FAW Besturn B50: Which Version Should You Buy?
The FAW Besturn B50 is a FWD Sedan offered across two numbered generations, with a restyled phase within the first generation.
The FAW Besturn B50 is a FWD Sedan offered across two numbered generations, with a restyled phase within the first generation. The available versions make the buying decision relatively clear: choose the 1.6 MT for the quickest verified acceleration and the lowest measured combined consumption, the 1.6 AT for Automatic convenience, or the second-generation 1.4 AT for the strongest output at 136 hp and 220 Nm. The data covers cars from 2009 onward, including the commonly searched Besturn B50 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 model periods. No price, reliability, or owner-problem data is supplied, so those points cannot be used to rank the versions.
FAW Besturn B50 generations: what changed?
The first generation ran from 2009 to May 2012 as a Sedan with two versions: 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT. Both used a 1,600 cc Gasoline engine producing 103 hp and 145 Nm. The 1.6 MT had a 5-speed Manual gearbox, while the 1.6 AT used a 6-speed Automatic. This phase is the only one with measured ground clearance: 165 mm for both versions. It is also the only phase with consumption figures for both Manual and Automatic versions.
The first-generation restyling ran from June 2012 through 2015 as a Sedan and again offered two versions, 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT. Their engine displacement changed from 1,600 cc to 1,595 cc, while output remained 103 hp and 145 Nm. The peak-power speed fell from 6,400 rpm to 5,600 rpm, and compression increased from 10 to 10.1. The restyled cars also received Ventilated disc front brakes rather than the earlier listed Disc front brakes. Fuel consumption, ground clearance, wheel sizes, and the 1.6 AT weights are not measured for this phase.
The second generation began in 2016 and is listed without a stop date. It remained a Sedan but expanded the range to three versions: 1.6 MT, 1.6 AT, and 1.4 AT. The 1.6 versions retained 103 hp and 145 Nm, although their listed output is 75 kW rather than the earlier 76 kW. The major addition was the 1.4 AT, producing 136 hp and 220 Nm from 1,390 cc. All three versions are FWD, and every second-generation version has independent spring suspension at both ends, Ventilated disc front brakes, and Disc rear brakes.
FAW Besturn B50 engine and gearbox specs
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 1.6 MT | 103 hp | 145 Nm | 1,600 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First generation 1.6 AT | 103 hp | 145 Nm | 1,600 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First-generation restyling 1.6 MT | 103 hp | 145 Nm | 1,595 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First-generation restyling 1.6 AT | 103 hp | 145 Nm | 1,595 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation 1.6 MT | 103 hp | 145 Nm | 1,595 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation 1.6 AT | 103 hp | 145 Nm | 1,595 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation 1.4 AT | 136 hp | 220 Nm | 1,390 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
The naturally aspirated 1.6 choices are extremely close in specific output. The 1,600 cc engine produces about 64.4 hp per litre, while the 1,595 cc engine produces about 64.6 hp per litre. The second-generation 1.4 AT reaches about 97.8 hp per litre. Compared with either second-generation 1.6 version, it provides 33 hp more power and 75 Nm more torque despite having 205 cc less displacement.
Every engine uses a front, transverse installation, Distributed injection (multi-point), two valves per cylinder, and No boost. The supplied figures therefore list the 1.4 AT’s stronger output without attributing it to a different injection type, valve count, layout, or boost system.
Performance, fuel consumption, and mpg data
| Generation and version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 1.6 MT | 12.3 s | 190 km/h | 11 L/100 km | 9.5 L/100 km | 7.8 L/100 km |
| First generation 1.6 AT | 13.8 s | 185 km/h | 11 L/100 km | 9.5 L/100 km | 8.5 L/100 km |
| First-generation restyling 1.6 MT | 12.8 s | 190 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First-generation restyling 1.6 AT | 13.8 s | 185 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second generation 1.6 MT | 12.8 s | 186 km/h | 8.5 L/100 km | 5.3 L/100 km | 6.1 L/100 km |
| Second generation 1.6 AT | 13.8 s | 185 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second generation 1.4 AT | 13.8 s | 185 km/h | 8.6 L/100 km | 5.4 L/100 km | 6.5 L/100 km |
The original first-generation 1.6 MT has the quickest listed acceleration at 12.3 seconds, beating the restyled and second-generation 1.6 MT versions by 0.5 seconds. It is also 1.5 seconds quicker than every listed 1.6 AT and the 1.4 AT. Its 190 km/h maximum is 4 km/h above the second-generation 1.6 MT and 5 km/h above the Automatic versions.
