It appears the Borgward BX5 has gone on sale in
Malaysia, as the compact SUV was recently spotted at Juro Auto City in Penang
along with an official price list. Sold as a locally-assembled (CKD) model,
buyers get to choose from two powertrain options and five variants split
between them, with prices starting from RM 118,950 on-the-road without
insurance. The five-seater, which measures in at 4,490 mm long, 1,877 mm wide
and 1,675 mm tall, with a 2,685 mm-long wheelbase, was first previewed locally
in late April along with the BX7, a left-hand drive example being the display
vehicle.
The turbocharged engine line-up starts with a 1.4
litre four-cylinder that serves up 150 PS at 5,500 rpm and 250 Nm from
1,750-4,000 rpm, and is joined by a 2.0 litre four-pot that makes 224 PS at
5,500 rpm and 300 Nm from 1,500-4,500 rpm. Both engines come with a
six-speed automatic transmission as standard, but all-wheel drive is only
available with the larger-capacity engine – the 1.4 litre powerplant is front-wheel
drive only.
Two variants – 1.4T and 1.4T (TS) – are associated
with the 1.4 litre engine, priced at RM 118,950 and RM 130,950 respectively. In
terms of equipment, both come with automatic halogen headlamps with LED DRLs,
LED taillights, keyless entry, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system,
single-zone air-conditioning, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display, built-in
toll reader and cruise control. It’s only aesthetics where they differ, as the 1.4T (TS) adds on
something called the TS Line package, along with a diamond front grille, red
door sills, a centre console cover and fancier floor mats. There’s also
exterior door visors and security window tint included with the 1.4T (TS).
Meanwhile, the BX5 with the 2.0 litre engine comes
in 2.0T, 2.0T (TS) and 2.0T (CRS) guises, with the first two roughly mimicking
the 1.4T and 1.4T (TS) in terms of equipment. Improvements here include front
parking sensors, a powered tailgate that can be remotely operated (including
for the windows), power-folding side mirrors with puddle lamps and dual-zone
air-conditioning with rear vents. The 2.0T goes for RM 138,950, while the 2.0T
(TS) retails at RM 150,950.
As for the 2.0T (CRS), it gets uprated floor mats
that aren’t standard on the 2.0T (TS), but loses out on the TS Line package.
Other standard items with the range-topping variant (priced at RM 156,950)
include glass coating and matte colour wrapping. On the topic of wheels, the
brochure states 19-inch wheels for the all the 1.4T (TS) and 2.0 (TS) except the
2.0T (CRS), which appears to get larger 20-inch units. However, it’s not
mentioned what the 1.4T and 2.0T variants get, although they likely come with
17- and 18-inch wheels as seen on these cars. All variants come with six
airbags (front, side and curtain), vehicle stability control, ABS, EBD, brake
assist, an electronic parking brake (with auto hold), tyre pressure monitoring
system, hill start assist and an electronic differential system – hill descent
control is only for 2.0 litre variants.
Based on the material provided, buyers will also
benefit from Borgward Privileges, which include an eight-year/unlimited mileage
warranty, five years free service (including labour and parts), a Borgward
RedBlack Card for two years of free petrol, roadside assistance (with free
towing) and RedBlack Premier (cashback for five years).
