bonnet. It's a willing performer that responds readily to throttle inputs, giving the car a lively, nimble feel.

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  However, the lack of sound insulation means the engine makes itself heard constantly. The never-ending wave of mechanical noise, even under mild acceleration, makes for a rather tiring driving experience.

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  The standard five-speed manual gearbox has a pleasantly short throw but the lever has a sticky action, especially when shifting from third to second.

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  Plus points are the positive clutch action and firm brakes, which help give the Benni the reassuring feel of a properly engineered product.

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  The car acquits itself quite well on the road and, despite its tall stance, doesn't feel too top-heavy around corners. There's a bit of body roll and the steering is vague but this isn't going to bother drivers at this end of the price spectrum.

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  For a small Chinese car, the interior is surprisingly solid. No unsightly gaps or rough-edged trim pieces here. A factory- fitted stereo sits in the neatly designed centre console and the main instruments are easy to read.

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  There is still room for improvement, though — some of the switches look flimsy and the plastic panel covering the seat belt came loose on the test car. The air- conditioning takes a long time to cool the cabin down on a hot day, too.

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  This aside, spending time in the Benni is not laborious. Both front and rear passengers enjoy plenty of head- and leg-room, while the large windows give a good view out. The rectangular boot is a good size.

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  A driver's airbag, front power windows, 14-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler come as standard. Not too bad for a car that costs just $38,999 with COE. An automatic version with a higher level of equipment will be launched later this year.

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  This car is a positive indication that, after a not-too-auspicious start, China's automobile industry is now moving in the right direction.

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  The Benni is an honest-to-goodness compact that meets most people's basic transport needs and does so with a modicum of style.

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  Chana Benni 1.3

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  Engine 1,301cc, 16V in-line 4

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  Max power 84bhp at 6,000rpm

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  Max torque 110Nm at 4,400rpm

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  Gearbox 5-speed manual

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  Top speed 145kmh

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  0-100kmh 13.0 seconds

  
  

  
  

  http://www.todayonline.com/articles/251728.asp

   

   

• skeujin

  4 May 08, 16:32

  Originally posted by NoobBOY:

  OMG! Another CHINA car has arrived!!!! Com'on pls spare the road user here lol

  cars do not make the roads dangerous. drivers are the one responsible

• Naughtius Maximus

  4 May 08, 23:56

  Originally posted by QX179R:

  so how did it fare in the crash test..