During the Lynk & Co 02 launch event on 12/8, the Chinese car brand also introduced the Lynk & Co 03 to the Vietnamese market. The 03 is Lynk & Co's sports sedan, positioned in the C-segment low-slung segment.

Previously, the C-segment sports sedan was introduced to Vietnam with the high-performance Lynk & Co 03+ version, brought in via special order rather than batch import.

The 03 newcomer is available in two versions: Plus, priced at 739 million dong, and Pro, priced at 788 million dong. It is officially imported from China.

In the C-segment, the 03 competes with rivals such as: the Mazda3 (569-719 million dong), Honda Civic (789-999 million dong), Hyundai Elantra (579-769 million dong), Kia K3 (584 million dong), and BYD Seal 5 (696 million dong).

The 03's exterior features a sporty style, highlighted by a rear spoiler, dual exhaust, and an aggressive rear bumper. Full-width led taillights are complemented by vertical led decorative elements.

The Lynk & Co 03 is equipped with a 1,5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, producing 170 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, with 290 Nm of peak torque from 2,000-3,500 rpm. It uses a 7-speed 7DC dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive.

Its top speed is 205 km/h. Fuel consumption, rated by WLTP standards, is 6,35 liters/100 km.

The 03 has dimensions of 4.700 x 1.843 x 1.460 mm (length x width x height) and a wheelbase of 2.730 mm. Compared to the Honda Civic (4.681 x 1.802 x 1.415 mm and 2.735 mm wheelbase), the Lynk & Co model is slightly longer in overall length but has a shorter wheelbase.

As a sports model, the cockpit design focuses on the driver. The interior is adorned with suede and contrast stitching. Sports-style front seats offer power adjustment, ventilation, and driver's seat memory.

The car also features an independent dual-zone automatic climate control system and rear air vents. The top-tier Pro version adds wireless charging, a 14-speaker audio system, and a panoramic sunroof.

The sports-style flat-bottom steering wheel integrates various function controls. Since it is not a high-performance version, the manufacturer has omitted buttons for activating sports driving modes, simulated exhaust sound, and paddle shifters.

Like most Lynk & Co models, the 03 uses a floating 15,4-inch central infotainment touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and displaying extensive vehicle information.

The sports gear selector.

On the exterior, the front-end design is lowered, highlighted by a sporty grille combined with a unique 03 logo to enhance recognition. The Aurora Borealis (northern lights) daytime running lights remain a distinctive brand signature with dynamic lighting effects upon unlocking the car.

The 03 is equipped with 18-inch wheels and 225/45 tires.

The car continues to use the global CMA (compact modular architecture) platform. The suspension system is tuned for enhanced comfort in daily driving.

A sporty rear diffuser and racing-style dual exhaust are included.

The Lynk & Co 03 is equipped with safety features such as: six airbags, anti-lock braking system/electronic brake force distribution/brake assist, traction control, electronic stability control, hill start assist, tire pressure monitoring, rear parking sensors, cruise control, and a 360-degree camera.

The Lynk & Co 03 launched in Vietnam on 12/8 in Hanoi.

The 03 stands as the most powerful C-segment sedan, offering a robust chassis, distinctive design, and extensive technology. Its rival, the Honda Civic, emphasizes a sporty driving feel and Japanese brand value. The Hyundai Elantra features an angular design and numerous amenities. The Mazda3 focuses on timeless styling and reasonable pricing.

Luong Dung