FAW's Bestune brand has released official images of the five-seat version of its Pony (Xiaoma) mini electric car, which will go on sale at the end of October, according to PCauto. The new model extends the two-door Pony's design with a longer body and wheelbase, and packs a battery from CATL.
The five-seat Pony measures 3,350 mm long, 1,540 mm wide and 1,600 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,215 mm. That makes it 350 mm longer and 30 mm wider than the two-door version, with a 262 mm longer wheelbase. The car keeps the rounded, cute styling of the two-door model, with circular headlights and color-contrasting capsule-shaped trim on the bumpers and doors.
Powertrain details for the five-seat version have not been announced, but PCauto notes the two-door Pony uses a permanent-magnet synchronous motor producing 30 kW (about 40 hp) and 90 Nm of torque, with a top speed of 100 km/h. It is paired with a CATL lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, and the two-door model offers a CLTC range of 222 km (about 189 km WLTP est.). The five-seat version is expected to use similar hardware.
Pricing and competition
The two-door Pony currently sells for 34,900 to 45,900 yuan (about $4,900 to $6,500) in China, before taxes and incentives. The five-seat version is likely to be priced slightly higher, though FAW has not confirmed figures. Since its launch, the Pony has accumulated nearly 300,000 sales, according to PCauto.
The five-seat Pony will compete with other budget mini EVs in China, including the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, Changan Lumin and Geely Panda. The segment has been a key battleground for Chinese automakers as they fight for entry-level BEV buyers.
FAW, one of China's oldest state-owned automakers, has been pushing Bestune as a mainstream brand under its broader EV strategy. The five-seat Pony is part of that push, aiming to broaden the model's appeal to small families rather than just city commuters.
