By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
At the rate new motoring manufacturers keep popping up, you’d be forgiven for losing track of who’s who. While the names may blur, the upside for South African consumers is undeniable: more choice than ever before. That’s what occupied me as I headed to the launch of BAIC’s newest SUV, the B30, now officially on Mzansi’s roads.
First Impression
After navigating through Monday-morning traffic to Modderfontein, I was greeted by a line-up of shiny new SUVs arranged in a formation that would make Chairman Mao proud. As is now an inside joke among motoring media, the first few minutes are spent playing “spot the resemblance”, figuring out which familiar silhouettes or borrowed design cues have made their way into the newcomer.
I might be completely off the mark, but I caught hints of a smaller Land Rover Defender and a touch of GWM Tank along the side profile. The rear, meanwhile, gave me flashes of a minimalist Mini Countryman, which felt a little unfinished. The front was harder to place, but the lights intrigued me. I couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel.
The driver briefing was very brief, covering only the basics, with an emphasis on the 215 mm ground clearance. We took the new baby for a spin without knowing its price tag. It was very much a “drive first, details later” approach. I didn’t mind, there were too many cute colours to choose from.
The Interior
We had the B30 petrol and B30HEV options. Like most new cars, the cabin is ultra-modern, which can be problematic if you’re on the wrong side of 40. Everything is automated, nearly all functions are housed in a massive tablet-like interface that dominates the cockpit. Something as simple as switching on the air-conditioner or finding the hazards to flash a quick “thank you” in traffic isn’t straightforward. Still, that’s part of the charm of a brand-new car, discovering its quirks, its tech, and everything it’s capable of. I loved the sense of space. I could picture my tribe settling in comfortably on a long trip, everyone enjoying their own room to breathe.
Specifications
standard. Driver assistance systems are plentiful, and occasionally feel like you’re semi- wrestling with the steering wheel thanks to its overachieving intelligence. Lane-Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Detection, and a 360-degree panoramic camera that can confuse you if you’re not fully alert are all there. Inside, multi-colour ambient lighting adds a playful touch and almost rivals Santa’s workshop.
Naturally, the first thing any of us do in a new car is connect our phones, and the B30 makes this effortless with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Even with my aversion to tech, it was easy-peasy; within minutes, my co-driver and I were teleported back to the ’90s, serenaded by Glenn Jones’s love songs for some nostalgic sing- alongs.
The Drive
The route was straightforward, mixing backroads, connecting stretches, a bit of freeway, and those blissfully empty Gauteng roads around the Hartbeespoort area; perfect for getting a proper feel of the car. Our first stint was in the petrol derivative. Leaving the Modderfontein area, it felt promising with decent pull when needed, nothing dramatic, just competent and steady.
On the freeway, within the speed limit, it remained smooth and fuss-free. The sluggishness only revealed itself once we hit the open wilderness, where a bit of lag crept in during overtaking. It meant you had to plan your moves, do a quick mental calculation before committing. But your everyday motorist won’t lose sleep over this, it’s more a habit we’ve developed as motoring journalists, thanks to years of being spoiled by legacy powertrains.
Inside, it was quiet, comfortable, and beautifully ambient. We could hear every lyric Glenn Jones belted out, and even sing along without competing with any unwelcome noise.
The Destination
Our destination was the Lion and Safari Park, where we were promised a chance to take the B30 off-road. Radios were handed out in the car park and, within minutes, the convoy of B30s was confidently picking its way over chunky rocks and leading us on a proper game-drive experience. We spotted giraffes, ostriches, and wildebeest roaming freely, far from the overfed lions lazing in the shade.
I was impressed, partly because it was a welcome escape from the office, and also the B30 handled the rough terrain without a single complaint. By the time we headed into the restaurant for lunch, I was genuinely taken by what the vehicle could do. The team at BAIC has clearly tapped into the spirit of South Africans, who love putting their cars through their paces in the name of adventure. It helps that the B30 carries a bit of local DNA too, with assembly set to take place down in Coega.
The return leg to Modderfontein was in the HEV, and this is where the performance truly came alive. It catered perfectly to that slightly irrational motoring journo trait, the thrill of a bit of “bat-out-of-hell” acceleration. The quietness made it even better. It brought out the inner child in my co-driver, who took great joy in showing up a few German rivals at the lights and celebrating the imaginary wins at the next robot.
All in all, the launch of the BAIC B30 and B30 HEV was a refreshing Monday escape that offered real insight into what the brand can achieve with a well-sorted vehicle and thoughtful planning. Exactly the kind of reset one needs every now and then.
Pricing:
B30 Elite Adventure 1.5T Petrol 7DCT FWD: R519 000
B30 Premium Adventure 1.5T Petrol 7DCT FWD: R549 900
B30 Elite Adventure HEV 1.5T Hybrid DHT FWD: R639 900
B30 Premium Adventure HEV AWD 1.5T Hybrid DHT AWD: R689 900
All models are backed by a General Warranty Policy of 7 years / 200 000 km, a High-Voltage Components Warranty of 8 years / 150 000 km and a Service Plan of 7 Years /90 000 km.
