Cat's Eye: who is the new Russian crossover winking at
The new Russian brand Tenet has started car production in the Kaluga region. Despite the fact that the T7 crossover was the first to go into production, the press decided to first introduce the older T8 model, which is just preparing to enter the assembly line of the enterprise. Izvestia found out what kind of car it is and how it drives.
Almost all the Russian and Belarusian car brands that have appeared recently offer a Chinese car under their own nameplate, made mainly from Chinese components with varying degrees of localization. Tenet is no exception to the rule, but in some ways the approach to its production is different. The AGR company skipped the "wheel tightening" stage — large—scale assembly - and immediately began with the production of a full cycle with welding and painting of bodies. This allows you to load an idle factory, score localization points, receive compensation for recycling, and, in theory, make the car less expensive. Plus, Tenet will have its own Russian R&D center.
What kind of brand is Tenet
Machine kits are supplied to Russia by a partner from a friendly country, Defetoo, and assembled by AGR Holding LLC. The parent company, which makes its own cars out of the same parts and whose name the PR people try not to mention, as if they were not involved. This allows us to "lay the straw" in terms of possible sanctions. No matter how you look at it, it's a mutually beneficial deal, although nowadays it's difficult to predict anything in advance.
In the meantime, we are remembering the new word Tenet, introduced into the automotive industry either by fans of mysticism and esotericism, or by fans of director Nolan. The brand's PR people came up with the idea that this was an abbreviation, but only in order to write the name in capital letters in press releases.
The situation itself is more complicated than in Nolan's "Argument" — the former Volkswagen plant in the Kaluga region produces Chinese cars under a brand that reads the same from every side.
Why is T8 shown as a journalist first? The fact is that the G8 is quite different from its well—known counterparts, the Tiggo 8 Pro Max and the Xcite X-Cross 8, except for the silhouette with the raised massive stern. A crossover version has been launched under the Tenet brand, which few people in Russia are familiar with. The cars in the test are pre-production, although they have already been assembled in Kaluga.
Tenet T8 — what it looks like
The overhead lights with LED pupils are called a "cat's eye" in the company, when the turn indicator is turned on, the eyes turn yellow. In the exterior of the car, there is a certain similarity with the flagship Chegu/ Jaecoo crossovers, but not only with them. Large oval radiator grille in a fine grid, hefty exhaust pipes. What a Jaguar this tiger is! Formidable, though a bit thick. The resemblance to the Jaguar F-Pace is clearly intentional, with the glossy black linings and tinted windows of the lower row of headlights mimicking the wide dips of the air intakes. There are even plenty of expressive features for a peaceful family crossover.
The rear part with a solid strip of lights is like most modern crossovers, which does not distinguish the new model in the stream.
Tenet T8 — what's inside
You get inside by pulling the sliding door handle — quite in the spirit of modern trends in the Chinese automotive industry. AGR representatives report that the handle drive mechanism is powerful and will easily crack the ice crust even at minus 30. At least the handle can be extended with one end, and in case of freezing it can be swung.
The interior is radically different from its analogues and is also executed in the spirit of modern trends — a floating center console, a Mercedes steering gear selector, and separate tablet displays. Moreover, the central one is simply huge — with a diagonal of 15.6 inches. He is responsible for controlling the climate and even adjusting the mirrors — you look for an item in the menu, and then adjust the buttons on the steering wheel.
It's a good thing that they left a block of physical keys on the central tunnel — "emergency", sound volume control, and climate system hotkeys. We also retained the physical light control unit in the lower part of the front panel on the left. The traditionalists, whom Tenet considers a potential audience for T8, should like it.
The physical puck of choosing multiple driving modes, on the contrary, is not the best solution — you constantly miss the right one. I was also surprised by the dim illumination of the pseudo—touch buttons on the steering wheel - the icons are almost indistinguishable in bright light.
The interior differs from the interiors of its analogues not only in design, but also in touch. In addition to artificial leather, Eco Skin, a suede-like material, is used. This "suede" is not only pleasant to the touch, it adds comfort to the interior and makes it visually richer. Especially in the top version, which has a soft interior color, beige-gray with a black ceiling. "Beige" moms will like it.
Tenet T8 — how it is equipped
The T8 is rich in equipment, with a full winter package already included in the basic equipment, remote key start, dual-zone climate control, panoramic roof, all-round viewing system. The top-end model adds 19-inch discs instead of 18-inch ones, 10 music speakers instead of eight, adaptive cruise control and a set of electronic assistants, ventilation of the front seats, wireless charging for the phone and a projection display. It is strange that the front seats do not have a massage, and the right passenger seat has a pull—out ottoman and control buttons on the back for the rear passenger.
