Talkar, an importer of Kia in Israel, launches a new Chinese electric car brand in Israel, the SERES brand, which is a dedicated brand for electric vehicles of the car giant from China Dongfang – the second largest car group in China. SERES 3 is a small, electric recreational vehicle that competes with other popular electric models such as the MG ZS EV and GAC GE3. One of the joint ventures of this huge corporation is called DFSK Motor and combines the name of the two companies that make up Dongfeng and Sokon.
The design is not groundbreaking but it is not ornate, when inside the design feels more up to date with good material quality. The cabin also offers rich instrumentation but the multimedia system has no Android or Apple connectivity and the safety systems are not active. The SERES brand focuses on Intelligent Electric Vehicles, utilizing the resources of the group such as the R & D innovation center that opened in Silicon Valley in 2016. As in the case of the GAC GE3, the SERES 3 EV is also marketed in a partially European standard and this means that the marketing of the model is limited to only 400 units. SERES is keen to be environmentally friendly and proudly reports that no cobalt has been used for the lithium iron phosphate batteries. No animal was killed for the leather of the upholstery.
Interior Design of SERES 3
The interior is spacious with plenty of legroom in the back and plenty of headroom. The dashboard is neatly finished and just physical buttons for functions that we often use. The gear selector of the automatic transmission comes up from the center tunnel during starting. The driver’s seat is comfortable but it is not always easy to find a suitable driving position as the steering wheel is not adjustable in depth. The front seats have an electric indentation and also heating. Car occupants will enjoy climate control with rear exit vents, a panoramic sunroof that opens and tinted private windows.
Exterior Design of SERES 3
The vehicle has a length of 4385 mm, a width of 1850 mm, a height of 1650 mm, and a wheelbase of 2655 mm. As mentioned the passenger compartment feels spacious at the front and rear but the trunk volume is relatively small and stands at only 318 liters and up to 1500 liters with the rear seats folded. An 18 cm ventral space brings the SERES 3 closer to the road and that’s fine because the paddle is front only and there are really no aspirations for the terrain.
Engine & Battery of SERES 3
The model has an electric motor with an output of 163 hp and a torque of 30.6 kg and lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 53.6 kWh, which allows an electric driving range of 300 km in the latest WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure) standard and maximum speed limited to 155 km/hr. It can climb up to 100 km/hr in 8.9 seconds. The model has a fast-charging capacity that allows charging of 20-80 percent of the battery capacity in a time of 30 minutes, AC home charging is possible up to a power of 6.6kW, this means that home charging will require you to wait approximately 8 and a half hours.
Features And Specs of SERES 3
SERES 3 will be marketed in one fairly rich level of finish that includes, among other things: original 10.25 inch multimedia with Wizz, climate control with main rear seat outlets, panoramic sunroof, BT handsfree, electric parking brake with auto hold, front parking sensors And rear, 360-degree camera, 10.25-inch digital dashboard, artificial leather upholstery, electric folding for side mirrors, 18-inch alloy rims, tinted rear windows, wireless charging pad and more.
On the safety side, SERES 3 EV is offered with 6 airbags and original warning systems that include a lane departure warning and distance from the vehicle in front. SERES 3 EV has not yet been tested in the Euro NCAP crash tests.
Price of SERES 3
The price of the SERES 3 is 37,995 euros. The SERES 3 is available in only one version, complete with metallic paint, 18 inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof and a 360-degree camera. There will be no versions with larger or smaller battery packs. Regarding colors, SERES responds to Dutch pride, where you can buy the SERES 3 in red, white, and blue. The SERES 3 comes with a 5-year warranty and the business driver benefits from a 12 percent addition. All SERES vehicles are assembled at the Jinkang Liangjiang Factory, which is located in the Liangjiang New District of Chongqing. The smart factory complex covers 800 acres, claimed by the company to be the leading in China and world-class.
Marketing will be done by traditional means through a showroom but also, and at the same time, in cyberspace with a sales website set up specifically for that purpose and also with the help of test rides to the customer’s home.
