BAIC recently expanded their product range to offer an SUV in addition to the hatch, sedan and crossover models that have been on the market for some time now. While the new B40 Plus range might fall just outside the budget of most first-time vehicle owners, the rest of their products are quite affordable in their respective segments.
It is for this reason that we will be focussing more on the more affordable options. Before we jump in, readers should note that the pricing listed in this article was correct at the time, however, can change at any moment and without notice.
What to look for in a first car
Before visiting dealerships or searching for used BAIC models on AutoTrader, the vehicle buyer needs to create a list of requirements the vehicle needs to meet. This can include everything from the model's safety rating to luggage space or frugality. After all the key aspects has been taken into consideration and the vehicle buyer know what type of vehicle they are looking for, only then does it come down to budget.
First-time vehicle owners should calculate what the maximum is they can afford to spend monthly, not only on repaying the vehicle finance agreement but also the insurance, fuel and basic maintenance required.
BAIC D20
The BAIC D20 range made its official debut locally in 2017 and is offered in both hatch and sedan configurations. The entry-point to the D20 range is the hatch in Comfort guise, the latter comes fitted with a 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor capable of 75 kW and 128 Nm of torque. The engine is coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox, the configuration claims an average fuel consumption return of 6.7 L / 100 km.
In terms of safety, the entire D20 range comes with two airbags and ABS braking. Both outer rear seats on all the derivatives also offer ISOFIX mounting points for child seats. While BAIC doesn't quote a number for the luggage space on the hatch model, the sedan offering will provide for 450-litres which can be expanded to 1 190-litres should the owner fold the 60:40 split-folding seats be flat.
The sedan offering is only offered in the more premium Fashion grade which also comes fitted with a more powerful engine. Under the bonnet, customers can expect 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission. This combination results in 85 kW and 148 Nm of torque and BAIC claims the model should return an average fuel consumption figure of 7.6 L / 100 km.
Price:
BAIC D20 hatch 1.3 Comfort - R 149 990
BAIC D20 hatch 1.5 Comfort - R 169 990
BAIC D20 hatch 1.5 Fashion - R 179 990
BAIC D20 hatch 1.5 Fashion auto - R 189 990
BAIC D20 sedan 1.5 Fashion auto - R 209 990
BAIC X25
The BAIC X25 is the Chinese automaker's crossover offering that not only provides more modern styling but also a slightly higher ground clearance. Motivating the X25 range is a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor capable of 85 kW and 148 Nm that has a claimed average fuel consumption of 6.5 L / 100 km on the variants fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox and 7.2 L / 100 km on derivatives that comes with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Like with the D20 range, the X25 line-up comes fitted with two airbags as standard as well as ABS brakes. The range also offers ISOFIX mounting points on both outer rear seats. Customers can also expect 500-litres of luggage space at the rear.
Price:
BAIC X25 1.5 Comfort - R 219 990
BAIC X25 1.5 Fashion - R 229 990
BAIC X25 1.5 Comfort auto - R 239 990
BAIC X25 1.5 Fashion auto - R 249 990
Verdict
Both the D20 and X25 ranges offer a lot of practicality to first-time vehicle owners. Furthermore, the Chinese models also come to market at very affordable price points. It is however when we look at the standard safety equipment that we become a bit weary of both models and so should first-time vehicle owners. Thus, only if the first-time car owner is confident in their driving and reaction time towards other drivers, should it make for a good car.
