09′ Shanghai auto show: Special, expected!
The Shanghai Auto Show is practically upon us, but whats worth seeing in these economically tight times? Will the manufacturers give us some interesting models to look at, or will they try to save their cash on models, or do away with eye candy altogether?
We’re not quite sure how far VW plan to push the Passat in China, they have approximately 500* over sedan models to push in the China market. The ‘new’ Passat will continue to use the 1.8T engine as used in countless other VAG sedans.
The VW Golf will skip a few generations and launch in China with the 6th Gen. The Golf has been pushed from line to line in China and never actually quite found its footing in the market, it did find itself being sold as a Bora hatchback at one point. The 6th Generation Golf may find itself in a market where the consumers are now more open towards hatchback models, and should find itself ahead of the aging competition.
MG6
Quite possibly the most anticipated car of the show, and the car with the most secrecy about it. Possibly coming in both hatchback and sedan form in April to give the crowds a double whammy. SAIC are hardly known for their skills at keeping a car secret, but they’ve done extremely well at keeping the MG6 under wraps. Only one MG6 photo has made it to the net so far, but the naysayers say its a fake. Autoexpress ran with computer generated pictures of an MG6 hatchback, but until we see it in the flesh, the MG6 is still a mystery.
Skoda Superb
The Skoda brand was introduced into China rather late, but that has not stopped it or slowed it down any way shape or form. The Skoda brand has gone from strength to strength, and should continue with the soon to be launched Skoda Superb.
The Dongfeng Feng Shen is Dongfengs first proper attempt at making their own car, except it was designed by the same people who designed FAW’s Besturn, as you can see, the two could pass as twins.
The BYD M6, like the MG6, is also shrouded in mystery. The M6 is expected to look a lot like the Toyota Previa (BYD has ‘taken’ many styling hints from Toyota over the past few years) but is not expected to go for Toyota Previa money, but rather a more practical 50,000rmb and rising. The M6 is also expected to come with an electric powertrain that will do over 400km on a single charge.
There are other cars being launched at the Shanghai Show, but the above are the ones that seem to be of real importance. The Besturn B50, and the domestically made Toyota RAV4 will be displaying their wares at the show. The Porsche Panarama is also expected to launch in Shanghai.
source: chinacartimes
