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.
Great Wall continues its offensive by unveiling the Feelfine for the first time at the motor show.
Without a doubt, the Feelfine takes its styling cues from the Toyota Ractis not sold in Europe. However the designers featured a new front fascia.
The Feelfine is powered by a 1.5-lityre petrol engine which delivers a power output of 109bhp.
Haima, subsidiary of FAW, short for First Automobile Works, has unveiled the Fushida Fstar, an electric small car which hasn’t been confirmed for production yet.
Finding reliable information about Chinese cars is quite a challenge and the small Haima model doesn’t breach the rules of etiquette. Its name isn’t even confirmed as it is quite common for Chinese carmaker to use different names for the same car. The electric Haima can be called Fushida, Haima or H1 e. Feel free to choose.
The power delivered by the electric engine remains unknown. According the Haima, the batteries need 4-5 hours to be fully recharged and uses a Regenerative braking system to recharge the batteries. The carmaker claims the small car has a 50 miles range at a continuous speed of 60mph.
Dongfeng has unveiled a civil version of the EQ2050 Hanma, a Chinese copy of the Hummer H1.
Like Great Wall, Dongfeng looked at the West to take inspiration for its military vehicle. Like Toyota did with the forgotten Mega Cruiser, Dongfeng copied the famous Hummer H1. Initially targeted for military use, a strong demand pushed Dongfeng to build a more civilised version.
Details remain scarce on the technology embedded in the EQ2050 Hanma. However, it is believed that this version will feature an auto-radio with CD player unavailable on the military version.
Great Wall has displayed the Phenom i7 at the Beijing Motor Show. The small car takes its styling cues from the Toyota Yaris.
While some Chinese carmakers makes the jump to acquire strategic skills to design unique cars, Great Wall still belongs to the group which copies the Western models without a shame. After the Peri which copied the Fiat Panda, the Phenom i7 copies the Toyota Yaris.
Not really concerned by a law suit from the Japanese giant, Great Wall is more worried that it hasn’t decided on the name yet. Sometimes, the small car is dubbed Phenom, i7 or Ling Ao. With a rear end that copies so well the Yaris, why not renaming the Phenom to Yari.
A five-seater, the Phenom i7 is available with a choice of two petrol engines, a 1.3-litre unit and a 1.5-litre unit which are compliant with the Euro IV regulation. The equipment includes two airbags, driver and passenger, ABD and EBD.
Geely has brought out the big guns at the Beijing Motor Show by launching many new vehicles. Among them, there was the FC-E, a hybrid-powered saloon which embeds an interesting technology.
Without a doubt, the Beijing Motor Show is devoted to electric and hybrid vehicles. However, while other motor shows didn’t favourise any technologies, the Chinese motor show put the emphasis on electric solutions. The Geely FC-E is powered by a 92bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine and a smaller electric unit which delivers a power output of 40bhp. The figures are similar to that of the Toyota Prius.
What’s interesting about the Geely mode is the batteries used to store the energy. Instead of the lithium-ion batteries, the Chinese carmaker has embedded lithium-metal-phosphate batteries, more secured and more stable than the lithium-ions. Those batteries had been invented by the university of Texas in 1997 and are currently being developed by A123 Systems in the US.
Geely has dubbed its electric solution EEBS, short for Electronic Equation Balance System.
