After a good long wait of over 2 years after being confirmed for South African market, the BAIC BJ40 Plus (called as B40 Plus) has been finally launched in South Africa. Positioned as a rough off-roading SUV, the B40 Plus is available in four trims & a choice of two engines in South Africa, which is a right hand drive market like ours.
The engine options include a turbocharged 2.0L petrol unit delivering 214hp and 320Nm of torque while paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The second options is a 2.0L turbo diesel that churns out 147hp and 350Nm and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
Standard features on the entry-level model includes 17-inch alloy wheels, removable hard-top roof, red tow hooks at the front and back, halogen headlamps, front and rear fog lamps, LED DRLs, dual-zone climate control, a multi-function steering wheel, electronic parking brake, 2 airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Hunter variant adds dual-tone alloy wheels, emergency brake assist, traction control and hill ascent and descent control. The flagship BAIC B40 Plus Champion in addition to the aforementioned features gets a leather multi-function steering wheel and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat.
Related: BAIC BJ40 Plus Set to Launch in Pakistan Soon
There is a double wishbone suspension and coil spring independent setup at front while the rear suspension uses a 5-link coil spring non-independent layout. The ground clearance is generous 210 mm while the approach angle of 37 degrees, departure angle of 31 degrees and breakover angle of 23 degrees makes it quite a useful off-roading machine. Depending on the terrain, conditions and requirements, the selectable 4WD system with mechanical central transfer case and rear differential lock allows driver control over how the engine is powered.
BAIC BJ40 Plus in South Africa
The price of BAIC B40 Plus in South Africa starts at ZAR 549,500 (PKR 64.20 lac) for the base variant and goes as high as ZAR 629,500 (PKR 73.56 lac) for the flagship version. All variants come standard with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty.
Related: Sazgar-BAIC BJ40- Booking to Open Soon
Like South Africa, BAIC is taking an awfully long time to introduce its vehicles in Pakistan since it partnered with Sazgar back in November 2017. However as per recent information, commercial production at Sazgar-BAIC plant has been commenced from September 2021. The company will introduce a range of vehicles including D20 sedan & hatchback and the X25 crossover but will begin its sales operations by introducing the BJ40 Plus SUV first. As per previously shared information, the BJ40 Plus will be priced around PKR 6.5 million to PKR 7.0 million however the recent decline of PKR against USD might take its toll on final pricing which is yet to be announced.
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
