CHINESE OFF-ROADER COPIES ALL YOUR FAVORITES FOR THE PRICE OF A NISSAN VERSA
- BAW reveals a new 212 SUV as part of a new exclusively off-road brand.
- The design is a blend of several brands, resembling elements of the FJ40, Defender, Wrangler, and G Wagon.
- Equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo engine, part-time 4WD system, and locking differentials, it starts at an affordable $14,000-$20,000.
Why have the best of both worlds when you can have the best of all worlds? That's what Bejing Auto Works (BAW) must have asked itself before starting designing the successor to its famous 212 off-roader that's been on sale since 1965. According to Car News China, the old 212 was based on various Soviet off-roaders to create something rugged and (hopefully) reliable, but this new model is entirely BAW and is the first in a new off-road brand that starts with this "Limited Edition" model.
2024 Ineos Grenadier
BAW was a BAIC subsidiary before it went private in 2020 and has been known for creating rugged off-road vehicles not too far off from the Toyota FJ40 or FJ60. It sat in the off-road shadow of its parent company BAIC, but now that it's finally on its own, it's ready to start moving upmarket. And we have to admit, the new 212 is a pretty solid first entrant.
Familiar Design
The first thing everyone is going to notice is the exceptionally familiar exterior that seems to be pulled directly from about three or four European brands. Before you get upset, though, you have to remember the amount of praise and adoration that's been heaped on the Ineos Grenadier. That model is barely more than a Defender in terms of looks, but because it has British origins and a German heart, everyone is okay with it. We honestly feel the 212 has a slightly more unique look, and they always say if you're going to copy, copy from the best.
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The front has the close headlights of the Toyota FJ40, with the hood and upper fascia design of the Defender and bumper/wheel arches of a Wrangler. Down the side, you get more Defender, with a high bodyline that stretches across the length of the vehicle. In the rear, it feels unmistakably G Wagon, with the way the roofline arrives to the rear and the single massive window, though the centrally mounted tire throws it off. There aren't too many pictures of the interior, but we can see a massive centrally-mounted touchscreen and flat-bottomed steering wheel. More importantly, there are a ton of tactile buttons that seem to control the various off-road controls and climate control.
Performance And Price
Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 248 horsepower and an unknown amount of torque. While that's not particularly inspiring, it does send that power through an eight-speed transmission to a part-time 4WD system with high and low ranges. Other features include locking differentials front and rear, disconnectable anti-sway bars, multiple drive modes, and healthy approach and departure angles of 40 and 36 degrees, respectively.
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The tariffs aim to protect American manufacturing and jobs, but not all automakers agree that China should be excluded. And how will China respond?It's a pretty well-optioned and capable vehicle, but the true cherry on top is the price, which, according to Car News China, is expected to start somewhere between $14,000 and $20,000. You heard that right, you'll likely be able to get into a capable off-road vehicle for about the same price as a Nissan Versa. Just don't expect to see this model on our shores anytime soon, as it's not slated to come to the US.
2024-06-08T04:11:33Z dg43tfdfdgfdSources: Car News China, Autohome