For measured economy, the second-generation 1.6 MT is the strongest choice at 6.1 L/100 km combined. It uses 0.4 L/100 km less than the second-generation 1.4 AT, 1.7 L/100 km less than the original 1.6 MT, and 2.4 L/100 km less than the original 1.6 AT. Its measured city figure is 8.5 L/100 km and its highway figure is 5.3 L/100 km. MPG figures are not measured in the supplied data.
The second-generation 1.4 AT is an interesting trade-off. It offers 33 hp and 75 Nm more than the second-generation 1.6 AT, yet both have the same listed 13.8-second acceleration and 185 km/h top speed. The data therefore supports choosing the 1.4 AT for its additional stated output, but not for quicker verified acceleration or a higher verified maximum speed.
FAW Besturn B50 dimensions, weight, clearance, and tank
Overall exterior dimensions are not measured for any version. Wheel sizes are also not measured throughout the range. Every version has a 58-litre fuel tank.
| Generation and version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 1.6 MT | 1,285 kg | 1,737 kg | 165 mm | 58 L | not measured |
| First generation 1.6 AT | 1,325 kg | 1,775 kg | 165 mm | 58 L | not measured |
| First-generation restyling 1.6 MT | 1,285 kg | 1,735 kg | not measured | 58 L | not measured |
| First-generation restyling 1.6 AT | not measured | not measured | not measured | 58 L | not measured |
| Second generation 1.6 MT | 1,365 kg | 1,735 kg | not measured | 58 L | not measured |
| Second generation 1.6 AT | 1,285 kg | 1,735 kg | not measured | 58 L | not measured |
| Second generation 1.4 AT | 1,432 kg | not measured | not measured | 58 L | not measured |
Among versions with measured weights, the original 1.6 MT, restyled 1.6 MT, and second-generation 1.6 AT are lightest at 1,285 kg. The original 1.6 AT adds 40 kg over its Manual counterpart. The second-generation 1.6 MT weighs 80 kg more than the restyled 1.6 MT, despite sharing the same 103 hp output.
Weight per horsepower helps separate the second-generation choices. The 1.4 AT carries about 10.5 kg per hp, compared with about 13.3 kg per hp for the 1.6 MT and about 12.5 kg per hp for the 1.6 AT. Nevertheless, its measured acceleration does not improve over the 1.6 AT. Ground clearance cannot be compared across generations because only the original first-generation versions have a measured figure.
Besturn B50 problems, reliability, and price
Problems, reliability records, owner reviews, service history, and price are not measured in the supplied data. Searches for FAW Besturn B50 reviews or price therefore cannot be answered responsibly from these specifications. No version should be described as more reliable or better value without evidence beyond this catalogue data. The same applies to model-year-specific condition: the specifications identify the relevant phase for a 2012, 2013, 2014, or 2015 car, but they do not establish the condition of an individual vehicle.
Which FAW Besturn B50 version should you buy?
Choose the second-generation 1.6 MT if measured fuel economy is the priority. Its 6.1 L/100 km combined figure is the lowest in the data, and its 12.8-second acceleration is 1.0 second quicker than the second-generation Automatic choices. The compromise is its 1,365 kg kerb weight, which is 80 kg above the second-generation 1.6 AT.
Choose the first-generation 1.6 MT if verified acceleration and top speed matter most. Its 12.3-second acceleration is the quickest listed, while its 190 km/h top speed matches the restyled 1.6 MT for the highest figure in the range. It also weighs 1,285 kg and has the range’s only measured Manual-version ground-clearance figure, 165 mm.
Choose the 1.6 AT when a 6-speed Automatic is more important than the Manual versions’ performance advantage. Across all phases, the 1.6 AT retains 103 hp, 145 Nm, 13.8-second acceleration, and a 185 km/h top speed. The original version provides the most complete Automatic data, including 8.5 L/100 km combined consumption, 1,325 kg kerb weight, 1,775 kg gross weight, and 165 mm ground clearance.
Choose the second-generation 1.4 AT for the strongest engine figures. Its 136 hp and 220 Nm exceed every 1.6 version by 33 hp and 75 Nm. Its measured combined consumption of 6.5 L/100 km is only 0.4 L/100 km above the second-generation 1.6 MT, but its 13.8-second acceleration and 185 km/h maximum do not improve on the 1.6 AT. It is therefore the output-focused choice, not the verified performance leader.
For the most balanced evidence-based purchase, the second-generation 1.6 MT stands out through its combination of 6.1 L/100 km combined consumption, 12.8-second acceleration, and 186 km/h top speed. Buyers set on an Automatic must choose between the consistently specified 1.6 AT and the substantially stronger 1.4 AT; without price data, the catalogue cannot determine whether the 1.4 AT’s additional 33 hp and 75 Nm justify any extra cost.