The Chinese auto industry has made a colossal leap in recent years, and the model FAW Besturn B70 became one of the brightest representatives of this transition from budget copies to independent, technological projects. This car, built on the first-generation Mazda 6 (GH) platform, was initially positioned as an affordable alternative to Japanese and European D-class business sedans. Potential buyers have always been interested in how successful this hybrid of Japanese engineering school and Chinese production turned out to be in Russian operating conditions.
Externally Besturn B70 it looks solid and modern, especially in restyled versions, where a characteristic radiator grille and aggressive optics have appeared. However, behind the beautiful wrapper lies a complex technical filling that requires competent maintenance. Owners often argue about the service life of the main components, the quality of assembly and the cost of spare parts, so a detailed analysis of all aspects of owning this machine will be extremely useful both for those who are planning a purchase and for current owners.
In this article, we will not just list dry numbers from the catalog, but will analyze real operating experience, identify weak points in the body and chassis, and also evaluate the economic feasibility of maintaining such a car. FAW I relied on proven units, but how do they behave after years of active driving on our roads? The answers to these questions will help you form an objective opinion.
Body design and build quality
The appearance of a car is always subjective, but it cannot be denied that FAW designers tried to create an image that commands respect. The body lines are smooth, the aerodynamics are well designed for its time, which has a positive effect on fuel consumption and acoustic comfort on the highway. However, upon detailed inspection, nuances characteristic of the Chinese automobile industry of those years often emerge.
The quality of the paintwork varies depending on the year of manufacture and the specific instance. Layer thickness The paint is often uneven, and some areas, especially on the edges of the doors and hood, may experience premature chipping and corrosion. The metal of the body has average resistance to reagents, so anti-corrosion treatment after purchase is not just a recommendation, but a necessity for the long life of the car.
- 🚗 The gaps between body panels may differ on different sides of the car, requiring manual adjustment upon acceptance.
- 🎨 Plastic in the interior, despite its visual appeal, is prone to scratches and “crickets” at subzero temperatures.
- 🔍 Chrome on the radiator grille and moldings without additional coating often becomes cloudy and peels off after the first winter.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a used Besturn B70, be sure to check the sills and arches for hidden corrosion, since the factory protection of these areas is often insufficient for the Russian climate.
The interior assembly also causes mixed feelings. On the one hand, the ergonomics are well thought out, all controls are at hand. On the other hand, materials can produce extraneous sounds. Torpedo and door cards require careful handling, since the plastic here is not of the highest quality and is afraid of aggressive chemicals when cleaning.
Technical characteristics and power units
With my heart FAW Besturn B70 Most often, a 2.0-liter gasoline engine is used, although there were also versions with a 1.8-liter engine on the market. The two-liter unit, developed with the participation of Mazda engineers, has proven itself to be quite reliable and high-torque for city driving. A power of 147 horsepower ensures acceleration to hundreds in 10-11 seconds, which is a completely acceptable indicator for a family sedan.
Paired with the engine is a classic 6-speed automatic transmission (automatic transmission) Aisin. This is perhaps one of the main trump cards of the model. The Japanese automatic is distinguished by smooth shifting and high reliability, provided that the oil is changed in a timely manner. A manual transmission is less common and is considered more resourceful, but less comfortable in city traffic jams.
To better understand the vehicle’s capabilities, consider the main parameters in the table:
| Parameter | Engine 2.0 (147 hp) | Engine 1.8 (143 hp) | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel type | AI-95 | AI-95 | - |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 10.5 sec | 11.2 sec | - |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h | 198 km/h | - |
| Flow (mixed) | 9.5 l/100 km | 9.0 l/100 km | - |
⚠️ Attention: FAW engines are sensitive to fuel quality. Using gasoline with an octane rating below 95 can lead to detonation and catalytic converter failure.
The cooling system deserves special attention. In hot weather or when stuck in traffic for a long time radiator may not cope with heat dissipation if it is contaminated with dust and lint. Therefore, regular washing of the air conditioner radiator and engine is a mandatory procedure to prevent overheating.
Chassis and road handling
Since FAW Besturn B70 Based on the Mazda 6 GH platform, it inherits excellent handling and predictable behavior on the road. The MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension provide a good balance between comfort and sporty character. The car is pleasant to drive on winding roads, roll in corners is moderate.
However, Russian reality makes its own adjustments. The suspension is tuned quite rigidly, which allows it to maintain directional stability at high speeds, but on broken asphalt it can transmit noticeable impacts to the body. Resource silent blocks and ball joints directly depends on the quality of the roads on which the machine is operated.
The main elements requiring control in the chassis:
- 🔧 Stabilizer struts - often require replacement every 20-30 thousand kilometers during active driving.
- 🛞 Shock absorbers - may begin to “sweat” or knock after 60-80 thousand mileage.
- 🔩 Silent blocks of the front levers - when destroyed, they cause the car to pull to the side and cause uneven tire wear.
When replacing suspension elements, always change them in pairs (left/right) and be sure to do a wheel alignment, since the geometry of the Besturn B70 suspension is sensitive to settings.
The steering is equipped with a hydraulic booster (on early versions) or an electric booster (on restyling). Hydraulics require monitoring the fluid level and the condition of the belt, while electrics are more reliable, but more expensive to repair if they break down. In general, the steering wheel is informative and has good feedback, which is rare for cars in this price segment.
Fuel consumption and operating efficiency
The issue of efficiency is acute for any owner, and here Besturn B70 shows average results for its class. A two-liter engine in the city cycle with traffic jams easily consumes 11-13 liters per 100 kilometers. On the highway at a speed of 90-110 km/h, consumption drops to a comfortable 7.5-8 liters.
