This first time I saw the new Beijing Auto E-series in da flesh. Beijing Auto brought four brand-new cars to the Beijing Automotive Trade Fair in Beijing and the local Beijing residents seemed to like it very much. And indeed, why not? The E looked very well-made, modern, and even a little bit cool.

The E-series was launched on the China car market on March 19, rice starts at 53.800 yuan and ends at 86.800 yuan. The E is based on the platform of the good old and very failed Smart For Four. Engines come from Mitsubishi, the E130 with a 1.3 and the E150 with a 1.5. The E-series is the very first small car made by Beijing Auto, a big gamble it is but looking at the reaction from the crowd it is a gamble that might pay off.

Can I be chauffeured?, man wonders. Extended edition might be necessary.