Geely MK Cross: a successful experiment with "used" material. Geely MK Cross: is it worth the money? Passenger car geely mk cross

24.12.2021

Geely MK Cross is a car released by the company of the same name several years ago and in a short time won the favor of most of all motorists and professional critics of their native country. For the most part, owner reviews of Geely MK Cross are positive, but there are some exceptions due to the existence, albeit insignificant, of shortcomings.

In Russia, the car has not yet gained such popularity as in the manufacturer's homeland - in China, as a result of which there are a small number of owner reviews on the Internet about Geely MK Cross from real owners.

The Chinese manufacturer clearly tried when releasing this car. However, even in this scenario, in the Russian Federation there are a large number of professional critics who not only made up their minds about this vehicle, but also significantly influenced its influence on the Russian automotive market.

In the majority, which is not surprising in principle, the reviews of experts and motorists about Geely MK Cross were divided into two conditional groups. One of these groups of owners emphasizes exclusively the merits of this vehicle, while another part of motorists prefers to criticize this car.

It is important to note that only professional critics, who are familiar with the giants of the global automotive market, are most sensibly assessing this car. It is this part of the people who evaluate the Geely MK Cross that highlights both advantages and disadvantages in their reviews.

Positive reviews

First of all, it is worth making a reservation that relevant videos on the Internet will help to study in detail all the positive properties of the car. In such videos, as a rule, experts easily convey what the car is good for, or why it is not worth buying.

It is important to take into account the main positive qualities of Geely MK Cross, which each person highlights, constituting a good opinion. These qualities include:

low price;
high performance;
impressive functionality.

Reviews about Geely MK Cross from real car owners are mostly positive. Almost every person in Russia who has managed to acquire or simply try out this car speaks positively about the car, making only minor remarks.

As for the cases when professionals express their opinion about the Geely MK Cross, then there is a place for both positive and negative comments equally. You can consider the opinions of critics both in this article and on the corresponding site on the Internet.

In Russia, most motorists do not form a single opinion, excluding the very fact that this car is ideal. Of course, each such owner review is based on personal experience of driving this car and deserves consideration.

Negative Feedback

For the most part, every car owner who writes negative reviews clearly emphasizes that this car has relatively unsatisfactory technical characteristics. This, in turn, applies specifically to the power unit, which is equipped with each machine from the MK Cross model range.

Also, negative feedback from owners about the car is often associated with an insufficiently high level of reliability, in comparison with similar cars on the world market.

Experts in the field of car valuation rarely write exclusively negative reviews about the Geely MK Cross. It is important to note here that when a particular professional speaks negatively about a car, it is worth considering whether it is worth buying at all.

The Geely MK Cross has received only mixed reviews from critics involved in professional car appraisal. In fact, the car deserves the level of its popularity, at least due to its extremely low cost.

This vehicle, be that as it may, judging by the general opinion, deserves attention. The car is ideal for operation both within native China and in Russian realities, taking into account any situation on the road.

Video

If you have not yet decided on the choice, then the video review of the car will help you.

Geely Mk Cross entered the Russian market in 2011. Assembly with welding and body painting was organized in Cherkessk at the Derways plant. At the end of 2015, the production of the model was discontinued, and the remains were sold out in the spring of 2016.

MK Cross is a raised version of the Geely MK2 hatchback. Both cars are built on the same platform with the Geely MK sedan, which is based on the first generation Toyota Yaris / Vios technologies (1999-2005). The pseudo-crossover is distinguished by an increased ground clearance of up to 175 mm, a fake body kit, moldings on the doors and roof rails.

MK Cross was offered in two trim levels. The basic Comfort version had two airbags, air conditioning, power steering, 4 electric windows, electric and heated mirrors, ABS and EBD. The more advanced Luxury was complemented by an electric sunroof and a "leather interior". Seat heating, unfortunately, was not provided in any of the configurations.

In crash tests according to ANCAP (Australia and New Zealand), the MK hatchback earned three stars, scoring 8.4 points out of 16 possible.

Engines

Geely MK Cross was equipped with only one engine - a 1.5-liter gasoline aspirated engine with a power of 94 hp. The engine is a licensed copy of the 5A-FE developed by Toyota.

The gas distribution mechanism is driven by a toothed belt, which is recommended to be changed every 60,000 km (1.5-2 thousand rubles with work).

