Chinese car maker BAIC revealed its new B40 PLUS SUV, at the Festival of Motoring this week, which is destined for South Africa in the first quarter of 2020.
The new go-anywhere SUV features a body-on-frame design, a selectable 4WD system with an electronically activated low-range transfer case, and rear diff-lock to help it tackle the toughest South African terrain. At the front, the B40 PLUS uses a double-wishbone coil spring suspension, while at the rear a five-link rigid axle setup, to ensure maximum comfort and off-road capability.
The B40 PLUS is truly capable off the beaten path with a 220mm ground clearance and a respectable 23-degree break-over angle. Front and rear approach and departure angles are set at 37 and 31 degrees respectively, making the SUV particularly adept at negotiating steep inclines and descents.
Engine options will include 2.0 L turbo petrol and diesel variants, paired with an option of a 5- speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The distinctive four-door body is styled with rugged details such as wide fender flares, a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, red-painted tow hooks, and aggressive 17-inch all-terrain tyres. The front windscreen can be folded forward and the rear roof section is removable to enable open-air driving for up to five passengers.
The modern interior is hi-tech enough to rival far more expensive SUV offerings with a floating 10-inch central touch screen infotainment display and a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster with three configurable theme options including Classic, Speed, and Trek.
The South African market will be the first in the world to debut the new B40 PLUS in right-hand drive configuration, demonstrating the importance of the region for BAIC.
More detailed local specifications and pricing will be made available closer to time of launch in the first quarter of 2020.
Provided by BAIC
