Brilliance M2. Budget happiness

 

Brilliance M2. Price: from 430,000 RUB. On sale: since October 2007.

So far, Brilliance M2 cars on the streets of our cities can be counted on one hand, but given the keen interest the public showed during our test, the car has a promising future

 

The interest of passers-by in this car was completely sincere. The bright red body instantly attracted glances. It was noticeable how the brain of a random driver, working in "everything under control" mode, suddenly malfunctioned: memory could not find a familiar image, and genuine surprise appeared on the face.

Indeed, Brilliance is hard to confuse with what we are used to seeing from China. The car looks impressive and truly serious. Apparently, the fact that the car is assembled at the same enterprise as BMW for the Asian market played its role. However, contrary to stereotypes about Chinese copying, Brilliance M2 is a completely original development. Well, or almost completely: the Italdesign studio worked on the exterior. I don't know how much it cost the customer, but it is clear that the Italians did not work in vain. The car turned out neat and even presentable. The build quality also adds solidity: gaps are perfect, paint is flawless, and parts prone to corrosion, such as rear arches, are additionally protected.

The interior also pleased. True, there is no talk of originality here. Anyone who knows at least a little about cars will easily understand what served as the source of inspiration for the front panel. And this is not surprising: why reinvent the wheel when a successful example comes off the neighboring assembly line? True, they copied not one-to-one, but only borrowed the general lines, which gave the interior familiar and desirable features. A good marketing move. But what about quality? And it, it must be admitted, is at its best. There is no cheap plastic that rings under your fingers or smell of phenol here. Some "Americans" could envy both the materials and the execution. However, there was some cost-cutting. For example, the paint on the buttons of the CD receiver, apparently, is not durable - near the volume control it has already worn off. But this is a trifle that can be ignored, because it does not affect the dynamics in any way.

But the steering column switches are located inconveniently: you have to reach for them, they are too far from the steering wheel. Of course, over time you will get used to it or, perhaps, your arms will become longer, but how long to wait? Otherwise, there are no complaints about ergonomics. The equipment also pleased. Even the basic configuration is, in fact, maximum: there are power windows with closers, and a stabilization system.

It is a pity that there is only one engine so far. This is a 1.8-liter licensed Mitsubishi unit with 136 hp. It copes with its tasks well. With it, you don't feel like a black sheep in traffic, but you won't be able to really "light up" either. At low revs it pulls normally, but without spark, and to squeeze the maximum out of it, you need to rev it up to 4000 rpm. The peak torque is reached only at 5000 rpm. It's a pity, because the chassis settings show that the car can handle a more powerful engine while remaining obedient. The chassis is also from Mitsubishi. In its design, it is close to the suspension of the previous-generation Galant for the American market, but here it is tuned more for driving than comfort. However, this does not mean that the M2 cannot be comfortable. You just need to choose smoother roads. And then you will get pleasure, and quite budget-friendly, because there are currently no alternatives to this car in terms of price and equipment on the market. As for reliability, it is too early to judge, but a two-year warranty (or 50,000 km) already says a lot. True, in Ukraine the warranty is 5 years or 100,000 km. Why such a difference, no one could explain to us. And another interesting fact: in China, there is a six-month queue for the M2. And this despite the fact that cars are made in literally every city there. So, the "Brilliant" really is worth something.

Under government patronage

Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. is notable for being one of the few Chinese companies whose shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The holding was created in 1992 on the initiative of the Chinese government to invest in the automotive industry and consolidate the sector. The largest shareholder is the state-owned Huachen Automotive Group Holdings Co. Ltd. with 40% of shares. The remaining 60% are traded on exchanges, including Hong Kong and New York. The holding includes car manufacturing plants, component production enterprises, as well as financial and dealer structures.
In 2003, the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. began operations, where BMW Group and Brilliance China Automotive Holdings created production of components and premium BMWs. BMW owns 50% of the JV, 49% - Brilliance China Automotive Holdings, 1% - Shenyang Brilliance JinBei Automobile. BMW sales in mainland China amounted to 23,595 cars, of which 15,300 came off the assembly lines of local plants.

Driving
The car is surprisingly responsive to driver actions, but the engine clearly lacks power.

Interior
Spacious and comfortable. The build quality, surprisingly, is also top-notch. It's just that the upholstery could have been darker.

Comfort
At a decent level, but instead of climate control there is a regular air conditioner, and the steering column adjusts only by tilt angle.

Safety
Already in the base there are two airbags, a trauma-safe steering column, ABS, EBD and EDS.

Price
Corresponds.

 

Advantages and disadvantages

+ Good handling, effective brakes, comfortable interior, price.
- Weak engine, inconvenient trunk.

Specifications

 

Make and model - Brilliance M2
Dimensions - 4648x1800x1450 mm
Engine - petrol, 1834 cm3, 136 hp/4000 rpm
Transmission - manual, 5-speed
Dynamics - max 185 km/h
Competitors - there are no direct competitors in this price segment.

Our opinion

A successful combination of affordable price and decent quality will likely help the Brilliance M2 find its buyers in our market. At least, that's what can be said at this stage. As for the model's reliability, it will only become clear over time. But the car's safety has already been confirmed - after a crash test at the Dmitrovsky proving ground, conducted as part of certification for our market, it was recognized as meeting the requirements.