What will happen in 2019: expensive cars and disputes with the government
Due to the increase in VAT and the unclear future of state support programs for the car market, new cars will continue to rise in price in 2019. We found out how car companies will negotiate with the government and what new products they will bring.
However, this state of affairs only stimulated buyers to make decisions more quickly, and an additional argument was the planned increase in VAT from 18 to 20% in 2019. Leading auto companies told Autonews.ru what challenges the industry faces in 2019.
Figures: sales have been growing for 19 months in a row
Based on the results of sales of new cars in November 2018, the Russian car market showed an increase of 10% - thus, the market has continued to grow for 19 months in a row. According to the Association of European Businesses (AEB), 167,494 new cars were sold in Russia in November, and in total from January to November, automakers sold 1,625,351 cars - 13.7% more than last year.
According to AEB, December sales results should be comparable to November. And at the end of the whole year, it is expected that the market will reach the figure of 1.8 million cars and light vehicles sold commercial vehicles, which would mean a 13 percent plus.
Most noticeably in 2018, according to data from January to November, they grew Lada sales(324,797 units, +16%), Kia (209,503, +24%), Hyundai (163,194, +14%), VW (94,877, +20%), Toyota (96,226, +15%), Skoda (73,275, +30%). Mitsubishi began to regain lost positions in Russia (39,859 units, +93%). Despite the growth, Subaru (7026 units, +33%) and Suzuki (5303, +26%) noticeably lagged behind the brand.
Sales increased at BMW (32,512 units, +19%), Mazda (28,043, +23%), Volvo (6,854, + 16%). Hyundai's premium sub-brand, Genesis, took off (1,626 units, 76%). Stable performance in Renault (128,965, +6%), Nissan (67,501, +8%), Ford (47,488, +6%), Mercedes-Benz (34,426, +2%), Lexus (21,831, +4%) and Land Rover (8 801, +9%).
Despite the positive figures, the overall volumes of the Russian market remain low. According to the Autostat agency, the market historically showed its maximum value in 2012 - then 2.8 million cars were sold; in 2013, sales decreased to 2.6 million. In 2014, the crisis came only towards the end of the year, so there was no dramatic drop in the market - Russians managed to buy 2.3 million cars at the “old” prices. But in 2015, sales collapsed to 1.5 million units. Negative dynamics continued in 2016, when sales dropped to a record low of 1.3 million vehicles. A revival in demand occurred only in 2017, when Russians bought 1.51 million new cars. Thus, up to the original figures of the Russian automotive industry It is still a long way off, just like the status of the first market in Europe in terms of sales, which was predicted for Russia in the pre-crisis years.
Representatives of auto companies surveyed by Autonews.ru believe that sales volumes in 2019 will be comparable to the results of 2018: according to their estimates, Russians will buy the same number of cars or a little less. Most expect a bad January and February, after which sales will pick up again. However, auto brands refuse to make official forecasts until the beginning of the new year.
“In 2019, the cars purchased in the pre-crisis year of 2014 will already be five years old - for Russians this is a kind of psychological mark at which they are ready to think about replacing the car,” Kia Marketing Director Valery Tarakanov noted in an interview with Autonews.ru.
Prices: cars have been rising in price all year
New cars in Russia after the 2014 crisis increased in price by an average of 66% by November 2018, according to Autostat. Over the 11 months of 2018, cars became more expensive on average by 12%. The agency's experts came to the conclusion that auto companies have now practically won back the fall of the ruble against world currencies. But they stipulate that this does not mean a price freeze.
Further increases in car prices will be driven by inflation and an increase in the VAT rate from the beginning of 2019 - from 18% to 20%. Representatives of auto companies, in conversations with an Autonews.ru correspondent, also do not hide that the increase in VAT will directly affect the cost of cars, and from the very beginning of 2019 - this, for example, was confirmed by Renault, AvtoVAZ and Kia.
Discounts, bonuses and new prices: when is the best time to buy a car?
