This small Chinese SUV arrives in Italy and aims to start conquering Europe

The arrival of Chinese cars is something we are already used to, and it is rare for a month to go by without some news of this kind. Now, just as April begins, we learn that Italy will have a new model on sale. It is a small-sized SUV, originating from the Geely Group and marketed by Eurasia Motor Company together with Livan Auto, part of the Geely Group.

This small SUV is called Wave 2 and measures 4.02 metres long, 1.76 metres wide and 1.57 metres high. At the front it has a concave grille, flanked by two LED headlights. These have a horizontal design, quite traditional, so it does not break with conventional styling, but it is rather interesting.

Another feature that shapes its exterior appearance is the size of its wheels. These are 16-inch and the small spoiler that can be made out at the rear of the roof. The interior is also quite light, and its design is fairly classic and oriented towards a driver-centred layout.

It uses analogue instrumentation, although it has an eight-inch central screen that manages the information and entertainment system. It also has touch controls for operating some functions, so it is very easy to use. On the centre console we find the gear lever, both for the manual and the automatic transmission.

Nothing more has been seen of the interior, so we do not know what the rear seats are like or the capacity of the boot. Based on the information made public so far, we expect a capacity of around 400 litres.

Engines

This model will initially be available only with a single 1.5-litre petrol engine, naturally aspirated. It delivers 103 CV of power and a maximum torque of 140 Nm, of Geely origin. This engine is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic.

It has no electrified version, although buyers can fit an LPG kit, which will allow it to run on this fuel. The ADAS on board include cruise control, a speed limiter and a rear camera to assist with parking manoeuvres.

In Italy, the Wave 2 will be priced at 17,700 euros for the manual version, and from 19,200 euros for the automatic version. We do not yet know whether sales of this model will be limited to Italy and whether it will ever reach Spain. If it did, the price would likely be similar, and we might enjoy this model for under 20,000 euros or, at least, slightly above that figure.