On the occasion of the opening of its first official showroom in Ho Chi Minh City, Lynk & Co showcased three flagship SUVs, namely the 01, a mid-size SUV, the 05 – a coupe-sized C SUV, and finally the 09, the brand’s large SUV.
However, in a parking area near the brand’s showroom, two stunning and powerful Lynk & Co cars were on display. These two models belong to the 03 series, C-class sedans that compete with the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra, but they are not standard models. Instead, they are high-performance versions.
Let’s learn more about the new Lynk & Co 03+ street racing car that has arrived in Vietnam, a formidable competitor to the Subaru WRX.
The mysterious Lynk & Co 03 car – which version does it belong to?
In the Chinese market, the Lynk & Co 03 series offers several versions and optional variations for customers to choose from. Among them, let’s focus on the Lynk & Co 03 TCR, a racing car, and its street racing version, known as the Lynk & Co 03+.
Both Lynk & Co 03 cars, one in black and one in neon yellow, belong to the 03+ version. This is evident through the sporty body kit that the cars possess, along with 19-inch dual-spoke wheels painted in contrasting colors. Moreover, the easiest indicator is the “+” symbol on the C-pillar or behind the “03” logo at the rear of the car.
What is the price of the Lynk & Co 03+?
The two Lynk & Co 03 cars brought to the country this time are solely for research purposes. The dealer does not have plans to officially sell them, so the price remains unknown. However, if Vietnamese car enthusiasts show interest in this series, the showroom might consider importing them.
In China, the price of the Lynk & Co 03 ranges from 137,800 to 420,300 Chinese yuan, equivalent to 450 million to 1.4 billion Vietnamese dong. The Lynk & Co 03 TCR version is priced at up to 3.72 billion Vietnamese dong, which is why the Lynk & Co 03+ is not aimed at the majority of customers in its home country.
Exterior design of the new Lynk & Co 03+ in Vietnam
The newly imported Lynk & Co 03+ street racing car belongs to the previous version. This is noticeable through the small and compact rear spoiler, as opposed to the two-tier, giant one seen in the 2023 version. However, many Chinese customers were impressed with the spoiler of the Lynk & Co 03+.
In terms of appearance, the Lynk & Co 03+ stands out from the standard version with its cool body kit. First, there are the redesigned front air intakes with additional horizontal dividing bars. The most significant change at the front lies in the front bumper.
Specifically, the front bumper of the Lynk & Co 03+ incorporates a large fixed wing, creating a sporty appearance. Customers can choose to have this detail painted in black or carbon. Of course, the cost will also vary accordingly.
Next, the high-performance versions of the Lynk & Co 03 come with unique wheels featuring dual spokes, painted in two contrasting colors: silver and black. The wheels are 19 inches in size, and the C-pillar bears the “+” symbol, distinguishing it from regular cars. At the rear, the Lynk & Co 03+ has modified exhaust outlets, and the side air intakes also feature additional carbon fiber trims or black paint. The exhaust pipes are twice the size of the standard version.
Finally, the rear wing of the Lynk & Co 03+ is entirely made of carbon fiber, with “Downforce” lettering in neon yellow on each side. This indicates that it is a special feature exclusive to the high-performance version of the Lynk & Co 03 C-class sedan.
Interior of the car
In addition to the sporty body kit, the Lynk & Co 03+ street racing car boasts a high-quality interior. Firstly, the seats, as well as other leather-wrapped details such as the center console, dashboard, steering wheel, door panels, and ceiling, are all made of suede and Alcantara leather.
Furthermore, similar to the Hyundai Elantra N, the Lynk & Co 03+ features a sporty steering wheel with a red button indicating increased power. Many other impressive equipment and features can be found in the car. It is equipped with a 10-speaker audio system from the Harman Infinity brand. The interior is also adorned with gold stitching, and the seat belts match the exterior color.
In terms of the entertainment system, the Lynk & Co 03+ street racing car is equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster positioned behind the steering wheel, as well as a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
For the first time, a sliding center control screen is used, which helps to increase storage space. Optional upgrades for users include ambient lighting and wireless charging. However, only the right side of the car has fast charging functionality.
The car’s powertrain
In terms of power, the Lynk & Co 03+ is equipped with a 2.0TD T5 Evo 4-cylinder turbocharged Drive-E engine, capable of delivering a maximum output of 265 horsepower and a peak torque of 380 Nm. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. It offers impressive performance compared to other competitors in its segment.
The Lynk & Co 03+ can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds and achieve a top speed of 250 km/h, significantly higher than the 195 km/h and 7.2 seconds of the standard model. The fuel consumption of the Lynk & Co 03+ is rated at 8 liters per 100 km.
The car is equipped with various safety technologies, including the intelligent PA assistance system that provides queueing and following, lane keeping, and other driver assistance systems designed for low-speed driving. It also supports automatic parking and parking space assistance, both for parking and exiting. The car features a 540° panoramic image, a 360° panoramic image, and a 180° underbody view.
Previously, Subaru, Honda, and Hyundai all expressed their intention to bring their high-end, expensive, and most powerful models to Vietnam, including the WRX, Civic, and Elantra, respectively. However, only the Elantra N is still being explored, as the other two models have already been introduced. The Lynk & Co 03+, as a rival to the Subaru WRX, would offer similar power if it were to be introduced in the new version. It would also provide comparable power to the Honda Civic Type R.
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