Sazgar just unveiled their first electric 3-wheeler in a ceremony yesterday, where they also displayed a range of vehicles intended to be launched in Pakistan quite soon. The company having acquired Greenfield investment status has teamed up with China’s state owned BAIC Group which happens to be the joint venture partner of Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz) in China.
Images by Abdul Ghaffar Abro
Sazgar’s website is also live now however they haven’t put any vehicles or their info over there as of yet. Still the D20 hatchback, X25 crossover, M50 MPV and BJ40L SUV were displayed at yesterday’s event which captured the attention of the audience.
D20 Hatchback
The BAIC D20 hatchback has been spotted quite a few times testing on the roads of Lahore. The BAIC D20 is based on 2004 Smart Forfour platform while its styling is heavily inspired by the first generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class. This is because BAIC, as mentioned earlier, has close ties with Daimler AG and since 2003 operates a joint venture in China that assembles Mercedes Benz vehicles.
The D20 hatchback is powered by a 1.5 liter engine and is available in both automatic and manual transmission options. Features include air-condition, power windows, 2 air bags, ABS with EBD, central locking, multimedia audio system with DVD/ MP3/ AUX/ USB, 14” alloy wheels and front & rear fog lights etc.
X25 Crossover
The BAIC X25 crossover sits on the same platform on which the D20 hatchback is based and comes equipped with the same 1.5 liter engine that’s found in the D20, matched to 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic gearbox options.
In terms of dimensions the BAIC X25 at 4,110/ 1,750/ 1,545 mm is slightly smaller than Suzuki Vitara (4,175/ 1,775/ 1,610 mm) however its 2,519 mm wheelbase is marginally longer than 2,500 mm of the Suzuki counterpart.
M50 MPV
The M50 is a 7-seat MPV with dual AC and 2+2+3 seating layout. It is powered by 1.5-liter engine that is rated to produce 114 hp and 150 Nm of torque. It offers similar level of equipment including airbags, power steering/ windows, multimedia audio system with reversing camera, alloy wheels and keyless entry etc.
BJ40L SUV
The last and perhaps the most impressive is the BJ40L SUV. It comes with a choice of 2.0 and 2.3 liter turbocharged petrol and 2.4 liter naturally aspirated petrol engine and comes paired to either 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. It’s a front engine vehicle with part-time 4WD and sits on front double wishbone and a multilink rear suspension. Features include airbags, ABS+EBD, rear anti-spin differential, 7” touchscreen multimedia system with DVD/ MP3/ AUX/ USB, rear parking sensors & engine immobilizer etc.
Related: Sazgar Unveils Pakistan’s First Electric 3-Wheeler
Sazgar’s main manufacturing facility is located on Raiwind Road in Lahore spread over an estate of 5 acres. However an additional 27 acres was purchased at Raiwind Manga Road in Lahore to meet the expansion needs. Sazgar hasn’t revealed prices or official launch date of these vehicles, however if reasonably priced these cars definitely have the potential to become successful in our market. Further information will be updated as and when available, stay tuned to CarSpiritPK for more information on BAIC cars in Pakistan.
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
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