Dongfeng Motor Corp is set to launch its S30 hybrid sedan later this year, China Car Times said last Friday, citing various sources. The car will launch at the Beijing auto show later this month.

The Dongfeng S30 hybrid uses stop-start technology that stops the engine as soon as the car comes to a halt. For example, when the S30 reaches a set of traffic lights or a busy junction where it needs to wait for a few minutes then the car will turn off the engine and then start again as soon as the driver presses the accelerator.

The S30 BSG measures 4,502 x 1,750 x 1465mm, and has a wheelbase of 2,610mm. Within a city driving environment the BSG will be able to save up to 11 percent more fuel than the pure gasoline version, and over mixed driving conditions it can save up to 6 percent, said China Car Times.

In July 2009, Dongfeng launched its first self-developed sedan brand, the Dongfeng Fengshen S30 (Aeolus S30), targeting the domestic medium-sized vehicle market.

The S30, composed of five different models, is featured with the PSA 307 1.6-litre engine and the automatic transmission made by Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd.