Automakers go for gold in Asia's biggest car show

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-04-21 07:29

1.Volvo XC60

Volvo XC60 is making its Asian premiere at the Beijing auto show. The SUV is equipped with a 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder turbo engine which has a maximum power of 210 kW. Its automatic gearbox affords a top torque of 400 Nm. The all-wheel-drive XC60 accelerates from zero to 100 km per hour within 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 210 km per hour. Its length, width and height are 4,628, 1,891 and 1,672 mm. It has a 2,774-mm wheelbase.

2.VW Lavida

The Lavida from Shanghai Volkswagen is making its global premiere at the Beijing auto show. The A-segment model is the first production car designed and developed by the Sino-German joint venture itself. The Lavida will go on sale during the first half of this year. It has two engine options: 1.6 and 2.0 liters. The model's length, width and height stand at 4,608, 1,743 and 1,465 mm. It has a 2,610-mm wheelbase.

3. Buick Invicta

Buick Invicta concept sedan from GM is making its global debut in the auto show. The four-door mid-sized model has a maximum power of 186kW with a 2.0-liter, DOHC, turbo engine. It is equipped with a six-speed automatic gearbox. The Invicta is 4,932 mm long, 1,874 mm wide and 1,466 mm high with a 2,908-mm wheelbase. The sedan with coupe-like roofline presents bold direction for Buick's new generation vehicles in the United States and China.

4.BYD's E6

BYD's E6 purely electric-powered crossover will be produced commercially within the next one to two years. The model, equipped with rechargeable batteries, has a maximum mileage of 300 km after being fully charged. It accelerates from zero to 100 km per hour within 10 seconds and has a top speed of 160 km per hour

5.Fiat Linea

Fiat Linea is equipped with a 1.4-liter turbo engine which has a maximum power of 120 horsepower. The model's top speed stands at 200 km per hour and it meets the European IV emission standard. It will be introduced into China as an import this year and will be produced locally next year. The Linea's length, width and height are 4,560, 1,730 and 1,490 mm.

6.Mercedes GLK-Class

The Mercedes GLK-Class is making its global debut at the auto show. The compact SUV has three engine options: 2.2-liter, 2.8-liter and 3.5-liter. The 3.5-liter version's V6 engine has a rated power of 200 kW and its seven-speed automatic gearbox affords a rated torque of 350 Nm. The 3.5-liter version accelerates from zero to 100 km per hour within 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 230 km per hour. The GLK-Class is 4,528 mm long, 1,840 mm wide and 1,689 mm high with a 2,755-mm wheelbase.

7.Skoda Fabia

The all-new Skoda Fabia subcompact from Volkswagen's Czech unit, Skoda, is making its maiden China appearance at the Beijing auto show. Thee versions - Fabia, Fabia Combi and Fabia Greenline - is being displayed. The model is 3,992 mm long, 1,642 mm wide and 1,513 mm high with a 2,462-mm wheelbase. A Fabia model, to be produced at Shanghai Volkswagen, will be put into the market at the end of this year.

8.Roewe 550

The Roewe 550 from SAIC Motor Corp is making its global debut at the Beijing auto show. The sedan has two engine options: 1.8-liter and 1.8-liter turbo. It is expected to go on sale during the second half of this year. The Roewe 550 is 4,624 mm long, 1,827 mm wide and 2,705 mm high. It has a 2,705-mm wheelbase.

9.Geely Panda

The Panda small-sized car is one of Geely's latest model. The model, which has a panda-like exterior, will be put into the domestic market in the second half of this year. Geely says it expects the model to be a new sales growth driver.

10.VW Tiguan

Volkswagen's Tiguan is making its China debut in the auto show. The SUV has two engine options : 2.0-liter TSI and 2.0-liter TDI. It also has two gearbox options six-speed DSG and six-speed manual. The 2.0-liter TDI version accelerates from zero to 100 km per hour within 8.5 seconds. The Tiguan is 4,427 mm long, 1,809 mm wide and 1,686 mm high with a 2,640-mm wheelbase. It is expected to be produced in China in the near future.

11.Dodge Zeo

Dodge Zeo concept sports car from Chrysler is making its maiden Asian appearance in the auto show. It is equipped with an electric motor having a top power of 200 kW and can accelerate from zero to 100 km per hour within 6 seconds. The model's top speed stands at 209 km per hour. Its length, width and height are 4,390, 1,743 and 1,944 mm. Its wheelbase is 2,792 mm.

12.Infiniti EX35

The Infiniti EX35 is making its China debut at the auto show. The luxury crossover is equipped with a 3.5-liter, V6 engine which has a maximum power of 222 kW. Its five-speed automatic transmission affords a top torque of 341 Nm. The EX35's length, width and height are 4,638, 1,803 and 1,577 mm. The model is likely to be introduced into China as an import before the end of this year.

13.Ford Fiesta

The all-new Ford Fiesta is the first product from Ford's new global product development process, with localized variants to be launched in Europe, Asia and the Americas between 2008 and 2010. The model carries Ford's dynamic kinetic design elements into production. The Fiesta, strong and light in weight, promises confident driving agility to accompany its bold, expressive exterior design. The model will be produced at Ford's joint venture plant in eastern city of Nanjing and will go on sale before the end of this year.

14.FAW Besturn B50

The Besturn B50 is an all-new independent-brand model from FAW. The concept sedan is equipped with a 1.6-liter engine. It has two gearbox options: five-speed manual and six-speed automatic. The car's length, width and height stand at 4,600,1,780 and 1,439 mm. Its wheelbase is 2,675 mm.

(China Daily 04/18/2008 page24)


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