“On the threshold of the last quarter of the year, the Russian automobile market continued to demonstrate strong growth. However, this welcome development comes as no surprise given the tailwind in the sails of the entire retail sector as it counts down to the VAT change. There has been growing concern among market participants regarding the sustainability of retail demand since January 2019,” explained Jörg Schreiber, Chairman of the AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee.
At the same time, automakers hope that the ruble exchange rate will not change much against foreign currencies, which will avoid price surges.
State support programs: they gave half as much
In 2018, half as much money was allocated for state support programs for the car market, popular among Russians, compared to 2017 - 34.4 billion rubles. instead of the previous 62.3 billion rubles. At the same time, only 7.5 billion rubles were spent on targeted programs aimed specifically at motorists. We are talking about such programs as “First Car” and “ Family car”, which apply to cars worth up to 1.5 million rubles.
The rest of the money went to more specific programs like “Own Business” and “Russian Tractor”. For development and production activities Vehicle with remote and autonomous control spent 1.295 billion to stimulate the acquisition of ground-based electric transport- 1.5 billion, for measures to stimulate production in the Far East (we are talking about compensation for transportation costs to auto companies) - 0.5 billion rubles, for the purchase of gas engine equipment - 2.5 billion rubles.
Thus, the government, as promised, continues to systematically reduce the volume of state support for the industry. For comparison: in 2014, only 10 billion rubles. went to recycling and trade-in programs.
In 2015, 43 billion rubles were allocated to support the automotive industry, of which 30% was also spent on recycling and trade-in. In 2016, spending on state support for the automotive industry reached 50 billion rubles, half of which was also spent on similar targeted programs.
Meanwhile, at a recent meeting with automakers, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak said that the volume of state support for domestic automotive industry five times higher than the budget revenues from this industry.
“Now this amounts to 9 rubles per 1 ruble of income to the budget system from the automobile industry. This is with recycling fee, but without recycling fee“5 rubles of state support,” he said.
Kozak explained that these figures should make one think about the conditions under which state support measures should be provided to the auto industry, adding that the vast majority of business sectors do not receive any support from the state at all.
Disputes with the government: car companies are unhappy
In 2018, disputes between auto companies and the government over the terms of further work in the market intensified. The reason was the expiring terms of the agreement on industrial assembly, which gave auto companies that invested in the localization of production a tangible set of benefits, including tax ones. This situation primarily means that manufacturers, in conditions of uncertainty, can postpone the launch of new models, which, by the way, was threatened by Renault. In addition, it is more difficult for companies to predict their pricing policy . On this moment
The government, represented by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Energy, has still not been able to develop a unified strategy.
Until recently, departments offered different tools to replace the expiring decree on industrial assembly No. 166. Thus, the Ministry of Industry and Trade actively lobbied for the signing of individual special investment contracts (SPICs) between the government and auto companies. The document provides for a certain set of benefits, which is determined separately with each signatory depending on the size of investments, including in R&D and export development. This tool has been repeatedly criticized by auto company executives for its lack of transparency and too stringent requirements for further investment.
The Ministry of Energy, in turn, opposed it for a long time and insisted that only those who produce high-tech products, which do not include cars, will be able to work under SPICs. The FAS also joined the negotiations with the position that companies should not form alliances and consortia, that is, they should not unite to sign SPICs. At the same time, the Ministry of Industry and Trade began to promote precisely this idea of combining brands to obtain a synergistic effect many years ago. IN Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak had to intervene, who created a special working group, invited representatives of all auto companies to it and also expressed a number of his own ideas. But this did not calm the situation - auto brands complained about newcomers, including Chinese companies
who, from scratch, could count on government support and a reluctance to invest too much in R&D and export organization.
Currently, according to Autonews.ru sources taking part in the negotiations, the advantage is on the side of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and a number of auto companies are already preparing to sign SPICs in the new year. And this means new investments, projects and models, the emergence of which can revive the Russian car market.
