Greetings.
So I have been eyeing this car for a while (since 2020). Here are my requirements and findings:
I needed a six / seven seater car (4+2 or 4+3), similar to a BRV. I wasn't impressed with the BRV and initial impressions of Glory 580 were quite good. Both cars are cross over versions of people carriers (MPV class) so calling any one of them an SUV is pure BULL!
I liked this car's seats in terms of comfort including third row. equipment levels were also good (not a fan of fancy stuff).
The engine seemed good on paper. More of torque tuned rather than all-out horsepower so suitable for this kind of vehicle. The engine produces 220NM from 1800 to 4000 rpm. So a very flexible power-plant with a very usable mid-range. 150HP from a 1.5 Turbo is also not a very stressed engine with high HP/Liter. So HP averages that of an NA 2.0 and Torque of an NA 2.4 Litre engine.
Best thing I liked about the 580 was a dual circuit ac system with vents for second and third row and separate fan.
Then they introduced the Pro version and added all the creature and cosmetic upgrades to square off against the crossovers being sold.
Now the features on the PRO version may be nice but were not a must-have for me.
After the test drive last week of the PRO version and some probing, my conclusion is that both vehicles have peculiar flaws that could make them a deal breaker in our conditions!
The PRO version has replaced the overhead ac vents for second and third rows with a giant panoramic roof. So add more heat in the cabin and less cooling for three rows of seats. When I turned on the ac on full blast, I realised that the air flow rate was inadequate even from the front vents let alone the tiny ones at the back of the center armrest (for second row). If the performance was weak in this weather, imagine our summers. So that is the MAJOR flaw with the PRO version. The engine and powertrain were great though and very responsive. You definitely felt the torque kick in and provide great initial take off or momentum for a 1500kg vehicle.
So that made me question whats the difference with the standard 580 version in terms of powertrain? They seem to be identical on paper!
Turns out that the supplier of transmissions is a Belgian company (Punch Powertrain) with big presence in China. 580 comes with a CVT called VT3 and the Pro version comes with a VT5 version. VT5 has a torque converter.
So initially the 580 came out with a 1.8 NA 4 cylinder with around 180NM of torque. The VT3 was attached to it. Then the company introduced the 1.5 Turbo but kept the same transmission. Apparently this was a big compromise as the transmission is pretty much maxed out with respect to its torque limit. So the solution seemed to be de-tuning the engine and restricting boost to save the transmission. End result is weak performance (580 is almost 3 seconds slower to 100 than the Pro) and of-course the lack of torque to pull up on inclines, along with excessive turbo lag!
The Pro version with the VT5 gearbox has higher torque limits and is hence putting the power down more immediately than the old one.
Since my intent was to get a six seater and most use it for touring with family, I have realised that both versions will have serious compromises for me in my intended usage.
Maybe owners of both versions can provide a more accurate feedback on this as this is just my research and preliminary view.
Cheers.
