A preview of 10 economical car models at Beijing auto show

Shanghai, April 16 (Gasgoo.com) Along with numerous SUVs and concept cars, a dazzling variety of new economical vehicle models will be swarming the 2008 Beijing auto show this month. Here we'll present you ten popular economical models that will likely come into your life someday in future.

1. Guangzhou Toyota Yaris -- roomier and safer
Yaris is the strategic model for Guangzhou Toyota to foray into the economical vehicle segment. As the design of Yaris is based on the VITZ model, Yaris is also called the second-generation VITZ. With a longer wheelbase, Yaris is more spacious than its predecessor. The new Yaris model also meets the five-star European NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) safety standards.

Toyota Yaris

2. Guangzhou Honda Fit/Jazz -- maneuverability and comfort
The all-new Fit, known as Jazz in Europe, will make its China debut at the Beijing auto show. Honda's second-generation Jazz gets a bigger package and broader vision than the old Fit model. The new Honda Jazz will be coming in 1.3L and 1.5L engines to achieve energy-efficiency and can deliver better safety, control and comfort.

Honda Fit/Jazz

3.  Shanghai GM Chevrolet Aveo -- eco-friendly and energy-efficiency
As a new-comer to the economical car market, Chevrolet Aveo made by Shanghai GM has borrowed some features from Chevrolet Epica. Though its wheelbase is the same, the new Aveo model has become longer than larger than its predecessor to meet the trendy and aesthetic needs of the young people. Aveo is available in 1.4 and 1.6-liter engine options of the previous generation and the new 1.2L engine with 64kw max.

4. Dongfeng Citroen Elysee -- updated and trendy
The Citroen Elysee is a compact sedan made for the Chinese market by the Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroen Auto, The 08 model, to be launched at the Beijing show, has fused the new look, sophisticated technology, and higher quality. The 1.6L/16V engine and the chassis have been fine-tuned for energy efficiency and better maneuverability. The interior is also upgraded.

Citroen Elysee

5. Geely Panda -- driven by an engine of high performance and low emissions
Beijing Geely will unveil a new mini-car dubbed Panda at the Beijing Auto Show. The Panda to be priced between 30,000 yuan ($4.285) and 50,000 yuan will compete with the popular Chery QQ. The Panda will be driven by Geely's self-developed CVVT 1-liter engine of high performance and low emissions and the model offers two-door and four-door options. the Panda is designed to resemble its namesake, with a cartoonish face highlighted by two oval-shaped headlamps and an oversize grille opening.

6. BYD F1 -- growingly exquisite workmanship
BYD F1 is dubbed the 'Chinese MINI' and the cheapest Chinese-made car. Some people think the cool car BYD F1 resembles - but looks way better than - the Toyota Aygo. The BYD F1, a model developed by the Chinese carmaker as its general manager claimed, is equipped with the BYD371QA high-performance eco-friendly engine which has a max torque of 90nm and uses 4.2L of fuel per 100km.

BYD F1

7. Changan Suzuki Splash -- cheap and cool
The Suzuki Splash is a model intended for the small sedan segment along with the Honda Fit/Jazz and the Toyota Vitz. The 3.8m long Splash, on a 2.4m (or shorter) wheelbase, will hit the Chinese market soon in 1.0L, 1.2L and 1.3L options, at a price of about 50,000 yuan ($7,143). It will be locally made by Suzuki's Chinese partner Changan Suzuki later this year.

Suzuki Splash

8. Mitsubishi Colt Plus -- European style, global design
More than merely an extended hatchback, the Mitsubishi Colt Plus proves to be quite a different economical vehicle, with the European style and global design. The Colt Plus model for the Chinese market will be built this year by Southeast Motor, Mitsubishi's partner in China, will be powered by the 4A90 and 4A91 engines，capable of 68Kw/6000rpm and 124Nm/4000rpm respectively.

Mitsubishi Colt Plus 

9. Southeast V3 -- trendy, state-of-the-art
Southeast Motor new sedan model codenamed V3 is designed with the smooth auto body line and the full arc, portraying a trendy appearance of futuristic concept. The Southeast V3 model will be equipped with the 4G15 engine. It is expected to be available in China later this year for no more than 60,000 yuan ($8,571).

10.  SAIC-GM-Wuling N300 -- filling a gap in the 4-m (or so) mini van market
SAIC-GM-Wuling Auto is developing a van model much bigger than its current mini vans. Trial production of the model, codenamed N300, will start in the company's Qingdao plant in June. The car is a 4m-long seven-seat van carrying 1.2 liter gasoline engine capable of 52.2kW max. The car is based on the platform of the Hongtu mini van but is longer and wider than the Hongtu.