S h a r e
Five Chinese crackers


Posted by
Martin Brown
May 2014
Last week in my blog I talked about the New York Motor Show – and offered my pick of the exciting cars on show Stateside.
This week it’s the turn of the Beijing Motor Show, which has just finished.
And the Chinese market is where it’s all happening – car growth is booming: nearly 22m units last year, representing an increase of nearly 14% on the year before, and the only brake on further double digit growth this year might be over concerns of air quality in the major cities.
But with Chinese consumers demanding more and more Western style cars, it’s a great place to be for car makers. So no wonder the Beijing Motor Show – or Auto China 2014 – saw the unveil of some fabulous cars.
Here’s my top five.
![]() | Porsche Boxster GTS Definitely a car for high days and holy days; and right up there on my want to drive list. This is the quickest Boxster of them all, Porsche debuting the GTS version with its blisteringly quick 0-62mph time of 4.7 seconds. If you can’t get a roadster through on your fleet policy, then go for the Cayman GTS Coupe: 4.6 seconds to 62mph… |
![]() | MINI Paceman The updated MINI Paceman received its world debut at Beijing – the Countryman was unveiled at New York (as mentioned in my previous blog). The Paceman is the MINI coupe and now features cleaner Euro 6 engines – which will please those Chinese cities suffering pollution – improved economy, and an updated interior. And for fleet drivers there’s the Cooper D model with just 111g/km CO2. |
![]() | Mercedes Concept Coupe SUV This is German brawn in a very stylish coupe-styled SUV body. And it’s pitched right at the top end of the market – think of it as a rival to the BMW X6. Based on the M Class, it’s likely the car will be badged MLC when it comes to the market in 2015. |
![]() | Volkswagen Touareg A more attainable SUV than the Mercedes Concept, VW’s Touareg made its debut in China featuring refreshed styling both to the front and rear. When it comes to the UK in November, only the 3.0 V6 TDI engines will be available, both of which have better economy nearly (43mpg) and lower emissions. |
![]() | Lexus NX Beijing was the world debut for the Lexus NX – a sharply styled compact SUV aimed squarely at the Range Rover Evoque and larger BMW X5. Good news is that the car is coming to the UK where it will feature hybrid drive technology good for 65mpg – so it’s likely to be very impressive on benefit in kind. Expect it in the UK late this year. |
You also might like…
If you liked this article then check out our posts about similar topics
First Drive: Kia EV3, the Company Car Game Changer
Why it matters Fresh from scooping both ‘Car of the Year’ and ‘Best Mainstream Electric Car’ at the 2025 AutoTr...
Fleet Alliance named a Best Workplace for Women in 2025
I’m delighted to share that Fleet Alliance has been named a Best Workplace for Women in the 2025 certification ranking...
How will fleets and salary sacrifice schemes benefit from the Electric Car Grant?
The Electric Car Grant, introduced by the Government on Tuesday 15 July, is definitely to be welcomed I’ll caveat t...
First Drive: Why Audi’s Q4 e-Tron matters
The Company Car Sweet Spot for future-proofing your Fleet An Audi badge says professional without drifting into show-of...
First Drive: Jaecoo 7 – Range-Rover Looks on a £30k Budget
Why this newcomer matters China’s Chery Group is taking the UK by storm with a two-brand strategy: Omoda targets mains...
Good-enough lease rates aren’t good enough anymore: Introducing Multi-Bid Tendering
In a climate of persistent inflation, unpredictable tariffs and relentless cost pressure, “we’ve always done it this...
Become a Fleet Alliance business partner
I am writing to you about the opportunity to become a business partner of Fleet Alliance The commercial arrangement a...
Charting a Greener Course: Chris Rowthorn signs the Business Wales Green Growth Pledge
When seasoned automotive finance professional Chris Rowthorn left MotoNovo after more than two decades to become a Flee...
Ready to make the management of your fleet more efficient?
Request a call back