FAW (First Automobile Works) has a huge array of vehicles sold under different sub-brands in China. Among these is the ‘Senya’ (also known as Xenia) range of vehicles targeted towards budget buyers comprising of small SUVs and MPVs.
In May 2016, FAW launched the R7 SUV in China placed under the Senya sub-brand. Thanks to its striking looks and affordable price tag the R7 has become one of the best sellers for FAW within a span of few months. Since its launch in May 2016, FAW has sold more than 49,000 units of R7 in China, averaging around 5,500 units a month.
FAWXenia R72016 | FAWXenia R72017 | |
January | 5,995 | |
February | ||
March | ||
April | ||
May | 3,931 | |
June | 4,987 | |
July | 4,275 | |
August | 4,778 | |
September | 7,920 | |
October | 3,963 | |
November | 7,535 | |
December | 5,667 |
Related: FAW and the Booming Crossover SUV Segment
The Senya R7 comes with a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder DOHC petrol engine with 109hp and 155nm, mated to a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox. Key features include Driver/ Passenger Airbags, ABS with EBD, ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation), ESP, Alloy Wheels, Tilt/ Slide Steering wheel adjustment, Roof rack, Trip computer display, Parking sensors, Daytime running lights, Headlight height adjustment, fog lamps, Engine start/ stop button, GPS Navigation, USB input etc. Price of Senya R7 in China starts from just 68,900 yuan (PKR 10.8 lac) up to 86,900 yuan (PKR 13.6 lac) for the fully loaded version.
Having seen good success in China, FAW might consider launching the SUV in overseas markets. By looking at the recent trend of crossover SUVs getting popular in our market, the FAW R7 can see good success here because of its price & features offered. Al-Haj FAW does have plans to expand their passenger vehicle lineup in Pakistan while the likes of R7 can give them a good presence in the booming SUV sector.
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