The best spy shots so far of the Beijing Auto C50E sedan, which will be called Shenbao A150 when it hits the China car market in early 2014. The C50E/A150 will be the second car under the Shenbao/Senova brand after the Shenbao D-Series that was launched in May.

The C50E/A150 is design-wise based on the C50E concept that debuted on the 2012 Beijing Auto Show.

Beijing Auto says the C50E is based on their new M-trix platform,which is based on the platform of the old Saab 9-3.  The Shenbao D-series is based on the platform of the old Saab 9-5. BAIC, the mother of Beijing Auto, bought both platforms from GM in 2009.

However, we have long been suspecting that the C50E is possibly based on a Hyundai platform, borrowed from the Beijing-Hyundai joint venture. Interestingly, new reports in Chinese media indicate the C50E will be available with a Hyundai 1.6 GTDI engine in the future.

At launch however the only engine will be a Mitsubishi-sourced 1.5 with 113hp. Later on a 1.5 turbo with 163hp will be added to the line-up. Transmission: 5-speed manual or a CVT. Size: 4582/1794/1486mm, wheelbase is 2650mm.

Sleek side profile, much more Hyundai than Saab.

Manual gearbox.

CVT.

Single chrome bar in the grille very good, almost like an airplane propeller.