How the Livan X3 Pro fits into modern compact crossovers
The 400-liter trunk of the Livan X3 Pro quickly fills with two ordinary tomato cans, leaving space only for two bags of potatoes and a watermelon. The owner refused garden gifts and preferred to load belongings and fruit into the cabin, highlighting that this model, while modest in size, still requires careful packing for family trips. The first Livan model in the Russian market showed it was aimed more at young drivers than at traditional family values, and price kept climbing beyond what some relatives might expect.
Where did the Livan name originate? In recent years, the Russian market saw Lifan as a leading Chinese automotive brand. That company faced bankruptcy in 2017, paving the way for a consolidation that brought Geely into play. Geely acquired Volvo earlier, and the remnants of Lifan eventually evolved into the Livan brand. The result is a lineage that ties Livan to broader Geely engineering and strategy, even as the product lineup evolves beyond the old Lifan mold.
Although the X3 Pro is not a reset from scratch, it bears little resemblance to older Lifan cars. In 2011 Geely launched the Englon SC5-RV hatchback, and after a sequence of updates the Vision X3 became a hatchback by 2017. With a few exterior tweaks and interior refinements, that lineage evolved into the Livan X3 Pro, keeping core design language while modernizing the cabin and features.
Performance and urban practicality
The X3 Pro measures four meters in length, a bit shorter than rivals like the Kia Rio X-Line, with a ground clearance of 185 millimeters. This makes it nimble in city streets and helps protect bumpers from minor parking mishaps. Under the hood sits a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 103 horsepower, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. Acceleration to moderate speeds comes without dramatic bursts, and the engine’s behavior echoes the car’s emphasis on efficiency and practicality over sporty dynamics.
On highways, most owners may settle into a gentler rhythm, as torque peaks are gentle and the car can feel restrained beyond certain speeds. A brisk push on the accelerator can bring the speed up to notable marks, but sustained rapid acceleration is not its forte. The manufacturer cautions about performance at higher speeds, and a sport mode exists to raise engine speed, though the effect on overall acceleration remains modest.
A practical note for buyers is the car’s fuel flexibility. The X3 Pro can run on AI-92 gasoline, and fuel consumption depends on driving style. The on-board computer reports instantaneous consumption rather than a long-term average, so owners may find their own receipts and mileage data more informative. In heavy overtaking scenarios and highway driving above 100 km/h, fuel use may approach 12 liters per 100 kilometers, while in typical city cycles it often sits around 8–10 liters per 100 kilometers.
Handling, comfort, and road manners
The steering wheel offers a budget feel with modest feedback, which aligns with the car’s non-sporting intent. The hatchback’s body lean in corners is noticeable, yet the vehicle remains predictable through urban turns. On rough roads the suspension, designed to absorb irregularities, plays a crucial role in comfort, delivering a ride that resembles what budget crossovers offer in challenging road conditions. On longer patches of rough asphalt, the X3 Pro demonstrates resilience without sacrificing control.
The X3 Pro performs well on straight-line stability at higher speeds, with a short wheelbase that still maintains composure. Braking is confident, and the standard discs provide reliable stopping power even when the cabin carries multiple passengers and luggage.
Interior layout and user experience
The compact dimensions influence seating geometry, with the design primarily suited for drivers and front-seat passengers around average heights. The steering wheel reach is fixed, which means some adjustments remain outside the driver’s reach; seat positioning becomes a trade-off between arm comfort and knee space. Yet the front seats offer reasonable support for longer drives, and the visibility from the driver’s seat is improved by the elevated seating position and large rear-view mirrors, aiding maneuvering in busy city traffic.
The central tunnel features a hard plastic handle that some passengers found uncomfortable, especially on rough surfaces. A quick wrap covers the handle to soften the contact. If one owned the car, the handle might be redesigned for more practical use, but it does not significantly impede daily driving.
Like many budget Chinese cars, the X3 Pro’s interior carries a noticeable scent of plastic materials. After sitting in a parked car under strong sun, some occupants may feel a moment of discomfort before the cabin air refreshes. The second row offers modest room and reclining options, adequate for short trips with two passengers. A 60:40 split in the rear seat provides flexibility for cargo and passenger arrangements, adding versatility to the vehicle’s compact footprint.
Budget and technology
In terms of cost, improving sound insulation could be a consideration for owners seeking a quieter cabin. The multimedia system lacks integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a workaround via a wired smartphone connection is possible using the CarbitLink app. The method mirrors the phone screen on the car display, though it requires the phone to remain active and unlocked. Bluetooth audio can be less stable, and software updates may address connectivity in the future.
The X3 Pro’s interior accents include a bright orange trim that runs along the front panel and a deep blue band beneath the windshield, with orange accents on door cards and handles. Equipment is compact and functional: halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights, a rear camera and parking sensors, air conditioning, a dash camera, an ESP system, front airbags, cruise control, and keyless entry. A small automatic hatch in the trunk and heated front seats round out the convenience features. The price in the market segment sits around 1.9 million rubles, positioning the X3 Pro as a practical crossover-hatchback option within a price niche that competes with other compact crossovers and some sedans offering automatic transmissions.
From a comparative standpoint, the Livan X3 Pro stands alongside models that offer similar features at this price point, with considerations for fuel efficiency, interior comfort, and on-road versatility. SOURCES [CITATION: Geely and Livan brand lineage, corporate history; CITATION: LVAN X3 Pro specification details].