CLOSE UP: Chery Alado Eastar 2.0 MPV

500th post, presenting: CLOSE UP: Chery Alado Eastar 2.0 MPV

In this blog entry, I'm covering the Chery Alado Eastar 2.0 MPV 7 seater.  Why Eastar?


It all started with the ad I saw on today's Star Metro, new batch comes with Electric Sunroof, tinting, roof rack...  I call the PJ HQ at Jalan 51A/225, spoke with a Nice Sales Exec (more on him later) he said closing in 30 mins time.  I quickly jumped into my car and drove to the Showroom by 15 mins.

Yup, I have a SOFT SPOT for Electric Sunroof cars since I played with one back in 1983.  My dad said that time I played with my relative's BMW 7 series with this feature.  I was only 4 years old back then.  Also, while I was in Hong Kong, my dad owned "Acura Legend" 3.2 V6, this car also comes with Electric Sunroof.  Especially during Spring/Autumn Morning (around 22 deg celsius), ah!  the breeze of air coming in when I opened the sunroof.  Something I will never forget.  By the way, I spent 4 years in Hong Kong as dad transferred there (2 years GCE O' level and 2 years A-levels).

Okay back to the topic, besides the Electric Sunroof, another reason why I rushed to the showroom to see the car is "RM8,000 discount" promised by the sales executive on the phone (more on him later). 


MECHANICAL:


The Eastar's powered by 2.0 ACTECO (European designed) DOHC Fuel injection engine with a max power of 136hp@5750rpm and a torque of 180Nm@4400rpm mated with 4 speed shift-tronic automatic.  It has Compression ratio of 10:1.  The Suspension: Front is Independent MacPherson Struts, coil springs, damper and anti-roll bar.  REAR: MacPherson, semi-independent trailing-arms.  Braking power is assisted with 4 disc brakes (front Ventilated) with ABS+EBD.  It comes with 16" Alloy wheels + 205/55R16 tyres.

Safety features includes the afforementioned ABS+EBD, Dual Airbags, Electronic Headlamps levelling, front and rear foglights.

FEATURES:

This MPV's quite well specced at RM79,988 OTR (leather version).  These includes:

1) Fully Automatic digital climate control with "2nd and 3rd row" floor (?) blowers.
2) Steering wheel mounted Audio control and cruise control
3) Single CD+MP3, player with 6 speakers and USB.
4) Optional Electric Sunroof
5) Roof rack, reverse sensor
6) Front and rear map reading lights with lighted Vanity mirror.

7) Beige fabric seats (optional, synthetic leather seats like photo above) with 8 way Manually adjustable Driver's seat.
8) Others: Scuff plates, Door airpress, Tinting film, Alarm+central locking.

COLOUR CHOICES:

Solid white, Rich Gold, Sliver (photos below)

Metallic Black and brown (picture below)

OTHER INFORMATION:

Interest rate 2.75%, waiting lists 3 weeks for silver, other colour 1 week.  RM8000 discount, 3 years or 100,000 warranty whichever comes 1st with 5,000 OR 3 months service intervals.

MY HONEST OPINION:

I don't have the chance to test drive as the Showroom's closing and almost everyone (except 1 friendly and patience sales exec)  left the showroom.  Kit count is EXCELLENT, value for money at RM79,988 OTR.  But I can't get over the Poorly designed dashboard finished with Cheap plastics and fake wood (Optional).  Also, the 2nd and 3rd row seats' air cond vents located on the "Floor" (to cool the leg?), what a stupid idea... (see photo below)

In addition, to get to the 3rd row seats requires YOGA Skills as the 2nd row slide not front enough.  But guess what?  I can FIT into 3rd row seats with 3 inch headroom to the ceiling and decent legroom. Though I struggled ingress and outgress (going in and out) I'm 210lbs, 5 feet 9 mind you!  As a comparison, it's AS GOOD AS the Honda Stream 1.8, Slightly better legroom than Proton Exora, Livina and Toyota Wish and PAWNED Mazda 5 (the poorest 3rd row head and legroom IMHO).  It helps that the 2nd row seats can slide fore and aft (photo below is 2nd row seat slide WAY BACK yet still good legroom).

As for built quality, I spotted "uneven gap on passenger airbag's cover", uneven gap between front bumper, grille and headlamp, 90% HARD PLASTICS.  But then there's a saying "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY". Can't expect much for RM79,988 OTR (after RM8k discount) which I feel is a GOOD BUY!

That's all I can comment, I did not test drive the car so I can't comment on the Ride and Handling, pickup, performance, wind noise etc...

Any recommended sales executive.  A resounding YES!  If you want to buy this car, look for "DENNIS TAN" (picture above), he's a Friendly, patience, sincere sales executive.  His No 012-90777-06.  He's attached to Chery Alado HQ Showroom At Lot 13S, Jalan 51A/225, 46100, Petaling Jaya.

Well, there's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words, here are some photos:

 Above: Optional Bodykits (front quarter)

Above: 205/55R16 Goodyear NCT5 tyres with Alloy rims...  Below: Optional bodykits (back quarter view)

 Above: "BOOT SPACE" Limited with all 7 seats up.  Spare tyre is underneath the car.

 Side profile.  Design reminds me of Nissan Presage 2.5.

I CAN"T UPLOAD PIX at moment.  Time for dinner.  Will upload after dinner. Before 12am.  PICTURES UPLOADED 8.30pm.

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.  An Original Jeff Lim's production.  My original work.