New models: there will be many premieres in 2019 Despite the careful forecasts from automakers, most of them are preparing many new products for Russia. For example, Volvo Autonews.ru said that they would bring a new Volvo S60 and Volvo V60 Cross Country . Suzuki will launch updated SUV Vitara and new compact SUV
Jimny. Skoda in next year will bring the updated Superb and the Karoq crossover to Russia; in 2019, Volkswagen will begin Russian sales of the Arteon liftback, as well as new modifications of the Polo and Tiguan. AvtoVAZ will roll out Lada Vesta
Sport, Granta Cross and promises several more new products. On Chinese market mid-size urban FAW crossover The Besturn X80 began selling back in 2013, almost immediately after its world debut at the Shanghai Motor Show. It was supposed to reach Russia just a year later, but due to a change in the manufacturer’s plans, it appeared only recently. Initially a “new” model of the oldest car company China FAW was offered in our country in one and only Comfort configuration , and today it is presented in two trim levels with at different levels
equipment - not poor at all, by the way. Read about what this crossover has in its “arsenal” and why it is interesting in general in our review!
The SUV from the Middle Kingdom vaguely resembles the first-generation Japanese Infiniti FX and looks, as it should, very Asian. In front, it has original lensed headlights with LED running lights, a radiator grille with chrome slats and a branded emblem in the center, round fog lights, a hood with longitudinal ribs and a windshield slightly rolled back. On the side there are impressive doors, large exterior mirrors with electric drive and turn signals, 17-inch alloy wheels and not very expressive body lines. On the sloping roof there are silver metal roof rails, an electric sunroof and an additional brake light in the rear spoiler. 
At the “stern” you can see nice red lights, a bumper with non-standard geometry and two pipes exhaust system and also a wide lid luggage compartment, behind which there is 398 liters. cargo space. The volume is modest, but it is enough to transport two or three rather large suitcases. Inside the trunk there is a full-size spare wheel mounted on an alloy wheel and a 12-volt socket. A lot of chrome is used on the exterior, but a sense of proportion is definitely present. The car does not seem pseudo-pretentious; it looks good even against a much more expensive cars and fits harmoniously into the modern urban landscape.
Design
The foundation for the Besturn X80 is an improved design from the first generation Mazda 6, which indicates good handling. In front of her is independent suspension with a double wishbone and a multi-link at the rear. The brakes are disc, and the drive is exclusively front-wheel drive, which is quite typical for a car that is positioned by the Chinese manufacturer as an urban crossover.
Adaptation to Russian conditions
The Besturn X80 is assembled for the Russian market at the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad. The model is available with a gasoline “four”, unpretentious in terms of fuel quality, and 190 mm ground clearance - it is more than enough for normal everyday driving. But such a car is not suitable for off-road, since all-wheel drive no and not expected. To prevent the driver and passengers from freezing in winter, the car has heated front seats. Heated steering wheel and windshield, alas, is missing. Dual-zone climate control is available only in the top-end Luxury trim level, while other versions have simple air conditioning.
Comfort
In terms of build quality and finishing materials, the Besturn X80 interior does not match the interiors of its famous “classmates”, but can seriously compete with the interiors of a number of European and South Korean state employees. The gaps here are even, there is no more hard plastic than soft, and the plastic steering wheel is covered with high-quality leatherette. The steering wheel is adjustable in both height and reach, has a comfortable grip and is equipped with buttons for adjusting the sound of the audio system. The original dashboard is made in the form of two analog “wells” with a speedometer and tachometer. In the middle there is a console, “overloaded” with various mechanical controls. Like many other Asian models, the instrument lighting is blue, “not for everyone.” A small on-board computer display is located in a recess at the top of the center console. 
