New spy shots from the upcoming FAW R008. Some say it is ugly, we think it is funky, especially for FAW. The R008 debuted as a concept on the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show and will hit the Chinese car market later this year, priced from 50.000 to 80.000 yuan.

The R008 is based on the Xiali N5 and will be made by Tianjin-FAW, a subsidiary of First Auto Works. Power will come from a 1.3 with 90hp (67kw) and 120nm, mated to a 5-speed manual. FAW is working on a 1.3 turbo that will be available in the R008 as well but it won’t be available within this year. Size: 3920/1645/1485, wheelbase is 2405.

Interior on the funky side as well. Hard plastic fantastic. High gear stick a clear sign of the old Xiali platform.

Xiali N5, based on the platform of the Xiali N3, which is based on the original ‘Xiali’ which was based on the 1980’s Daihatsu Charade. Yez, this R008, a new car it ain’t.

Via: 163.com.