Saab maybe an entry in the automotive history book but the brand sort of lives on in Beijing, when Beijing Auto bought the rights to the last generation 93 and 95 as well as the engines.

Although the C70G is based on Saab architecture it looks nothing like a Saab, its side has more of a BMW Bangle wrinkle to it whilst the front end has a hint of modern day Mercedes to it, not unusual considering Mercedes are a partner to Beijing auto

Three models of the C70G will launch in December, each will carry a 1.8T (134Kw/177bhp), 2.0T (150Kw/204bhp) or the flagship 2.3T (180Kw/250bhp!) all of which are mated to a 5 speed auto gear box. Pricing hasn’t yet been announced but we could see pricing start at around 180,000RMB and rise to 250k RMB.

A few years ago I met with a high up Beijing Auto executive and I asked him why it was taking so long to make a new Saab from the old Saab tech, he said that it was Beijing Auto and essentially the pride of the nation so they had to make something that looked outstanding. From these pictures, I think its safe to say that Beijing Auto have lived upto their own words, this car has the potential to become the new government car of choice which will likely leave civil servants all over the country asking “What’s a Hong Qi?”