The length of the Vortex Estina sedan (2008–2013) is 4.5 m. Mitsubishi solutions are borrowed in the design. The suspension is exactly like the “ninth” Lancer, almost all parts are interchangeable.
Until 2008 this model was assembled in Kaliningrad under the name Chery Fora, then in Taganrog as Vortex Estina. Fitting throughout was SKD.
Deep restyling (2012) was called the “second generation”. But this is the same car with a different look, a new engine and the FL-C index.
The original name of the Vortex Estina model is Chery A5. Debut – in 2006.
Advantages
- Very cheap.
- Spacious interior, large trunk.
- Simple design, high maintainability.
In the photo – a restyled version. Finishing materials are simple, although a leather interior is possible. However, the skin is scolded – it sweats in the summer and becomes dull in the winter.
Defects
- Poor quality original parts.
- Clearance 124 mm with large overhangs.
- Bad ventilation system.
- It rusts quickly – anti-corrosion is needed.
engines
Aspirated petrol 1.6 (119 hp) and 2.0 (129, 136 hp) of the Acteco family were developed by Chery with the participation of the Austrian company AVL. It seems that they were guided by Mitsubishi engines of the late 90s. After restyling, the base became 1.5 (109 hp). All – with a cast iron block, distributed injection, timing belt drive, ground on AI-92, there are hydraulic tappets. Very unpretentious, except for addiction to high-quality oil.
Characters and diseases are similar. There are many horror stories to be found. Most are associated with a broken timing belt (and “plug-in” engines) due to wear of the belt itself or a seized roller. So it is: the factory belt and roller bearing do not differ in durability. The piston group is praised – it easily withstands 250-300 thousand km.
The 2.0 engine is more resourceful than the younger one – it is recommended to replace the killed 1.6 with a two-liter engine, it does not require complex modifications, although it will not be approved by the traffic police.
Spare parts and attachments are inexpensive, the main difficulty is to find high-quality among a bunch of handicrafts and fakes.
Transfer
There is no choice – a mechanical five-speed (index QR519MHA). Unfortunately not very resistant to iron – bearings and gears wear faster than we would like. Shot is not always rational, it is often easier to change the whole unit.
And yes – we strongly recommend changing the oil at least every 50 thousand km.
The clutch serves up to 200 thousand km, the thrust bearing is usually rented in the range of 100-150 thousand.
Operational ulcers
The reputation of the “vulnerable Chinese” is refuted by the assurances of many owners: they say that only consumables have changed up to 100-120 thousand. Further – if lucky.
However, Chery Fora, assembled in Kaliningrad, served in the Za Rulem park for several years, and the list of mistakes was impressive.
- On a segment of 60-100 thousand km, the air conditioning radiator, thermostat, master cylinder in the clutch drive, exhaust pipe gasket, timing roller bearing had to be replaced, the guides in the right front brake caliper soured to death, the steering rack flowed.
- In the suspension, the weak link is the original wheel bearings, which begin to howl on our typical roads up to 30 thousand km.
Incidentally, there is no elastic beam behind it, but a multilink, which gives Estin good road holding. There are few problems with her.
- wheelhouse can barely cope with 100 thousand km, by this time the power steering pump often stops.
- By 50 thousand, headlights become cloudy, moldings come off. Some plastic parts are too fragile.
Half of the cars on the secondary road have been “ennobled” by collective farm repairs. The problem of a small clearance solved many the forbidden installation of spacers.
EuroNCAP: not tested
The largest offer on the secondary market: Estina 1.6 manual
Optimal choice: Estina 2.0 manual
For the same money: GAZ Volga Siber, Lada Kalina, Lada Priora, Daewoo Nexia, Lifan Solano
Photo: manufacturing companies
The car (it is sold with us under the name Vortex Estina) is distinguished by good engines and a good chassis. But there are also a few “buts”, which, however, will not frighten every owner of a new car.
A very cheap (from 200 thousand rubles) sedan has been called: the interior is spacious! And the trunk is big!