FAW (First Automobile Works) is a state-owned Chinese auto giant and ranks among the top 4 Chinese automobile manufactures with an annual production of around 2.7 million units, which is a lot. FAW with their range of light & heavy duty trucks and the 1300cc V2 hatchback is steadily building its name in the Pakistani automobile market. Unlike previous Chinese companies which brought clone-cars here in Pakistan, FAW has licensed products to offer.
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FAW has joint ventures with world’s leading auto manufacturers including Audi, GM (General Motors), Volkswagen, Toyota & Mazda. Most of the cars that they develop are based on the technology acquired from their above mentioned partners. Xiali, RedFlag (HogQi), Haima, Besturn and Junpai are some of the brands which FAW operates in China.
In the last couple of years, FAW has launched quite a few cars in China and most have them have seen success, including the Besturn B30 sedan and the Junpai A70 sedan. These two sedans are mechanically quite similar to each other, while one of them was already displayed at Lahore Auto Expo during March 2016.
FAW B30
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id9qOq-zy6U
The B30 is an entry-level sedan in FAW’s lineup. Placed under the ‘Besturn’ sub-brand umbrella, it first appeared at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show. Officially launched in Chinese market in November 2015, it quickly became one of the best selling FAW vehicles out there. In January 2016 its sales surpassed the likes of Honda Civic, Nissan Sunny & Honda City, that too within just 2 months of its launch.
FAW A70
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T00DCPqVIJk
The A70 is another entry-level sedan by FAW placed in the ‘Junpai’ sub-brand which is supposed to aim towards buyers with tighter budget. The A70 was officially launched in October 2016. Both A70 & B30 are derived from Volkswagen’s PQ32 platform, & considered as derivatives of the VW Bora. Keep in mind that FAW is a joint venture partner of Volkswagen in China.
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The A70 & B30 sedans are powered by Volkswagen-developed 1.6 liter (1598cc) four-cylinder petrol engine with 109hp and 155nm torque. The engine which is Euro V compliant is mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. FAW was successfully able to acquire the rights from VW to develop this engine.
Features include Electric Power Steering (EPS), Sunroof, Cruise Control, Multi-function Steering Wheel, Power Windows, Radio/USB/ AUX/ MP3, Blue-tooth Connectivity, Central Color LCD Screen, Driver, Passenger & Curtain Airbags, ABS+EBD, Parking Sensors, Reverse Camera, Engine Start/ Stop Button, Central Locking & Engine Immobilizer etc.
These two vehicles share the same platform and engine, while they are only visually and aesthetically different from each other. Both the sedans are well equipped and are priced competitively too. In China the B30 is priced between 69,800 yuan (PKR 10.5 lac) and 92,800 yuan (PKR 14.07 lac) while the A70 is priced between 64,800 yuan (PKR 9.82 lac) and 87,800 yuan (PKR 13.31 lac)..
Related: Video: All New 2016 FAW B50
While Al-Haj FAW is working to enhance their product portfolio here, the likes of A70/ B30 should work as promising addition to their lineup and will be prove to be good contenders in the sedan segment of our market. Browse the gallery and cast your vote (below), to let us know which according to you is better looking, and which should make its way to our market?
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A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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