Chinese automaker Wuling has opened preorders for an affordable SUV called the Starlight 560. It is coming to the country’s domestic market with all three main powertrain types to choose from.
The car, which is otherwise known as the Xingguang 560, spans 4,745 mm (185.4 inches) long, 1,850 mm (72.3 inches) wide and 1,755 mm (68.6 inches) tall with 2,810 mm (109.8 inches) between the axles. The petrol and hybrid versions feature a traditional radiator grille at the front, while the EV replaces it with a solid trim panel. The EV also sports a much more rounded, low-drag front bumper design.
Inside, the main display measures 12.8 inches from corner to corner and sits apart from a smaller digital dashboard. The ICE version has a gear stick on the tunnel, while the hybrid and the EV make do with a steering wheel stalk. The gallery above shows the five-seat version of the Starlight 560, but a seven-seater is coming to the market, too, judging by the earlier patent applications.
In its cheapest form, the Wuling Starlight 560 uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to drive the front wheels with 177 PS (175 hp / 130 kW). You can choose between a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT, but that’s it.
The hybrid relies on a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated range-extender engine to provide power for the main 197-PS (194-hp / 145-kW) motor. The EV uses a single 136-PS (134-hp / 100-kW) motor. All three specs are front-wheel drive with no other options listed at the moment.
Some trim details, as well as battery volumes and ranges remain to be announced. Preliminary prices begin at 63,800 CNY for the ICE version and at 102,800 for the EV, but Wuling promises discounts for early buyers. That, and the final prices might end up adjusted further down as they often do when cars are launched in China.
