5 Blatant Copies Of International SUVs In China

SUVs are becoming more and more popular not only in India but also in other leading auto markets including China where many major automakers go to great lengths to have as many SUVs as possible in their portfolio even the by copying models from well-known brands in the world. In this article, we are going to provide you with five made-in-China blatant replicas of internationally famous SUVs.

Landwind X7 - Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

Talking about the car clones in China, it would be a mistake if we forgot to mention the Landwind X7, which is a replica of the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque and has managed to attract a great deal of attention from the global media. Although the grille, the headlamps, the bumpers, etc have a different design from the Range Rover Evoque, due to the almost equal dimensions, the X7 is still reminiscent of the Range Rover Evoque to a large extent. Moreover, the X7 has a wider infotainment touchscreen than its donor vehicle.

Under the hood of the Landwind X7 is a Mitsubishi-sourced 2.0-litre turbo 4-cyl petrol motor, which can generate a maximum power/torque figure of 192 PS/250 Nm.

Due to the similar dimensions, the Landwind X7 looks like the Range Rover Evouqe to a large extent.

K-One’s electric car - Mercedes-Benz GLA

For your information, K-One is an EV automaker in China. They have manufactured a copycat of the Mercedes-Benz GLA but in an electric version. Interestingly enough, the GLA is an ICE-powered vehicle.

The electric vehicle produced by K-One has a very similar front end to that on the GLA. However, the width of the former is greater than that of the latter for more amber headroom. Despite being equipped with fake exhaust pipes, the Chinese EV is claimed to be pure-electric with a Harbin Coslight Power-sourced lithium-ion battery, which can produce 130 PS and helps the car reach a maximum speed of 102 kmph.

K-One's EV is the electric version of the Mercedes-Benz GLA.​

Also read - Mercedes-Benz GLA 2018 Facelift – A Zoom-In LooK

Zotye Damai X7 - Volkswagen Tiguan Coupe

The Volkswagen Tiguan is among the most globally popular SUVs in the C segment. It has been recently rumoured that the Volkswagen Tiguan Coupe which is based on the CrossBlue Coupe concept model debuted in 2013 is going to be launched in the coming time. Nevertheless, before that, Zotye, which is notorious for its clones of other well-known models has produced a 'Damai X7', which bears a strong resemblance to the CrossBlue Coupe concept.

However, the grille has been slightly altered to become larger and sharper. The Damai X7 keeps under its hood three motor options. The 1.5-litre gasoline burner can generate a maximum power of 150 PS; the 1.8-litre petrol unit is good for 170 PS and the largest 2.0-litre petrol motor can deliver 190 PS.

Before the real VW Tiguan Coupe is launched, the Zotye Damai X7, which is a clone of the Tiguan Coupe concept, has been introduced.

Also read - Volkswagen Tiguan - Test Drive Review

Zotye SR9 - Porsche Macan

Zoyte also produces clones of luxury models like Porsche’s smallest SUV, the Macan, which is codenamed the SR9. A facelift was given to the SR9 earlier this year with some changes done to both the design and the powertrain. Regardless of these, it is still a clone of the Porsche Macan.

With the new SR9, the Chinese automaker tries to make it different from more luxurious  Porsche Macan by adding a new hexagonal grille and L-shaped LED DRLs bordered by chrome elements. In the rear of the vehicle, fake vents have been equipped to the two sides of the bumper whereas the taillights remain almost unchanged. Quad pipes have also given way to two chrome ones. Despite the entirely copied centre console, the cabin of the SR9 still cannot look as premium as the original Macan.

The old 2.0-litre 4-cyl gasoline burner has been replaced by a smaller TN4A18T 1.8L turbo gasoline burner which can produce 119 PS. Having said that, the SR9’s engine is still far exceeded by that of its honour vehicle in terms of power and modernity.

Although the Chinese automaker tries their best to make the SR9 as different as possible, it is still only a replica of the Porsche Macan

Zotye S21 - Audi Q3

Zoyte seems to be interested in making copycats of Volkswagen Group model as apart from the two above vehicles, there is also another model from Volkswagen Group which is copied by this Chinese carmaker, the first-gen Audi Q3. Whereas the general exterior design of the Zoyte S21 reminds us very much of that of the Q3, its front looks like that of the T-Roc introduced by Volkswagen in 2017. Moreover, the S21 also borrows the vertical central touchscreen from Tesla Model S.

The Zoyte S21 keeps under its hood a 1.5-litre gasoline motor which also serves as a power source for the Zoyte Damai X7. The transmission duties are undertaken by a 5-speed MT/CVT unit.

The Zoyte S21 is a cheap copycat of the much more luxurious Audi Q3.

Above is a list of five made-in-China SUV clones. Which one impresses you the most? Please share with us in the comment section below.