Wuling Asta Is The International Name Of GM’s All-New Xing Chen
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SAIC-GM-Wuling, General Motors’ second joint venture in China, has just launched the new Wuling Asta in the Asian country, which is the international name of the all-new Xing Chen presented for the first time during the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show in April. In a notable turn of events, the automaker decided to give a more neutral and commercial name to the first crossover in the popular Chinese brand’s global strategy.
The new Wuling Asta, which will continue under the Xing Chen nameplate in the local market, went on sale on Friday, September 17th in China as a highly strategic model in the process of renewing the brand’s image and vehicle portfolio. The Asta introduces a new design language, a more modern interior and an efficient powertrain to appeal to the new generation of crossover buyers in that country.
Aesthetically, the Wuling Asta debuts the brand’s utility vehicle variant of its “wing dynamic aesthetics” design language with the new global silver logo. Indeed, the compact-size crossover stands out for featuring a prominent front end with a massive trapezoidal grille and boomerang-shaped LED headlights that give it a highly distinctive light signature.
Similarly, the all-new Wuling Asta crossover’s cabin features a new interior language as well, with a minimalist three-level, horizontal dash layout. A generous 10.25-inch floating touchscreen adds a technological touch, incorporating a new infotainment system called Ling OS that promises to maximize connectivity and launch an ecosystem of integrated applications.
Mechanically, the Wuling Asta is exclusively equipped with SGMW’s next-generation turbocharged 1.5L engine that generates 145 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The entry-level versions feature a six-speed manual transmission, while upscale trims get a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) allowing the Asta to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 10.6 seconds.
The new Wuling Asta is now available in Wuling’s extensive dealer network in China, with an initial offering of five distinctive versions distributed in four named trim levels: Star Dynamic Edition, Starlight Edition, Star Edition and Star Edition +. All versions of the Asta come standard with six airbags, a PM2.5 air filter and a negative ion generator that blocks dust, viruses and bacteria in the cabin.
Here are the suggested prices of the five versions of the all-new Wuling Asta in China:
- Asta Star Dynamic Edition: 69,800 CNY (about $10,795 USD at the current exchange rate)
- Asta Starlight Edition: 77,800 CNY ($12,030 USD)
- Asta Starlight Edition CVT: 79,800 CNY ($12,350 USD)
- Asta Star Edition CVT: 89,800 CNY ($13,890 USD)
- Asta Star Edition+ CVT: 99,800 CNY ($15,435 USD)
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It looks gorgeous and it’s only $15,000. Yes, I know, the engine is abysmal, and I’m sure the other internal components are too, but look at the interior. There’s no reason affordable cars in America can’t look like this.
Exactly, the former Plymouth price point now occupied by used cars that in many cases were leased vehicles. I doubt any carmaker would want the competition.
Thought it was named Astra, had to take closer look!! I wonder what will happen to GM China is sanctions or conflict over Taiwan take place? Guess SAIC would get there “golden share” and The General would become a passive investor. GM would basically become an Americas-only brand now that they no longer compete in #4 market Europe that PSA/Stellantis proved profitable. The Detroit 3 are too focused on China given how much j/v’s reduce profitability regardless of volume or margins.
1950’s pastel colors and not 100% black interior, nice!