Q: We know that station wagons are very popular in Europe and can be seen almost everywhere. But in China, this type of vehicle hasn’t gained widespread acceptance. What’s your take on this issue?
A: It’s a matter of awareness. I’ve even asked some friends who have been driving for many years, and they didn’t even know that station wagons existed. Why is that? Because they’re not aware of them. This lack of awareness can range from personal experience to broader national circumstances. Europeans have far more leisure time than we do, and most places there have excellent road conditions, so naturally they have more time and enthusiasm for traveling. Station wagons are designed for people who frequently travel and go on self-drive trips. In China, however, most people don’t buy cars primarily for travel—they’re more for daily family use, occasionally used for short trips during weekends to unwind. As a result, there’s simply no concept of using a station wagon as a regular means of transport. Popularizing station wagons in China is going to be a long and challenging journey.
Q: What do you think should be considered when choosing a vehicle for self-driving tours? What aspect of vehicle performance do you value the most?
A: I think in China, when choosing a vehicle for self-driving, I would mostly consider the vehicle’s off-road capability. Because in many parts of China, especially in remote areas, road conditions can be quite poor and unpredictable. Another important factor is safety. When you’re out on the road, safety is always the top priority.
Q: Apart from regular family cars, another option is RVs. RVs are excellent in terms of practicality, space, and comfort, and abroad they’re a very popular choice for holiday self-drive tours. But development in this area is very slow in China. For a similar price of around one million yuan, people would rather buy luxury SUVs like the Audi Q7, BMW X5, or Jeep Grand Cherokee. What do you think is the reason for this?
A: I think this can be divided into two aspects. First, the national context—because the supporting infrastructure isn’t in place. RVs need water supply, waste disposal, and dedicated camping sites, but such facilities are extremely rare in China. Second, personal aspirations. It’s a certain mindset, not something that most people can easily accept. Honestly, I find it hard to put into words—the difference in mindset is just too vast. Personally, I think it’s going to be difficult for RVs to become popular in China.
Q: What are your thoughts or suggestions regarding the development of RV travel in China?
A: Can I borrow a quote from Grandpa Deng? Let some people get there first, okay?
Q: Could you recommend 1-2 vehicles in different price ranges that you think are suitable for self-driving tours, and briefly explain your reasons for recommending them?
A: Below 100,000 yuan, the Volkswagen Santana—durable, economical, and easy to maintain. Between 100,000 and 200,000 yuan, the Great Wall Haval—spacious and great for off-roading. Between 200,000 and 400,000 yuan, the Tiguan 2.0T—decent off-road ability and excellent highway performance. Between 400,000 and 800,000 yuan, the Toyota Prado—there’s nothing wrong with this car for self-driving tours. Above 800,000 yuan, the Land Rover Discovery 4—a perfect combination of comfort, off-road ability, and powerful performance.
Q: For some hardcore off-road vehicles on the market, such as the Jeep Wrangler or the Land Rover Defender, do you think they are suitable for self-driving tours? Why?
A: First of all, yes, they are definitely suitable for self-driving. However, if your self-driving trip consists only of highways and paved roads, then these off-road vehicles might feel a bit overkill. These kinds of vehicles are truly wasted if you don’t take them on proper off-road adventures.
Q: We mentioned modifications earlier. Most people might first think of racing, where modifications focus on a vehicle’s power and handling. But as self-driving travel becomes more popular in China, do you think vehicles used for self-driving tours need modifications? And if so, what aspects should the modifications focus on?
A: For long-distance self-driving, it’s definitely a good idea to modify the roof rack, lights, or even the bumper. For general self-driving, the requirements for modifications aren’t actually that high.