Also favorable with the Benni is the impressive list of standard features.  It boasts of an electric power steering system, driver’s airbag and front vented disc with ABS and EBD.  Inside, the power windows and door locks are supplemented by a 1-DIN stereo/CD with four speaker system, a 60/40 split-fold rear bench with luggage cover, a digital trip meter with fancy day/night reversing lighting scheme and a keyless entry system.  If you’re picky, the only thing lacking are power side mirrors.  A very minor offense given the amount of things plopped in it as standard.

While the Benni has this air of familiarity like a family relative, what’s really striking is the driving dynamics, which are reminiscent of my first car.  Memories started to flood in the moment I cranked the Suzuki-sourced 1.3-liter engine to life.  With 84 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque, it’s not exactly an ’82 Corolla.  In fact, it’s more powerful, preppy and actually fun to drive hard.  But the overall character is more or less the same.

The engine isn’t refined by today’s standard, so cue in all the harsh droning of a four-cylinder engine.  But the way the Benni thrashes to 4,000 rpm is reminiscent to those old 2A Toyota engines.  Still, the Benni is rev-willing and the five-speed manual, though notchy, at least feels solidly connected to the engine.  The clutch engagement is easy to modulate.  Focus Ventures quotes a top speed of 145 km/h, but it’s best to quote them on that as anything beyond 120 km/h is scary stuff.  This is because of the narrow footprint and tires (165/60).  In city traffic, the Benni feels surefooted and stable, but quick turns may upset it a bit (again because of the tires).  The brakes bite hard with a good pedal feel.  Focus Ventures quotes a fuel economy mileage of 22.72 km/L, but we managed around 16.35—not bad considering the thrashing it underwent.

Although Chana cannot boast to be the country’s first Chinese car brand, the Benni can actually be the first to stir it up.  While other Chinese cars are recognized for being dirt cheap, the Benni offers a more modern design and execution while maintaining a more palatable price (P 438,000 for the manual and P 495,000 for the automatic).  Chana has poured lots of engineering money into the Benni and it shows.  The shell feels sturdy and solid—as it should, since it passes the European NCAP crash tests (well, at least its Chinese equivalent).  And it’s covered by a comprehensive three-year / 100,000 kilometer warranty.

Though the Benni may be recognizable to me, it may not be the same case with you.  But in a few years time, who knows?  Try out the Chana Benni, and you might end pleasantly surprised in the end. 

The gauges have an odd delay if you press hard. At least it looks modern with a LCD-type trip meter.  Front seats aren't so bad, but they can be a pain during longer drives.

A luggage cover is standard on the Benni as well as a 60/40 split-fold function.

Skinny tires don't provide that much lateral grip, but hey, at least they're 14-inchers!