
Jinbei is a brand under Huachen Jinbei, and its models include: Zhishang s30, Zhishang s35, Guanjing, Jinbei s70, Huachen Jinbei 750, etc. Taking the 2017 Zhishang s35 manual premium version as an example, it is a compact 5-door 5-seat SUV with dimensions of 4025mm in length, 1725mm in width, and 1644mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2500mm. The 2017 Zhishang s35 manual premium version is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine and a 5-speed manual transmission, delivering a maximum power of 75 kW and a maximum torque of 135 Nm. It features front-wheel drive, with a front suspension using MacPherson independent suspension and a rear suspension using a torsion beam non-independent suspension.

Jinbei is a well-known brand under Brilliance Auto Group, specializing in the production of light commercial vehicles such as vans and buses. I've been driving Jinbei vehicles since my youth, especially in the 1990s when it gained popularity by introducing Toyota technology. The Jinbei Haise series became a classic, widely used by businesses as freight or passenger transport due to its durability and long-distance capability. Today, updated models like the Grace are still available, suitable for business travel and logistics. Back when China's auto industry was just taking off, Jinbei captured the market with its low cost and high reliability, helping many factories and small businesses make a living. It has witnessed China's rapid economic growth and remains the top choice for many veteran drivers in terms of practicality.

A few years ago, my family bought a Jinbei minivan, mainly for hauling goods as part of a small delivery business. The body is quite spacious, making it easy to load up with boxes, and it's fuel-efficient to drive with low maintenance costs—spare parts are readily available at local shops. Although the seats are a bit firm and the air conditioning isn't the strongest, it's definitely cost-effective, helping our small business save a lot on expenses. The Jinbei brand actually covers light passenger vans and MPVs, and many people choose it for its affordability, making it suitable for budget-conscious families or self-employed individuals. Some cities even use it as a taxi. After driving this type of vehicle for a long time, I think its strength lies in its practicality—it handles rough road conditions just fine, making it a reliable partner for daily commutes or small business ventures.

Jinbei primarily focuses on light buses, with technology derived from Toyota's chassis and engines, mostly using naturally aspirated engines that offer moderate power but are fuel-efficient and durable. The vehicle design emphasizes space utilization, such as standard wheelbases suitable for modification into cargo or passenger transport, with simple maintenance and abundant spare parts. From a technical perspective, models like the Haise or Grace in the Jinbei series reflect reliability and cost-effectiveness. Although new competitors offer electric vehicle options, traditional fuel versions still survive on their price-performance ratio, making them a popular choice in the commercial sector.


