The Chinese car industry is one of the fastest-growing of all time. Despite making their first car in 1958, around 70 years after the world’s first model was introduced, the country is now the world’s largest producer of vehicles.
Whilst most of the best-selling models to come out of the country are unique designs, such as the MG ZS and BYD Atto 3, it seems that there are a number of car companies that still produce a Chinese take of popular western models at much more reasonable prices.
These typically focus on replicating premium models, such as the Porsche Cayenne, Land Rover Defender, and Tesla Cybertruck. However, drivers looking to save a bundle on a practical family car can buy a Sinogold GM3.
Built in Shandong since 2018, the Sinogold GM3 is a six-seater MPV that looks suspiciously similar to the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, even sharing exactly the same wheelbase.
Whilst the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso is no longer produced, it previously retailed at £26,860 in the UK. In comparison, Chinese buyers can get behind the wheel of a Sinogold for 163,800 yuan (£18,232) – putting it at the same price as most superminis.
Sharing nearly identical measurements with the Citroen original, the Sinogold GM3 offers a particularly similar side profile, with a compact bonnet and trim that runs from the windscreen to the C-pillars.
However, the front end has been completely redesigned to use larger front headlights, which connect to a grille that features a light blue bar.
The rear end is also completely unique, swapping the C-shaped rear lights for a bar that spans across the tailgate, in addition to a larger recess for the number plate.
Despite being around £8,000 cheaper than the original Citroen, the Sinogold GM3 is still a particularly well-equipped car, featuring a huge 12.3-inch touchscreen that dominates the central console.
The interior also removes the third seat from the middle row in a bid to boost shoulder room for occupants and allow passengers to easily get into the rear seats without having to disturb others.
However, the biggest difference between the Sinogold and the Citroen is the Chinese model’s fully-electric powertrain, which can be specified with two battery sizes. With the largest power pack fitted, the GM3 is capable of covering around 250 miles per charge, and can be charged to 80 percent in 40 minutes with a fast-charger.
Whilst it is unlikely that UK buyers will be able to get behind the wheel of a Sinogold GM3 anytime soon, a number of interesting brands from China are set to launch in 2025.
These include Jaecoo – a sub-brand of the vehicle giant Chery that typically focuses on premium SUVs and crossovers such as the 7. This Range Rover lookalike will have a price much similar to a Nissan Qashqai, whilst offering a seven-year warranty.
Leapmotor is also due to enter Stellantis & You dealerships across the country in 2025, with many motorists anticipating the ultra-cheap T03 electric city car, which features a starting price of under £16,000.