The same interval should be observed between adjustments of the valve clearance, otherwise the valves may burn out (more often it tightens the intake). The gaps are adjusted using pushers (cups). The cost of the procedure in the service is about 7,000 rubles.

In cars assembled before 2013 and running over 50-100 thousand km, there is an increase in oil consumption over 1 liter per 1,000 km. In some cases, it is possible to get rid of the disease after replacing the valve stem seals (5000-8000 rubles). But sometimes the occurrence and wear of oil scraper rings is found (15-20 thousand rubles with work). In advanced cases, even wear of the cylinder walls is possible. Under these circumstances, you will have to sleeve or change the engine (30-60 thousand rubles). The problem of oil burn and wear of rings rarely affects the 2013 MK Cross and is not seen among younger cars of the 14th and 15th years.

On the first 100,000 kilometers, a leaky radiator (2,000 rubles), a failed gas pump (1,000 rubles) and a rear engine mount (from 400 rubles) often require replacement. A pump (1,500 rubles) and a thermostat (1,000 rubles) can give up after 100-150 thousand km.

Transmission

In conjunction with the engine worked only 5-speed mechanics. Clutch resource over 60-100 thousand km. To replace it, the box has to be removed. The cost of a new clutch kit is 4-5 thousand rubles, and the cost of work is 3-6 thousand rubles.

Unfortunately, manual transmission may require repair after 50-100 thousand km. There is noise, hum, or poor gear shifting. As a rule, only bearings have to be changed (about 10,000 rubles). If the bearings fall apart, then the gears will be destroyed, and the housing may also break. In this case, you will have to look for a used box (10-30 thousand rubles). A new manual transmission is more expensive than 40,000 rubles.

Sometimes it is possible to get rid of noise after tightening the output shaft bearing. This is done through a special hatch located on the box body on the left wheel side.

Chassis

McPherson struts are installed on the front axle, and a torsion beam on the rear axle. The Geely MK Cross suspension is almost completely identical to the MK sedan. Only the front springs and shock absorbers differ (the platform for the spring is located higher).

Running gear elements do not shine with durability. Stabilizer struts and bushings are the fastest to surrender. On a segment of 50-100 thousand km, the front levers (1,000 rubles) and front wheel bearings (from 500 rubles) become unusable. In addition, front shock absorbers and thrust bearings may be covered (3,000 rubles each for a high-quality analogue), or external CV joints begin to crackle (from 1,000 rubles).

The front brake mechanisms require regular maintenance - the caliper guides turn sour rather quickly.

Conclusion

The quality of Geely MK Cross in some places let us down a little. Luckily, there are plenty of inexpensive Chinese-made substitutes on the market. True, they have an even shorter resource compared to the original installed at the factory. At the same time, new original parts have a very affordable price tag. However, in order not to engage in repairs again soon, it is better to use better analogues. Although they are more expensive, they will save time and nerves.

"Eminent modesty"

Appearance of the car Geely MK Cross
Salon Geely MK Cross
Specifications
Options and prices
Advantages and disadvantages of the machine
Reviews of real owners
Video Geely MK Cross

With all the desire to call the Chinese SUV Geely MK Cross, it will not work. Such hatchbacks are called pseudo-crossovers. After all, short overhangs and high ground clearance, which are inherent in Geely MK Cross, are not at all an indicator of off-road potential. Despite the incomplete "ammunition" Geely MK Cross has become very popular not only in China, but also in the domestic market.

Appearance
Looking at the photo of Geely MK Cross, you can see the peaceful and original exterior design. Chinese engineers do not hide the fact that when creating this car they used the technical documentation of Toyota Vios. It is worth recognizing that this time the designers did not copy the look of the Japanese car, but made their own original body.
In general, the Geely MK Cross SUV looks bright and aggressive, which distinguishes it from Chinese competitors. The chrome-plated wheel arch protection molding pairs perfectly with the huge black alloy wheels and chrome-plated opening handles.

Interior Design
Unfortunately, the interior of Geely MK Cross did not inherit bright and expressive body shapes. The overall design of the front panel with the central location of the dashboard was inherited from the Japanese progenitor. You have to get used to the rather unusual place of the instrument panel, but it is worth recognizing that all readings are easy to read.

With a length of about four meters, the volume of the luggage compartment with the underground is an impressive 450 liters. There will be enough luggage space for shopping trips, outdoor activities and forays into the forest. An additional advantageous difference between the Geely MK Cross and many Chinese analogues will be a flat loading area when the rear seat back is folded down, which significantly increases the trunk volume. A full-size spare tire is "hidden" under the floor, something only some more expensive cars can boast of.

