Is Nigeria Roads Fit for Chinese Cars, Top Five Chinese Car Brands Making Good Cars

The Chinese Car brand is another fast-growing industry in the global car market. Currently, the industry has about 24 car brands across various companies. While Japanese car brands enjoy global attention, Chinese car brands are equally catching up to the hype with some of its most popular car brands.

In a country like Nigeria, where Japanese car brands like Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, and many others are already popular, many Nigerians are wary of purchasing Chinese cars that are gradually entering the country.

The biggest reason is the question of whether or not Chinese vehicles are fit for Nigerian roads. In this article, we look at the features and specifications of Chinese vehicles like Changan, Geely, and others to determine if they fit Nigerian roads.

Are Chinese Cars Fit for Nigerian Roads?

This is probably the first question anyone would ask when introduced to Chinese vehicles like the Changan and the Geely in Nigeria. Many Nigerians are wary of any Chinese technology because there’s the myth that they are not of great quality.

Chinese cars can be suitable for Nigerian roads, but whether a particular Chinese car is fit for Nigerian roads depends on various factors, including the specific model and the condition of the streets in Nigeria.

Chinese automakers have made significant advancements in the quality and reliability of their vehicles in recent years. Many Chinese car manufacturers produce various vehicles, from economy cars to SUVs and trucks, which can handle various road conditions.

However, the suitability of a Chinese car for Nigerian roads will depend on the following factors:

1. Road Conditions: Nigerian roads vary in quality, from well-paved highways to rough and potholed roads. A car’s suitability will depend on the intended use and the specific road conditions it will encounter. A rugged SUV or off-road vehicle might suit rough or poorly maintained roads.
2. Build Quality: The build quality of Chinese cars can vary between manufacturers and models. Some Chinese automakers have improved their quality control and safety standards, while others may still lag. It is essential to research and choose a Chinese car model known for its durability and safety features.
3. Maintenance and Spare Parts: The availability of spare parts and qualified mechanics for a particular Chinese car brand in Nigeria is crucial. You’ll want to ensure you can easily find replacement parts and reliable service centres to maintain your vehicle.
4. Resale Value: Consider the resale value of a Chinese car in Nigeria. Some established brands retain their value better than others, which is essential if you plan to sell the vehicle.
5. Fuel Efficiency: Fuel efficiency is often a critical consideration in countries with fluctuating fuel prices like Nigeria. Some Chinese car models are known for their fuel efficiency, which can help reduce operating costs.
6. Safety Features: Ensure that the Chinese car you choose has adequate safety features, such as airbags, ABS (anti-lock braking system), stability control, and crumple zones, to protect you and your passengers on Nigerian roads.
7. Consumer Reviews: Read reviews from other Nigerian car owners who have experience with the specific Chinese car model you’re interested in. Their feedback can provide valuable insights into the vehicle’s performance in Nigerian conditions.

As such, this myth also transcends the vehicles currently manufactured by Chinese companies. However, we will determine if these vehicles are of excellent quality for Nigerian roads by looking at them and their features.

1. The Changan Car Brand

Changan car brand is one of the most popular Chinese car companies that is popularly known in Nigeria today. In Nigeria and Ghana, the company is represented by Stallion Group. Through this representation, Changan has become known by many in Nigeria and Ghana. CHANGAN is a Chinese acronym, where CHANG means lasting, and AN means safety. As such, the vehicle brand is promoted as a brand with lasting protection.

CHANGAN has been known mainly for producing SUVs since 2012, and ever since then, it’s become popular across West Africa. Some of its most popular SUVs are the Uni-K and the CS75 Plus.

The Changan Uni-k is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by Changan since 2020, with the 1st generation being the same as the 2023 model. The Changan Uni-k 2023 is available in 2 trims, which are Limited Elite and is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

The CS75 Plus is the most stylish model in Changan’s lineup. The vehicle has aggressive styling, and thin, swept-back headlamps paired with the wide grille give the SUV a sporty appeal. It is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged gasoline mill that generates 178hp and 265Nm of torque. This is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels.

2. The Geely Car Brand

Geely Auto Group is a leading automobile manufacturer based in Hangzhou, China, and was founded in 1997 as a subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. Geely makes SUVs, Crossover, Sedan, and MPVs. They are the owner of Volvo Car Group and the biggest shareholder of Daimler AG. The brand is committed to developing quality cars with the latest technological features, little wonder they have five global R&D centres including Hangzhou, Ningbo, Gothenburg, Coventry, and Frankfurt.

In Nigeria, Mikano International Limited signed an exclusive partnership with Geely Automobile International Corporation as the strategic and sole partner of Geely Automobile.

