Octavia Rival: New Chinese Crossover & Estate – Price & Specs

Crossover or, rather, the station wagon Dongfeng Shine GS, increased by the construction of the body, expands the brand’s offer on the European and therefore also the Slovak market. It is noteworthy that the Chinese novelty recently premiered on the old continent as part of the Nitra auto show, but the price and standard equipment of this car are even more interesting.

We’re not going to pretend this is a vehicle that rolled off the assembly lines in Wuhan, China a week ago. However, the Dongfeng Shine GS model enters the European and Slovak markets as an absolute novelty. Well, at least for local customers.

The crossover or raised and plasticized station wagon slightly exceeds the length of 4.6 meters with its length, has a width of 1.83 meters, a height of 1.61 meters and a wheelbase of 2,680 millimeters, which is only a negligible six millimeters less compared to the fourth generation Škoda Octavia.

Under the hood of the Chinese novelty, which is understandably based on the Dongfeng Shine sedan, is not a supercharged power unit, but rather a simpler atmospheric four-cylinder with a volume of 1.5 liters. It has a relatively modest 117 horsepower, the maximum torque reaches 150 Nm and works with a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

On the other hand, however, it is a car with a curb weight of only – extremely modest for today’s time – 1,389 kilograms. The Shine GS model naturally offers a full five-seater interior, while the crew has a luggage compartment with a basic volume of 474 liters, which can be increased to 1,109 liters with the rear seats folded down.

A detailed editorial test will tell us more about how the model drives, what is its operational efficiency, dynamics and practical side. For now, we can only tell you its highest stated speed – 165 kilometers per hour – and we can also look at what you get for the basic 19,990 euros – that is, in standard.

Watch a video review with the Dongfeng Shine sedan, from which the Shine GS “station wagon” is based:

So far, the only available equipment level has the designation E1, and in the mentioned amount you have, for example, included 17-inch aluminum wheels, a panoramic sunroof or automatic activation of daytime running lights with LEDs. There is automatic air conditioning, cruise control, even a heated steering wheel along with heated front seats, but also keyless unlocking and starting.

You will also be pleased with the presence of a seven-inch digital instrument panel and infotainment, which is controlled via a 13-inch touch screen. The only available additional item at the moment is only the metallic paint, for which you will pay an additional 790 euros.

The purchase of the vehicle also includes a warranty for five years (more precisely, 2+3 years) or one hundred thousand kilometers, and the car should already be available in the current network of 19 Slovak dealers.

Prepared in cooperation with TopSpeed.sk.