Pleasantly surprised by the spaciousness back row seats and the absence of a phenolic smell, which buyers of mid-budget “Chinese” cars usually complain about. The front part of the cabin doesn’t feel cramped either, only the seating position is slightly disappointing - on a long trip you are guaranteed to have an aching back. The seats themselves are not bad, with soft headrests, a wide range of adjustments and fairly high-quality upholstery - fabric or leather, depending on the configuration. “Registered” on the center console air conditioning system and a radio with an archaic scattering of buttons. Underneath there is a place where you can put your smartphone, and there are also AUX/USB inputs, a 12-volt outlet and a cigarette lighter. Between the front seats there is a box armrest with two cup holders. The power window control buttons are located on driver's door, all window regulators have auto mode. The mirrors in the visors are illuminated.
In the Chinese C-NCAP crash tests, the Besturn X80 earned the highest safety rating - 5 points out of 5. And all thanks to the reinforced body, whose parts are fastened at key points using laser welding, as well as due to a set of front and side airbags, rear sensors parking, cruise control, tire pressure sensor and a set of electronic assistants, including:
A full-fledged multimedia complex with touch display not even the top version - all trim levels have an ordinary CD/MP3 radio with AM/FM radio, AUX line input and a USB connector for connection mobile devices. 6 speakers, but not yet available in Russia basic version Standard there are only 4 of them. The sound of the radio is “four”.
Fav Besturn X80 Technical characteristics
Under the hood is a two-liter 4-cylinder naturally aspirated ET3 own development FAW, based on Mazda engine LF-DE. The engine produces 142 hp. at 6500 rpm. and 184 Nm at 4000 rpm, corresponds to environmental standard Euro-4 and calmly treats 92 gasoline. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Japanese brand Aisin Seiki F21 2nd generation, or manual transmission gears with the same number of steps (manual transmission - Standard version). According to the manufacturer's statement, average consumption fuel is 8.2 liters. for 100 kilometers, however real consumption may be higher.
| Characteristic | 2.0MT | 2.0 AT | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine's type: | Petrol | Petrol | |||
| Engine capacity: | 1999 | 1999 | |||
| Power: | 142 hp | 142 hp | |||
| Acceleration to 100 km/h: | With | With | |||
| Maximum speed: | 185 km/h | 180 km/h | |||
| Consumption in the urban cycle: | /100km | /100km | |||
| Extra-urban consumption: | /100km | /100km | |||
| Consumption in mixed cycle: | 8.2/100km | 8.6/100km | |||
| Volume fuel tank: | 64 l | 64 l | |||
| Length: | 4620 mm | 4620 mm | |||
| Width: | 1820 mm | 1820 mm | |||
| Height: | 1695 mm | 1695 mm | |||
| Wheelbase: | 2675 mm | 2675 mm | |||
| Clearance: | 190 mm | 190 mm | |||
| Weight: | 1990 kg | 2035 kg | |||
| Trunk volume: | 398 l | 398 l | |||
| Transmission: | 6-speed manual | 6-speed automatic | |||
| Drive unit: | Front | Front | |||
| Front suspension: | Independent multi-link suspension with stabilizer lateral stability | ||||
| Rear suspension: | Independent multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar | Independent multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar | |||
| Front brakes: | Disk | Disk | |||
| Rear brakes: | Disk | Disk | |||
| Production: | Kaliningrad | ||||
Dimensions Faw Besturn X80
- length - 4.620 m;
- width - 1.820 m;
- height - 1.695 m;
- wheelbase - 2.7 m;
- ground clearance - 190 mm;
- trunk volume - 398 l.
New FAW Besturn B50 2016-2017 - photo, price and configuration, technical specifications of the 2nd generation Chinese sedan. The FAV Besturn B50 sedan is built on the new M2 platform, has a stylish and attractive appearance from Italian designers, received a modern interior with advanced equipment, a lot electronic systems safety, as well as a new petrol 1.4-liter turbo engine in the company exclusively with 6 Automatic transmission Aisin. Sales of new FAW sedan Besturn B50 in China will start on August 1, 2016 at a price from 77,800 yuan for the basic configuration of the new product with a 1.6-liter engine to 113,800 yuan for the most saturated sedan configuration, equipped with a 136-horsepower 1.4 Turbo engine performed by FAW Besturn B50 RS (778- 1138 thousand rubles). Chinese novelty The new generation FAV Besturn B50 sedan will appear in Russia closer to the summer of 2017.