Geely Motors has a variety of vehicles, but the most eye-catching and talked about in Nigeria is the Geely Coolray. It is a premium SUV with a compact, sporty, and powerful look outside, but inside, it is comfy and loaded with tech that makes you feel like an excited kid. The Sport Plus trim has a fully automatic parking assistant – hands-free! It also has a 10.25-inch full HD touchscreen to connect your device, control the AC, make calls, see a 3D version of your car from the 360-degree camera, and more.

Aside from the Coolray, the brand has other popularly known vehicles in Nigeria, like the Emgrand X7, which comes with a 1.5-litre engine with a manual transmission producing 107 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. One optional unit is a 1.8-litre engine with 131 horsepower and 125 pounds of twist, also mated with a manual transmission. The base 1.5-litre engine can do a 0-to-60 sprint in 18 seconds with a top speed of 105 mph.

Another popular Geely Motors vehicle in Nigeria is the Emgrand X7 Sport. The vehicle has two transmissions: a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. Two variant petrol engines are also available; you can choose engines with a volume of either 1.8 or 2.0 litres. Standard features found on the bespoke Emgrand X7 model include front airbags, electrically adjustable door mirrors, electric Windows front and rear doors function, heated front seats, air conditioning, and electronic stability control ESP, including electronic prevention of vehicle tipping.

3. GAC Motors 

GAC, which is full for Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd., is another Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer headquartered in Guangzhou, Guangdong. The car brand was founded in 1954 and is currently the fifth-largest automobile manufacturer in China.

GAC Motors has been popular in Nigeria, especially since the executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, invited the company to set up an assembly plant in Ojota, Lagos. The company also spoke about its plans to create a fully automated auto-manufacturing plant in the Lekki Free Trade Zone and to penetrate the Nigerian market with its products.

GAC Motors is represented in Nigeria by CIG Motors Co. Nigeria, Ltd. The Company is responsible for the business, appropriation, and overhauling of all GAC Motors’ brands in Nigeria under its Trumpchi logo and brand. 

In Nigeria, GAC Motors presently has three popularly known brands: Triumph GAC GS4, GAC GS8, and GAC GA3S.

The GAC GS8 is a full-size SUV that can occupy seven people in comfort and complete extravagance. The vehicle is considered the brand’s first-in-class extravagance trim for the conservative SUV portion. This SUV mixes solace, roughness, and mobility handily, simultaneously introducing the best Chinese automotive plans and European reliability. Additionally, it comes with solid tech highlights, efficiency, and security features. The GS8 is a strong competitor for the best Nigerian full-size SUVs, equalling vehicles like the 2019 Honda Pilot or Toyota RAV4.

On the other hand, the GAC GA3S is a subcompact four-passenger car with a 5-speed auto transmission or 4-speed manual. The vehicle is furnished with extraordinary mileage and fabulous value. This vehicle is ideal for a little family gathering. This probably won’t be among the least expensive cars on the lookout, yet it is a solid part of the portion.

The GAC GS4 is the smaller 5-entryway SUV that additionally comes in PHEV and EV variations alongside the customary adaptation. This vehicle is ideal for the Nigerian car market on endless fronts. This is particularly valid for the minimized SUV section of the market. It is challenging, moderate, and sufficiently little to explore Nigeria’s famous traffic in enormous urban areas like Lagos and PH.

4. FAW Groups 

FAW, which stands for First Automobile Works, is a Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer headquartered in Changchun, Jilin. The car company was founded on the 15th of July 1953 and is currently the second largest of the “Big Four” state-owned car manufacturers in China. 

FAW Groups are mostly known for their heavy-duty trucks and trailers widely sold across Nigeria. The majority of heavy-duty trucks and trailers found on Nigerian roads today and the products of FAW or another Chinese brand, JAC. As such, there’s no questioning if FAW vehicles are suitable for Nigerian roads as they are trucks that are used for hauling heavy loads across various states in Nigeria without suffering severe breakdowns.

5. Chery Nigeria

The Company’s website states that Chery Nigeria is a Nigerian Automobile company that came into existence through the partnership between PAN Nigeria Ltd. and Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. China. 

The brand sells sedans and SUVs in Nigeria and has operated within the company for over 20 years. Some of the brand’s popular vehicle offerings include Arrizo, a sedan powered by a 1.5 Litre engine, and MT, a CVT gearbox that has good fuel economy. Tiggo 4, is a company crossover SUV with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, with low emission and good fuel economy for its base trim. Level. The Tiggo 8 is a seven-seater crossover SUV with a highly efficient Honeywell turbocharger and BorgWarner DVVT engine.

While Chery has been in existence for over 20 years, it’s the first-ever Chinese car brand that sold cars overseas, and today, the brand is also situated in Nigeria where it also has all of its products available to potential buyers.

Conclusion

In Nigeria, when you talk about Chinese car brands, these are the top five brands that will be mentioned in the country’s top list of popular Chinese vehicles. While these vehicles are not Japanese, they offer impressive features and are suitable for Nigerian roads.