Author: Duolijun
As an important strategic model of FAW Toyota, the Asian Lion was officially launched on April 10th. Its arrival further supplements FAW Toyota’s product lineup. Positioned between the Asia Dragon and Corolla, the Asian Lion is built based on Toyota TNGA and aims to reshape the new standard of A+ level sedan, competing with models such as FAW-Volkswagen Sagitar. The price ranges from RMB 142,800 to 179,800, with a total of 5 models available for Chinese consumers to choose from.
Many models of FAW Toyota have had good sales and reputation in the Chinese market. However, in the A+ segment, there has been a lack of a trendy new product with a high quality, stylish appearance, and sufficiently spacious interior. Against the background of A+ level giants such as Sagitar, Ming Rui, and Lingang competing with each other, FAW Toyota’s launch of the Asian Lion is wise.
Although Sagitar seems to have the upper hand in the A+ sedan market, from all aspects of the Asian Lion launched, Sagitar finally welcomes another strong opponent.
Thus, Corolla, the Asian Lion, and the Asia Dragon will combine to form FAW Toyota’s “Three Heroes”, covering the three currently best-selling joint venture levels in the Chinese market: compact, A+, and mid-size. As FAW Toyota’s sales performer (selling over 350,000 units in 2020), Corolla, together with the rising star of mid-size car Asia Dragon (selling over 110,000 units since last year), and the birth of the Asian Lion with a price range of RMB 140,000 to 170,000, form a strong product and price “attack and defense camp”. It is not impossible for the Asian Lion to become FAW Toyota’s future sales flagship model. The cooperation of the Asia Lion and the Asia Dragon, as the “Asian Double Dragons” born on the TNGA platform, will further contribute to FAW Toyota’s complementary product advantages.
In addition, the Asian Lion has many advantages compared to other models in the same segment. First and foremost is the TNGA family design language, which is in line with the Asia Dragon’s lineage. The popular horizontal chrome front grille comes with a sense of delicacy. The low center of gravity design in the TNGA’s signature side profile is in line with the current trend of car design, making it low and sporty. The tail design is the finishing touch, with taillights and ALLION logo under the badge highly similar to the Asia Dragon.
# Why recommend the Asian Lion to you?
There is no doubt about the reputation and brand strength that FAW Toyota has accumulated in the Chinese market. And this car is indeed superior to its peers in terms of car-making philosophy. From the information released about the launch, the Asian Lion has targeted the new standard of the A+ segment market with consumer demands. It has a handsome appearance, spacious interior, high configuration, smooth driving experience, and also has good value for money.
Firstly, the design of the Asian Lion meets the appearance requirements of young consumers. Its shape exudes natural dominance in the elegance and delicacy. The TNGA low center of gravity design is combined with a domineering front face and a smooth and generous body, which is both extraordinary and has a plunging sense of direction. The seats inside the car are made of high-end materials such as real leather and flipped wool, and have been processed in a three-dimensional manner, which is not only comfortable and beautiful but also has a waterproof function.
Secondly, it has a spacious interior. At the beginning of the development of the Asian Lion, it was designed exclusively for the needs of Chinese consumers, with a wheelbase of 2750 mm, reaching the standard of a mid-size car. Under the ingenious interior layout, the maximum space in the rear of the Asian Lion reaches 980 mm, which is more than enough for an adult who is 175 cm tall. As a mid-size sedan that hits customers’ pain points in terms of space, the Asian Lion has a flat design for the rear floor, which allows the middle passenger in the rear to have a comfortable seating space while facing family travel needs.
Thirdly, its performance is strong. The Asian Lion uses the same TNGA 2.0L Dynamic Force Engine that the Asian Dragon has, which has an industry-leading thermal efficiency of 40%. The maximum power can reach 126 kW, and the maximum torque can reach 205 N·m. The power output is more linear and smooth than that of small-displacement turbocharged engines. It is matched with a Direct Shift-CVT (10-speed dual-transmission CVT gearbox), which achieves an ultra-smooth shifting experience and strong acceleration. This golden power combination makes the Asian Lion have swift and strong explosive power while also having a fuel consumption as low as 5.7 L/100km, setting an example of combining high performance and low fuel consumption.
The level of technology is high. For A+ level cars like the Asia Lion, meeting the technological requirements for “Zhongshengdai” is a major challenge to consider. Therefore, Yifeng has specially developed a new 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel with minimalist and stylish design, paired with a 9-inch central control screen navigation and a reversing image, which is highly technological in terms of function usage and visual effects. The Asia Lion is equipped with the Toyota intelligence connectivity system and voice recognition control system, which is indeed practical.
Finally, the Asia Lion is worthy of being born on the Toyota TNGA platform. In terms of active safety, the Asia Lion’s entire series is equipped with the TSS 2.0 Toyota intelligence safety system, which includes a parking anti-collision assistance system for low-speed driving. At the same time, the body structure also adopts the Toyota GOA high-rigidity body collision-absorbing structure, and the entire series is equipped with 7 SRS airbags, creating a higher level of intelligent safety guarantee for car owners in its class.
Now let’s take a look at the price that consumers care about. The starting price of the Asia Lion is 142,800 yuan, and let’s compare it briefly with the Sagitar. Although the Sagitar has a starting price of 129,900 yuan, this car is manual. Although the Asia Lion has a starting price of 142,800 yuan, the standard version comes with a 2.0 naturally aspirated CVT version. The engine and gearbox matching are obviously higher than the Sagitar. Therefore, in terms of cost-effectiveness, the Asia Lion is indeed more sincere.
In summary, once the Asia Lion roars, it will inevitably shake the already bustling A+ level market. With its Japanese-style hard steel and German-style technology, FAW Toyota seems to have already prepared themselves.
Dorikun’s Comment:
If one does not have a diamond, do not pick up porcelain work. As an A+ level sedan, the FAW Toyota Asia Lion is polished with more exquisite workmanship and the TNGA platform in order to gain a share in the fiercely competitive A+ market. However, there are already powerful competitors like the Sagitar, Ming Rui, and Lingxiang which have been occupying this area for a long time. Can the Asia Lion stand out from the competition with its positioning as the “Zhongshengdai new force”? Welcome to leave your comments below!
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.