The Vortex Estina sedan produced between 2008 and 2013 measures about 4.5 meters in length. Its design borrows ideas from Mitsubishi, and the suspension mirrors that of the mid generation Lancer, with most components being interchangeable.
Prior to 2008, this model was assembled in Kaliningrad under the Chery Fora name, then in Taganrog as the Vortex Estina. The global assembly approach relied on complete knockdown kits.
A major restyling in 2012 was described as the second generation. In reality, it is the same car with a refreshed appearance, a new engine, and the FL-C designation.
The original designation for the Estina was Chery A5, with a debut in 2006.
Advantages
- Low purchase price
- Spacious interior with a large trunk
- Simple design and easy maintenance
In photographs, the restyled version shows straightforward finishing materials, though leather interiors were offered. The leather, when used, tends to heat up in summer and dull in winter.
Defects
- Original parts of questionable quality
- Ground clearance around 124 mm and noticeable front overhangs
- Ventilation system can be inadequate
- Prone to rust and requires anti-corrosion care
engines
Aspirated petrol engines 1.6 (119 hp) and 2.0 (129, 136 hp) from the Acteco family were developed with Chery and the Austrian AVL. Their design appears to be influenced by late 90s Mitsubishi engines. After the restyling, the base engine shifted to 1.5 (109 hp). All engines used a cast iron block, distributed fuel injection, a timing belt drive, and ran on AI-92 fuel with hydraulic tappets. They are reliable when supplied with high-quality oil.
Performance notes indicate some reliability concerns, including stories about belt wear and timing belt failures on certain configurations. Piston groups are praised for endurance, often reaching 250-300 thousand kilometers. The 2.0 engine offers more reserve compared to the smaller unit and serves as a practical upgrade option, though it requires no complex modifications. Such a swap is not typically approved by authorities in some markets.
Spare parts and accessaries are inexpensive, but the challenge lies in filtering out low-quality components and fakes from genuine parts.
transfer
The car features a five-speed manual transmission (index QR519MHA). It is not particularly robust, and gears may wear faster than desired. Sometimes, replacing the entire unit is more economical than repairing it piece by piece.
Oil changes are strongly advised every 50 thousand kilometers to maintain performance. The clutch is designed to last around 200 thousand kilometers, while the thrust bearing is commonly replaced between 100 and 150 thousand kilometers.
operational ulcers
Some owners dispute the notion of a fragile Chinese origin, noting that most issues occur with consumables up to 100-120 thousand kilometers, with luck playing a role beyond that. The Kaliningrad-assembled Chery Fora spent several years in service with Za Rulem, and the list of faults was considerable.
- Between 60 and 100 thousand kilometers, recurring repairs included the air conditioning radiator, thermostat, clutch master cylinder, exhaust gasket, and timing roller bearing. Guides in the right front brake caliper tended to corrode, and the steering rack could leak.
- The suspension’s original wheel bearings were a common weak point, producing a howl on typical roads after around 30 thousand kilometers.
Interestingly, this model uses a multilink rear suspension rather than an elastic beam, which contributed to stable handling. Few problems were reported with handling.
- Around 100 thousand kilometers, the wheelhouse could struggle, and power steering pumps might fail.
- Headlights and exterior trim often cloud or detach by 50 thousand kilometers, and some plastic parts showed fragility.
Many second-hand vehicles on the market have undergone makeshift repairs. A practical solution for the limited ground clearance involved removing spacer blocks used for height adjustment.
EuroNCAP: not tested
The most common listing on the secondary market is Estina 1.6 manual. A sensible choice is the Estina 2.0 manual. Alternatives in the same budget range include the GAZ Volga Siber, Lada Kalina, Lada Priora, Daewoo Nexia, and Lifan Solano.
Photo credits: manufacturing participants