Those who think of Lynk & Co as just another Chinese car company, might be happy to find out that the cars they produce are actually from a collaboration between Geely and a familiar carmaker called Volvo.
The Lynk & Co 06 would be the introductory unit to experience the automaker’s dualistic tendencies. On the one hand, it may seem like a typical Chinese crossover. But a deeper look will reveal all its European touches.
Brace yourself: This one’s in pink. Pastel Lilac, to be exact. Are local consumers ready for this color? Why not? Maybe it’s about time.
One thing about driving it around is that it’s a head-turner for sure. The “megacity” appeal that the overall design goes for does scream ultra-modern and futuristic. You’ll find duality in every aspect of the car’s design. LED headlights and “Energy Cube” taillights, and an all-around edgy exterior give a tough and sporty edge contrasting all that finesse.
This same duality follows through with the interior. One of the first eye-catchers would be the racer-style seats, but in light eggshell-hued leather upholstery to give it a softer look.
And before the design gets a little too European, there’s the LED mood-light show on the dashboard that wraps around to the sides to give it a slight Asian cyberpunk city touch. The shift lever also reinforces the vehicle’s ultra-modern and minimalistic styling with its unique design.
It will seat five people, driver included, quite comfortably. Although it’s not the most spacious crossover around, you’ll still get 1,025L of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.
The 06 is packed with technology. For an entry-level model, it’s quite loaded. It has a modern instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
Wireless phone charging, automatic seats, dual-zone air-conditioning—all these are added perks for the comfort of both driver and passenger. For the price of P1,399,000, it might just be a smart purchase for some.
And for its size, the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine makes it run responsively. It’s also sufficiently equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The drive out of town was quite enjoyable. With the 06 being my first shot at driving a Chinese brand, I did not know what I was going to get. I had zero expectations, but the drive was actually fuss-free and pretty fun. The car can sprint seamlessly with adequate handling and good ride comfort, and there’s that feel of oneness with the car as I drove it.
In addition, the 540° camera spoils you with a lot of road confidence, not to mention its ties to Volvo, the brand best known for safety.
Automatic cruise control and collision and lane-change warnings make driving pleasurable and stress-free. The 06 just might actually be a great choice for first-time drivers. It has six airbags to support both the front and the sides of each passenger.
Lynk & Co’s 06 crossover is a fitting representation of the duality of an Asian-European collaboration. All the features combined—as well as the drive itself—demonstrate Chinese and Swedish technology meshing together.
At this price point, the 06 does have a few competitors to contend with. But the premium features it offers could be an advantageous differentiator within its category.
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