Author: yoann besnard

Here are the pictures of the most promising Chinese car, the Roewe 550 which is actually a former MG-Rover project.

This 550 is company’s first attempt to seriously take on the European models. The exterior styling is appealing while the interior has nothing to envy to European production. The dashboard might be a bit controversial, but is at least modern and nice to look at.

The 500 is powered by a turbocharged 1.8-litre issued from the MG-Rover collapse. SAIC hasn’t confirmed whether the 550 will be exported to Europe or not.

Ford has unveiled the Fiesta S at the Beijing Motor Show which is destined for the Chinese market.

Despite its moniker, the Fiesta unveiled at the Chinese motor show is not a sporty variant of the Fiesta unveiled at Geneva although the Chinese version comes with some sporty glitches such as a rear spoiler and a sportier exhaust pipe.

The Fiesta S will be built in a Mazda factory located in Nanjing as the Mazda 2 and the Ford Fiesta shares the same platform. Engine range remains unknown although it is believed that the Fiesta S will be powered by the same petrol engines as the European Fiesta.

The Chinese carmaker has unveiled the NL set to compete on the fast growing compact SUV market segment.

With dimensions similar to that of the Honda CR-V, the NL model will face a strong competition leaded by the Toyota RAV4. Geely chose to offer a wide range of engines. In addition to the 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre petrol units shared with the GC saloon, the NL will also get two diesel engines  in 2.0-litre and 2.2-litre versions. Power outputs remain unknown. Like the new in-house engines, the NL’s units will be compliant with the Euro V regulation.

The NL features a bold style which will likely meet a big success on the Chinese market but might be a stumbling block on the European market if Geely decides to sell in Europe.

Geely has also unveiled a van called CE that might preview a future model.

If the FC-2, FC-3 and the GC look ready for production, the GE cause concerns regarding its future production as the displayed vehicle looks like more design exercise. One does hope that the GE will increase its window surface when reaching the production stage.

Geely has announced that the GE will be powered by the 2.4-litre engine which will be featured in the new GC saloon.

Geely has unveiled a new flagship, a saloon called GC enabling the carmaker to cover another market segment.

If you didn’t take seriously Geely before the Beijing Motor Show, the Chinese carmaker has decided to change your mind by unveiling new models which cover all market segments. The new GC is set to compete with the executives saloons such as the Toyota Crown and the Brilliance BS6. At 4,900 mm long, the GC is close to production as the carmaker has revealed some technical details. The GC is powered by two four cylinder petrol engines. The entry level is a 2.0-litre while the top engine has a displacement of 2,400cc.

Geely has said whether the GC will be exported or not. One doesn’t expect it to reach our shores, but for emerging countries, the GC might be a good alternative to Korean models.

After the FC-2 saloon, the FC-3 hatchback, Geely has also unveiled a third variant for its FC model, the FC-1 which attempts to combine estate and van in one shell, a bit like Toyota did with the Mark X Zio.

The FC-3 sports an appealing design showing the maturity reached by Geely which represents a serious threat in emerging markets for western carmakers. Surprisingly, the FC-3 is shorter by 30 mm than the FC-2 and FC-3.

As said earlier, the FC-2 is saloon Geely has developed to conquer the world. In addition to the saloon, the carmaker has also unveiled a hatchback variant called FC-3.

With a length similar to that of the FC-2 with its 4620 mm, the FC-3 tries to relaunch the Opel Signum concept, a car sitting between a van and a hatchback which provides roominess and practicality. The FC-3 hasn’t been confirmed for Europe yet, but there is no reason why this hatchback would not reach our shores.

Geely has unveiled another model, the HL which is what the Citroen C4 Picasso is to the Citroen C4, a minivan variant of the Geely CE reported here.

While the CE hasn’t been confirmed for production yet, the HL is a concept car that previews a production version. Like other Chinese models, details remain scarce. However, it seems Geely is building a compact lineup established to take on the compact market segment. Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla might have found a serious contender for the coming years.

Among all the models unveiled by Geely, the FC-2 is the most realistic model which is expected to go on sale in Europe in the coming years.

With this family car, the Chinese carmaker has set the ambitious plan to go worldwide and has decided to develop a tame saloon which doesn’t feature any controversial details. In short, it’s a Chinese Avensis. At 4630 mm long, 1790 mm wide and 1470 mm high, the FC-2 will compete with the Ford Mondeo and Citroen C5.

Under the bonnet, the FC-2 is available with a wide range of engines, petrol and diesel, all developed by the carmaker. The most interesting unit is a 1.8-litre petrol engine which features a variable valve timing and delivers a power output of 140bhp. This engine is compliant with the Euro V regulation according to Geely.

Among the models Geely has unveiled, there is the CE model, a five-door hatchback.

Like a magician pulling rabbits out of his hat, Geely has unveiled new models and concept cars like the CE compact model.

The CE is a combination of a minivan and a hatchback which makes a good impression. The green light hasn’t been given yet.