Another Chinese car manufacturer has arrived in SA, the BAIC D20. Other Chinese manufacturers currently selling vehicles in SA are Chery, JMC, GWM and FAW.

BAIC (Beijing Automotive Group Co) is China’s 4th largest automotive firm an is building an R11 billion factory in PE and will be assembling vehicles in PE as from 2019 for local and export markets.

BAIC has in the meantime reacently launched an imported vehicle, the D20. It is a small hatch back/sedan and is about 4 metres in length available in 75kW/128Nm 1.3-litre and 85kW/148Nm 1.5-litre petrol engines, in five-speed manual or four-speed auto. The five-model range sells for between R149 990 and R209 990, placing it into price competition with the market-leading Volkswagen Polo Vivo.

BAIC has a technology sharing agreement with Mercedes-Benz and the D20 shares the exact same platform with the Smart ForFour. You would also notice the resemblance to the 1st Gen B-Class Benz.

The D20 is jammed-packed with quite a few goodies as standard which includes: dual front airbags, ABS brakes with EBD, electric power steering, parking sensors, auto-on headlamps, and electric windows. All these goodies are standard across the whole range.
The Fashion model is the top-specced version and at still being affordably priced you get: electric sunroof, daytime running lights, alloy wheels, automatic folding side mirrors, climate control, remote central locking, audio system with 16.5cm touch screen, navigation, USB, CD player, radio and six speakers with speed-sensitive sound level adjustment.
The interior is not bad either. The dashboard plastics are a bit hard but the general finishes seemed solid and modern for the price. It is definitely a cut above the other Chinese models for sale in SA, it really does not feel cheap. Seating is comfortable with ample head and leg room, it also comes with a full-size spare wheel.

It drives well and handles well, in opinion better than the Vivo, but don’t expect BMW dynamics if you know what I mean. It’s a budget beater and for that purpose its great !

So by now you are thinking to yourself, “great stuff, but what about the dealer network” ?
Don’t fear the BAIC D20 will be sold through a national network of 21 dealers in the country’s major centres. It also includes a five-year or 120 000km warranty with service intervals of 10 000km, with optionally available service and maintenance plans.
Trying to gain a reasonable cut of the market in the segment will be a massive task, but do you remember those days when Japanese cars were regarded as “Jap-Scrap” now Toyota is one of the world’s top selling brands and in general all Japanese manufacturers are highly regarded.

Oh…and let’s not forget the Korean brands, KIA and Hyundai is dominating SUV sales and is also highly competitive. When growing up I remember when KIA and Hyundai came into SA. The were not given much hope at the time. But by some very clever marketing tactics and driving excellent aftersales service they made it !

The D20 is highly competitive if you compare it to the Vivo an Etios. So go and drive one, no harm in doing so.

BAIC D20 PRICES:
1.3 hatch Comfort, 75kW – R149 990
1.5 hatch Comfort, 85kW – R169 990
1.5 hatch Fashion, 85kW – R179 990
1.5 hatch Fashion auto, 85kW – R189 990
1.5 sedan Fashion auto, 85kW – R209 990

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