FAW entered the SA market with a clone of the Toyota Avanza called the Sirius, and it seems to have worked as they have just updated the model.

For about 60 years, the company has been a pivotal part of the Chinese auto industry, and has production ties with VW/Audi, Mazda, Toyota and General Motors. FAW’s group sales in 2012 were more than 2.6-million (passenger and commercial) and it ranks 165th in the Forbes Fortune 500, with South Africa being the first right-hand drive market to get the Sirius.

The company will also soon launch the V2 hatchback to compete in the B segment against cars like the Toyota Yaris, but in the meantime let’s have a look at the latest update to the Sirius.

FAW Sirius – Features

Power output of the 1.3-litre engine is 67kW with 120Nm of torque, while the 1.5-litre power unit develops 75kW of power, with an increase of 20Nm in torque – going up to 140Nm.

Both engines are mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, and drive is through the rear wheels. Front suspension is independent with Macpherson struts, while the solid rear axle has a coil-sprung multi-link suspension.

The Sirius 1.5 MPV is available in two versions – Standard and Comfort, while the panel van will continue to be available only as a 1.3-litre.

Standard specification on both FAW Sirius models includes alloy wheels (including the spare), air conditioning, dual airbags, ABS brakes, remote central locking, power steering, electric windows, MP3 radio/CD with USB, remote keyless entry, front and rear fog lamps, alarm immobiliser, headlamp levelling, child locks for the rear doors of the 7-seater and LED indicator repeaters in the front of the vehicle and in the wing mirrors.

Load capacities for the two models are 525kg for the 7-seater (including occupants and load) and 545kg for the panel van (including driver, passenger and load), while loading space in the FAW Sirius panel van, which has an aluminium plate floor fitted at the FAW factory in China, is 1 670mm long, 1 270mm wide and 1 070mm high.

Growing the brand

According to Pedro Pereira, general manager of FAW cars and light commercials: “Increasing awareness of the FAW brand through a strong national advertising campaign and growing sales of the FAW Sirius people-carrier have spurred us to expand the range to include a larger, more powerful, engine.”

FAW Sirius – Price

Both FAW Sirius models are covered by a 3-year/100 000km factory warranty, one year roadside assistance and a 4-year/60 000km service plan.