WeeklySA_AdminROAD IMPRESSIONS: BAIC set to ruffle some feathers in the highly-competitive medium size SUV segment with their trendy city and light-off roader
By Ali Mphaki
For the past few days I’ve grown accustomed to a Jet- Black beauty with square shoulders clad in coquettish high profile tyres that lends her that ready-for-any-adventure swag – both on and off the road.
I’ve grown accustomed to her smiles – as accentuated by her commanding and modern SUV Land Rover Defender and Hummer-like stylistics cues; and her frowns – visible from her end- to-end headlight assembly, even though her overall adventure-ready design is sweet enough to make her stand out from the busy crowd.
I’ve grown accustomed to her functional design with roof racks for added functionality and side pedals for easier access.
I’ve grown accustomed to her intelligent ceremonial headlights, a signature lighting sequence which welcomes you as you approach.
I’ve grown accustomed to an uncluttered premium cabin with soft leather ventilated and heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, long rear doors for easy access, a 360-degree camera, and a massive infotainment screen.
While air conditioning can be individually set for driver and front passenger, the rear seat occupants get window curtains too, which give the vehicle that premium feel.
I’ve grown accustomed to her 10.24-inch instrument cluster that adopts to driving modes and lighting conditions, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, voice recognition, wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity.
The aviation-style gear lever adds a sophisticated touch to the whole shebang.
Even though there was some frustration over its Apple CarPlay whose functionality can be frosty, I had grown accustomed to the surprisingly spacious interior, particularly in the rear, with clever lifestyle features like the picnic table and the unique ability to turn the cabin into a flat bed.
I’ve got accustomed to her protective instincts as she comes with a 5-star safety rating, multiple terrain modes such as Sand, Mud, even Snow, an a 4WD system.
True, she almost makes the day begin. I’ve grown accustomed to the tune of her 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine as it whistles night and noon.
Her ups and downs as her 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox goes about its works seamlessly are second nature to me now.
It’s like breathing out breathing in as power surges through when needed.
For all what it’s worth, going out with her via the Strait of Hormuz, the 1,5-litre engine would ration her drinking habits to about 7.3 l/100km while she is also capable of taking the mandatory 0 – 100 km sprint at a reasonably brisk 7.36 seconds
I was serenely independent and content before we met. Surely, I could be that way again, yet for the past few days I’ve grown accustomed to her whims and charms.
I’m so grateful she’s a vehicle and so easy to forget. Rather like a habit one can always break and yet I’ve grown accustomed to the trace of something in the air.
Ladies and gentlemen welcome the B30 from the house of Beijing Automotive International Company, BAIC, which is assembled at their Coega Inustrial plant in Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth.
The B30 joins its Jeep Wrangler-like cousin the B40 and the futuristic Beijing X55 to make it three of BAIC products now available in South Africa.
All models come with a 7-year warranty or 200,000km warranty The B30 is offered in four model line-up two petrol variants and hybrids.
Life’s no good without my B30. From the House of BAIC, Beijing Automotive Industry Company in Gqeberha, it comes assembled in two incredible rides.