Specifications (with a brief overview)
The economic characteristics of the Geely MK Cross cannot but please the owners. A one and a half liter gasoline power unit in urban conditions consumes about 8 liters per 100 km. Specified in PTS 94 hp save the driver from paying the annual vehicle tax. Working in tandem with a five-speed manual transmission, the engine performs its duties quite well - it spins easily, but is a bit noisy.
With modest power and a torque of 128 Nm, Geely MK Cross accelerates to a hundred in 11.8 seconds. It should be noted that this will not be enough for lovers of dynamic driving, but unfortunately, more powerful power units are not included in the line of motors.

The suspension of a front-wheel drive crossover of a standard design is a torsion bar semi-independent with a beam at the rear and an independent MacPherson type at the front. Time-tested suspension design delivers excellent ride comfort. While driving on roads with a terrible surface in the cabin, the proper comfort for passengers is maintained. Serious road bumps will occasionally puncture the suspension, but overall it does its job just fine.
Do not forget that Geely MK Cross positions itself as a hatchback, which is designed for outdoor activities and trips outside the city. Even on the front-wheel drive, a solid ground clearance of 175 mm will not be superfluous. Thanks to this, the Geely MK Cross "SUV" copes with light off-road without much difficulty. With a sufficiently high center of gravity, the car stands confidently on the road, maintaining controllability at a high level, but when cornering at high speed, noticeable rolls appear.

It should be noted that Geely MK Cross has become an excellent basis for improvement. Some owners who do not have enough engine power do not stop at modest modifications or flashing "brains", but install a turbocharger. Thus, significantly increasing the power and speed characteristics of Geely MK Cross. But still, the aerodynamic performance and suspension of the "Chinese" with a set speed worsen the stability and controllability of the car. Some owners make the most of the off-road potential of Geely MK Cross by installing powerful winches, more serious suspension elements and additional trunk on it.

Equipment options
In the domestic market, the buyer is presented with only two complete sets of Geely MK Cross - Comfort and Luxury. The starting price of Geely MK Cross is kept at 409,000 rubles. This price includes: remote control of the central lock, 4 ESPs, air conditioning, power steering, two airbags in the front row of seats, an MP3 audio system with six speakers, an alarm system, PTF, electric mirrors with heating, R16 alloy wheels, rear window heating, ABS and EBD .
By purchasing a Geely MK Cross in the Luxury package, in addition to Comfort, you get: leather upholstery and an electric sunroof, which makes the interior more strict and serious. Buy Geely MK Cross in this configuration 429,000 rubles.
Each of the Geely MK Cross configurations favorably distinguishes the crossover in this price segment, where cars from more famous manufacturers are much more expensive.

Advantages
The main advantages of Geely MK Cross are:
. high ground clearance, which favorably distinguishes the car from competitors and reduces the likelihood of "hooking" on bumps in the road;
. a small number of competitors with similar characteristics and cost;
. bright and memorable appearance;
. huge trunk with modest body dimensions;
. a flat loading area when folding the back of the rear sofa;
. excellent basic equipment.

Like all cars, Geely MK Cross has its drawbacks:
. modest dynamic characteristics that are inherent in most budget cars, not only Chinese ones;
. weak front suspension struts, recommends replacing them with more serious ones immediately after purchase;
. you have to make an effort to close the doors, the reason for this was the rubber seals of mediocre quality;
. insufficient anti-corrosion treatment and strength of body elements. As a result of even a slight deformation, "saffron milk caps" form on the damaged area.
Until now, many Russian motorists consider cars manufactured in China to be hype. On Geely MK Cross is able to dispel these beliefs, which have become a myth. Today, the car has become a worthy competitor to many European and Japanese cars. From year to year, equipment made in China is increasingly conquering the domestic market, and this is worth recognizing.

Cars will become more expensive in 2019

An increase in the VAT rate will lead to a jump in demand for cars until 2019: the Russians expect to be in time before the next price increase. Experts expect growth by 7-8% and a dead January.

The AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee reacted to the planned increase in the VAT rate from 18% to 20% from the beginning of 2019 and adjusted its forecast for sales of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. According to the AEB, the results will exceed 1.8 million units, which means a 13 percent increase compared to last year. Earlier, the Committee predicted that the Russians would buy 1.75 million cars. Now, when, in the understanding of Russians, a further increase in car prices following the VAT rate has become inevitable, those who planned to make an expensive purchase will no longer postpone this decision. Is it worth it to hurry with the purchase - Autonews.ru figured it out.

Market participants and leading automakers admitted that the increase in VAT will really affect prices. However, they clarified that this circumstance is not the main factor that will affect pricing.

“Of course, auto companies will be forced to respond to the increase in VAT,” said a top manager of one of the largest auto brands. “But for now, fluctuations in the ruble exchange rate and rising interest rates on loans remain the main factors affecting prices.”

The representative of another brand localized in Russia said that the increase in VAT is the technical reason for the increase in retail prices for all goods by 2%. “There may be other reasons - the results of the production year, the ruble exchange rate, but the 2% base will not go anywhere, unless one of the companies decides to pay this amount out of their own pocket,” the market participant noted.

Cars will rise in price by 7-8%

Nevertheless, Alexey Antonov, an analyst at Alor Group of Companies, believes that it is precisely the increase in the VAT rate to 20% that can ultimately lead to a rise in car prices by as much as 7-8%. According to him, the effect of the increase in the VAT rate will be most fully revealed already in February-March 2019, when the remaining goods of 2018 will be sold, and new batches will be purchased taking into account the increased rate. The second round of increases, in his opinion, will take place in the second quarter of 2019, when manufacturers run out of stocks of components purchased at the old prices.

“The difference between the rates of 18% and 20% is not so significant, and for the end buyer, it would seem that the cost of the car should not change significantly,” Antonov explained. - Technically, the negative effect for the end user should be almost imperceptible, only +2% to the current cost. But in practice, both dealers and manufacturers at all stages will certainly seize the opportunity for another round of price increases, as their costs rise. Thus, the production of a car involves a long chain of purchases, and VAT is paid at each stage, which makes the increase in the cost of the final product inevitable.”

The head of AvtoVAZ: "In certain events, we will have to raise prices"

At the same time, the expert is sure that the increase in the VAT rate will inevitably affect the cost of all categories of vehicles, regardless of the country of origin. “This is a tax that the end consumer pays on the entire cost of the product, and regardless of whether the car has gone through the entire production chain in Russia or abroad, its cost should change by an equal amount,” the analyst argues. - But taking into account the fact that for localized cars the chain, during which increased VAT will be paid, is much longer, it cannot be ruled out that it is localized brands that will increase prices more actively. However, the end consumer will most likely not notice this either, since, as a rule, dealers distribute additional costs over the entire line of cars sold, both imported and localized.

Margin will not be forfeited

In turn, Vladimir Bespalov, an analyst at VTB Capital, draws attention to the fact that car prices are constantly rising and in the future the situation will largely depend on the policy followed by car companies.

“So, someone can adjust prices even before January 1, 2019 - such brands will have a margin of time so as not to get into the same boat with those who decide to do this at the beginning of the year,” Bespalov specified. - But VAT, of course, is not the only factor - fluctuations in exchange rates, the level of localization, which is still not so high for many brands operating in Russia - all this must be reflected in prices. Therefore, everyone will act with extreme caution, but even in such conditions, it is unlikely that anyone will not take this 2% into account in their prices and refuse the margin. Perhaps this will be done by those who will achieve support from the head offices or from the Russian government in the form of benefits.”

At the same time, Bespalov predicts that if most brands collectively raise prices in January, this already traditionally failed month in terms of sales may show a negative sales trend compared to January 2017.

“Nevertheless, if the ruble exchange rate remains at the current level, and state support for the market continues, then the car market has every chance to show growth in 2019,” Bespalov concluded.

Vladimir Miroshnikov, ROLF's development director, said that manufacturers are including the increase in VAT and the resulting additional costs in price lists for cars already now.

“This process has already begun, and in the coming months we will see further upward price adjustments,” Miroshnikov explained. - Many brands will lay down price increases by January next year. At the same time, those brands that aim to increase market share may temporarily hold back growth in order to attract additional audiences. Today, most buyers who come to dealerships for new cars understand that their prices will continue to rise. For many car owners, the announcement of plans to raise VAT to 20% was a signal that postponing the purchase of a car is not advisable.”

