Hafei Saibao V

While Auto China 2006 showcased an abundance of concept cars, in particular CUVs, one notable type of vehicle which wasn't being displayed much was the ever popular, small sedans for the Chinese market. The newly released Saibao V, a C-segment sedan was about the only noticeable vehicle in this segment - along with Suzuki SX4 sedan - to be displayed at the show, and this might be an indication of the rapidly changing landscape of the Chinese automotive culture, or that Chinese manufacturers were more intent on showing their ability in automotive styling at this years show.

Measuring at 4460mm x 1725mm x1460mm with a 2600mm wheelbase, at first glance the Saibao V design is somewhat reminiscent of the Mazda 3.

Overall, while the profile is adequate with clear display of solid, four-door silhouette, the stance is somewhat weak even though vehicle is standing on a 2600mm platform. The size of the wheels and the gaps between the tires and the wheelarches are the primary areas of the problem, but strong convex-volume wheelarch lips, visually shrink the size of the wheels further.

While the hexagonal main grille and 'kinked' headlamps is half-a-step outdated, they are well resolved and the rear detail, by following the overall theme of the front, is simple and effective.

While the presence of the C-segment at this show wasn't as evident comparing to the previous auto shows in China, the C-segment sedan will continue to be the main battle ground for domestic and foreign manufacturers alike.

Great Wall GWPeri

Great Wall Auto, a specialized SUV/CUV manufacturer, presented the compact CUV concept. With the flurry of CUVs on display at the show, Great Wall Auto, with three concept cars on display - Cool Bear, Florid, and GWPeri - is looking like they have gained an upper-hand against the competition in the CUV market.

From the styling perspective, the overall proportion of the vehicle is quite different from other domestic manufacturers, showing a much larger proportion of DLO compared to the side sheetmetal volume. The upright angle of the tailgate and the front face of the vehicle sets the visual weight all the way back to somewhere around the C/D pillar, a characteristic which clearly differentiate GWPeri from other 'dynamic and sporty' concepts at the show. While the overall design was done in a fresh and different ways to other concepts on display, detailing was rather disappointing, as the front is rather similar to that of Nissan Tiida and others from the Nissan lineup, while the side and rear aspects bear more than a little resemblance to the Nissan Note. Side sill details were also weak, when you consider the styling concepts of CUV is about fun and image of rugged outdoor activity.

Foton Saga

Utility vehicle specialists Foton Automobile have displayed two cars at the show: the Saga, a full size SUV and MP-X, a full-size pick-up van.

The Saga, measuring 4705mm x 2060mm x 1685mm on a 2760mm wheelbase, was one of only a few genuine SUVs at the show, wich was otherwise dominated by smaller CUVs and compact cars.

Characterized by the massive radiator grille and headlamps with an upright stance, Saga shows ruggedness at the front, but combined with somewhat overly refined, Honda CR-V look-alike taillamps. Details are 'no frills', but its appeal will be to the drivers who want to enjoy the sheer driving experience on off-road.

The second vehicle on display was the MP-X pickup van. Understanding quickly the need for a full-size MPV like the Toyota Alphard and Nissan Elgrand in the future Chinese market, Foton looks to have jumped ahead in developing a competent MPV with the MP-X. Just like the Saga SUV, the MP-X features the massive front radiator grille and headlamps which sets the tone of the vehicle, while a split DLO is reminiscent of the Nissan Elgrand.