A BIG surprise that changed the whole perception about China made cars. A high rating that will definitely change the game in the auto industry and boost the drive for a celebration on its arrival.

That is the new generation Haima M3 Comfort M/T for C! Magazine, the Philippines’ and Asia’s most respected and ultimate automotive authority, which graded the “nearly as big as a compact sedan”—distributed by the reputable and trusted LausAutoGroup for Haima Automobiles Philippines, Inc. —with an 8.5 out of 10 for its overall performance and features, plus value for money that puts at par–and even better than others in its class.

In its C! Drive review dubbbed “Breaking Barriers,” C! Magazine Wheel2Wheel Editor Maynard M. Marcelo, for starters, quipped: “The Haima M3 comes as a big surprise for me because in all honesty, it exceeded my expectations of what a Chinese car would be. I’ve driven a variety of China made cars not too long ago and they are nothing compared to the Haima M3 in terms of build quality, finish, and performance. The Haima M3 totally changed my whole perception about China made cars.”
The first thing that is noticeable about the Haima M3, the C! Editor remarked, is its undeniable handsome good looks.

“So good in fact, that it earned numerous second glances from other motorists on the road. The M3 somehow strikes me as an original Haima design. And it was. The M3 is apparently the product of an independent design firm LD’A Design of Italy.”

LD’A, he noted, clearly did a good job with the bigger, nearly as big as a compact sedan M3, with the design trend continuing inside the cabin where there is plenty of legroom front and back.

And it is not an optical illusion because unlike other cars where they fit scaled down seats to give the impression of roominess, the Haima M3 has full-size seats. Five average sized human beings can sit comfortably for extended periods of time without feeling cramped or claustrophobic. There’s also enough space in the trunk for their overnight bags,” Marcelo said, adding the cabin is “a nice place to be in” for its eye-pleasing interiors, climate control system, nicely sculptured dashboard, and easy to reach controls.

HEART AND SOUL OF THE MATTER

The C! test drive review attributed the Haima M3’s impressive performance to its engine and chassis, the heart and soul of the nice ride.

“The Haima M3 is powered by a DOHC 1.5 liter 16V engine that’s surprisingly smooth and gutsy. There’s virtually no vibration at idle, and revs eagerly to redline. Road and wind noise is remarkably absent even at triple digit speeds. A boon in heavy traffic, the manual clutch is delightfully light and engages smoothly in all gears,” Marcelo narrated.

He furthered:

“I tried to extract unwanted creaks and rattles by torsionally loading the chassis on uneven roads and driveways and heard none, which is quite commendable. The M3 rides on independent MacPherson struts up front and conventional torsion beam axle at the back that gives it a taut but well controlled ride, courtesy of Tokico of Japan that calibrated the chassis. Equipped with beefy front and rear inch cast aluminum rims, on the other hand, looks nice and they’re shod with all-weather 185/60 tire series.”

“Haima didn’t scrimp on the safety aspect as well. Safety features abound on the M3,” stressed Marcelo, pointing to the 3-point seatbelts for the driver and three outboard passengers, dual SRS airbags, and anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution.

“Other small details like the lighted vanity mirrors, headlight height adjustment, LED daytime running lamps and express down/up driver’s side window with anti-pinch function only adds to the M3’s appeal,” he said.

GAME CHANGER

The C! editor emphasized that the Haima M3 is “more than just good looks” and is bound to break barriers in just a few years.

“The M3 has a lot going for it. For roughly the price of a low spec sub-compact you can get a highly spec’d car that’s not only big and well built but one that’s downright good looking as well. If they continue this development, they will no doubt break barriers and present a big threat to the established brands in just a few years,” said Marcelo.

For Haima’s Donald Calma, the arrival of the “game changer” Haima M3 is a cause for celebration.

“Coming into our fourth year with the LausAutoGroup this January, the arrival of Haima M3 and its high rating, are truly reasons for celebration for us and our clients who have always driven and believed in Haima,” he quipped.

For more of the Haima M3, call +63 45 961 4553 or +63 45 892 4461 or visit Haima Cars Pampanga along Jose Abad Santos Avenue, City of San Fernando, 2000 or Haima Cars Dau along McArthur Highway, Dau Mabalacat, Pampanga, 2010.