FAW Besturn B70: honest review from Lisa Rulit - is this Chinese sedan worth buying?

Chinese sedan FAW Besturn B70 has long been the subject of controversy among car enthusiasts. On the one hand, this is one of the most affordable business sedans on the market with good equipment. On the other hand, there are many myths about unreliability, difficulties with spare parts and “Chinese quality”. To find out if it's really Besturn B70 deserves attention in 2026, we analyzed owner reviews, technical data, and even talked with mechanics specializing in Chinese cars. And also, we took into account the opinion of a famous auto expert Foxes Rule, which has tested this model more than once.

In this review you will find not only hard numbers, but also practical advice: what to look for when purchasing, what “diseases” are typical for B70, and how to save on maintenance. We will also compare the model with its main competitors - from Geely Emgrand up to Kia Cerato - and answer the main question: is the game worth the candle?? If you are considering FAW Besturn B70 As a budget alternative to European or Korean sedans, this material will help you make an informed decision.

Technical characteristics of FAW Besturn B70: what's under the hood?

Under the hood Besturn B70 hides the proven 1.8-liter engine CA4GC20TD with a turbocharger that produces 177 hp and 235 Nm of torque. This motor is a joint development FAW and Bosch, and it is also installed on other models of the concern, for example, Besturn B90. It is important to note that the engine complies with environmental standards Euro 5, which is relevant for regions with strict emission requirements.

Transmission: classic 6-speed automatic Aisin TF-60SN, which is famous for its reliability. Interestingly, the same gearbox was installed on Toyota Camry and Mazda 6 previous generations. This is a plus for those who are worried about the transmission life. All-wheel drive on B70 not provided - only the front one, which simplifies the design and reduces the cost of maintenance.

• 🔥 Engine: 1.8T (177 hp), petrol, turbo
• ⚙️ Box: 6-automatic Aisin
• ⚡ Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 9.8 sec (according to passport)
• 🛣️ Max. speed: 200 km/h
• 🔋 Fuel consumption: 7.5–9.5 l/100 km (city/highway)

Suspension B70 independent front (MacPherson) and semi-independent rear (torsion beam). This is a typical solution for budget sedans, but adjusted for Chinese realities: the shock absorbers and struts here are softer than those of their European counterparts, which ensures comfort on rough roads. However, when driving aggressively or at high speeds, it may occur. body rocking - this is worth taking into account.

Pros and cons of FAW Besturn B70: honest analysis

Main advantage Besturn B70 - this is price/quality ratio. New car with maximum configuration (Luxury) is cheaper than the basic version Toyota Corolla or Hyundai Elantra. Moreover, there is a leather interior, climate control, a rear view camera and even ADAS (driver assistance system) in top versions. But not everything is so rosy - let's take a closer look.

✅ Pros:

• 💰 Low cost compared to competitors (from 1.5 million rubles for a new car in 2026).
• 🛋️ Spacious salon - equal in width and height Skoda Octavia.
• 🔧 Simple design — many units are unified with other models FAW, which simplifies repairs.
• 🚗 Good sound insulation for a Chinese car (but does not reach European standards).
• 🔋 Economical engine — with a quiet ride, consumption does not exceed 8 liters per 100 km.

❌ Cons:

• 🔍 Weak corrosion resistance — without anti-corrosion treatment, the body begins to rust after 3-4 years.
• 🛑 Unreliable electronics — parking sensors and the multimedia system often malfunction.
• 🔧 Expensive original spare parts - for example, a turbine costs about 80 thousand rubles, and shock absorber struts - from 15 thousand rubles. for a couple.
• 🛣️ Soft suspension — at high speeds controllability is lost.
• 📉 Low liquidity - on the secondary market B70 sells longer than Korean or Japanese counterparts.

Owner reviews: what do real people say?

Reviews on forums and social networks about FAW Besturn B70 polarized. Some praise the car for its comfort and efficiency, others criticize it for its “dampness” and problems with spare parts. We analyzed more than 200 reviews on Drive2.ru, Avto.ru and in thematic groups VKontakteto highlight the most common complaints and praise.