Official premiere of FAW Besturn B50 2017 model year took place in China on July 15, 2016, where representatives of First Automobile Works (FAW) spoke in detail about the advantages of the new product.
The 2nd generation of the FAV Besturn B50 sedan is based on the new M2 platform with a completely independent suspension design (essentially a modernized predecessor trolley with an increased wheelbase), which improves the car's handling and passenger comfort.
Under the hood there is one of two petrol four-cylinder engines (the first naturally aspirated 1.6 was received from the new previous generation models, the second is the new turbocharged 1.4-liter from Volkswagen Bora).
Guarding the safety of Bosch systems (ABS and EBD, TCS and VDC, HBA and HCC).
Body design from Italian craftsmen, interior with modern equipment Specialists from the German Volkswagen helped make it.
Italian designers awarded the new Chinese four-door sedan with a stylish and attractive appearance. Wherein new model available in two versions: the strict FAW Besturn B50 and the dynamic FAW Besturn B50 RS (pictured above) with an original false radiator grille, decorated with a red ribbon, sporty alloys rims, darkened front optics and rear marker lights, a spoiler on the trunk lid.
However, even the usual FAV Besturn B50 without the RS prefix looks cool: a distinctive hood topography, narrowed headlights with neat corners, merging into the front fenders, a strict false radiator grille, a solid bumper with pronounced aerodynamic elements, large rear-view mirrors, splashes above the wheel arches and a charismatic edge at the level of the door handles, powerfully emerging on the front wings, gradually fading at the border of the doors of the first and second rows and with new strength reborn at the back of the sedan. We will also add a domed roof, a high side glazing window sill, large doors and a massive back car.
The rear of the new Chinese sedan looks excellent, as if it came from an Italian model: a huge vertical part of the trunk lid, stylish LED marker lights, a neat and compact bumper.
External dimensions The 2016-2017 FAW Besturn B50 bodies are 4695 mm long, 1795 mm wide, 1460 mm high, with a 2725 mm wheelbase and 160 mm ground clearance.
With the standard installation of 205/60R16 tires, the front and rear wheels are 1560 mm.
It is interesting that the Chinese manufacturer, when creating a new generation of the Besturn B50 model, tried to preserve the familiar features and proportions of the body of its predecessor, giving them a more refined and modern look. At the same time, the appearance of the new product demonstrates a family resemblance to the junior sedan of the Chinese manufacturer FAW Besturn B30.
The interior design of the sedan is only vaguely reminiscent of the interior of the previous generation model. Only familiar ones available steering wheel, and all other parts, from the front panel and center console to the seats and door panels, are new.
So we visually see an informative instrument panel with a large on-board computer screen, a massive front panel with visors above that organically fits into the interior dashboard and a multimedia system screen, a wide center console with intuitive multimedia and air conditioning control units, a solid tunnel between the front seats with comfortable cup holders, well-profiled driver’s seats and front passengers with a long cushion and excellent side support bolsters.
For second-row passengers, there is a new comfortable seat with a split-folding backrest and ample legroom.
The trunk of the new sedan can accommodate a minimum of 435 liters of cargo volume, with a backrest if necessary rear seat folds down to provide greater volume and length of luggage compartment.
As standard and additional equipment The new FAW Besturn B50 offers a multifunction steering wheel, multimedia system with a 7-inch color screen (music, telephone, rear view camera), air conditioning, electric front seats, side windows, heated exterior mirrors and sunroof, central locking with remote control and factory anti-theft system, parking sensors, fabric or leather seat upholstery.
Technical characteristics of the new FAW Besturn B50 2016-2017: The sedan has independent suspension with double wishbones at the front and a multi-link at the rear, electromechanical power steering, all-wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD are already standard and TCS systems, VDC, HBA and HCC available in more advanced configurations.
