Page 12 - Motoring Summer 2021

TEST REVIEW BAIC

BAIC B40 Champion

hortly after the SA launch, we had the opportunity to put the new BAIC B40 through our full on to the dirt road sections, I selected the
test routine. With all SUVs and 4x4 vehicles, that entails a trip to the farm, and full off-road 4h option on the control in the centre of the
Svehicle testing includes a climb up the mountain. dashboard - this can be done on the move.
The B40 is clearly designed to take on the established market leader in the segment, with For the mountain climb that entailed
exterior looks that are somewhat familiar. This also means that the vehicle certainly looks like it mainly loose rocks, we moved into 4low
can take the punishment that proper off-roading entails. Ground clearance, ride height, chunky (4 wheel drive, low range). Taking the
off-road tyres, body protection and excellent approach and departure angles are all part of this. conditions in the prescribed slow and steady
The test vehicle was powered by the 2l 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine that provides 160kW manner, the B40 chugged its way up and
and 320Nm, so on-road performance is good and the 6-speed automatic transmission handles the down the mountain without hesitation.
job smoothly. The section of tar roads was handled easily and comfortably. As soon as we moved However, the shift into or out of low range
requires stopping the vehicle and shifting
into neutral first.
Having experienced tar, dirt and rocky
mountain trails on the trip, the B40 never
missed a beat. There were three people on
board, and we even put a load in the back
for the return trip with no discernible effect
on the handling on any of the surfaces.
The test vehicle was the range-topping
Champion specification with many of the
features that you would expect from all
modern vehicles. Some features that stand
out include the previously mentioned central
control that includes the push button start,
2h/4h/4low control, air-conditioning and
volume control all in one big central panel.
As it was automatic, I kept looking for a
left-foot rest, especially on the open road.

MOTORING | Summer 2021 | 10