Spending US$ 15,000 on a new car in the US would land
you a new Ford Fiesta with a few extras, but the same amount will get you a new
Baojun 730 in China.
Upgraded for the new MY, the MPV is still based on a
Lotus-tuned chassis, though it gets a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine rated at
147 Hp and 230 Nm of torque that's mated to a 6-speed
dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Despite carrying a starting price of RMB 99,800
(US$ 15,045), the MPV made by SAIC-GM-Wuling exclusively for the Chinese market
comes with a few high-tech features, such as the active air intake grille,
which controls the air entry into the engine compartment, allowing it to reach
the optimal temperature faster, and reducing wind drag.
The 730 has a 2+2+3 seating layout, and is available
with a new black and grey interior trim, dark wood-like accents, ice blue
ambient lighting, dual-color seats and a 9-speaker Infinity sound system by
Harman, which was custom made for this vehicle. Moreover, the automaker claims
that the cabin is "segment-leading quiet", thanks to sound-absorbing
and soundproofing materials.
GM's local joint venture expects the upgraded MPV to
continue the success of the model introduced in 2015, which managed to achieve
a 5-star safety rating from C-NCAP.
