As another masterpiece under the Zero Run brand, the Zero Run C16 has attracted a lot of attention from consumers since its debut at the Beijing Auto Show. In addition to adopting pure electric and extended range driving modes, the six-seater version is also of particular interest to many consumers, especially the performance of the rear two rows of seats. So today, we also have the opportunity to experience in advance how the Zero Run C16 extended range model performs.
In terms of appearance, the Zero Run C16 will continue to use a family-style design, with distinctive headlights and a closed front bumper, in line with the design style of new energy vehicles.
Below the license plate, there is a small intake that meets the air intake requirements of the extended-range model. In addition, inverted L-shaped side vents are used on both sides of the front bumper. These vents not only enhance the sporty look but also improve aerodynamics.
The length, width, and height of the Zero Run C16 are 4915x1905x1770mm, with a wheelbase of 2825mm, positioning it as a mid-size SUV. The side profile of this car is very sleek, with a streamlined design style overall. It features hidden door handles, but with a square design for the side rear windows, maximizing headroom for third-row passengers.
All models of the Zero Run C16 rear-wheel drive version can choose 20 or 21-inch wheels. Today’s model is equipped with 21-inch wheels. Unlike other models, this car has different tire sizes front and rear, with 245/45 R21 tires on the front and 255/45 R21 tires on the rear, ensuring better traction.
The design of the rear end is also in the family style, with a continuous taillight group combining transparent light strips and black decorative panels. The visual effect is good when lit, with LED light sources for brake lights and turn signals, and reverse lights placed below the rear bumper.
Compared to the front bumper’s aerodynamic design, the rear bumper appears somewhat plain. It does not feature side vents or diffusers, instead opting for a clean and integrated look. The overall appearance is smooth and suitable for a family car.
The interior of the vehicle features a family-style design, with a LCD instrument panel and central control screen integrating most functions. There are almost no physical buttons inside the car. The Zero Run C16 also adopts a new malt rice color scheme, giving it a warmer and more peaceful look. The vehicle uses a large amount of soft materials, with skin-friendly materials visible everywhere.
The full LCD instrument panel displays various information about the vehicle’s operation, including navigation information for the driver’s convenience. As a plug-in hybrid model, driving modes, pure electric range, fuel range, and total range are all clearly shown on the screen in the lower left corner.
The feel of the two-spoke D-shaped steering wheel is good, with integrated multifunction buttons and a touch panel for more convenient operation.
The 14.6-inch central control screen will be equipped with the 8295 chip, further improving overall processing speed. The screen integrates most of the vehicle’s functions, such as navigation, voice interaction, phone connectivity, remote control, and app downloads, allowing for easy operation.
The UI design of the entire car system is very user-friendly. Common functions are located at the bottom of the screen. Even when setting driving modes or intelligent driving separately, the interface is clear and not complicated. This is commendable.
The car will use a rotary shifter, so the central tunnel area is maximized. It features a wireless charging pad for phones and cup holders, making it highly practical. The central tunnel is designed with a dual-layer structure, providing additional storage space below.
As a six-seater model, the second row configuration is also a highlight, such as the 15.6-inch ceiling screen, which is very attractive to families with children. The screen supports touch operation, mobile phone interconnection, front and rear screen synchronization, making the whole journey easier and more enjoyable.
The performance of the Zero Run C16 in terms of space and seats is excellent. The front seats support electric adjustment, heating, ventilation, and memory functions. The comfort of the seats is very high, with leading levels of lumbar support and side wing support. In addition, both the front and second-row seats of the vehicle have super soft headrests, maximizing the comfort of the vehicle’s ride.
The second row seats feature a design with two individual seats, inspired by the MPV style, providing each passenger with a quiet and comfortable environment. Additionally, the second row seats come with electric adjustment, seat heating, and ventilation functions, with a backrest angle of up to 145°.
Behind the front passenger seat, there is a small table, which is not common in SUV models. Although the car is not equipped with sunshades for the rear side windows, the second-row seats have a one-touch forward and backward function to switch between two-row/three-row modes. Additionally, there is a 160mm aisle between the second-row seats, making it convenient for third-row passengers to get in and out of the car.
The comfort of the third-row seats in the Zero Run C16 is indeed higher compared to many “three-row benches” SUVs. The materials and workmanship of the Zero Run C16 are commendable. The design is angular, so the headroom in the third row is very spacious. However, due to the wheelbase and length of the car, the legroom cannot be compared to traditional MPV models. But as an adult sitting in the back, you won’t feel too crowded.
The car we test drove this time is the extended-range version, equipped with a 1.5L range extender, the same configuration as the Zero Run C10 extended-range version. The car has a pure electric range of 200km, and a CLTC comprehensive range of over 1000km.
The Zero C16 will offer three driving modes: easy, sporty, and customized. It also provides four energy modes: pure electric, electric priority, fuel priority, and power priority for drivers to choose from. Acceleration, regenerative braking, and steering settings are all in the customized mode, which may require some getting used to on the first drive.
When we use the pure electric priority + relaxed mode, the vehicle’s acceleration is very gentle, even if the accelerator is deeply pressed, there is no sudden acceleration, the entire acceleration process is very comfortable. When we switch the driving mode to sport, there will be a very obvious change in the vehicle’s acceleration feel, with a slight press on the accelerator pedal, the vehicle can have sufficient power output, even in the mid-to-late acceleration, there is no feeling of weakness.
For a midsize SUV, suspension performance is crucial. The suspension of the Zero Run C16 strikes a balance – comfortable in the city, supportive on mountain roads, and stable in high-speed corners.
In terms of quietness, the Zero Run C16 has done its homework. The front windshield and the windows of the four doors are made of double-layer laminated glass, which can effectively reduce noise. The chassis noise reduction is also excellent. Inside the car, we can hardly hear wind and tire noise. However, when the vehicle’s range extender is activated, we can still hear a slight buzzing noise from the extender. Hopefully, this can be improved a bit.
In terms of intelligent driving, the Zero Run C16 will be equipped with laser radar and 30 high-precision perception hardware, claiming to have the ability to support L3 intelligent driving assistance. Currently, it can support high-speed driving assistance systems, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, automatic lane change, traffic congestion assistance, front vehicle start reminder, high-speed navigation assistance, and other functions to ensure the safety of our passengers and improve driving comfort. Summary: Currently, the Zero Run C16 has not been officially launched yet, but according to factory personnel, the price of this car should not exceed 200,000 yuan (27560$). As a six-seater version of a mid-sized SUV, this price range is indeed very competitive. Whether it is a pure electric or extended-range model, it has achieved a leading level in terms of configuration, space, and other aspects. We will continue to follow this car and see what its final price will be at the end of the month.