We've had the bakkies. Now, following the Chana Star commercial range, the Chinese company is introducing a passenger car to South Africa — the Benni.

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The little hatchback was one of the vehicles that trekked 21 000km from Chongqing, China to South Africa during the Chana Trax expedition, withstanding rock strewn ‘roads’ and temperature extremes of -8°C and 53°C.

Available in 'Lux' and 'Exclusive' variants, both are powered by a 63kW front-wheel-drive 1300cc fuel injected engine. The 1.3-litre mill produces a claimed 110Nm of torque at 3500 to 4500 rpm with maximum speed rated at 158km/h. Initially, the Benni will only be available with a five-speed manual transmission.

Measuring 3525mm in length, the five-door hatch was designed to seat four comfortably, with a high roof line (at 1550mm) providing the necessary front and rear head room.

The Lux offers aircon, colour-coded bumpers and side mirrors, integrated fog lamps, remote central locking and radio/MP3 interface, whilst the Exclusive offers electric front and rear windows, integrated fog lamps, colour-coded bumpers and side mirrors, driver airbag, ABS braking with EBD, power steering, radio/CD, alloy wheels, aircon, remote central locking and rear window wash/wiper with demister.

An elliptical, silver-finished dash centre console houses the radio and aircon controls, with the silver finish echoed on the interior door closing handles, which integrates the electric window controls.

Benni sports the all-new Chana logo for passenger cars. Whilst the commercial vehicle logo remains unchanged, the new passenger logo featuring a spear-head design on a shield background will differentiate the passenger and commercial ranges. Both ranges will be available from all Chana dealers.

Benni hits showroom floors from mid-March 2008.

Pricing: Chana Benni
Lux: R74 900
Exclusive: R84 900

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