Lynk & Co 03
Chinese brand with global ambitions shows new saloon
THESE are the first images of Chinese car maker Lynk & Co’s new 03 Concept, which made its debut at last week’s Shanghai Motor Show.
It will be the company’s second model, and follows in the wheeltracks of the 01 crossover, which appeared as a production car in Shanghai (opposite). The missing 02 model remains a bit of a mystery, but it isn’t the flash four-door coupé the brand showed last year (see below).
Like the 01, the 03 Concept sits on a Compact Modular Architecture platform that has been co-developed with Volvo. This will be used on the forthcoming XC40 crossover, S40 saloon and V40 hatchback models – making the 03 Lynk & Co’s interpretation of the saloon.
Lynk & Co will also share the Swedish brand’s powertrains, so 1.5-litre threecylinder and 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engines are expected, depending on the market. The company is also keen to introduce plug-in hybrid and full EV variants, both of which are likely to make it to Europe.
The concept boasts strong proportions, with a distinctive sweeping roofline edged by an unbroken line of brightwork. At the front are a pair of high-mounted headlights which sit above two horizontal air intakes. Designer Peter Horbury was keen to give the brand a distinctive ‘face’ – something deemed important for Chinese consumers, but a feature that should help Lynk & Co’s cars stand out globally.
The cabin is a world away from most Chinese designs, with an emphasis on technology. The instruments are fully digital and there’s a large central infotainment touchscreen, while executives also revealed a new app-based car sharing feature. This turns your smartphone into a key, and allows you to share your car with friends via an app.
The company says its cars will be permanently connected wi-fi hotspots, and in-car data will be free. The purchase process will be entirely online, too, and cars will be fully equipped as standard and sold at a fixed price, delivered to your door. Subscription models will also be available, while Lynk & Co has also confirmed that all versions will feature a lifetime warranty and roadside assistance.
“Brand has a distinctive face, which should help Lynk & Co’s cars stand out globally”