Hafei Lobo 1,1i Luxury

Prepare thyself for a new world order. Not today, maybe not tomorrow, but in the foreseeable future, Chinese models such as the Hafei Lobo are going to monopolise the lower end of the market. For R76 990, this Hafei has a spunky 1,1-litre 16-valve engine (that proves pretty pokey given the newcomer’s light body), air-con, front electric windows, power steering, central locking, colour-coded bits and alloy rims.

I’ve quietly looked forward to trying out the Lobo ever since I noticed the hatchback’s funky Pininfarina looks, complete with the “spade-shaped” side mirrors, triangular rear light binnacles, high-level integrated indicators and that handsome front end. Unfortunately, the model designation on the rear hatch appears as if the sticker was peeled from the inside of a bubblegum wrapper, vociferously licked and then slapped on the metal – but other than that, the exterior of the Lobo is anything but boring.

The trend of thrills – alternated by spills – set the tone for the Hafei driving experience. Take the interior, for example. It was a sea of beige in there and the upholstery comprised cheap seat covers that had frayed at a one or two of the seams… only, those weren’t seat covers! Nevertheless, the hard plastics seemed pretty durable and apart from a rattling glovebox cover, squeaking driver’s seat and the dodgy rubber covers on the mirror adjustment stalks (it won’t take much to make them pop off or warp), the Hafei’s impractically-coloured interior was in fair knick for its price range. Had the cloth been of a slightly better weave, better finished and certainly a more practical colour, I would have, believe it our not, praised it!

The air-conditioner isn’t particularly powerful, but the ventilation works well. The hatchback- and fuel flap release levers are nice to have, as are the rear wiper, -spoiler and full-sized alloy spare. As for the driving position, I had to set the driver’s seat all the way back to get comfortable behind the non-adjustable steering column, but there’s good headroom and, guess what, rear legroom is acceptable – although the bench is very upright. Luggage space is not bad and there are even small headrests at the back, so that the grandkids may rest their adorable little craniums.

As for the driving experience, well, I never expected a particularly sophisticated ride. The 48 kW engine pulls eagerly, but it becomes boomy at high revolutions and the steering wheel wasn’t aligned in the straight-ahead position, forcing you to keep your hands at the ten past eight position on the steering wheel at most times. Also, I discerned a vibration through the rim of the steering wheel at about 100 km/h, at which point the wind and engine noise also became quite obtrusive.

Yet, I wasn’t particularly alarmed by the handling, which is predictable and pleasingly direct. The brakes aren’t powerful, but respond positively to inputs, and the clutch and 5-speed ‘box are neither vague nor snappy to operate. This car wasn’t designed for 130 km/h-plus cruising, but it will easily attain that speed should you need to push on. At least the instrument binnacle is pleasing to the eye and, yes, the foglights work.

I’d probably do away with the “add on” conventional radio/tape unit and opt for an aftermarket MP3 compatible CD system with a detachable face, but apart from that there’s not much that the Lobo, which comes standard with a 2 year or 60 000 km warranty, doesn’t offer first time buyers. Service intervals are short at 10 000 km, but I was quoted R450 for a minor one and about R800 for a “major” one at 30 000 km.

Does the Lobo revolutionise the entry-level market? Not yet, at least not in its current incarnation, but there’s a lot that Hafei can build on. Its quality and finish will gradually improve, just as the Korean manufacturers’ products have in the past 10 years. However, the Lobo 1,1i Luxury still warrants a closer look, considering that many folks still prefer buying a car out of the box and with a warranty in place. And let’s face it, when times get tight, affordability does rank higher than reputation…