The base 1.6-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine (109 hp (80 kW) 155 Nm) paired with 5 manual transmissions (6 automatic transmissions) provides a maximum speed of 186 (182) mph. The curb weight of the body of these versions is 1365 kg and 1390 kg, respectively.
The second engine is also gasoline, but a turbocharged 1.4-liter (136 hp (100 kW) 220 Nm), is equipped with only 6 automatic transmissions and is capable of accelerating the sedan to a maximum speed of 195 mph. The manufacturer promises modest fuel consumption turbocharged engine paired with automatic transmission at the level of 6.1-6.3 liters in the combined driving mode of a sedan with a body weight of 1432 kg.
New FAW Besturn B50 2016-2017 - photo, price and configuration, technical characteristics of the 2nd generation of the Chinese sedan. The FAV Besturn B50 sedan is built on the new M2 platform, acquired a stylish and attractive appearance from Italian designers, received a modern interior with advanced equipment, a lot of electronic security systems, as well as a new gasoline 1.4-liter turbo engine in combination exclusively with 6 Aisin automatic transmissions. Sales of the new FAW Besturn B50 sedan in China will start on August 1, 2016. price from 77,800 yuan for the basic configuration of the new product with a 1.6-liter engine to 113,800 yuan for the most saturated configuration of the sedan, equipped with a 136-horsepower 1.4 Turbo engine in the FAW Besturn B50 RS (778-1,138 thousand rubles). The new Chinese FAV Besturn B50 sedan of the new generation will appear in Russia closer to the summer of 2017.
The official premiere of the FAW Besturn B50 of the 2017 model year took place in the Middle Kingdom on July 15, 2016, at which representatives of the First Automobile Works (FAW) company spoke in detail about the advantages of the new product.
- The 2nd generation of the FAV Besturn B50 sedan is based on the new M2 platform with a completely independent suspension design (essentially a modernized trolley with an increased wheelbase), which improves the vehicle's handling and passenger comfort.
- Under the hood there is one of two petrol four-cylinder engines (the first naturally-aspirated 1.6 - new items from the previous generation of the model, the second a new turbocharged 1.4-liter from the Volkswagen Bora).
- Guarding the safety of Bosch systems (ABS and EBD, TCS and VDC, HBA and HCC).
- The body design was made by Italian craftsmen, and the interior with modern equipment was helped by specialists from the German Volkswagen.
Italian designers awarded the new Chinese four-door sedan with a stylish and attractive appearance. At the same time, the new model is available in two versions: the strict FAW Besturn B50 and the dynamic FAW Besturn B50 RS (pictured above) with an original false radiator grille decorated with a red ribbon, sports alloy wheels, darkened front optics and rear marker lights, a spoiler on the trunk lid .
However, even the usual FAV Besturn B50 without the RS prefix looks cool: a distinctive hood topography, narrowed headlights with neat corners that flow into the front fenders, a strict false radiator grille, a solid bumper with pronounced aerodynamic elements, large rear-view mirrors, splashes above the wheel arches and a charismatic rib at the level of the door handles, powerfully emerging on the front fenders, gradually fading at the border of the doors of the first and second rows and reborn with renewed vigor at the rear of the sedan. We also add a domed roof, a high side window sill, large doors and a massive rear end of the car.
The rear of the new Chinese sedan looks excellent, as if it came from an Italian model: a huge vertical part of the trunk lid, stylish LED marker lights, a neat and compact bumper.
- The external dimensions of the FAW Besturn B50 2016-2017 body are 4695 mm in length, 1795 mm in width, 1460 mm in height, with a 2725 mm wheelbase and 160 mm ground clearance.
- With the standard installation of 205/60R16 tires, the front and rear wheel tracks are 1560 mm.
Interestingly, when creating the new generation of the Besturn B50 model, the Chinese manufacturer tried to preserve the familiar features and proportions of the predecessor’s body, giving them a more sophisticated and modern look. At the same time, the appearance of the new product demonstrates a family resemblance to the junior sedan of the Chinese manufacturer.
