New spy shots showing the upcoming Beijing Auto C51X SUV testing in China. The C51X is based on the platform of the old Saab 9-3, as is the upcoming Beijing Auto C60F. The Beijing Auto C51X debuted as a concept on the 2012 Beijing Auto Show and the production version will debut on the April 2014 Beijing Auto Show.

The C51X concept.

There will be two engines available: a 1.5 turbo based on a Mitsubishi 1.5, and a reworked version of Saab’s good old 2.0 turbo, and new reports in Chinese media indicate there might be a 1.8 turbo available as well. Drive train: FWD or AWD.

The Beijing Auto C51X will compete with fine cars such as the FAW-Besturn X80 and the Haval H6. Price will start around 120.000 yuan and end around 180.000 yuan.

First look at the dashboard of the production car. Manual gearbox. Space for a rather large screen, fitted with a radio here so the test drivers got some music to listen to. Overall design seems hip enough for 2014.