FAW V2

FAW V2 at a glance

The V2 came from Tianjin FAW, the part of the FAW Group that grew out of the Xiali car business in the city of Tianjin. It was the successor to the FAW Vita in the brand's small-car range and sat below the FAW V5 saloon. The design was first previewed as a concept at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show, and the production car went on sale in China in autumn 2010.

From the front, the V2 has a sloping bonnet with raised ribs, large swept-back headlamps and a bumper with an extra air intake and fog lamps. Its nose is often compared with that of the 2005 Suzuki Swift. At the back, it has a simple hatch, a roof spoiler and LED elements in the tail lamps. A saloon version and a facelift were planned but never built.

1.3 CA4GA1 engine, gearboxes and performance

Every V2 uses the same engine: a 1,339 cc four-cylinder with double overhead camshafts and 16 valves, developed in-house by the FAW technical centre and shared with the Xiali N5. It produces 67 kW (91 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 120 Nm (89 lb-ft) at 4,400 rpm. Reviewers found it slightly unrefined but praised its pulling power at low revs, which suits city driving.

The automated version uses a five-speed robotised manual gearbox rather than a conventional torque-converter automatic. The FAW automated box saves the driver from using a clutch, but its gear changes are slower and less smooth than those of a traditional automatic, so a test drive is worthwhile.

Chassis, cabin and practicality

The V2 has MacPherson struts at the front and an independent rear suspension, with disc brakes at the front and drums at the rear. FAW fitted power-assisted steering as standard. The FAW's ride is tuned for city streets, and the 143 mm ground clearance is normal for a small hatchback.

Inside, the cabin is simple and made of hard two-tone plastics with metal-effect trim. The driver faces three round dials under deep hoods, and the centre console has a basic radio and the air-conditioning controls. The three-spoke steering wheel has no buttons. The front seats are firm and narrow, better suited to slim adults, and the rear bench is shaped for two passengers rather than three, with limited knee room. The FAW's 320-litre boot is competitive for a car of this length.

Fuel economy and running costs

Official figures give about 60 mpg (UK), or 4.7 l/100 km, in the combined cycle for both gearboxes. The 37-litre tank therefore gives a theoretical range of close to 800 km. That figure makes the V2 the third most economical car in the 1cars most economical cars ranking, behind only the Mini Cooper and the Smart ForTwo. Real-world use of the FAW in town is higher, but the light weight of under 1,000 kg keeps consumption low. Parts supply depends on the country: the car was sold mainly in China, and export markets such as Pakistan had their own local assembly. To compare running costs with other small cars, use the fuel cost calculator.

V2 trims and the raised V2 Cross

The V2 was offered in several trim levels with a personalisation programme of options. Even the base car had anti-lock brakes with brake-force distribution, power steering, electric windows, air conditioning, a radio and remote central locking. Higher trims added front airbags, a CD player and alloy wheels.

The V2 Cross, launched in late 2011, added plastic wheel-arch cladding, roof rails and a little more ground clearance for a crossover look, with the same 1.3-litre engine and 120 Nm. It followed the fashion for raised small cars, in the same spirit as the Renault Sandero Stepway.

Crash safety and body structure

The V2 was not tested by Euro NCAP. FAW stated at launch that the car scored more than 86% in a C-NCAP-style frontal offset test with 40% overlap, but no full C-NCAP star rating is widely published, so this figure should be read as a manufacturer claim. The body uses high-strength steel with front and rear crumple zones and steel beams in all four doors. Front airbags were standard only on higher trims.

Rivals: how the V2 compares

Against its Chinese rivals of the time, the V2 offered a modern engine and low weight. Against European small cars, the FAW lacked their safety equipment, refinement and resale value.