Bestune T77

Model Overview

The Bestune T77 is a compact SUV introduced by FAW Bestune in November 2018; as the pioneer of the brand's all-new "T" series, it spearheaded Bestune's strategic shift towards a younger demographic. Positioned as a high-value-for-money SUV targeted at young families, it highlights stylish looks, smart technology, and an accessible price tag, with official launch prices ranging from RM89,800 to RM134,800. In terms of powertrain, it transitioned from an initial 1.2-litre turbocharged unit to a 1.5-litre turbo engine in the 2020 Pro variant. The 2023 line-up was streamlined into two variants—Automatic Luxury and Exclusive—priced between RM114,800 and RM123,800, with showroom discounts in some areas driving prices down to RM74,800. The 2025 iteration retains the RM114,800 to RM123,800 price range, backed by a three-year or 100,000 km vehicle warranty, alongside an unlimited-period/mileage warranty for first owners (subject to official terms and conditions).

Design Language

The exterior styling of the Bestune T77 has evolved across two distinct design phases. Early iterations adopted the "Light and Shadow Philosophy" design language, anchored by a prominent hexagonal concave dot-matrix front grille with sharp, angular lines that lent the front fascia an aggressive stance. The 2023 facelift shifted to the "Mountain and Sea Inclusion" design language, introducing a horizontal-slat grille seamlessly integrated with the headlights to accentuate a wider visual stance, transforming its aesthetic from razor-sharp to mature and commanding. In profile, it sports a floating roofline and a crisp full-length character line, complemented by full-width LED tail light assemblies at the rear for a distinctive visual signature. In terms of dimensions, the 2023 model measures 4,549 mm in length, 1,845 mm in width, and 1,615 mm in height, with a 2,700 mm wheelbase, placing it right in line with mainstream compact SUV benchmarks. The cabin follows a "surround, slim, light, and floating" ethos, combining a flat-bottom three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with a floating widescreen centre display, accented by brushed matte metallic trim and contrast orange stitching for a youthful, high-tech ambience.

Powertrain Performance

The powertrain of the Bestune T77 has undergone progressive refinements over the years. Early models were powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine (codenamed 230TID) producing 105 kW (143 PS) and 204 Nm of torque, which bagged the "China Heart" 2018 Top Ten Engines award. From the 2020 Pro version onward, it was upgraded to a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo unit (codenamed CA4GB15TD-30) delivering 124 kW (169 PS) and 258 Nm, with peak torque delivered between 1,500 and 4,350 rpm, providing a noticeable boost in low-end responsiveness. Power is channelled through either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT), the latter praised for its high efficiency and snappy gear shifts. It achieves a top speed of 192 km/h, completing the century sprint (0–100 km/h) in roughly 10.25 seconds, with a 100–0 km/h braking distance of about 40.16 metres. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.3–7.1 L/100 km on the NEDC cycle and approximately 7.5 L/100 km under WLTC standards. All variants come exclusively in front-wheel drive (FWD), with no all-wheel-drive option available.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the T77 rides on a monocoque chassis equipped with electric power steering (EPS), featuring front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension. Compared to rival Chinese domestic compact SUVs that predominantly employ multi-link independent rear setups, its torsion beam arrangement exhibits compromises in bump absorption and rear passenger ride comfort over rough, undulating tarmac. Braking is handled by ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) display. The entry-level variant rides on 215/55 R18 tyres, while higher-spec trims are upgraded to 225/45 R19 rollers. The chassis setup is primarily tuned for comfort, though a pronounced bounce remains perceptible in the rear cabin over uneven road surfaces.

Cabin and Equipment

The key highlight of the Bestune T77's cabin is its digital tech suite. The 2023 range features a twin-screen layout as standard, with higher-spec variants boasting a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch floating central touchscreen, while entry-level models get an 8-inch central screen. Infotainment is handled by the D-life 5.0 plus operating system, packing in-car navigation, voice commands, online music and radio streaming, telematics, OTA software updates, smartphone mirroring, and remote vehicle controls. Earlier models notably debuted a world-first 3D holographic virtual assistant featuring three character avatars, five custom outfits, and three performance talents, which served as a headline marketing novelty. On the creature comforts front, it comes equipped with automatic climate control, rear air-conditioning vents, and leatherette upholstery for the seats and steering wheel, while range-topping trims add a 360-degree surround-view monitor and power-folding wing mirrors.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

On the passive safety front, the Bestune T77 is built around a 3H reinforced body structure featuring a crumple-zone bonnet, strengthened front and rear bumper crossmembers, and reinforced door and B-pillar sections to deliver solid torsional rigidity and crash protection. Standard safety equipment across the entire range includes dual front airbags, front side airbags, tyre pressure monitoring, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC/ESP). Active safety is relatively basic: mid-to-low trims come with standard cruise control and a reverse camera, while higher trims upgrade to Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and a 360-degree camera system. Driver assistance is capped at Level 1 (L1), with Level 2 (L2) ADAS functions such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) not standard across the range, leaving it lagging behind similarly priced rivals in tech specs.

Market Performance and Evaluation

At launch, the Bestune T77 enjoyed strong momentum, crossing the 10,000-unit monthly sales mark on the back of a revamped brand image and a high-profile "tank-towing" promotional stunt for its 1.2T engine. However, sales soon plateaued, hovering between 3,000 and 4,000 units monthly before sliding to an annual tally of just 14,300 units in 2021, placing it 161st in China's overall SUV sales charts. By the first 11 months of 2022, cumulative sales had plummeted to 1,415 units, with some months dipping into double digits. As of August 2025, single-month sales fell to just 2 units, with January–November 2025 cumulative volume recording 3,959 units, making up a negligible slice of Bestune's brand portfolio. From an owner feedback perspective, while cabin room and value for money earned praise, persistent complaints surfaced regarding sluggish power delivery, harsh chassis damping, gearbox jerking and unusual noises, cabin odour, as well as excessive tyre and wind noise. Automotive complaint portals like CheZhiWang recorded hundreds of grievances for the 2019 model spanning engine, gearbox, and trim defects, highlighting quality control issues. Overall, while the Bestune T77 was a milestone model in the brand’s design and tech transformation, its sluggish powertrain updates, less competitive chassis architecture, and patchy reliability record prevented it from cementing a foothold in the fiercely contested compact SUV segment.