All foreign cars left the LCV market segment. Only GAZelles and UAZs remained – the mediocre selling Profi and old “loaves”, which were only needed in public tenders.
The emergence of company cars under the Sollers own brand therefore seems very topical.
Like Evolutes and Muscovites, they are “Chinese”, only with re-glued decals. Model Atlant – JAC Sunray, Argo – JAC N25 / N35.
Unknown cars
A company car must be reliable and make money. All brands that have left our market have built up a positive reputation.
Chinese cars have become popular in the passenger segment, more or less known in the group of medium-duty trucks and dump trucks. But among light commercial vehicles, they are dark horses. And this is a certain risk for carriers.
Atlant is produced as a chassis, van and minibus with different lengths and roof heights, with a gross weight of 2.5 to 4.2 tonnes. Argo is offered with a single or double cab.
Will there be gas?
The Argo engine range has a gasoline engine – a 2-liter engine develops 147 horsepower.
This option was probably made for conversion to gas.
But it is not yet on the price list. And it’s not clear whether Sollers will offer a standard HBO package.
Now such changes must be registered with the traffic police. And it would be better if the manufacturer itself goes through all the formalities with the law.
different wheels
The Argo has 15 inch front wheels and 13 inch rear (double) wheels to reduce the loading height. Fortunately, there are two spare wheels in the package.
However, this does not spare the driver unnecessary difficulties when replacing and purchasing winter tyres.
Exhaust with urea
At Atlant they put in-line diesel “fours” with a capacity of 1.9 and 2.7 liters. The difference in efficiency is small.
One engine produces 139 horsepower. and 310 Nm, the other – 150 hp and 355 Nm.
But a more important difference is that the 2.7 engine uses urea injection to purify exhaust gases.
The owner will have to spend more on it.
Rich equipment
The equipment for both models is the same: ABS, ESP, two airbags, central locking with buttons on the key, an audio system with steering wheel controls, cruise control, air conditioning, electrical accessories, heated mirrors and seats.
There is also a rear parking sensor on Atlanta. Generous! It seems to me that many carriers would rather save money and get a poorer car. And maybe there will be more trim levels in the future.
Ergonomic features
Argo cabover layout makes landing in the cockpit difficult. The footrest is pushed far forward – to climb onto the seat, you need to cling to the lever on the front pillar, trying not to get your pants dirty.
It’s easier to get into Atlanta. Apparently that’s why they decided not to put a pen in it. And the steering column, unlike the Argo, is not tiltable. Don’t lean on the door – it’s very far away. There is not a single cup holder and no place for papers: no pocket, no shelf underneath.
What about prices?
Sollers Argo costs from 2,546,000 rubles for an onboard platform without an awning and fits the price niche between GAZelle Business and Next.
Atlant starts from 2,904,000 rubles and is slightly more expensive than Next in similar versions.
It turns out expensive! But gas-powered cars are not cheap now. And if there is no choice, carriers can start buying unknown Chinese vans.
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At the plant of the company “Sollers” in Yelabuga, they began to produce commercial models of Argo and Atlant.
