Over recent years we’ve been seeing many Chinese car brands arriving in Bahrain’s, and other GCC, markets. Bestune is one such brand (a strange name for a car company, but the Chinese seem to like quirky names).
Bestune was launched in 2006 as an independent brand of the FAW Group of China and has been a great success in China, growing from strength to strength. The company has found a niche by producing stylish, premium-quality cars at affordable prices. What’s not to like?
I had the pleasure of taking the T99 for a weekend. First shown to the world at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show, it is a mid to large-sized SUV that comes in three trim levels: Deluxe, Premium, and Limousine.
The 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produces 224 horsepower and 340 Nm of torque, via a 6-speed automatic transmission on a front wheel drive drivetrain.
The interior is luxurious, spacious, and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom for up to seven people. The T99 comes standard with a long list of features, including ambient lighting, premium leather seats with heating and ventilation, lots of compartment spaces in the centre console area and door sides, a functional leather steering wheel, 12.3-inch touchscreen with GPS, Bluetooth, remote ignition, USB connections, 6-speaker sound system, reversing camera, parking sensor, blind spot monitoring system, lane departure warning system, and a facial recognition system that can identify the driver and adjust the seat, mirrors, and climate control settings accordingly. There is also a panoramic sunroof that lets in plenty of natural light.
The exterior of the Bestune T99 is bold and imposing with a long, sleek profile and large octagonal grille, swept-back headlights, 20-inch wheels, colour-matching door handles, electrically folding and adjustable side mirrors with turn signals, rear sports LED taillights, a roof spoiler with brake light, a liftgate cargo access, and rear fog lights.
I have to say, I enjoyed driving this car for the long weekend I had it in Bahrain. It integrated well with my life and all the numerous events and activities I seem to endlessly be getting involved in on the island. The car has great visibility and lets in loads of natural light – which I love. I rise at 5 AM on weekdays and leave my door at 5:30 AM, so that concentrated morning sunlight through the windows and panoramic roof is refreshing in the early hours!
Overall, I was impressed driving this SUV. It offers decent power, excellent cargo space, and lots of comfort with a nice high seating position. It’s a sophisticated, stylish, and practical SUV for a relatively low starting price of only BD11,950.
To arrange a test drive in Bahrain, contact +973 1789 9899.