The interior design of the sedan is only vaguely reminiscent of the interior of the previous generation model. Only the familiar steering wheel is available, and all other parts, from the front panel and center console to the seats and door panels, are new.
So we visually see an informative instrument panel with a large on-board computer screen, a massive front panel that organically fits into the interior with visors above the instrument panel and a multimedia system screen, a wide center console with intuitive multimedia and air conditioning control units, a solid tunnel between the front seats with comfortable cup holders , well-profiled driver and front passenger seats with a long cushion and excellent lateral support bolsters.
For second-row passengers, there is a new comfortable seat with a split-folding backrest and ample legroom.
The trunk of the new sedan can accommodate a minimum of 435 liters of cargo volume; if necessary, the rear seat backrest folds down and provides a larger volume and length of the luggage compartment.
As standard and optional equipment for the new FAW Besturn B50, a multifunctional steering wheel, a multimedia system with a 7-inch color screen (music, telephone, rear view camera), air conditioning, electric front seats, side windows, heated exterior mirrors and sunroof are offered. central locking with remote control and factory anti-theft system, parking sensors, fabric or leather seat upholstery. 
Specifications new FAW Besturn B50 2016-2017: independent sedan suspension with double wishbones at the front and multi-link at the rear, electromechanical power steering, all-wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD already in the base and TCS, VDC, HBA and HCC systems available in more saturated trim levels.
- The base 1.6-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine (109 hp (80 kW) 155 Nm) paired with 5 manual transmissions (6 automatic transmissions) provides a maximum speed of 186 (182) mph. The curb weight of the body of these versions is 1365 kg and 1390 kg, respectively.
- The second engine is also gasoline, but a turbocharged 1.4-liter (136 hp (100 kW) 220 Nm), is equipped with only 6 automatic transmissions and is capable of accelerating the sedan to a maximum speed of 195 mph. The manufacturer promises modest fuel consumption of a turbocharged engine paired with an automatic transmission at the level of 6.1-6.3 liters in the combined driving mode of a sedan with a body weight of 1432 kg.
The new Faw Besturn B50 in its second incarnation appeared in 2016, in mid-spring. The main representative platform was the annual exhibition of new auto products held in Beijing. In general, without going into details now, the car has become much larger, larger, and has a rather nice design.
In addition, according to the manufacturer, an expanded list has been provided for the second generation power units. The engines have been significantly modernized, so the problems encountered with the previous generation in terms of gas distribution mechanisms can be avoided.
The question of minor faults, which were the “diseases” of the first incarnation. We tried to bring the car as close as possible to the standards accepted in the world. Regarding opinions about the Faw Besturn B50, you can look at the reviews at the end of the article, photos will be inserted, and there you will also find a description of the B50 review with a video.
In terms of external indicators, Fav Besturn b appears in a positive image, quite attractive style, visually, most importantly, he is handsome. Perhaps this is the key to the work of foreign developers, because looking closely at the contours it is difficult not to notice the uniform texture between our model and the 2016 Focus. Almost one to one, with the exception of some moments related to the design of the “front”, but in general outline, everything is in a fairly identical form.
With photographs of the Faw Besturn B50, you notice that in the front part there is a kind of “pompousness”, a really voluminous figure, interesting differences in the contours of the bumper and hood. If, in general, you look closely at the image, it is easy to understand that in the front part, in terms of design, the designers did their best.
Here we see a completely different “span” under the radiator grille, with its own corporate style and emblem. In my opinion, more chrome would have had a much better effect, the car would have stood out right away. In terms of optics, nothing definite can be said; in fact, even in the filling one can feel a connection with Ford. I liked the bumper; it’s a slightly non-standard solution in terms of the formation of wedge-shaped corners under the foglights. It looks pretty nice, without any wrangling.
To everyone’s surprise, in the silhouette we can notice unique stains on the doors and wings. For example, the front right fender of the Faw Besturn B50 has a certain molding with a bulge. We see the same thing on the other side and in the back, above the door handles. In general, the side part has been much more thought out in terms of aesthetics; there are classic wheel arches without ridiculous “bulges”.
