The new Haima F12 has been listed on the China car market, and as expected, it is very cheap. Price starts at 58.800 yuan and ends at 69.800 yuan. Engines are based on a very old Toyota unit: 1.5 with 95hp and 130nm and a 1.6 with 109hp and 140nm, mated to a 5-speed manual or CVT.

The Yema F12 debuted last year at the Chengdu Auto Show, it is based on the existing Yema F99 but will be positioned higher in the market. The F12/F99 is based on the platform of the Austin Montego/Maestro. MG-Rover sold the platform to Chinese company Etsong in 1998. Etsong produced the Montego until 2000 and then sold the platform to First Auto Works (FAW) which in turn sold it to Sichuan Yema a few years later.

Yema means ‘Mustang’, like the horse, and that is about as fast this F12 can go.

Note high gear-stick, a sign this fine car is very old indeed. Center console is interesting with an extensive use of shiny silver-colored materials. Well, I’ll meet this machine on the Beijing Auto Show next week, I will inspect it carefully to see whether it is any good. Yema, a small brand from Sichuan, is always good for some madness, and that is why I like ‘m a lot. Have a look at this Tiguan, or this EX.