The Chinese SUV That Bets Everything on Price

The Livan X3 Pro wants to steal sales from the Dacia Sandero Stepway, but does it really have what it takes?

Who will dethrone the Dacia Sandero from the top of the sales charts in Spain and across Europe? Many brands have tried — MG with the ZS, Volkswagen with the T-Roc, Toyota with the Yaris Cross — yet the Romanian supermini continues to hold its ground. Now, even lesser-known Chinese manufacturers have landed in our market with the same ambition. One of them is Livan, a brand owned by the Geely Group (which also controls Volvo, Polestar, Lynk & Co, Lotus, and 50% of Smart). Its contender is the Livan X3 Pro, a compact SUV designed to lure buyers away from the Sandero Stepway with one irresistible weapon: a ridiculously low price. It’s far from perfect, but for many drivers, it could be just enough for daily mobility.

From a design standpoint, the X3 Pro isn’t flashy, nor does it rely on an oversized grille (a common trait among other Chinese cars like the Omoda 5 or the JAECOO 5 and 7). That’s a good thing — it helps the car age more gracefully and keeps its looks appealing over time.
The rear design is conventional, while the bulging wheel arches, 16-inch alloy wheels, and satin-finished mirror caps add a touch of distinction. Measuring 4.01 meters long and 1.76 meters wide, it’s perfect for urban use, though rear-seat comfort for three adults is, as expected in this class, quite limited.

Inside, things feel a bit old-fashioned for digital enthusiasts. The instrument cluster is analog, with only a small screen for trip data — and it doesn’t even show average fuel consumption. There is, however, an 8-inch central display. The multimedia system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though it requires an external accessory. Controls are intuitive, build quality is acceptable given the price, and even the classic handbrake lever and pleasantly tactile gearshift evoke simplicity over sophistication.

Under the hood lies a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, delivering 103 horsepower through a five-speed manual gearbox. Yes, you’ll need to push it high in the revs to get the best out of it — but before you dismiss it, remember how many pre-facelift MG ZS models were sold in Spain with similar setups. The X3 Pro reaches 0 to 100 km/h in 13 seconds and tops out at 170 km/h. Its claimed fuel consumption is 7.2 liters per 100 km, a figure only achievable on calm country roads; expect higher numbers in mixed driving.

Finally, the price: €16,995. Sure, it’s a bit higher than the €15,320 of the Dacia Sandero Stepway Eco, but still very competitive. The five-year warranty is commendable, and standard equipment includes essentials such as air conditioning, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, a two-speaker audio system, halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights, hill-start assist, and tire pressure monitoring. In short, the Livan X3 Pro might not revolutionize the SUV market, but it proves that value for money still matters — and for drivers seeking practicality, simplicity, and affordability, this Chinese newcomer could be one of the most sensible purchases of the year.