Some time ago, the 212 T01 was officially unveiled, with a total of 3 models and a price range of 139,900-172,900 yuan. This is a hard-core compact SUV, compatible with the dual power of new energy and fuel, and a hybrid version will be launched in the future, and even a three-door version and a pickup version are also planned.
The 212 T01 is the perfect blend of classic and modern elements. It retains the classic design of the old 212, such as the iconic clamshell bonnet, anti-aircraft lights next to the hood, the three-section grille, and those retro round split headlights and rectangular turn signals. Although the front face is full of nostalgic style, the headlights are equipped with modern configurations such as lenses and LED turn signals, and even cameras are placed in all corners, full of technology.
The body lines are straight and resolute, the front and rear bumpers are thick and powerful, with wide black plastic wheel arches, the whole vehicle looks rough and powerful, the body size is 4705x1895x1936mm, and the wheelbase is 2860mm. The approach angle is 40 degrees and the departure angle is 36 degrees, which means it performs well in off-road ability.
At the rear, the classic round taillights now have a modern feel, and the side-opening tailgate with a full-size spare wheel adds an off-road feel.
Although the new car retains the design of physical buttons as much as possible, which is suitable for blind operation when off-road, the improvement of the sense of technology is also visible to the naked eye. The large LCD instrument cluster and central control screen, plus the electronic gear lever and electronic parking brake, are both retro and modern.
In terms of power, the 212 T01 is equipped with a 2.0T engine with a maximum power of 185 kW, mated to an 8AT gearbox. The off-road configuration should not be underestimated, the time-sharing four-wheel drive system can be switched between high-speed and low-speed four-wheel drive, the front and rear axle differential locks, and the off-road exclusive OFFROAD mode are also available, but the differential lock needs to be optional. In addition, there is a steep hill descent function and a disconnecting anti-roll bar function, which greatly improves off-road passability.
Competitor comparison: evenly matched
The 212 T01's competitors mainly include the Beijing BJ40 and the Haval H5. BJ40 is slightly expensive, especially the City Hunter Glory Edition is its most direct competitor, the same is a non-load-bearing body, time-sharing four-wheel drive system, and BJ40 can also be equipped with an optional differential lock, the two are basically "chess opponents". However, the 212 T01 has a slight advantage in terms of body size and wheelbase.
As for the Haval H5, although its 5.2-meter length and extra-long wheelbase make it better in terms of daily practicality, in terms of off-road agility and passability, the T01 is more handy.
Highlights and recommendations of model configurations
The entry-level model of the new 212 T01 2.0T Mechanic is priced at 139,900 yuan, and the overall configuration can be said to be "enough", but it is not eye-catching. The whole system is equipped with basic configurations such as wireless charging for mobile phones in the front row, LED high/low beams, and automatic headlights, which are more than enough to meet the daily use of family users. However, the Mechanic version is a little less cost-effective, so we have better recommendations.
Recommended model: 2.0T Explorer
Price: 159,900 yuan
Why do you recommend this? To put it simply, it gives you more safety and comfort features at a price that's only 20,000 yuan more expensive than the entry-level version, but it offers much more than that.
Highlights of the Explorer Edition include:
Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning: give you peace of mind on long drives. Transparent chassis/540-degree image: Very practical off-road, it can see clearly under and around the vehicle, helping you to navigate complex road conditions with ease. Front seat heating and driver's seat massage: who can say no to the comfort of a warm seat and massage in winter? The number of cameras has been upgraded to five, and the reversing image has become a 360-degree panoramic view: parking and reversing are safer and more convenient.
These features not only make it safer, but also improve the comfort of everyday driving. And it only costs 20,000 yuan more, compared with the entry-level version of the 2.0T mechanic, it can be said that the cost performance is invincible.
Not recommended model: 2.0T reviewer
Price: 172,900 yuan
Compared to the Explorer, the Inspector version does not have significant improvements in terms of configuration. While the addition of rear side privacy glass, electric side steps, and an upgrade to 18-inch rim specs have little impact on everyday driving. The price will cost 13,000 yuan more, so the cost performance is obviously not as good as the explorer version. Unless you're particularly into the electric side steps and privacy glass, the price difference isn't worth it.
Full text summary
In terms of comprehensive configuration and price, I personally recommend the new 212 T01 2.0T Explorer with a guide price of 159,900 yuan, and it is recommended that consumers give priority to it when purchasing.
The 212 T01 not only inherits the classic off-road appearance, but also upgrades the interior and equipment, which is undoubtedly a boon for working-class off-road enthusiasts. Isn't such a retro and modern off-road vehicle worth your expectations?