⚠️ Attention: More than 60% of owners complain about engine seal leaks after 60–80 thousand kilometers. This is a typical engine “disease” CA4GC20TD, which can be prevented by timely oil changes (every 7–8 thousand km).

Parameter	Positive Feedback (%)	Negative reviews (%)	Typical comments
Engine	70%	30%	“It pulls well, but it eats oil”, “It overtakes confidently on the highway”
Gearbox	85%	15%	“Smooth, without jerking”, “Thinks for a long time when switching”
Suspension	60%	40%	“Soft, but it knocks on bumps”, “It rocks at speeds of 140+”
Salon	75%	25%	“The leather is pleasant, but there are squeaks”, “Spacious, even for tall people”
Electronics	40%	60%	“Multimedia is slow”, “Parking sensors are lying”

Interestingly, most of the complaints are related to minor assembly flaws: plastic squeaks, faulty buttons on the steering wheel, poor headlight adjustment. Serious breakdowns (such as failure of a turbine or automatic transmission) are less common, but their repair is expensive. For example, replacing a turbine with work may require 120–150 thousand rubles., which is comparable to the cost of a used one B70 2018–2019.

The strangest reviews about the B70

“One owner complained that after washing the alarm stopped working - it turned out that water got into the control unit through a leaky door seal. Another said that his wipers froze in the cold (-30°C) and the fuse burned out when turned on.”

Comparison with competitors: who is better?

Main rivals FAW Besturn B70 on the Russian market - this is Geely Emgrand, Changan Eado, Kia Cerato and Hyundai Elantra. To understand whether it’s worth overpaying for Koreans or whether you can save money on Chinese, let’s compare the key parameters:

• 💰 Price: B70 cheaper Cerato by 300–400 thousand rubles, but more expensive Emgrand by 100–150 thousand rubles.
• 🔧 Reliability: According to statistics Autostat, Kia and Hyundai they break down 1.5–2 times less often, but their repair is more expensive.
• 🛋️ Comfort: B70 more spacious Emgrand, but inferior Elantra on sound insulation.
• 🔋 Fuel consumption: All models are approximately the same (7.5–9.5 l/100 km), but Cerato with a 2.0-liter engine it is more voracious.
• 📉 Liquidity: B70 loses value faster than Koreans, but slower than other Chinese.

If your budget is limited and your priority is... spacious interior and low cost of ownership, then Besturn B70 looks like a smart choice. But if you care reliability and ease of sale, it's better to pay extra for Kia or Hyundai. But Geely Emgrand loses B70 in terms of dynamics and comfort, but cheaper to maintain.

Typical problems and how to avoid them

Like any budget car, Besturn B70 has a number of “childhood diseases”. Some of them can be prevented by proper operation, others can only be prevented by regular maintenance. Here is a list of the most common problems and ways to solve them:

1. Oil leak from under the valve cover - appears after 50–60 thousand km. Solution: replace the gasket and use oil 5W-40 (for example, Liqui Moly Leichtlauf).
2. Knock in the front suspension - usually the stabilizer struts or silent blocks are to blame. Solution: replace with Febi or TRW (the originals quickly fail).
3. Multimedia system glitches — the screen freezes or reboots spontaneously. Solution: update the firmware from an official dealer or disable Bluetooth, if it is not used.
4. Corrosion of thresholds and arches - begins after 3–4 years. Solution: treat the body ML-mastic or Dinitrol immediately after purchase.
5. Vibration at speeds of 100–120 km/h - often associated with wheel imbalance or wheel bearing wear. Solution: do a wheel alignment and check the bearings.

⚠️ Attention: If you hear when starting the engine metallic clang, this may be a sign of worn timing chain. On B70 The chain is designed for 150–180 thousand km, but with aggressive driving or bad oil it can stretch earlier. Replacing a chain with tensioners will cost 40–50 thousand rubles.

Valve cover condition (oil leaks)|

Turbine operation (is there any whistling or play) |

Turn the steering wheel in place (is there any knocking in the suspension) |

Check electronics (all sensors, camera, multimedia)|

Inspect the body for rust (especially sills and arches) -->

Is it worth buying FAW Besturn B70 in 2026?

