At the recently held Shanghai Auto Show, Chinese auto giant FAW (First Automobile Works) announced to rebrand its passenger cars as Bestune.
According to Dong Wanfu, Deputy Car Sales for the FAW Group, this is being done because the quality and design of the new and upcoming Bestune models, is far superior to the previous models that we launched under the FAW brand. The Bestune brand will portray an upscale impression and will host better cars under its umbrella than what FAW is currently known for.
Related: FAW to be Rebranded as Bestune
After the stunning Bestune T77 SUV, which is making wave in the Chinese as well as Middle-Eastern market, the next in line will be the T33 SUV which is apparently a facelift version of the X40 SUV. The FAW X40 compact SUV was launched in the Chinese market in 2017. In its first year of sales, FAW sold 70,501 units of the X40. However in 2018, sales were reduced to 56,440 units and by the end of April 2019 its demand fell by 65% to just 9,015 units due to stiff competition in the Chinese SUV market.
Now FAW hopes that the updated X40 will do better with T33 moniker under its new Bestune brand. As per the leaked images (below), in addition to the signature hexagonal grille with vertical raindrop pattern, the Bestune T33 receives slimmer and more aggressive headlamps and redesigned bumpers to make it more synergized with the bigger T77 SUV.
At the rear end, license plate holder has moved from bumper to the rear door. And because of the new body kit, the length has been increased by 20 mm to 4,330 mm. The taillights are now connected to each other with a chrome strip and the big FAW emblem is replaced by the BESTUNE lettering. Interior images are not available as of yet.
Related: FAW Exhibits 20 Models at Auto Shanghai 2019
The engine is likely to remain the same. The Bestune T33 will be offered with a 1.6 liter naturally aspirated petrol engine with 114 hp and 155 Nm. The motor is paired to a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Further details will be updated as and when available, stay tuned to CarSpiritPK.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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