BAIC D20 (Malaysia)
BAIC has introduced a
petrol-powered version called the BAIC D20. This is actually closer to hitting showroom floors in 2017, with prices set to be announced soon, and has already received Energy
Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status from the government.
The D20
is said to be based on the first-gen smart forfour, with styling derived from
the original Mercedes-Benz B-Class. Unlike the EV200 sedan, however, the D20 is
a five-door hatchback. As with its twin, the Malaysian-spec version of the D20
is the brand’s first right-hand drive car.
Under the bonnet, the D20 had a choice of two four-cylinder petrol engines. The
1.3 litre mill produces 101 hp and 128 Nm and is only available with a
five-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.5 litre version kicks out 114 hp and 148
Nm and also has a four-speed automatic option.
The D20 comes in Comfort and Fashion variants, with
the 1.3 litre variant only available in the former. The 1.3 litre model comes
with 14-inch steel wheels with covers, while the 1.5 litre models all get alloy
wheels as standard. The more powerful models also get an anti-UV windscreen,
and only the Fashion models gain a sunroof.
Inside, all models get fabric seats,
power-adjustable wing mirrors, digital air-con controls and a proper gearlever
instead of the EV200’s Jaguar-esque rotary selector. The 1.5 litre variants
receive a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a split-folding rear seat (the
1.3 litre’s folds whole), while the Fashion models benefit from sun visor
mirrors, heated and power-folding door mirrors and automatic lights and wipers.
All models get a CD/radio
head unit with USB and AUX ports, with the Fashion getting multifunction
steering wheel controls and a 6.5-inch touchscreen navigation system option as
seen here, plus an optional reverse camera. Safety-wise, all cars get dual
airbags, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX child seat anchors, while the Fashion gains a
passenger-side seat belt reminder.
