Baojun, the brand owned by the
SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture, has launched the new RC-5 liftback and RC-5W
wagon on the Chinese market. Local prices start from RMB 59,800 (US$ 8,600) for the Baojun RC-5 liftback and RMB 72,800 (US$ 10,490)
for the RC-5W wagon.
Sized similarly to their Skoda Octavia
equivalents, both compact models are available with either a naturally
aspirated or a turbocharged 1.5-liter petrol engine. The free-breathing unit
delivers 99 PS while the force-fed variant produces 147 PS. A
six-speed manual gearbox comes standard while a six-speed auto is available as
an option.
The RC-5 and RC-5W adopt Baojun’s
‘Interstellar Geometry’ design language and look identical up to the C-pillars.
The wagon is obviously the more practical choice, offering a cargo space of
more than 470 liters with all seats in place. The RC-5W also
features a roof rack, reclining rear seats on the second row with extra
headroom compared to the RC-5 liftback, as well as “airplane-like” headrests.
The dashboard looks modern and is
dominated by two big displays and a rather high center console. The RC-5 and
RC-5W integrate mobile connectivity with in-vehicle features, enabling users to
enjoy “precise and fast voice control, customized infotainment and even
car-home connectivity”.
Both
models feature functions normally found in premium models, such as dynamic turn
signals, wireless cellphone charging, memory seats, and an intelligent air
purification system. From a safety standpoint, the RC-5 and RC-5W benefit from
17 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) functions. They are made possible
by the fusion of a high-resolution camera and millimeter wave radars with
ranges of 120 meters and 160 meters, respectively.
