Page 46 - waterfall Issue 12 2021

Waterfall Motoring

BaiC B40 PLus

By Alan Rosenmeyer

Straight from the SA
launch, take a look at

the new BAIC B40 Plus
off-roader.

T he BAIC Group is a Chinese

state-owned enterprise and
holding company of several
automobile and machine
manufacturers located in Beijing.
Having concluded a deal with SA
authorities, they have erected a
purpose-built assembly plant in
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in the
Eastern Cape and, to date, have
launched the D20 Hatchback and x25
Suv through a limited dealer network.

Now, it looks like they are about to make a serious
assault on the established market with the launch of the
B40 Plus off-road-capable vehicle. Typical of Chinese-
sourced vehicles, it’s aimed directly at the market
leader but with a very significant price advantage.

With the option of 2l petrol or diesel power and the ability
to remove some or all roof panels easily, this vehicle is
designed for the leisure adventurer who intends using
this vehicle to its fullest ability. The off-road capability
was tested and proven during the launch at the ADA
Training & Outdoor Centre in Hartbeespoort.

Available in three specification levels that allow for
most tastes and desires, the pièce de résistance is the
pricing that ranges from R550 000 to R629 000.

Perhaps my biggest personal gripe is the lack of an
automatic gearbox option matched to the diesel engine
but that will be added to the range in the future.

Hopefully, I will receive a test vehicle soon and then
have the opportunity to put it through its paces at
the MotorMatters facility on the Gush valley Farm.

Click here to watch our full video review: https://bit.ly/BAICB40Launch

44 Waterfall Issue 12 2021