Lynk & Co 01 test: our opinion behind the wheel of the SUV at 500 euros per month

By werdt20/04/2022583 Views

Test

A car without commitment is now possible. Lynk & Co offers its Peugeot 3008 format SUV on our market, for a "package" of 500 euros per month. And this, without condition of duration. Only constraint stated: not to exceed the bar of 1,250 km per month. Any terminal traveled beyond this limit is charged 15 cents.

To facilitate deliveries from Asia, the vehicle is offered in only two colours: black and electric blue. The small touches of color on the rims or frames skilfully enliven the silhouette. Assembled in the very recent Volvo/Polestar/Lynk & Co factory in Luqiao (China), this cousin of the XC40 T5 stands out, with an increased length of 10 centimeters. All in muscle, this Lynk & Co 01 does not slap the eye, even if the agreement between a very “muscle car” grille and a typical Porsche bonnet may surprise at first sight.

Another surprise when slipping into the driver's seat: we can see the daytime running lights (and turn signals) in our field of vision. The driving position can be adjusted electrically while the steering wheel moves in height and depth. The classic ergonomics – start-stop button, gear control lever, dual-zone air conditioning control via rotary selectors – will reassure the least tech-savvy. If it offers no options, the 01 is well equipped as standard with digital instrumentation, a large panoramic roof, automatic tailgate or heated front seats. The only major equipment missing: the 360° camera. It's a shame because the sound signals during maneuvers are not precise.

Consolation prize: a modern presentation and a very correct finish. The 12.7-inch central screen offers good definition, even if its responsiveness is just average. Accessible from a button on the steering wheel, the voice command understands the instructions well and even adds a touch of humor in its responses ("I can't answer this request, but I put it on my to-do list "). The two-tone recycled nylon seats are more pleasing to the eye than to the touch. They provide good support.

In the back, passengers have plenty of knee space and USB and USB-C sockets for their electronic devices. On the other hand, the trunk disappoints. Its volume (466 liters) is correct but the very high threshold does not facilitate daily life. The floor lifts up and reveals an XXL space for charging cables.

Essai Lynk & Co 01 : notre avis au volant du SUV à 500 euros par mois

A good autonomy in 100% electric

The hold is amputated by the 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery (net capacity: 14.1 kWh). This is significantly more than on the Volvo XC40 T5 (10.7 kWh) and allows a theoretical autonomy in Pure mode – 100% electric – of 69 km. It's much better than the Swedish cousin, which cannot exceed 45 km in the combined cycle.

During our road test, the Lynk & Co traveled nearly 60 terminals before reaching the minimum level of the accumulators on a route combining urban areas and expressways in freezing weather (from 0 to 3°C). In the meantime, the 3-cylinder 180 hp had only woken up three times during sustained accelerations. The transitions between the thermal block and the electric motor (81 hp) are carried out in all delicacy on this traction.

The blue inserts enliven a rather traditional silhouette.Photos: Fabrice Bolusset

Once the battery was drained, the consumption indicated by the instrument cluster did not soar beyond reason. On a 500 km loop mixing city, road and highway, we noted 6.7 liters / 100 km. We are far from the 10 liters achieved by the MG EHS, another plug-in hybrid SUV from the People's Republic.

A peaceful character

The Lynk & Co, however, suffers from a very high mass. With 1,879 kg on the scale, the 01 does not promise much on the dynamic side. To avoid rolling and pitching in a curve, the engineers were forced to adopt firm suspension settings. The most sensitive backs will regret it when passing through potholes at low speed, especially since the 20-inch tire mounts do nothing to help matters. Things improve significantly on the comfort side above 60 km/h, especially since the soundproofing is among the best in the segment. Another strong point: a well-calibrated adaptive regulator.

If the machine brakes straight and hard, the feel in the middle pedal is imprecise. This is a recurrent disease among "PHEV" (see for example our long test of the Peugeot 508 225 Hybrid). With flexible but uninformative steering, don't expect a particularly pleasant “road feel” either. In a straight line, the 261 cumulative hp are present (0 to 100 km / h in 8 seconds), but the battery charge level can cause the torque to oscillate when the right shoe is heavy when empty. The 01 is best enjoyed at a steady pace for daily journeys.

Lynk & Co announces a recharge from 0 to 100% in 5 hours on a 3.3 kW terminal. Sufficient for commuting, a little "fair" for long epics. But there too, it is the rechargeable hybrid game. At 41,500 euros "cash", the 01 displays a competitive price compared to the Citroën C5 Aircross and other Ford Kuga PHEVs and benefits from the bonus of 1,000 euros allocated until the summer of 2022 to plug-in hybrids. Above all, it is placed far below its semi-premium rivals such as the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 225… and the Volvo XC40 T5 Recharge!

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Verdict

The first vehicle offered to us by Lynk & Co is very convincing in terms of price and staffing. It remains to be seen whether the economic model will appeal.

Price and range

Lynk & Co 01 Tried version: 41,500 euros From: 41,500 euros

Average manufacturer consumption / during the test (l/100 km): 1.2 / 6.7 CO2 (g/km) / bonus: 27 / 1,000 euros Fiscal power: 10 CV Country of manufacture: China

Range offered: Plug-in hybrid, 261 hp, 41,500 euros

Photos: Fabrice Bolusset

Technical sheet

Engine: 3-cylinder in line, 12 valves, direct injection, turbo, 1,477 cc + electric motor Transmission: robotic dual-clutch, 7 gears + reverse Battery: 17.6 kWh, lithium-ion Fuel tank (l): 42 Cumulative power (hp at rpm): 261 hp (180 hp thermal, 81 hp electric) Torque (Nm at rpm): 265 at 1,500 Weight (kg): 1,879 Length. x width x high. (m): 4.54 x 1.85 x 1.69 Wheelbase (m): 2.73 Max. (km/h): 210 0 to 100 km/h (km/h): 8.0 Standard tyres: 235/45 R20 Test tyres: Continental EcoContact 6

Chest for 5 / for 2 (l):