The S1 subcompact, the first volume production model to bear the Everus emblem, rolled off production line at GAC-Honda’s Huangpu plant in Guangzhou on Saturday. It will go on sale at the joint venture’s 470 dealerships across the country in April.

Everus ("Linian" in Chinese) is a marque launched by GAC-Honda specifically for the Chinese market. Generally cheaper than Honda models, Everus cars target less affluent groups.

When the production model of S1 was revealed at last year’s Guangzhou Auto Show, many were disappointed to find it basically a replica of the previous generation Honda City (see our report). It has the same, 2450mm wheelbase as the original, with which it shares the powertrain options: a 60kW 1.3-liter and a 79kW 1.5-liter engine each paired with a 5MT or AT.

Prices of S1 are estimated around 70,000 Yuan, compared with the 89,800 Yuan-129,800 Yuan price range of the Fit. GAC-Honda plans to sell 30,000-50,000 units of it this year.

Related Posts:

• » With 2012 Eastar, Chery Renews Effort to Gain Recognition in Mid-size Market
• » Venucia Plans Four New Models Based on Nissan Platforms
• » Geely's First SUV, Gleagle GX7, Arrives in Showrooms with a Starting Price of $14,729
• » Dongfeng-Honda Ciimo Brings Back Eighth Generation Civic
• » DFM HUV: 2012 Beijing Auto Show in Pics