Top 10 imported cars at Beijing auto show

Shanghai, April 29 (Gasgoo.com) The following are the ten most popular imported new cars unveiled at the 2008 Beijing auto show (April 20-28).

1. The Passat CC: The sporty, 4-door Passat CC unifies the sedan and coupe elements in its design. Apart from the styling differences, the four-door coupe measures 4,799mm in length, 1,855mm in width, and 1,417mm in height, 30mm longer, 36mm wider and 52mm lower than the classic Passat. Inside, the Passat CC gets new sports seats, different instruments and control of the standard climate control system, new steering wheel designs and door trims. The Passat CC displayed at the Beijing show is a flagship model equipped with the 3.6L V6 FSI engine.

2. BMW 1: BMW 120i and BMW 130i are the first BMW 1 series vehicles displayed at the Beijing auto show. BMW 120i is available in two versions: 120i AT and 120i AT/MT, while BMW 130i is available only in 130i AT/MT versions. Both cars feature the Bi-VANOS technology. BMW 120i with a new four-cylinder engine achieves zero to 62mph in 7.7 seconds before going on to a top speed of 139mph, and BMW 130i equipped with light six-cylinder engine achieves zero to 62mph in 6.0 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

3. New Audi Q5: The new Audi Q5 crossover unveiled at the 2008 Beijing auto show features a crisp body design with a number of Audi styling cues, and has a more "car-like" stance and look than its main rivals, including BMW X3, Infiniti EX35, and Lexus RX350. The model will be available with three different engine variants after its launch, a 170bhp 2.0L turbo-diesel, a 240bhp 3.0L turbo-diesel and the company's 2.0L turbocharged FSI gas (petrol) unit, which generates 211 bhp.

4. Smart: The Smart car unveiled by Daimler AG at Beijing Auto Show will hit the Chinese market soon. With a body length of 2.5 meters and width of 1.5 meters, the Smart car features high safety and the roomy interior. But the price of $20,000 is considered a bit higher in China given its A-segment market orientation. Daimler sees China as a potential new market for its Smart vehicles and plans to start selling the Smart fortwo micro car in China in mid-2009.

5. SLK Roadster:  Mercedes-Benz also unveiled its the updated SLK roadster at the Beijing auto show. The great beauty of the model is its high performance and best comfort. The SLK cars will put on the Chinese market in May in three models: SLK200K, SLK280, SLK350. To enjoy the perfect mix of the cutting-edge technology and classic art in one car, you should get ready at least 600,000 yuan ($85,800) for the SLK roadster.

6. MINI Clubman: The MINI Clubman is a longer, roomier version of the much-admired classic. The stretched Clubman is 240mm longer than an average MINI model to reach 3,940mm, and the wheelbase is extended by 80mm. The new Clubman has two front passenger doors, a half door on the off-side and twin rear side hinged doors. The new Mini Clubman will come to China this year in two versions: Cooper Clubman Fun to sell at 329,500 yuan ($47,140) and the Mini Cooper Clubman Excitement at 369,500 yuan.

7. Fiat Bravo: It is a perfect blend of beauty and substance, creating a car of classic elegance yet futuristic design. Fiat Bravo is driven by a 1.4T T-Jet 150hp engine which generates the power of 2.0L engine. It's the most fashionable version of the Italian auto style that can fulfill the consumer's desire for every detail. The Bravo will be available to Chinese buyers in two versions: the leisure model priced at 203,800 yuan, and the sports version at 219,000 yuan.