The food was disappointing, but honestly, it’s impossible to find any unique piece here.
The rear part is simply copied from the Focus with the slightest detail. The designers didn’t even bother to somehow correct the style of the optics, okay, the filling was left from the donor, but the external shapes could have been corrected. Unfortunately, this has not been done, so it’s unlikely to attract anyone with a twist.
Interior
To everyone's surprise, I want to say that in terms of design salon Faw Besturn has made a significant leap in the second generation B50. The only recognizable details from the Focus are present here in the speedometer panel, and nowhere else. However, there is a nuance: the quality of the materials, although not completely disgusting, is still far from European analogues. There are even some decorative inserts, but without any hint of quality. But judging by the equipment, this model is quite capable of providing healthy competition to many European analogues.
The instrument panel, as already mentioned, was the only element that was borrowed from the Focus. Quite decent equipment, even steering column equipped with an impressive range of options.
So, regarding the dashboard, first of all it is worth mentioning the huge built-in monitor, fenced on the sides by two deflectors. A completely readable scoreboard, even in the glare of the sun. Below it there is a corresponding block for controlling the multimedia system, as well as a climate control panel.
Both blocks are visually connected and are placed, as if in a clearing, fenced by two vertical ribs. There was even a small pocket “prescribed” at the bottom of this compartment. As such, the central tunnel is present only in the number of pockets, the gear knob, in a sporty style and huge by the standards passenger car armrest.
The seats do not shine with comfort; the picture here is not at all clear. If the equipment and materials are quite decent, then the seats have been launched. The profile of even the front seats is not thought out at all, the seating position is not comfortable, in this case, the best solution there would be the installation of seats from a donor, the same Focus. The back is a very sad story; the sofa can accommodate three passengers, but its pillow has an unusual shape, which makes long trips It's getting uncomfortable.
Technical data
Faw Besturn B50 technical specifications have remained virtually unchanged in terms of platform and suspension, but have undergone significant modernization power block. The “trolley” was borrowed from the Focus, as expected, all the “sores” of the “trolley” were preserved, however, the car feels normal on the road.
It’s surprising that the company denies the presence of a platform from an American, claiming that the design was copied from the previous generation Mazda 6. Surprisingly, even for brake system were able to provide several basic electronic gadgets that can significantly improve operating comfort.
For steering in this regard, even as an option, they do not guarantee the possibility of equipping with assistants. One thing that will please the owners is a modernized electric amplifier with memory.
The power part is represented by two units, which were mostly inherited from its predecessor, but according to the manufacturer, they received a lot of updates and improvements.
The initial engine is 1.6 liters. capable of producing a force equal to 109 “horses”, the second unit is 1.4 liters. whose turbo capabilities are noticeably higher, its power is equal to 136 “horses”. Many reviews of the Faw Besturn b50 indicate that for the initial b50 engine, replacing the timing belt will be required at 55 thousand and this must be done before it breaks.
Because the design of the motor is such that the belt, breaking, bends the valve. In this case, repairs will be required, and spare parts for the Faw Besturn B50 are rare. By the way, the so-called tuning engine, that is, turbo, got rid of these problems; it is a pity, of course, that they did not provide a similar design for the base unit.
Options and prices
Fav besturn models b50 price within budget segment. In the initial modification, they tried to provide a more progressive set of equipment in order to fairly compete with the main analogues in the domestic market. We have our own Ladas, as well as several manufacturers from China.
The price segment is quite similar, including in terms of equipment and quality of finishing, design, and technical features. And so, the basic equipment includes ABS, full interior electrics, power steering, fog lights, multi-function steering wheel.
The cost of the “base” is within 450,000 rubles, as for the maximum configuration, the price increases, in addition there is a cruise, electric seat adjustment, leather interior. For Faw Besturn B50, the price, taking into account new equipment, increases to 500,000 rubles.
