According to the statistics of new car sales in China for 2021, published by CarIndustryAnalysis, the top 10 favorite cars of the Chinese include only two models of local brands — the Haval H6 and the people’s city car Wuling Hongguang Mini, and both of them are far from the leaders. Toyota Corolla and Levin are much more often bought in China (two models that are produced at FAW-Toyota and GAC-Toyota factories, respectively), and it is these sedans that occupy the first place in the rating.
Despite the fact that Corolla and Levin are produced by different joint ventures, they differ only in minor design elements: Levin has a different front part with black massive elements, and Corolla has more chrome in the interior. Technically, they are unified and are sold, including in two-hybrid versions — conventional and rechargeable. It is Corolla/Levin that is the leader in terms of sales in the Chinese market — in 2021, local dealers sold more than 546 thousand such sedans (-13 percent compared to the result of 2020).
The closest pursuer of the Corolla/Levin is the Nissan Sylphy, which has changed generations relatively recently. This model sold out in the amount of 515.5 thousand pieces (-7 percent). Closes the top three Volkswagen Lavida, which sold 429 thousand units (sales decreased by four percent). All three leaders belong to the same segment and are considered competitors.
On the fourth line is China’s most popular crossover, the Honda CR-V (sold locally under the name Breeze). The model is produced by the GAC-Honda joint venture and is available with a 1.5 turbocharger (193 forces) and a hybrid i-MMD installation for 215 forces.
And only in fifth place is the Chinese car — the Wuling Hongguang Mini considered a “folk” model. This is an electric city car, which is produced by SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile and costs 28.8 thousand yuan. The model has been on sale since 2020 and is especially loved by residents of small towns.
The second and last Chinese model in the top 10 is the Haval H6, which occupies the sixth line. The current, third-generation crossover has been on sale in China since the summer of 2020 and is available with a 169-horsepower 1.5 turbo engine and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The latter produces 224 horsepower. Both units are combined with a 7-speed “robot” with two wet clutches, the drive is front or full of a rear axle coupling.
In the second half of the list, there are analogs of global models for the local market. These are the Honda Vezel (HR-V), Toyota Wildlander (RAV4), Buick Exelle GT and Volkswagen Bora. The assembly of all 10 models included in the rating was organized in China at joint ventures with Chinese automakers.