"The rating, highest ever achieved by any Chinese car, has proven that Chinese cars are equally good besides having a good look. We want Nepali customers to own it as soon as possible," said Prabal Saakha, managing director of Saakha Group, the parent company of Saakha & Universal Automobiles, the sole authorized distributor of Geely in Nepal.[break]
The EC7 is an entry-level sedan with attractive features and Saakha beleives it can give tough competition to other entry-level sedans available in the market. It is equipped with I4, 16 V DOHC, CVVT engine, can generate a maximum power output of 139 kw at 6,200 rpm and a peak torque of 172 nm at 4,200 rpm.
The car is fitted with MacPherson front and hybrid link rear suspension. It has a five-speed manual transmission system. "The car´s interior has various attractive features such as mechanical non-dazzling interior mirror, full automatic air conditioning system with dust and pollen filter, front door speakers and high solar energy absorbing front windshield glass," said Saakha.
The car´s safety features include antilock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution system (EBD), double bumping bag, three-point rear seatbelts with automatic/emergency locking retractors for all passengers. It also has other features like remote control door lock system, engine immobilizer with alarm, automatic door locking speed sensing system and explosion-proof and leak-proof fuel tank.
"The car to be launched in Nepal will be the same as those running on European roads," said Saakha, adding that the car targets people who understand technology, can evaluate performance and look for the value for their money. "We are confident the new model will strike a chord in the market as it offers world class features and comfort at a reasonable price," he stated.
Saakha disclosed that the car will be priced nominally. "It will be available in the Nepali market at Rs 2.2 to Rs 2.4 million approximately," he stated, adding that the car will be one of the economical models in the entry-level sedan segment. Given its look, performance and standard, the company hopes it will gain popularity in Nepal.