Consumption is greatly influenced by driving style and the technical condition of the car. Polluted throttle assembly, old spark plugs or low tire pressure can increase the car's appetite by 10-15%. It is also worth considering that an automatic transmission in kick-down mode (sharply pressing the gas) tends to drag out the gears, which also increases fuel consumption.
Factors influencing actual consumption:
- 🌡️ Warming up the engine in winter - in frosty conditions, consumption can reach 15-16 liters due to long heating and operation of the stove.
- 🚦 Driving mode - constant starts from traffic lights “eat up” more fuel than steady movement.
- ⚖️ Loading - fully boarding passengers and luggage in the trunk increases consumption by about 1-1.5 liters.
Fuel saving secrets
To reduce consumption on the FAW Besturn B70, it is recommended to use motor oils with a viscosity recommended by the manufacturer (usually 5W-30 or 5W-40) and regularly clean the injector. Fitting lighter rims also helps, which reduces unsprung weight.
Despite not the lowest consumption, the cost of maintenance and spare parts (especially non-original ones) makes operating the car relatively affordable. The main thing is not to allow the oil level to drop critically and to use high-quality filters so as not to kill the engine ahead of time.
Typical malfunctions and problems of owners
Like any car, it FAW Besturn B70 there is a list of “childhood diseases” and typical problems that owners face. Knowing these nuances will help you avoid costly repairs and machine downtime in service. Most often, complaints concern electrical equipment and small interior elements.
One common problem is the failure of sensors, in particular the crankshaft or camshaft position sensor. This can lead to unstable engine idling or even failure to start. The multimedia system also often “glitches,” especially in cold weather, when the screen may take a long time to respond or even go dark.
⚠️ Warning: If the Check Engine light comes on, do not ignore it. On the Besturn B70, this often indicates problems with the ignition system or the quality of the fuel mixture, which requires immediate diagnosis.
Other common faults include:
- 🔋 Weak generator - on some copies it cannot cope with the load when all consumers are turned on in winter.
- 🚪 Window lift mechanisms may jam or work skewed.
- 💨 Ventilation system - sometimes the stove motor or speed controller (resistor) fails.
☑️ Diagnostics before buying a used one
It is worth noting that finding a qualified technician who knows the specifics of FAW can be more difficult than for popular brands like Toyota or Hyundai. Therefore, having good contacts in the service department or the ability to understand technology yourself will be a big plus.
Maintenance costs and spare parts availability
The situation with spare parts for FAW Besturn B70 has improved significantly in recent years. Thanks to unification with Mazda models and the presence of many analogues from Chinese manufacturers, it has become easier to find the necessary part. However, original spare parts may cost more and take longer than analogues.
Scheduled maintenance (oil change, filters, spark plugs) is cheaper than for European competitors. The oil filter and air filter are often matched from other models, which expands the choice. Cost of work in specialized services is also below the market average for class D.
Approximate prices for consumables (average):
| Consumables | Original (price) | Analogue (price) | Replacement interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil (4l) | 4,500 rub. | 3,000 rub. | 10,000 km |
| Oil filter | 800 rub. | 400 rub. | 10,000 km |
| Brake pads (front) | 3,500 rub. | 1,800 rub. | 40,000 km |
| Spark plugs (set) | 2,500 rub. | 1,200 rub. | 30,000 km |
It is important to take into account that body parts (bumpers, headlights, fenders) can be expensive and often have to be ordered. Electronics (control units, displays) can become a deficient element, so when buying a used car, their serviceability should be checked first.
Savings on servicing the FAW Besturn B70 are achieved through the use of high-quality analogue consumables, but body repairs can hit your pocket due to the logistics of parts.
Final Summary: Is the FAW Besturn B70 worth buying?
To summarize, we can say that FAW Besturn B70 — this is a car with character. It offers the space and comfort of business class for the price of a budget model, but requires the owner to be attentive and prepared for possible minor malfunctions. This is not a car that you can just fill up and forget about for years.
If you are looking for a car with a reliable Japanese platform, a comfortable interior and are willing to put up with the peculiarities of Chinese assembly and spare parts logistics, then the Besturn B70 will be an excellent choice. It will provide driving pleasure and a sense of status, while remaining affordable in content compared to its direct competitors.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that the used car market is full of copies of this model in different conditions. A thorough inspection, diagnostics and understanding of the design will help you find a truly worthy specimen that will serve faithfully for many years.
Where to look for spare parts?
It is best to look for spare parts on specialized forums for FAW owners, in large online stores of Chinese auto parts and at disassembly sites. Original catalogs often cross-reference Mazda license plates, making them easier to find.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the engine life of the FAW Besturn B70?
With timely oil changes and the use of high-quality fuel, the engine life is 250-300 thousand kilometers before major overhaul. The key factor is the condition of the cooling system and timing system.
Is it necessary to warm up the automatic transmission in winter?
Yes, it is advisable to warm up the Aisin automatic transmission by holding the car on the brake in modes D and R for 30-60 seconds before starting to drive, especially at temperatures below -15 degrees.
Does this model have corrosion problems?
The body has average resistance to corrosion. The main outbreaks occur on thresholds, arches and door edges if there has been damage to the paintwork. Regular anti-corrosion treatment significantly extends the life of the body.
Is it difficult to find spare parts for Besturn B70?
Consumables (filters, pads) are easy to find, as they are often unified with the Mazda 6. Body parts and specific electronics are more difficult to find, often requiring ordering through suppliers.