China’s Baojun creates a Suzuki Jimny lookalike
Baojun previews new all-electric small 4x4 off-roader, stealing the march on Suzuki Jimny EVMeet the Baojun ‘City Fun Trendy Product’ concept, a compact all-electric 4x4 off-roader that looks a lot like a Suzuki Jimny but has plenty of modern touches mixed with its boxy, rugged retro design.
The concept previews an all-new production model for Baojun that’s set to launch in China next year and is expected to be powered by a pair of e-motors – producing 80kW/250Nm – to deliver genuine 4x4 traction.
This type of powertrain and driveline is also slated for the Suzuki Jimny, but not for some years, so the new Baojun model could steal the march on its Japanese lookalike.
Jimny-esque highlights are found across the Baojun concept, from its body shape and high ground clearance to its all-terrain tyres, exposed recovery hooks, rock sliders and roof racks.
But beyond the powertrain, there are modern touches to be found, such as automatic pop-out door handles and advanced LED headlights.
The Baojun bush-basher also features bonnet-mounted spotlight and camera systems.
Baojun is a joint-venture between General Motors and SAIC Motor, the latter being one of the biggest car-makers in China and which already has a presence in Australia with other brands such as MG and LDV.
Both MG and LDV are both well established in our market, and have EVs high on their agenda, with the MG ZS EV already in service and the LDV eT60 ute launching soon.
There’s every chance SAIC would consider offering models such as a budget Jimny rival in Australia, given the Suzuki’s success and strong demand for rugged retro-styled off-roaders that has also prompted GWM Australia to launch its Tank 4x4s here next year.
Photos of what appears to be a driveable prototype version of the new Baojun electric off-roader have been spotted on the back of a transport truck in China.
The concept is expected to debut at the 2022 Guangzhou motor show that opens on November 18.
It’s also not the first Jimny-inspired ultra-compact electric EV to emerge in China.
The Hengrun HRS1 is also a Suzuki Jimny lookalike, priced at around $10,000 and powered by a small 33kW/140Nm electric motor that delivers a claimed 305km range with a 28kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Related: LDV eT60 to become Australia’s first electric ute in November
Related: GWM Ora and Tank brand launches delayed until 2023
Related: Has the Suzuki Jimny just gone electric?
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