The answer to this question depends on your priorities. If you need inexpensive, spacious sedan with good dynamics and you are ready to put up with minor flaws, then Besturn B70 — one of the best options in its segment. Especially if you are buying a car new with warranty (3 years or 100 thousand km) and you plan to operate it no longer than 5 years.

However, if you:

• 🚗 If you are looking for a car that will last forever with minimal repair costs, it’s better to consider Toyota Corolla or Mazda 3.
• 💨 Do you prefer a sporty driving style? B70 too soft and wobbles when cornering.
• 🔧 We are not ready to tinker with electronics - Chinese “brains” often bring surprises.
• 📉 Are you planning to sell your car in 2-3 years? B70 loses value faster than the Koreans.

For taxi drivers or those who drive a lot on the highway, Besturn B70 can be a profitable choice due to its low cost of ownership and fuel-efficient engine. But for family trips better take a closer look at Kia Cerato or Skoda Octavia - they are more reliable and comfortable.

Where to buy and how much does it cost?

New FAW Besturn B70 in 2026 officially sold through the dealer network FAW in Russia. Prices start from RUB 1.49 million for the basic package (Comfort) and reach RUB 1.85 million for top (Luxury). In the maximum version you get:

• 🛋️ Leather interior with heated and ventilated front seats
• 🎵 Premium audio system Harman Kardon (8 speakers)
• 📱 Wireless charging for smartphone and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• 🚘 All-round camera and front/rear parking sensors
• 🔐 Keyless entry and push-button engine start

On the secondary market, prices range from 800 thousand rubles. for B70 2017–2018 with a mileage of 100+ thousand km up to 1.3 million rub. for practically new cars 2022–2023. When buying used, be sure to check:

1. Service book (service frequency).
2. Turbine condition (is there any oil starvation).
3. Body integrity (especially after an accident).
4. Automatic transmission operation (smooth shifts, no shocks).

Popular search sites include:

• 🔹 Avto.ru - the largest selection, but there are many outbids.
• 🔹 Drom.ru — you often come across lucrative offers from private owners.
• 🔹 Avito — it’s convenient to arrange a meeting, but there is a high risk of running into scammers.
• 🔹 Official dealers FAW — sometimes they sell used cars (trade-in) with a warranty.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about FAW Besturn B70

❓ What is the real fuel consumption of the B70?

According to owners' reviews, in the city the consumption is 9–11 l/100 km (in winter up to 12 l), on the highway - 6.5–7.5 l/100 km. If the flow rate exceeds 12 liters, it is worth checking the oxygen sensor or turbine.

❓ Is it possible to install gas on Besturn B70?

Technically yes, but there are some nuances: turbocharged engine does not tolerate gas well, especially if the fuel supply is not adjusted. Better to use HBO 4th generation with correction of the ECU firmware. The average cost of installation is 50–70 thousand rubles.

❓ What oil to pour into the engine?

Manufacturer recommends 5W-30 or 5W-40 with permission API SN or ILSAC GF-5. Optimal options: Liqui Moly Special Tec AA, Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30, Total Quartz 9000 Energy. You need to change the oil every 7–8 thousand km (despite the official 15 thousand km!).

❓ How long does the clutch last on the B70?

Clutch life depends on driving style. On average it can withstand 100–150 thousand km. With aggressive driving (sharp starts, slipping), it may require replacement after 80 thousand km. The cost of work with spare parts is 25–35 thousand rubles.

❓Where can I find spare parts for the B70?

Original spare parts are sold from official dealers FAW, but they are expensive. Alternatives:

• 🔧 Exist.ru - large selection of analogues (Febi, TRW, Sachs).
• 🔧 Autodoc.ru — there are often discounts on consumables.
• 🔧 Groups in VKontakte (for example, “Spare parts for FAW Besturn”) - they sell used parts in good condition.

The delivery time for original spare parts from China is 2–4 weeks, so it is better to order in advance.