Behind the wheel of the EBRO s400: a simple and fuel-efficient hybrid

For those looking for an SUV that doesn’t consume much and, at the same time, has a price within everyone’s reach, EBRO’s new launch may be of interest: I’m referring to the new EBRO s400. A hybrid SUV with modest consumption that is available from 20,990 euros.

What brand is EBRO?

Before going into detail about the s400, you may be wondering where the EBRO brand came from. Well, less than a year ago, at the former Nissan factory in Barcelona, EBRO was reborn as a car brand in partnership with the Chinese company Chery, that is, a joint venture between the two companies (joint venture) to use the base of Chery’s Chinese models but with some changes, with the EBRO vehicles being assembled in Barcelona.

Compared with other “fully Chinese” brands, EBRO arrives with a clear logistical advantage because, having a Spanish component, it has created a spare parts and parts distribution centre in Azuqueca de Henares so that none of its cars are left waiting months for parts. On the other hand, the dealership network exceeds 60 and covers much of the country.

EBRO s400: hybrid with up to 211 CV

Until now, the Spanish brand had launched two larger SUV models, but it did not have a model to reach the general public looking for an affordable SUV that meets a minimum standard in terms of equipment and consumption.

So they have launched the new s400, with hybrid technology (self-charging) and offering a maximum power of 211 CV. The base engine is a 1.5 four-cylinder naturally aspirated unit producing 95 CV, although combined with the electric system it can reach up to 211 CV of peak power. It is not a sports car, but at least it is easy for the average consumption to hover around 5.5 litres per 100 km (a figure that a similar petrol SUV is not able to match).

Paired with the engine is a gearbox, with no fixed gears, very similar to those used by other hybrid models, which, when we demand power, makes the car feel very revved up. All this allows it to carry the ECO label.

Behind the wheel of the EBRO s400: simple, economical and well equipped

During the first contact with the s400, we were able to test it in urban environments and on wide roads with a maximum speed not exceeding 80 km/h. These two scenarios were very favourable to consumption, reaching an average after 140 km of 5.0 litres per 100 km.

It has two driving modes: Sport and Eco, the first of which makes the horsepower feel livelier and moves an SUV that is not seeking sportiness with some ease. It should be noted that the charge of the self-charging battery greatly influences behaviour, improving noticeably when it has a good charge.

Meanwhile, the Eco mode surprised us because it tries to keep the electric system working most of the time, saving fuel of course.

The driving position is slightly elevated, with an interior of decent materials that does not overuse hard plastics. At the wheel, when accelerating, the automatic gearbox is quite noticeable, with that typical effect of “the engine running high in the revs”, while the steering has an imprecise feel that doesn’t quite convince.

In its favour, besides the savings, it has complete standard equipment that includes a multimedia screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, climate control with physical buttons (a good call) and up to 24 driver-assistance systems, 7 airbags, among other features.

In short, this EBRO s400 (Chery Tiggo 4) has good qualities to win over the market; it is always a more interesting option than other models at a similar price that do not have a hybrid engine and therefore do not carry the ECO label.

It stands out for its complete equipment, for a competitive price relative to the space it offers (with a 380-litre boot) and for decent finish. That said, details such as the steering or the operation of the gearbox are things we will notice behind the wheel.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira and EBRO

Technical specifications of this car

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