Vagif Bikulov, Operations Director of the luxury division of AVILON, told Autonews.ru that the company has already encountered a rush of demand. “The expected increase in car prices in anticipation of the increase in VAT to 20% ensured a high level of demand. Commodity stocks at the old prices are declining every day, Bikulov noted. - Of course, some manufacturers will try to smooth out the price increase to increase market share through marketing support, credit programs and trade-in programs. However, in the long term, rising prices may lead to the fact that the car market will face negative dynamics as early as 2019.”

The MK Cross is based on the Toyota Vios, the Japanese version of the Yaris. The mid-mounted instrumentation interior and powertrain are also replicated by Toyota.

One of the closest "ideological" competitors of "Cross" is Sandero Stepway, the same fake body kit, roof rails, increased ground clearance, etc. True, if the Stepway arches are covered with matte plastic, then there is easily scratched chrome on flimsy fasteners, the clearance of our car is 175 mm. Nevertheless, the exterior design of the MK Cross is quite successful, without controversial details. What can not be said about the interior decoration. The price of the car is 389 thousand rubles, for a surcharge of 30 thousand you will get a leather interior and an electric sunroof.

In our maximum version, the MK Cross is equipped with a sunroof and leather interior. The latter may be more practical only if you are transporting small children or animals - it will be easier to clean the upholstery after them. The rest is more of a minus. Rough finish already with our run of several thousand km began to bubble. Frosts have not yet come, and sitting on an icy seat is very unpleasant; unfortunately, there is no seat heating here.

If the driver's door slams shut without difficulty, then the passenger door has to be applied from the heart - none of my companions could close the door the first time. Judging by the reviews on the Internet, many people have a similar problem.

When you open the door, even with the engine turned off, Geely carefully turns on the emergency gang. The car wash for a long time could not understand why I turned it on in the box. Another point that even scared me a little the first time was the horn triggering if you start moving with the door unlocked. It seems to me that it would be more logical to make a beepper inside the car, and not outside ... But inside the riders are not distracted even by the voice acting of the turn signal relay, as if it does not exist. Another originality is the only windshield washer nozzle in the center of the hood.

Previously, MK was equipped with pointer devices, in our version they are completely digital, albeit with primitive graphics. Moreover, the panel itself is recessed deep into the bowels of the console and its indicators are visible only to the driver. In principle, everything is displayed quite clearly, but I'm more of a supporter of pointer instruments, especially when it comes to a tachometer or fuel gauge. It's a bit crowded behind the wheel, especially if the passenger on the right claims to have an armrest. In this case, when switching, you constantly touch it with your elbow.

Rearward visibility is concealed by wide pillars. Narrow exterior mirrors make you turn your head every time you change lanes. When parking, parking sensors would help out, but the care of installing it should fall on the buyer.

The rear seats are surprisingly spacious, but only for the knees. The head props up the ceiling, even if you are not a heroic growth, and this is especially noticeable in the presence of a hatch. The trunk is small, you can’t fit a stroller here, and you can unlock it only from the outside with a key, and the flimsy slamming handle on our car was broken by someone before us.

On the go, the MK Cross performed well. The suspension successfully copes with the pits, but the work of the shock absorbers (especially on the rebound) leaves much to be desired - noisy and shaky. The brakes didn't impress, perhaps because of the Dunlop Graspic winter tires. The steering wheel does not return to “zero” very willingly, you have to help in sharp turns.

The motor copes well with its duties, spinning briskly, but too loud. The clarity of gear shifting caused criticism, the gears are stuck especially tight on a cold car, sometimes it was possible to turn on the rear only through a double clutch release. I also noted a strange glitch: at the moment of gear shifting, when the clutch was pressed, the speed suddenly increased ...

On the test car, the odometer was less than 10 thousand and at the same time rust was visible from under the door sills. Rummaging on the forum, he noted that other owners also complain about poor corrosion resistance. Geely MK Cross owners also complain about expensive spare parts and fragile but expensive bumpers:

Six months after I bought the VW B4 fucked me in the ass. At least he had a little deformed bumper, and my Chinese full rear *****. The service tried to pull it out, the metal just breaks.

In general, despite the affordable initial price, maintenance costs a pretty penny, our colleague described back in 2009 how much maintenance of a Geely MK car costs. Of course, there are non-original parts, if such an expression is applicable to a Chinese manufacturer. Perhaps the new sedan from Geely - Emgrand will be more modern and technologically advanced.

Similar articles: