Of all the SUVs that GM produces and markets around
the world, the Baojun 560 may be the least familiar to most Western readers,
at least. But it's a critical model in the Chinese market, and it's now been
treated to some critical upgrades.
The Baojun 560 is made
through a joint venture between General Motors and local automakers Wuling and
SAIC, and has already sold over a million units.
The latest version is now available as a
seven-seater, with two seats up front, a movable three-seat row in the middle,
and two more seats in the back. The interior has also been refined with a new
infotainment display, improved HVAC system, and enhanced trim.
Along with the extra row of seats, the automakers
have also installed a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, sourced from
BorgWarner and mated to a 1.5-liter turbo four rated at 150 horsepower and 170
lb-ft of torque – considerably more potent than the naturally aspirated
1.8-liter inline-four that's good for 137 hp and just as much torque.
The 560 is offered alongside the smaller 510
sport-ute, E100 electric city car, 310 wagon, 610 hatchback, 630 sedan, and 730
minivan in the growing Baojun lineup.