Chinese carmakers have C been on a relentless offensive in the South African automotive space of late. Last year, Haval caused a stir with the introduction of the Jolion and P-Series bakkie. More recently, Chery stepped up with the introduction of a new range of striking but affordable SUV models. Now, it is the turn of Beijing - formally known as BAIC to make a bold statement. For its reintroduction, the Chinese firm opted to go the SUV route, because this is where people are spending their money. The Beijing X55 compact SUV is the first product of the Beijing Benz alliance, a partnership between BAIC and Mercedes-Benz.
Price: R394 900
Engine: 1,5-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol
Transmission: 7-speed, dual-clutch automatic
Power: 130 kW
Torque: 305 N.m
Driven wheels: Front 0–100 km/h: 7,8 seconds
Top speed: n/a
Fuel consumption: 7,7 L/100 km
Rivals: Haval H6, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, Hyundai Creta, Honda HR-V
Styling-wise, the new X55 exudes a distinct EV air and could be mistaken for a Tesla from a distance. It has to be the front end with lightning-bolt-inspired headlamps and the unconventional bumper, which looks like it belongs to an electric vehicle.
Denne historien er fra CARMAG February 2023 -utgaven av CAR South Africa.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra CARMAG February 2023 -utgaven av CAR South Africa.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Toyota Fortuner
Considered by many as the quintessential adventure SUV, the Fortuner is about as strong a used buying proposition as you can get in this segment. We take you through the things to look out for and list two rivals for comparison.
MIND THE HURDLE
With a repaired car and a point to prove, Alex Shahini returned for Round 3 of the Toyota GR Cup at Zwartkops Raceway to achieve a career-best finish
KING OF KILLARNEY
For four decades, Denis Joubert was directly involved with the creation, development and ongoing success of Cape Town's international motorsport venue, Killarney. Having just celebrated his 90th birthday, we talk to the man whose contribution to South Africa's motor-racing heritage is priceless....
Selecting the 4WD SYSTEM for your needs
As 4WD SUVS and double cabs grow in popularity, more first-time buyers face the challenge of selecting a vehicle with a drivetrain that best meets their requirements. We explain the key differences between the all-wheel drivetrains available
Kia Picanto 1.0 LX MT
Kia's ever-popular budget hatch has recently received a range of exterior and interior updates - we test the entry-level variant to see if it remains a force to be reckoned with in this highly competitive segment
Super C
The fastest and most technologically advanced flagship C-Class to date, AMG's C63 S has evolved into an electrified uber-sedan. Has this mighty model forsaken some character in pursuing this status? We strapped our test equipment to the new shooting star.
Bentley's Brutes
A break in proceedings during an exclusive preview of the fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT afforded us an opportunity to sample the stately yet hair-raising Bentayga S
RUNNING UP THAT HILL
Now in its 14th year, the Simola Hillclimb continues to combine adrenaline-fuelled competition with showcasing some of the most appealing classics out there in a heady mix that keeps local petrolheads coming...
BAND OF BROTHERS
Complete with rugged bakkie-based underpinnings that encourage off-the-beaten-track venturing, largely proven powertrains that afford maximum range and towing capability, and brand names with enviable respective reputations for reliability, adventure SUVs remain the favourite of thousands of South Africans.
TWELVE OF THE BEST
Ferrari keeps things suitably old-school with its V12-engined 12Cilindri GT
