The B50 is a popular sedan in Besturn’s lineup since its launch back in 2009. Besturn is FAW’s upscale brand targeted towards upper-middle class buyers in China, however the brand does reasonably well in export markets too.
The Besturn B50 is considered as one of the finest Chinese vehicles and FAW’s best-selling model since nearly a decade. The B50 was first unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2008 and went on sale on May 16, 2009. Developed in cooperation with Italdesign Giugiaro, the B50 underpins Mazda6 platform while powered by a VW sourced 1.6 liter engine. FAW has joint ventures with Mazda as well as Volkswagen so the technology acquired to develop the B50 was licensed.
Related: Video: All New 2016 FAW B50
In August 2016, FAW launched a totally redesigned B50 in two models, standard and sport. There are 3 engines available, distributed among 2 models. The standard B50 comes with a 1.6 liter 103hp or a 1.8 liter 139 hp engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The sport version called as the B50-RS is powered by a 1.4 liter turbocharged engine producing 136hp and 220n-m mated to a 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission.
The B50 is available from 81,800 yuan up to 117,800 yuan which converts into PKR 12.71 lac & PKR 18.3 lac respectively. The new B50 have sold more than 27,755 units in the first 6 months of its launch and like its predecessor, doing quite fine in terms of sales and maintaining its reputation as the best selling FAW vehicle in China.
The B50 does well in export markets too and have a decent fan-base in various countries. Features worth mentioning are Euro IV compliant engines, Alloy rims (standard on all trims), heated exterior mirrors, Sunroof (standard on all trims), ABS+EBD, Driver/ Passenger & Side Airbags, Mp3 player, Bluetooth connectivity, Reversing sensors, Rear Camera, Remote key, Central locking and Engine Immobilizer etc.
Related: B30 and A70- Two Similar Sedans By FAW
Al-Haj FAW is about to begin local production of the V2 hatchback, and as told by a FAW representative, the company is planning to launch more vehicles including sedans as well as SUV to enrich their portfolio here. It is always nice to see a company other than Honda, Toyota & Suzuki to offer quality products in our market and so far Al-Haj FAW is delivering good. With the likes of B30 & B50, if launched in our market, the company can claim itself to be a serious contender in the Japanese dominated automobile sector of Pakistan.
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
