Auto production of the Chinese-derived H220 started at Iran's second largest carmaker SAIPA Group earlier this Iranian month (started April 20), according to reports from several automotive websites.
The new Brilliance model follows two other models built by the local carmaker and notes a new flank in its battle against Iran Khodro by targeting the small hatchback car buyer or locally known as the Peugeot 206 car buyer.
The new hatchback is priced at 380 million rials ($11,000), which is only 20 million rials more than the Peugeot 206 at 360 million, which enters its 14th year in the Iranian market.
The H220 is only slightly smaller than the H320 and H230, the latter has had its cabin space upgraded. The difference in wheelbase between the two hatchbacks is only 10 mm.
Engines of the model start with the 1.5 liter non-turbo, 16v 105bhp, which is a fairly small engine but good enough for urban commuting.
The only transmission is a five-speed manual and so far no automatic version has been scheduled. Users can still choose between two finishes.
The car comes with ABS, EBD, dual airbags, power steering, air-conditioning, electric windows, central locking, radio, USB port and electric mirrors as standard.
SAIPA has not currently announced how many vehicles it intends to produce, but first year production number should be in the low thousands.
The car originally featured at the 2013 Beijing Auto Show and began production in 2014. So far, the sale of 10,413 units of H220 have been recorded in the Chinese domestic market.
Brilliance Auto Group (officially HuaChen Group Auto Holding Co., Ltd.) is a Chinese automobile manufacturer headquartered in Shenyang, Liaoning, China. Its products include automobiles, microvans and automotive components.
Its principal activity is the design, development, manufacture and sale of passenger cars sold under the Brilliance brand.
