The BAW 212 has been in production for more than six decades now, and its latest generation sees it turn into a whole lineup of off-roaders.
On the outside, the SUV looks as laconic as ever with a boxy body-on-frame design, sharp edges and barely rounded corners. It is slightly larger than before and sports a revised front fascia, but otherwise stays recognizable. The interior benefits from modern displays, but retains physical buttons for all important in-car functions.
Sized 4,705 x 1,895 x 1,936 mm large with 2,860 mm between the axles, the new BAW 212 boasts an approach angle of 40 degrees and a departure angle of 36 degrees. Its old 2.4-liter Mitsubishi engine is no longer available, replaced by a China-made 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder mill rated at 252 PS (249 hp / 185 kW).
An eight-speed automatic transmission sends the torque to all four wheels via a part-time AWD system. Reduction gear and lockable inter-wheel differentials help with the terrain traversal. Those who still need more may opt for a new rugged spec that wears bull bars and grippy off-road tires straight from the factory.
Looking forward, BAW plans to expand the model 212 lineup with a new three-door variant of the SUV and a pickup truck. The company says these vehicles will be designed differently from the main model in order to appeal to their supposed target audiences. Finally yet importantly, the new BAW 212 will be getting multiple hybrid powertrain options based on a lighter chassis to retain the off-road qualities.
