WeeklySA_AdminMiD-SIZE SUV: Chinese automaker BAIC increases lineup with locally assembled B30 offered in both petrol and hybrid electric powertrains
By Ali Mphaki
The house of Chinese automaker BAIC in the Coega Industrial Development Zone in Gqeberha, this week welcomed its third born child in mid-size SUV baptized B30.
The newborn B30 joins its elder siblings in the BAIC stable, namely the rugged B40 and the funky X55 Plus on the production line, strengthening the brand’s footprint in South Africa.
With a tad less than five years doing business in South Africa, the Chinese brand has shown a knack for delivering products that the customer wants, something the B30 is destined to achieve going forward
As the proud midwifery Ammena Hassan, brand and PR manager enthuses about the B30:” We’ve built a car that delivers what people want, not just what they can afford.”
Designed for what BAIC refers to as a new generation of SUV enthusiasts, the boxy shaped B30 is initially available in four models and two engine offerings.
To welcome the newborn in Gauteng, a select group of motoring were invited to the launch on Monday morning, where we drove the various variants on a 120km round trip to the Lions Park in the Broederstroom area in the North West.
What immediately strikes you is the B30-s modern and off-road ready design, it’s retro-futurist design featuring a boxy shape and robust proportions giving it presence.
LED headlights and daytime lights signature that spans the width of the grille adding to its modern looks.
If size means anything to you, the new entrant measures 4 730 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,790 mm high.
To complete its rugged SUV aesthetic, the B30 stands on 19-inch alloys, comes with roof racks and side pedals for easier access.
Try as I may, I couldn’t resist picking up some Land Rover and Mini Cooper designer traits, but these do nothing save to enhance the B30’s unique features.
First, we had the entry-level B30 Elite Adventure priced at R519 000 ro sample, and were immediately impressed by its spacious and roomy interior with a premium feel.
With a ground clearance of 215 mm, the B30 also benefits from safety and driver assistance, which includes lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and a 360 degrees panoramic camera.
There is ample leg and headroom in the second row, but what will form a lump in the throat is when the rear split seats are completely folded down, a whooping 1 496 of cargo is readily available
Enthusiasts will also be smitten by its heated and ventilated leather seats, multi-color ambient lighting, wireless charging etc, which goes to show how well-specced is the B30.
Engaging the stop/start button the motto cones to life and the B30 accelerates from 0-100km in a brisk 6.95 seconds.
The 1.5 four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels go about its business effortlessly, though with increased engine noise when flooring the pedal.
The B30 Elite registered a 5.81/100km average fuel consumption. The ride in the B30 was refined and the drivetrain was generally quiet.
This was evident as we did a game drive in Lions Park, the purr of the B30 engine hardly a disturbance to the gazelle, springboks, zebra and wildebeest roaming the Park.
The lions never even bothered to give us a look, enjoying their siesta under a tree in their enclosure.
Moving on to the B30 Premium Adventure HEV AWD, the well-equipped ranger top has added features such as terrain modes of mud, snow, and sand.
The drive in the AWD is more engaging what with an output of 301kW and 685Nm on offer.
BAIC says it has a driving range of up to 1 000km.
This model is likely to be a hit as it delivers a more brisk acceleration when you need it most like in overtaking, etc.
With its futuristic styling, attractive price point, and wait for it, built in South Africa, the B30 makes for a more tempting alternative in a market segment that continues to grow. Overall, the B30 offers a comfortable ride and it’s engine delivers.
All new B30 models are sold as standard with a seven/year/200,000km and seven- year/90,000km service plan.
The high voltage battery is covered by an eightyear/150,000km warranty.
