Fiat Freemont

A highlight of Sino-Italian joint venture Guangqi Fiat's exhibition at the Shanghai auto show, the Freemont SUV comes in two engine options - a 2.4-liter double VVT or a 3.6-liter V6. It is equipped with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

The 2.4-liter version features front-wheel drive. It produces maximum power of 125kW/6,000rpm and offers peak torque of 220Nm/4,500 rpm. It comes with Fiat's U-Connect navigation system. The 3.6-liter version is all-wheel drive and boasts peak power of 206kW/350rpm and maximum torque of 342Nm/4,350rpm. Its comprehensive fuel consumption is 11.3L/100km.

The Freemont is 4,910 mm long, 1,878 mm wide and 1,691 mm high. Its wheelbase is 2,890 mm. The model comes in five-seat and seven-seat versions. It retails for between 294,800 and 375,800 yuan.

Trumpchi GA3

The compact model made by Guangzhou Automobile Group Co made its global debut at the Shanghai auto show this month and is expected to hit the market in July this year.

According to the company, the car will have several engine options, including a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine and a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine. The turbocharged engine will be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Trumpchi is a wholly owned brand of Guangzhou Automobile Group, which also operates joint ventures with Honda, Toyota and Fiat. Currently the brand has two models - the GA5 sedan and GS5 SUV - in the market. Last year, sales of the Trumpchi totaled 33,000 units.

All-new Volvo V40

The new premium hatchback was launched in the middle of this month, shortly before the Shanghai auto show. It is priced at between 239,900 yuan and 325,900 yuan.

The model features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with maximum power of 213 hp and a six-speed automatic transmission.

The car is 4,369 mm long, 1,802 mm wide and 1,445 mm high, and it has a 2,647 mm wheelbase. It is going head to head with the BMW 1 Series, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3 for dominance in its market segment.

The company said that the car was an immediate hit after it went on sale in Europe last year, and it is expected to be equally well received in China.

(China Daily 04/29/2013 page6)