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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
With
an overall length of 5.2 meters and a height of 2.25 meters, driving the King
Long Univan comes with a strong warning: it won't fit in your standard mall
parking. Considering the propensity of Filipinos to go "malling" in
the weekends, the Univan has severely limited use. Still, that didn't stop me
from taking one for a weekend spin, and exterior dimensions aside, it's a
remarkably good van considering the price.
If
the brand seems familiar, it's because King Long is the very same company that
builds buses, especially the deluxe ones, that ply EDSA and our provinces. It's
a partially state-owned Chinese brand that started in 1988. Since then, King
Long prides itself by being the first to achieve ISO TS16949 manufacturing
status as well as being designated as a "National Vehicle" in China.
Throughout its history, King Long is the choice for ferrying people to
important events such as the National People's Congress, the APEC Conference,
as well as the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. There, King Long fielded 2,000
buses with a "zero failure" rate in 60 days.
With
such a history, Focus Ventures (the same company that distributes the Chana
cars and FAW trucks) expanded its portfolio by bringing in the King Long line
of light commercial vehicles and vans, starting off with the Univan. Known as
the "A+HIASE" in China, the Univan is as basic and utilitarian as a
van gets. From the outside, the Univan doesn't even attempt to mask its
boxiness. It's got a sliding door on one side, a large hatch at the back, a bubble
roof on top, and that's about it. Still, you have to hand it over to the folks
at King Long for adding some pizzazz like the projector-type headlights,
multi-reflector taillights, and the standard front fog lamps.
Inside,
the Univan boasts of a molded dashboard, and as simplistic as it sounds, it's a
big leap from its most direct rivals: light-duty trucks converted to passenger
carrying duty. Combined with the integrated ceiling-mounted vents (dual air
conditioning is standard), it gives off a much more refined and modern feel.
Plus, the Univan doesn't scrimp on creature features: a height adjustable
steering wheel with power assist and an AM/FM radio with CD and USB input are
present. And eerily, even a fire extinguisher is standard. All in all, the Univan
is sounding like a real deal, and we haven't even talked about the 14-seater
capacity yet!
Driving
the Univan is very similar to driving a typical light-duty truck. Ingress
requires a good step up, so thankfully there are step boards for the front passengers.
Once on board, the driver and two front passengers are treated to a high
seating position which offers a commanding view of the road ahead. The seating
is precariously high, but comfortable. Thankfully, King Long offers a much more
car-like experience with the pull-type handbrake and well-set steering wheel.
Visibility is alright given the Univan's expansive size thanks to the large
greenhouse. Despite the light steering and great exterior visibility though,
careful manoeuvring is needed to operate the Univan. Because of its sheer
length, you literally have to count two seconds before committing a U-turn. It
literally feels like driving a car through two time zones: the front and the
rear axle. Plus, parking it is quite literally a pain. Even if it's got rear
parking sensors, finding a suitable slot where the Univan won't stick out is
almost impossible to do.
Parking
limitations aside, the Univan actually feels more stable than its size or
dimensions suggest. The technologies underpinning the Univan are as rudimentary
as they come, but they work. And that's the important thing. The suspension is
a torsion beam axle upfront and leaf springs at the back providing for a safe,
but otherwise unremarkable handling and ride. The Univan rides on 195/70R15 radial
tires, again a car-like feature next to the ply-bias tires offered by the
competition. The Univan is taller than it is wide, but it corners safely as
long as it isn't pushed too hard. The brakes are discs in the front and drums
at the back. Again, nothing remarkable. However, the Univan does offer
something it's typical competition doesn't: LSPV or Load Sensing Proportioning
Valve. Though a common feature in passenger cars, LSPV is a rarity in trucks
and commercial vehicles. LSPV works to distribute front and rear brake bias
reducing premature brake lock-up. This is a very important feature for vehicles
with lightweight back ends like vans.
Another
ace up King Long's sleeve is its engine: a 2.8-liter turbocharged CRDi engine
with 90 horsepower and 220 Nm of torque. Again, since this is a van, we can't
quote acceleration times or top speeds. The five-speed transmission is designed
for pulling power, so the Univan feels spirited from a standstill. The engine's
got modest pull, but swapping through the gears is a less than precise affair.
It must be noted though that I didn't load a single soul or cargo on board the
Univan, so I can't tell how it'll perform when filled to capacity.
Clearly,
the King Long Univan isn't designed to ignite your soul. It's a basic people
carrier for the business-minded. It promises to be practical, low-cost, and
worry-free thanks to the 2-year / 50,000 kilometer warranty. The King Long
Univan delivers on those promises, and is perhaps a much more refined solution
than adding a passenger cabin to a light-duty truck. As long as your garage is
long or tall enough, it's best to consider the King Long Univan for for shuttle
requirements.
Is this a cloning from Foton View? The dashboard interior is almost same. Also its exterior appearance are alike from the Foton. It only does have a higher roof and different grille.
ReplyDeleteHonestly I don't know. I haven't been around a Foton View for a long time to have noticed. That said, I won't be surprised if they're "related" somehow.
DeleteI heard the body of the Foton View is actually being manufactured by King Long
DeleteGawang china ba yan?
DeleteYup. Made in China.
Delete90 HP??
ReplyDeleteYup. 90 horsepower. That's not a typo.
DeleteFoton View is a stretched photocopy of the Hi-Ace. and this Univan is a replica.
ReplyDeleteWill they be able to carry goods for relief like simple farm tools and withstand in rough roads like samar?
ReplyDeleteHow would you compare univan and toyota gl grandia 2.5?
ReplyDeleteWell, even that I have no van, it seems that toyota is known since then, due to its durability and abundant on spare parts in banawe, I would rather have a univan someday, made in china so that I can easily compare bet. the 2 vans.
ReplyDeleteThe front and sliding not fit. The leather is not smooth fit.
ReplyDeletei will rather buy nissan or toyota brand. foton and king long copy the design of the hi-ace van, no originality and since its china made, its a low quality even if its engine is isuzu made.
ReplyDeleteI am a car fun and i will never ever waste my time and money for China made cars. Had a Foton View before and it's crawling like snails going up Baguio. After 8 months the engine and suspensions sounds oddly. Sold it after a year. Resale value is very low. The same goes with Korean cars. Had a Tucson and I10 for their looks but both are not par with their Japanese counterparts quality wise. Sold them both. Better spend your monies on good quality cars and be assured of good resale value. I'm now enjoying my Toyota Super Grandia.
ReplyDelete-> Ok, it's a Chinese replica of the vaunted (last-generation) Hi-Ace. Also its badge is a knock-off of its Kia's "K" logo from South Korea's domestic market.
ReplyDeletehttp://thenewswheel.com/behind-badge-kias-korean-logo-so-much-cooler/
Es bueno ese van?
ReplyDeletecan we change gear box, i may need a change because I am living on the mountain So the car doesn't work on upper mountain...Can any body give me advice for King Long model 2013
ReplyDeletemy boss has king long model 2013, the whole sets of headline right side and also the signal light was damages by accident, can you suggest any repair services... they said kinglong was already close where she buy the car. so where can we buy this part?
ReplyDelete