But in the list of additional options of the T8 there will be a tow bar, albeit designed for a trailer weighing up to 750 kg.
The multimedia system confidently supports communication using the Android Auto and Apple Carplay protocols, and later they promise to add popular Russian applications, such as VK and Yandex. Telematics will also appear, including allowing the engine to be started from a greater distance, with a key fob it can be started from a distance of no more than 20-25 m.
The driver's seat is quite comfortable, although the cushion is too short, mounted high, and its tilt is not adjustable. This is a feature of cars built on this platform. The back sofa is comfortable, with a wide reclining armrest. Its halves can be moved longitudinally, and the backs can be tilted. The margin in front of the knees of the middle row passengers is impressive, but if you put someone in the third row, they will have to make room. However, adults can hardly fit in the "gallery", although the back row is well equipped — there are cup holders and even its own blowing control unit, which, unfortunately, did not work on the pre-production car.
With the third row unfolded, there is very little space in the trunk for luggage, but if you limit yourself to five places, it is roomy. The compartment is closed with a curtain, which for some reason has become a rarity in Chinese cars.
Tenet T8 — Features
Heat is pouring out from under the open hood - the compartment is covered with plastic panels like an electric car, and a foam rubber "cap" is put on top of the engine to make its operation quieter. Naturally, so many "blankets" under the hood make it hot if the car is running in the sun for a long time. On the move, the heat from the engine compartment quickly blows out.
The two-liter turbo engine (197 hp) is almost inaudible and rumbles only on acceleration. The interior is well soundproofed, including thanks to the double side windows, but the hum from the tires is still solo while driving. Moreover, Tenet does not put dubious products from Chinese tire factories on its crossover, but Continental tires.
The car accelerates willingly, especially in sports mode — the declared acceleration from a standstill to 100 km / h is quite believable, the car's ability to accelerate over 200 km / h has been tested in practice. The robotic 7-speed transmission changes gears quickly and generally smoothly. Its settings have a chance to appeal even to those who are prejudiced against robots. A moderate consumption of 9-9.5 liters per 100 km can also be attributed to the advantages of the transmission — we assume that a crossover armed with a classic "automatic" would be more voracious.
Declared fuel consumption: 7.2 liters per 100 km on the highway, 8.8 liters in a mixed cycle and 10.3 liters in urban mode.
Despite the artificial force on the steering wheel, the crossover is controlled quite accurately, rolls slightly in turns, and holds a straight line well. There is no problem with a sudden slowdown. The suspension smooths out small things and joints, although the shocks are felt more strongly from the back than from the front. It does not allow swinging on the waves. He performs well on the primer, although he frankly does not like large pits.
Tenet T8 — how all-wheel drive and assistants work
Judging by the markings, the rear wheels are connected by a Faps clutch. Despite the fact that the owners of Tiggo 8 Pro Max complained about her, we did not find anything criminal in her behavior. Judging by the diagram, traction is transmitted to the rear wheels during acceleration. In 4x4 mode, the car confidently climbs a grassy slope and overcomes a diagonal suspension. There is no particular desire to embark on off—road adventures - the robotic transmission does not like slipping, the overhangs are too big, and the engine compartment is covered from below with just a plastic dust cover.
The all-wheel drive system has several off-road modes: Snow, Mud and 4x4. The crossover is able to overcome diagonal hanging
Maneuvering is greatly facilitated by the all-round view system. We would like to express the opinion that it is mandatory for the T8 — it is better to maneuver in reverse through the cameras. The fact is that the wiper cleans only a small part of the glass of the luggage door, and the interior mirror is too convex and distorts the picture.
The driver's assistants had questions: the lane-keeping system was running roughshod, twisting the steering wheel out of their hands. Disabling it, despite the Russified menu, is still a task, the necessary checkmark is hidden in one of the sub—items. I was somewhat confused by the adaptive cruise control, which slows down the car as if at the last moment and abruptly. Several times I had to brake in advance, fearing that the car would not stop in time. Are these also features of the pre-production T8? In any case, the electronic ones clearly need to be calibrated.
Tenet T8 — how much can it cost?
On first acquaintance, the T8 gave the impression of a balanced car. Fast, but at the same time sharpened for comfortable movement. A fairly well-known product on the Russian market has not been spoiled, but has even been improved in some ways and, most likely, will "finish it further." Representatives of the company emphasize the high quality of production at the Kaluga plant. So the Russian assembly may even be better than the Chinese one. So far, no matter how you look at it, the story with Tenet looks tempting. And they say the cat's eye helps with the evil eye.
It is clear that AGR Holding wants to enter a more expensive segment with this car, but the success of the T8 will determine the price tag. It can be assumed, given the lack of some options and the presence of a Russian build, that this crossover will at least not be the most expensive compared to its counterparts.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
