First, it's worth understanding what the Chinese Hover is. At first glance, one might think this is another fake of a well-known model — in this case, the Isuzu Axiom. But Great Wall's approach is different, more civilized than many other Chinese manufacturers. The company refines the design as best it can, taking market requirements into account. As a result, the cars are assembled from components and units produced under license.
The Hover is no exception. Into a body that resembles the Isuzu Axiom, they installed everything officially purchased from other companies. And that's how this car came to be. Despite the similarity to the prototype, the "Chinese Axiom" looks quite decent, especially in black. No hints of Chinese origin. Body panels fit perfectly, paint quality is good, and optics are modern. If not for the GW badge, the car could easily be mistaken for an American build. Inside, everything is also at a decent level. The plastic is soft, the instruments are easy to read, ergonomics are well thought out, and the seats are comfortable. The car is also seriously prepared for off-road: there's plug-in all-wheel drive, a low range, sufficient ground clearance, and energy-intensive suspension — you can move across rough terrain without problems. The only thing missing is the power of the licensed 2.4-liter Mitsubishi engine. Torque is sometimes lacking. Off-road, the low range helps, but on the highway, 130 hp for a car with a gross weight exceeding two tons is frankly not enough.
The Gzhel Hover, assembled here, is no different in this regard. Of course, there's no blue-and-azure painting on it. And it runs on regular 92-octane gasoline, not the beverage associated with those places. The only difference is that the car doesn't arrive on our market ready-made but as a kit. The body, engine, and wheels travel separately, and at the Gzhel plant, they are assembled into a whole.
What's the point of such a scheme? The price. Customs clearance of a finished car costs 25%, while a kit costs only 15%. As a result, the price becomes more attractive for the buyer. $4,500 is not found lying on the road. Therefore, "our" Hover now costs not $26,950 but $22,450. Quite reasonable money for such a combination of size, equipment, and modern looks. As for distrust of everything Chinese, well... Great Wall is now Russian. At least, the badge under the hood claims exactly that.
Pros and cons
+ Spacious and comfortable cabin, excellent brakes, rich equipment.
− Weak dynamics, vague steering.
Driving
Torsion bar suspension at the front and coil springs at the rear provide acceptable ride comfort both on asphalt and on dirt roads. Plug-in all-wheel drive, differential lock, and low range allow confident tackling of serious obstacles. On the highway, the only regret is the lack of engine power.
Cabin
Inside, it's spacious, everything is assembled solidly and looks pleasant.
Comfort
Quite decent, especially considering what the car is equipped with.
Safety
In the base version — two airbags, ABS, and EBD.
Price
With the start of assembly in Russia, it has become quite reasonable.