After having been confirmed a good few years ago, the BAIC B40 Plus has finally arrived in South Africa as a roughed off-roading SUV option. The new model from China is available in four trims with the choice of two engines.
A pricing range has been provided by the manufacturer who clarifies that the BAIC B40 Plus will start at R549 500 and top-off at R629 500. The two engines available are a turbopetrol and turbodiesel 2,0-litre four-cylinder offering with a power output of 160 kW and 320 N.m of torque for the petrol and 110 kW and 350 N.m for the oil burner. The diesel is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission while the petrol benefits from a six-speed automatic.
Standard trim on the entry-level model is a set of 17-inch alloy wheels, removable hard-top roof, red tow hooks at the front and back, halogen headlamps, front and rear foglamps, LED DRLs, dual-zone climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, electronic parking brake, two airbags and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
The BAIC B40 Plus Hunter adds dual-tone alloy wheels, emergency brake assist, traction control and hill ascent and descent control. The flagship BAIC B40 Plus Champion, available with the petrol engine only, gains a leather multifunction steering wheel and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat.
All models come standard with a five-year/120 000 km warranty but the four-year/60 000 km service plan is optional.
The front suspension of the BAIC B40 is a double wishbone and coil spring independent setup while the rear suspension uses a five-link coil spring non-independent layout. The overhangs are described to be minimal and combined with a ground clearance of 210 mm, it results in a generous approach angle of 37 degrees, departure angle of 31 degrees and breakover angle of 23 degrees.
The selectable 4WD system with mechanical central transfer case and rear differential lock allows driver control over how the engine is powered, dependent on the terrain, conditions and requirements.
