The FAW-Besturn X80 SUV debuted today at the Shanghai Auto Show, it will be launched on the Chinese car market on May 18, priced from 120.000 to 200.000 yuan. The sleek looking X80 is the first SUV under the Besturn brand ans will compete in a crowded market with over 20 similarly sized and priced SUV’s from various local Chinese auto makers.

Great lines there around the C-pillar. Design of the X80 is inspired by the FAW X concept car that debuted on the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show. We saw the first spy shots of the X80 in March last year and production started in early April.

The Besturn X80 is based on the platform of the last generation Mazda 6 that is still  in production in China by the FAW-Mazda joint venture. Engines are both from Mazda; a 146hp 2.0 and a 154hp 2.3 , both mated to a 6-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Size: 4586/1820/1662, wheelbase is 2675.

Interestingly this particular white X80 had a ‘1.8T’ badge on the back, indicating FAW’s own 1.8 turbo will be available in the X80 too. The 1.8 turbo is still under development, FAW has announced the coming of the engine several times but it hasn’t hatched yet.