SUBANG JAYA: Beijing Automotive Industry Corp (BAIC), one of China's top automakers, has set its sights at the Malaysian market.
BAIC's first showroom at Wisma Consplant 1 here was launched by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof today.
The outlet is displaying the BAIC X55 sports utility vehicle (SUV) and BJ40 Plus 4x4 which are the company's first introduction models in Malaysia.
Chen (second from right) presenting an X55 scale model to Fadillah. With them are (from left) EP Manufacturing Bhd executive chairman Hamidon Abdullah, Propadu Holdings managing director Datuk Mohd Nasri Ismail and BAIC International vice-president Zhao Pengfei.
The X55 is offered in Standard and Premium grades with prices teased from "RM12X,XXX to RM14X,XXX," while the BJ40 Plus is teased from "RM18X,XXX to RM19X,XXX."
Built using BAIC Group's Beijing Modular Functional Architecture, the X55 claims a respectable drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.32 with the use of pop-out door handles, a split rear spoiler and a smooth underbody among others.
X55.
Power comes from a Magic Core 1.5-litre (1,498cc) turbocharged A156T2H engine that's been developed in-house and produces an impressive 185hp at 5,500rpm and 305Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,500rpm.
The Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) along with a 350bar High-pressure Direct Injection system also contributed to added fuel economy and performance.
X55.
The mill is mated to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch DCT380 transmission to manage power delivery to the front wheels.
At best, the 1,550kg (kerb) SUV consumes 7.18 litres per 100km (WLTC) and can sprint from 0 to 100kph in 7.84 seconds.
To further enhance its drive, four driving modes of Eco, Sport, Comfort and Smart are available.
X55.
The X55's external kit includes LEDs for the automatic headlights, daytime runners and rear light clusters.
Meanwhile, it also comes with a powered tailgate, a panoramic sunroof with rain sensor and heated power mirrors with auto-fold function among others.
X55.
Wheels are the 18-inch type for Standard grade and 19-inch for the Premium.
Inside, the aerospace-themed cabin features a 10.1-inch Central Touchscreen Display and 10.25-inch fully graphic instrument panel and a 10-colour ambient light system for the doors.
X55.
The steering wheel and shift lever feature anti-bacterial coating while the cabin's air is kept fresh and clean by a PM2.5 filtration system.
For safety, it also gets comprehensive list of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS).
X55.
Meanwhile, the BJ40 Plus is designed to venture on extreme terrains and appeal to avid off-roaders.
The BJ40 Plus comes with modern features, a ladder frame and the boxy looks of classic 4x4s.
BJ40 Plus.
The 'Plus' in its nomenclature refers to its Popular design, Large space, Utility drive and Smart care.
Among its unique features are a flip-down windshield, removable roof panels and a side-hinged tailgate.
BJ40 Plus.
Its 2.0-litre (1,998cc) direct-injected turbocharged engine cranks out 221hp and 380Nm of torque and is mated to an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission.
The drivetrain uses a BorgWarner part-time 4WD system with High and Low ranges.
BJ40 Plus.
On the road, the Eight-In-One Body Stability System includes the latest Bosch 9.1 ESP system providing up six active drive modes and five switching modes to match terrain conditions.
The body structure, with a wheelbase of 2,745mm, has a separate integral trapezoidal beam frame that allows for load-carrying and added strength as well as shock and energy absorption.
BJ40 Plus.
The BJ40 Plus, which has a ground clearance of 210mm, has front double wishbones with coil springs and rear five-link live axle.
The short front and rear overhangs of this 2,050kg (kerb) SUV have an approach angle of 37 degrees and a 31-degree departure angle.
BJ40 Plus.
The five-seater cabin is available in either Passion Red or Ice Crystal Blue (seen here) and comes with a three-dimensional console with soft-touch material.
There's also a 10-inch touchscreen display and a 12.3-inch full-colour LCD instrument cluster for the driver that comes with a configurable informational design layout.
BJ40 Plus.
The rear seats can be folded to increase cargo capacity from 532 to 965 litres.
The official launch of these two models will take place soon.
Beijing Automotive Group Co Ltd vice-general manager and BAIC Motor Corp chairman Chen Wei said Malaysia is a thriving automotive market with increasing demand for quality, new energy and intelligent vehicles — areas where BAIC excels in.
BJ40 Plus.
"With Malaysia's mature automotive production system and growing consumer interest, we are keen to expand our presence and establish a sales and service network to offer diversified and high-quality choices to Malaysian consumers," he said.
Chen added that the vehicles have been developed specifically for right-hand drive markets, and tailored for Malaysian preferences, and any feedback obtained from the public will be used to make further improvements if necessary for the locally-assembled models.
The Chinese state-owned carmaker has appointed Jiang Qiang Sdn Bhd to establish a nationwide sales and service network.
BAIC aims to have 10 dealer outlets across the country this year with the first to be operated by EOE (Edaran Otomobil Elektrik) (M) Sdn Bhd.
