ЗАЗ Forza: prices and specifications

ZAZ Forza is a model that appeared at the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant after the discontinuation of the ZAZ Slavuta. Essentially, it is a licensed version of the Chery A13, and the agreement for its production in Zaporozhye was signed in 2009. The car was officially shown in February 2010, and by March it was available at dealers. At the end of the same year, a hatchback version was also introduced.

The name Forza translates from Italian as "strength." According to the manufacturers, it symbolizes the power of new impressions from cars produced in Zaporozhye. The model's advertising slogan is "ZAZ Forza — the power of new impressions." At the presentation, ZAZ management stated that this is only the first step in cooperation with Chinese Chery, and other models of the same brand will appear on the assembly line in the future.

Currently, the Forza is produced in two body styles: liftback and five-door hatchback. The Ukrainian version differs from the Chinese Chery A13 in some exterior details and a simpler interior. Localization of production exceeds 50%, which allows the car to be exported.

Both modifications are equipped with a single 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Drive is front-wheel.

History

Serial production of the ZAZ Forza began in 2011, but the model's history dates back to 2008. At that time, a car called the Chery Fulwin 2 (or Chery A13) debuted in China, which became the first independent development of the Chery brand, rather than a copy of someone else's model. It was developed under strict secrecy.

To avoid their own mistakes, the Chinese enlisted the Italian design studio Torino Design. Later, when the car began to be assembled in Ukraine, the name Forza was associated with Italian design, which translates from Italian as "forward."

The Chery A13 / ZAZ Forza was based on the Cowin model, which was produced in China on the basis of the Seat Toledo. In Ukraine, it is known as the Chery Amulet.

The trim levels of the Ukrainian version are almost no different from the Chinese one. The fabric upholstery of the seats in texture and pattern is the same as on the ZAZ Sens and Lanos. Externally, the main difference is the ZAZ logo. The quality of assembly and painting is almost beyond reproach. Chinese engineers note that in some technological aspects, assembly in Ukraine even surpasses Chinese assembly.

Exterior

Visually, the car seems small, but in dimensions it surpasses the popular in Ukraine Lanos.

The body, which many mistake for a sedan, is actually a liftback: the trunk lid is combined with the rear window. This provides a spacious luggage compartment.

The car's appearance is rated rather positively. The sense of style inherent in Italian designers has done its job: the Forza is not like any Asian or European counterparts. The design can be called original.

The Forza is offered in two body types: liftback and 5-door hatchback.

Interior

The interior pleases at least because it is dark. The Chinese often make the interior light, and the "Chinese Ukrainian" is an exception.

The plastic is inexpensive and in terms of perception corresponds to what owners of budget cars are used to.

The design of the front panel is made in a traditional Asian style: dark cheap plastic is combined with painted "silver" — imitation aluminum.

Ergonomics are fine if your height is close to average. Tall people will find it a bit cramped.

The front seats are positioned higher than desired, and the steering wheel adjusts only for height. A person taller than 1.8 m will have trouble getting comfortable behind the wheel. Before buying, it is worth sitting in the car to make sure it fits.

The rear seat will only be comfortable for children. Adult passengers will lack space for both legs and headroom.

The liftback's trunk volume is 330 liters. If the rear seats are folded, it increases to 1400 liters. The hatchback's trunk is 300 liters.

Engine and Transmission

Under the hood of the ZAZ Forza is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine Chery Acteco. It was developed by Chinese engineers together with specialists from the Austrian company AVL.

With a volume of 1497 cm³, the engine has a 16-valve timing mechanism with one shaft. Power is 109 hp (80 kW), torque is 140 Nm. The engine meets Euro-4 toxicity standards.

The gearbox is a five-speed manual.

Maximum speed is 160 km/h. Fuel consumption in the urban cycle is 9.7 l/100 km, outside the city — 5.8 l/100 km, combined — 7.2 l/100 km.

Safety

According to the results of crash tests of the Chinese program C-NCAP, the Chery Fulwin 2 (aka Forza) received four stars out of five, scoring 43.1 points out of 50 possible.

The Chinese claim that the C-NCAP methodology almost completely corresponds to Euro NCAP. However, this should not be believed: the requirements in China are not as strict as in Europe.

Features

Chinese engineers have learned to copy and create similar design solutions, but they still have problems with settings. Despite the modern suspension design, the car has "Asian" features.

The suspension settings are far from ideal. On bad roads, the car shakes, in corners it "floats." When driving straight, there are no complaints about energy intensity, but it is not worth driving over bumps without reducing speed — the sound of the suspension can scare an inexperienced driver. On rutted roads, you need to be careful: the car struggles with the unevenness of Ukrainian roads.

Most owners note good sound insulation of the cabin and engine. However, this impression is formed if before the Forza you only drove a "Zhiguli" or "Moskvich." At engine speeds above 3000 rpm, it seems that it is not isolated from the cabin at all. All of the above equally applies to both the liftback and the hatchback.

Popularity in Ukraine

The car sells, but worse than manufacturers expected. The reason is a rather high price. The ZAZ Forza is more expensive than the Lanos.

In addition, high competition among Chinese models in Ukraine does not play into the hands of either ZAZ or Chery.

Our Verdict

The Forza is suitable for those who are tired of Lanos. Choosing this car instead of the cheaper Sens or Lanos, the buyer votes for a fresher design and a less hackneyed appearance. The basic configuration includes power windows and a radio. Throughout Ukraine, the UkrAvto technical support service operates.

Warranty on ZAZ Forza is 3 years or 100 thousand km of mileage.