Bitauto Original Just last week, Changan Ford launched a new configuration model of Ruiji. At the same time, it also raised the current price range of Ruiji to 169,800-221,800 yuan. In fact, as the predecessor of Ruiji, Changan Ford Escape has been popular in China for a long time, and its monthly sales have been able to reach more than 10,000 units for a long time. But now, Ruiji's performance seems unsatisfactory. Is there a problem with its product strength? We selected the FAW-Volkswagen Tanyue, which is slightly more expensive than the Ruiji, to see if the actual performance of the two cars is as indicated by the price difference.

Appearance: Young VS Steady

Compared with Tanyue, the appearance of Ruiji is obviously much younger. Even compared with the previous generation model Escape, you can also draw the same conclusion. The front face of Ruiji adopts Ford's latest family design language, and the center grille is relatively large, which is also an obvious feature of today's Ford models.

The shape of Ruiji's headlights is relatively traditional. The "eye corners" of the lights are connected to the grille, which visually increases the width of the entire front of the car. Except for the lowest-end models, all vehicles are equipped with LED headlights. In addition, mid-to-high-end models also have adaptive high and low beam configurations.

After undergoing a minor facelift, Tanyue looks slightly younger in appearance, but overall, its styling still tends to be mature and stable. FAW-Volkswagen may believe that family users will still be the main consumer group of mid-sized SUVs. Therefore, the seemingly mediocre styling will achieve unexpected results.

The details of the vehicle grille have changed to some extent compared with older models, but the lights still form an integrated design with the grille. Like Ruiji, all Tanyue series are equipped with LED light source headlights, but the adaptive far and low beam function is absent from the entire series.

Ruiji is positioned as a compact SUV, while Tanyue is positioned as a mid-sized SUV, but the difference in body size between the two cars is not big. Similarly, the side of Ruiji's body looks more sporty and youthful, and the whole car looks lighter. The side profile of Tanyue looks more regular, and at the same time, the more square shape gives it a greater visual effect.

Like the front of the car, the rear design of Ruiji is also relatively elegant. As a compact SUV mainly targeted at young consumer groups, the Ruijie is not as rugged as most American SUVs. At least compared to its siblings, the Ruijie and Explorer, it has a completely different style.

The rear of the facelifted Tanyue is much more refined. The taillights adopt a through-type design. When the taillights are lit, they can appear in the shape of an "X".It has appeared on many of Volkswagen's recent new models.

Interior: Tanyue has a more mechanical design quality

Compared with the exterior, the interior of Ruiji looks more ordinary. At the same time, its design style is still relatively American, and generally speaking, it is more extensive. The overall shape of the interior is relatively simple and has a relatively traditional design. Part of the instrument panel is wrapped in leather, which also makes this car appear richer in interior color matching.

Ruiji's high-end models are equipped with a 12.3-inch LCD instrument, and the size of the floating central control screen is 12.3 inches in all series. The car is equipped with the SYNC+ system, and the entire series has Baidu car map, voice control, OTA upgrade, multimedia entertainment and other functions.

After the facelift, Tanyue's interior design has undergone a relatively big change. While retaining Volkswagen's traditional mechanical texture, it also added some designs that can reflect a sense of technology. At the same time, the styling lines inside the car also look relatively tough, and they still feel familiar to us.

The entire Tanyue series is equipped with a 10.25-inch full LCD instrument, while the floating central control screen is 12 inches in size. The vehicle system is Volkswagen IQ.Connectivity, which has the functions of navigation, voice control, Internet of Vehicles, Apple CarPlay/Baidu CarLife, and mobile phone remote control.

We chose Ruiji’s newly launched EcoBoost 245 four-wheel drive ST-Line Pro (priced at 221,800 yuan) and Tanyue 330TSI two-wheel drive R-Line high-energy version (priced at 229,900 yuan) for comparison. The prices of the two models are close, which can more objectively reflect the strength of their respective products.

In terms of configuration, both models are equipped with front and rear parking radar, tire pressure display, automatic parking, panoramic sunroof, induction electric rear tailgate, front keyless entry, one-button start, steering wheel heating, and front-row mobile phone. The wireless charging function is relatively comprehensive in terms of practicality.

In terms of some details, Ruiji has front soundproof glass, rear privacy glass, 10-speaker B&O audio, a 12V power interface in the trunk, and a reversing camera configuration, which seems to be better in terms of comfort. .

Compared with Ruiji, Tanyue is equipped with more 360° panoramic images and automatic three-zone air conditioning.

This top-of-the-line Ruiji chair has a red stitching design, and the chair back and seat cushion are spliced ​​with suede. The front driver has 10-way electric adjustment, the passenger seat has 6-way electric adjustment, and both seats are equipped with heating.

Tan Yue front seatIt is wrapped in imitation leather and partially decorated with plaid patterns. The main driver has 12-way electric adjustment, and the passenger driver has 8-way adjustment. Like the Ruiji, Tanyue's front seats also have a heating function.

Coincidentally, the rear seats of both models can be adjusted fore and aft and backrest angle, but neither is equipped with heating or ventilation functions. The rear seats can also be folded down in a 4/6 ratio, and a very flat space can be obtained after folding down.

Both are equipped with 2.0T engines

Taking the same two configuration models as an example, Ruiji is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine with a maximum power of 182kW and a maximum torque of 393N·m. The data performance is good, and it is matched with a It has an 8AT gearbox and a knob-type electronic shift. The vehicle’s official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 7.5 seconds.

Tanyue is also equipped with a 2.0T engine, but this engine is a low-power version of the EA888. It has a maximum power of 137kW and a maximum torque of 320N·m. It is matched with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox, and the gear shifting is still traditional. Mechanically, the vehicle's acceleration from 0-100km/h is 9.3 seconds.

There is not much difference in the configuration of the chassis of the two cars. They are both independent structures with MacPherson struts at the front and multi-links at the rear. Ruiji is also equipped with a timely four-wheel drive system that relies on a multi-plate clutch to transmit front and rear torque. In contrast, the Tanyue is front-wheel drive, and high-end models have a four-wheel drive system with a similar structure to the Ruiji.

The driving assistance systems of the two models are also at the same level. They are both equipped with full-speed adaptive cruise, lane keeping, lane departure warning, forward anti-collision warning, and active braking functions, which can achieve L2 level assisted driving.

Editor’s comment: Judging from the two configuration models with similar prices, Ruiji’s configuration and power level are undoubtedly higher than Tanyue. This also proves from the product strength that Ruiji’s model can definitely meet the current mainstream requirements. market demand. So aside from the level of product strength, brand influence naturally determines the performance of these two models in the market. The good image of the Volkswagen brand that is deeply ingrained in people's minds is bound to last for some time, while Ford has failed to accumulate the previous The popularity has continued well, but the current results also make Ruiji have better cost performance than Tanyue. For consumers who are not particularly interested in the public, this may not be a good thing.