BAIC B30 First Drive Impression

The landscape of the South African mid-size SUV segment has long been dictated by a simple, frustrating trade-off: Affordability or Specification. For years, buyers have had to sacrifice advanced technology or premium features to meet a realistic budget. The introduction of many Chinese SUVs has offered South Africans vehicles that, on the face of it at least, promise value for money and capability. The latest entrant is BAIC's B30. I drove the new model at its launch.

Design 

The B30’s design is a significant improvement over the likes of the B40, managing to look both modern and off-road-ready. The unique, retro-futuristic design features a boxy shape and robust proportions, giving it presence. It has elements that evoke a Jeep or Land Rover aesthetic.

Interior and Technology

Step inside, and you're greeted by a modern, minimalist cabin featuring high-quality materials at a competitive price point. A sweeping 14.6-inch touchscreen and the clear 10.25-inch digital cluster dominate the cabin. The system itself has good resolution and offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality; however, the two screens I interacted with were relatively slow to respond, potentially requiring a software update. There is also an over-reliance on the screen itself when it comes to vehicle functions, with media, vehicle safety settings, and climate control all adjustable through the screen, which, ironically, can distract you from the task of driving when you're making adjustments on the go.

The large touchscreen looks great, but may need a software update as its response to inputs is relatively slow

 

With features like heated and ventilated leather seats, multi-colour ambient lighting, wireless charging and Level 2 ADAS suite (Adaptive Cruise Control, LKA, AEB), the B30 is well-appointed. The safety systems can be pretty intrusive and overly sensitive at times. They can be switched off, but the systems are automatically switched back on when you start or restart the car, requiring you to re-enter the menu on the screen and disable them again.

 

Practicality

Built on an ample 2 820 mm wheelbase, the cabin delivers true comfort for five, with ample legroom and headroom in the second row. However, the truly unique selling proposition lies in its highly flexible seating. The rear bench is not only split-folding but also folds completely flat, integrating with the cargo floor. This transformation unlocks a massive 1 496 litres of cargo space and, more importantly for weekend adventurers, creates a continuous bed-like surface that measures nearly 1.9 metres in length. 

On the Road in the BAIC B30

I first drove the B30 Premium Adventure HEV AWD (R689 900) for our test drive. The figures are impressive: 301kW and 685Nm from a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and dual electric motor set-up. The engine is paired with a two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.

Off the line, the B30 hybrid feels brisk, with a 0–100 km/h under 7.0 seconds. The self-charging hybrid system is not seamless, with a noticeable transition between electric and internal combustion modes or when the two are combined. The engine delivers a good balance of power when needed and impressive economy, though. The ride is reasonably refined, and since this is a hybrid, the drivetrain is quiet, and there's ample torque for overtaking and a quick burst of acceleration.

The presence of the All-Terrain System (ATS) with modes like Mud, Sand, and Snow, combined with the 215 mm ground clearance, means it is capable when heading off-road. We drove through the Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve just outside JHB, which isn't hardcore off-roading, but is likely about as rough as your average SUV owner is expected to tackle. The beauty of the hybrid is that it is nearly completely silent at low speeds, meaning my drive through the park didn't disrupt the animals.

During our 133km stint in the hybrid, we averaged 6.9 L/100km.

The petrol-powered model in the range is more affordable and is likely the model that many prospective buyers will be looking at. The drivetrain's low-speed refinement is less impressive and immediately noticeable, especially when stepping out of the hybrid. The 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and turbocharged petrol engine are generally agreeable; however, low-speed operation can feel clunky at times, a common trait with these types of gearboxes. 

Local commitment?

The brand has committed to assembling the B30 locally. However, the models we drove at the launch were made in China. Time will tell how many of these will emerge from the BAIC’s Gqeberha-based  Coega plant. This local investment is promising, but from what I discerned, the vehicle's supply chain emanates from mainland China, not South Africa, and the cars will only be assembled locally. All B30 models come with a 7-year/200 000 km general warranty, a High-Voltage Components Warranty of 8 years/150 000 km(hybrid models), and a service plan of 7 years/90 000 km. 

Verdict

The BAIC B30 presents yet another mid-size SUV from China, in an increasingly bloated price bracket. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as each new-generation product we receive from Chinese automakers is better than the last, providing more and more choice for consumers. The B30 excels in value, practicality and styling, making it worthy of consideration when shopping in this segment.