In 2016, Baojun launched a new subcompact car, the Baojun 310. Considered as an extremely successful car in Chinese car market, the 310 launched only in September 2016, sold 50,021 units in its initial 4 months. And by now, the cumulative sales of first 6 months in 2017 have reached 78,159 units.
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The 310 is the hatchback version of Baojun 330 sedan, both produced by SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW). With a 2550mm wheelbase, the subcompact hatchback is 4032mm long, 1680mm wide, and 1470mm tall. It is powered by a 1.2 liter P-TEC naturally aspirated engine that can deliver up to 81hp and 116Nm paired to a 5 speed manual transmission. The 1206cc engine is Euro-V compliant and boasts a claimed fuel economy of 18.6 km per liter.
The 310 has a pleasing exterior design that includes powerful bodylines, a commanding profile, and the Baojun’s signature U-shaped front grille and inverted U-shaped lower grille. On the inside, the Baojun 310 offers rear-seat-width of 1,233 mm (48.5 inches) and 60/40 split-folding rear seats with fold-flat functionality that provide for up to 1,000 liters of cargo space.
Stylistically, the Baojun 310 gets dual-color leather seats, a black center console that holds an 8-inch floating LCD screen with Bluetooth compatibility, and a power sunroof. Other features include chrome accents on all gauges and air-conditioning vents, double-stitching on side panels and arm rests, and a multi-function steering wheel.
The 310 is offered with Airbags, Electric Power Steering, cruise control, backup camera and parking sensors, ISOFIX child safety seat mountings, GPS Navigation and ABS with EBD. Price of Baojun 310 starts from just 36,800 yuan (PKR 5.72 lac) to up to 53,800 yuan (PKR 8.36 lac).
Pakistan’s automobile market has long been dominated by the three Japanese players offering a handful of low-quality under-spec products. The government took a huge stride towards shaking up the Japanese-dominated automobile industry, with the new Auto Policy 2016-21 and has already granted permission to three new companies to set up their car assembly plants in Pakistan.
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Looking at the exceptionally good Chinese vehicles that are being produced today, it seems as if the better ones are yet to reach our soil. So far the Chinese cars that are offered here don’t even come close to the quality vehicles China is currently producing. However we believe the Auto Policy 2016-21 has opened up doors for various auto makers including Chinese to explore our market and somewhere down the road we will be able to get better quality cars like the Baojun 310 in Pakistan as well.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
