Shanghai (ZXZC)- On May 17, FAW Group's new energy passenger vehicle (NEPV) production base in Yancheng city, Jiangsu province (called "FAW Group's Yancheng Branch" for short) celebrated the official commencement of its operation. Meanwhile, the mass-produced units of the Bestune Pony ("Benteng Xiaoma" in Chinese Pinyin), the first model produced at the new plant, rolled off the assembly line and will be shipped to dealers nationwide.

The Yancheng Branch of FAW Group will be responsible for manufacturing multiple key NEPV models under the Bestune brand. As part of its accelerated transformation, the Yancheng Branch plans to introduce and upgrade 30 production lines by the end of this year, aiming for an annual production capacity of 100,000 vehicles. Additionally, FAW Bestune will launch seven new energy vehicle (NEV) models, including BEVs (battery electric vehicles), PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles), and REEVs (range-extended electric vehicles).

The Bestune Pony, the brand's first strategic NEPV model, began pre-sales at the end of April, offering three variants priced between 28,900 yuan and 34,900 yuan. It is set to officially hit the market on May 28.

In terms of design, the new model features rounded square headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, enhancing its distinctive look. The front logo conceals a slow-charging port.

The Bestune Pony has a two-door design but offers seating for four. Its dimensions are 3,000mm in length, 1,510mm in width, and 1,630mm in height.

Photo credit: FAW Bestune

Inside, the front seats are designed in a 6:4 split to maximize driver comfort, with the driver's seat being 480mm wide and 430mm deep. It also features a 7-inch instrument panel and a rotary gear shift. The dashboard allows users to customize the interior space with phone holders, holiday decorations, and more.

Standard features include a rear parking radar, driver's airbag, hill start assist, remote control via app, driver's vanity mirror, variable storage space, radio, and Bluetooth.

The Bestune Pony is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor with a maximum output of 20 kW and a peak torque of 85 Nm. It uses a lithium iron phosphate battery pack, offering a range of 122 km or 170 km under the CLTC cycle. It supports both sports and economy driving modes and features only slow charging capability. The energy consumption is as low as 8.8 kWh per 100 km.

Additionally, at the Bestune Pony roll-off event, the second model to be made by FAW Group’s Yancheng Branch, the E311, also made its debut. The company said the model is designed to meet the travel needs of young Chinese families.