The best spy shot so far of the Beijing Auto C50E, showing the interior in clear detail. The dash looks very neat with sporty dials, large screen sitting low in the center console and loads of buttons. Manual gearbox here. Materials seem to be of a good quality.

The Beijing Auto C50E will be launched on the Chinese auto market in 2014, it will be the second car under the Shenbao/Senova brand after the Shenbao D-Series that was launched in May.

Beijing Auto says the C50E is based on their new M-trix platform,which is based on the platform of the old Saab 9-3.  The Shenbao D-series is based on the platform of the old Saab 9-5. BAIC, the mother of Beijing Auto, bought both platforms from GM in 2009.

However, we have long been suspecting that the C50E is possibly based on a Hyundai platform, borrowed from the Beijing-Hyundai joint venture. Interestingly, new reports in Chinese media indicate the C50E will be available with a Hyundai 1.6 GTDI engine in the future.

At launch however the only engine will be a Mitsubishi-sourced 1.5 with 113hp. Later on a 1.5 turbo with 163hp will be added to the line-up. Transmission: 5-speed manual or a CVT. Size: 4582/1794/1486mm, wheelbase is 2650mm.