The current generation Explorer made by the Chinese company is knows as the Explorer III, while the test mule seems to be the Explorer II. There are small difference between the Explorer III and the test mule for us to believe that. But let’s talk about the similarities first. Here’s a list of visual similarities that the test mule and the said Chinese SUVs share.
1. The shape and horizontal twin-slat chrome styling of the test vehicle’s grille is exactly similar to the Explorer. The shape of the bumper, the recesses around the grille and even the shape of the headlamps looks almost similar to the Guangdong Foday SUV.
2. The bonnet height, the position of the headlamps and the way the area around the front fender sweeps backwards towards the A pillar is striking similar on the two cars. The wheel arches also seems to be flaring out exactly to the same extent.
3. The shape of the front window – the angles and the size is exactly the same as the Chinese machine.
4. The roof of the test mule has a pair of rails shrouded under camouflage – its shape is exactly the same as the said vehicle. Also, the overall length and the tail area of the test SUV is same as stock Guangdong Foday Explorer.
5. The step sill under the doors of the two cars is exactly similar. There is a difference in the ORVMs of the two cars though, and that’s why we suspected that the vehicle on test is Explorer II and not Explorer III.
Page 2 of 4. Go to the next page for details and pictures of the interiors and the engine bay>>>