Chana Benni

The Chana Benni, as the title stated, is the last bastion of pure automotive perfection.

Let us begin with the aesthetics and styling of the car. The Chana Benni looks like a dream - and if we can do a comparison to a human being, I would say the Benni is the equivalent of Emma Watson.

We then move towards the performance of the car. Beneath the small bonnet lies an engine with a heart of a lion - powerful enough to drive fear down the to the hearts of the other car owners in the world. The engine purrs like a cat, and it sounds much better than the London Philharmonic Orchestra. I can sit down with my cup of the Tarik and listen to it the whole day, if I had the time.

The interior is comfortable beyond the wildest dream - a though I am lying on the best quality satin that is ever produced in the world. The seats are so comfortable, and the ride is smoother than Aladdin's carpet.

In short, you cant get a car better than this. More doors than a Ferrari, same amount of wheels as a Porsche, better visibility than a Lamborghini, and lighter than an Aston Martin.

This is my first vehicle.

A simple vehicle that bring me and my family around so far so good.

It moves & stop when required!

Rented the auto version and drove for 3 days. Nothing very unsatisfied except engine performance that behaves like a woman's temperament. Super lousy pick-up even on even road! Floored acceralator and still stayed at 40km/h for 5 seconds! Pretty poor FC with 92 petrol. Perhaps better if 95.

Hi! Benni owners, FYI as from next month onwards, all servicing/repairs will be done at TTS Centre, 38 Sin Ming road. (info from Juliet). She's leaving, contact Richard for your servicing etc.

1st month encountered some QC problems.

a) Power steering Oil leaking from hose and oil cap. Put extra clips and change gasket (DIY). Problem solved

b) Fan belt/alternator belt sceeching.

Adjusted by service agent, so far ok.

c) rain water seeping into the car from door. Put extra door seal (DIY), so far ok

d) Speedo meter sensor faulty.

problem solve by service agent. Took me few trips to go there cos unable to detect the problem. so far ok

e) Power window switch faulty

Rectify by agent. So far ok

I drove to KL/ Genting 3 times, no problem. It does its job well. Only engine noisy when speed above 90km/hr.

China has been churning out these tinny vehicles, crude as they are, but nonetheless, still does the job.

Styled in Italy Chana Benni city car concept is brilliant. The Benni is narrower than a Toyota iQ, rides a mere 20mm lower than a Toyota Wish MPV (doesn't look it, right?) yet is a metre marginally longer than a smart ForTwo. Despite its smallish footprint, the car sits four adults comfortably with some boot space to spare, just like a regular hatch.

But at the end of the day, like all China cars, the Benni is let down by 'bargain basement' engineering.

The Chana Benni grows on you. You will love to take it on long drives after you have acquainted with its quirkiness.

However, I will not recommend this car or any China cars in similar class and price-point. The Benni is a pretty competent car and should appeal to first timers on a tight budget, but it lacks the all-important 'desirability' factor. You tend to grow bored with the ownership experience after a while.

The Benni makes a good rental car or a cheap runabout for business use, but as a private car, it fails to excite.

Hi all

I drove this Chana to Port Dickson, so far so good.

To gemoh - it depends on your luck lor, i have no problem so far gd luck!

This car is a sick child. Alot of problem. On the first day of driving, the gear refuses to shift into position. Maybe due to lousy gear oil.

Its been 6 months since i got the car, so far still good, no regrets getting the car.

Juliet is really helpful to get my car fast due to my long working hours. This car handles the road bends easily & with power for a small car with a 1300cc engine. It has an japanese engine

& it actually travelled from Chongqin to South Africa to prove its reliablity

on a trip called the "Chana Trax" with other 3 chana's vehicles. Given the price, with 1 airbag, sport rims, solar film & leather seat (choose the dark grey coloured one-don't look cheapo) who can ask for more?

Driven it once borrowed from my cousin. Quite impress for a China compact hatch. Interior look cheapo but price is affordable and justified.Auto transmission available from Jan 09.

Got the car for a few days now and i must say that I'm impressed with this China made car. Power in a compact car, Chana Benni has what it takes to make a stand among its class range of cars.

Driven for a few days, so far so good. Will update more again.