Eastern promise

BAIC is reborn as Beijing and its latest SUV is sure to garner plenty of attention

- Gugu Masuku

Chinese carmakers have C been on a relentless offensive in the South African automotive space of late. Last year, Haval caused a stir with the introduction of the Jolion and P-Series bakkie. More recently, Chery stepped up with the introduction of a new range of striking but affordable SUV models. Now, it is the turn of Beijing - formally known as BAIC to make a bold statement. For its reintroduction, the Chinese firm opted to go the SUV route, because this is where people are spending their money. The Beijing X55 compact SUV is the first product of the Beijing Benz alliance, a partnership between BAIC and Mercedes-Benz.

Price: R394 900

Engine: 1,5-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol

Transmission: 7-speed, dual-clutch automatic

Power: 130 kW

Torque: 305 N.m

Driven wheels: Front 0–100 km/h: 7,8 seconds

Top speed: n/a

Fuel consumption: 7,7 L/100 km

Rivals: Haval H6, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, Hyundai Creta, Honda HR-V

Styling-wise, the new X55 exudes a distinct EV air and could be mistaken for a Tesla from a distance. It has to be the front end with lightning-bolt-inspired headlamps and the unconventional bumper, which looks like it belongs to an electric vehicle.