China Car Times

The Chinese motoring giants were all talking about hitting the higher segments of the market a few months ago, but it seems their actions are actually taking them to the lowest end of the market, we’re not talking 50,000rmb cars, we’re talking 20,000rmb and starting kind of motors. In the current climate, 20,000rmb is $2694USD (roughly), what kind of brand new car can you get for $2694USD?

If you want to know, continue reading.

BYD F1
The BYD F1 has been talked about quite a bit on China Car Times, probably because of its low price and good looks. Some CCT commentors say the low price is thanks to Toyota doing all of the research and development for the car, and BYD just helping themselves to it.

One CCT visitor to the Guangzhou Auto Show, Woxihuanpijiu, noted that the F1’s exterior quality looked okay, but with the car locked up he was unable to have a good feel of the interior. He also said the rear brake was ‘on funny’. The F1 is expected to start at 23,000rmb, and pack a tiny VVT engine under the hood.

Geely AOO

 The Geely AOO went down faster than the Titanic when it was first shown on CCT, it seems its overly cartoony front end, and its shared BYD F1 rear (ultimately, they all seem to be Toyota Aygo based). Geely are expecting to use one of their exiistng 3 cylinder engines, probably from the Mei Ri, which also happens to be a dirt cheap car based off an old Daihatsu Charade.

Chery QQ2

The original QQ was cheap as chips, but Chery dont seem to be happy with the original price, an 800cc QQ was slightly over 28,000rmb, but the new QQ2 is set to tread even lower. The QQ2 actually looks like a decent car, sure its devoid of creature comforts but all of these cars are bargain bin cars anyway, they are practically disposable at this price. You can view all of the QQ2 pictures here.

JAC mini car

JAC also seem to be following the Toyota Aygo route that has been trodden on by Geely and BYD, why do Chinese makers love this car so much? JAC reportedly have the Citroen C1 undergoing testing around their base for a future mini car, which will also start at the 20,000rmb price bench mark.

Lifan

Whats that again? Another Aygo like car! We can hear you scream, we’re screaming too. Lifan told us that they are planning on making this car pretty soon, perhaps as early as next year, and complete with a 1.3 CVVT motor. Lifan are allegedly scurrying away creating all manner of vehicles to increase their market presence, both abroad and domestically.

 Great Wall Perry

At last, an original design! we hear you cry, except, Fiat say its a clone of their Fiat Panda, Great Wall told Fiat to get stuffed, and then went on to get ready to go on the market anyway. The Perry is expected to start at the higher end of the 20,000rmb spectrum, rising to no more than 50,000 depending on the motor supplied

What 20,000rmb motor would you choose?