Baojun cars are on sale in India under the MG branding – Will we get the new Yep small car next?
Suzuki Jimny is one of the hottest vehicles in multiple global markets. SAIC-GM-Wuling JV are developing a rival that will solely get an electric powertrain. Baojun Yep EV is its global name. 59,800 Yuan (rumoured) is the leaked starting price, which is about Rs 7.12 lakh, making it a rather tempting proposition.
Baojun Yep SUV is expected to make its global debut at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, to be held between April 18 and 27, 2023. Ahead of that, new spy shots have leaked online, which reveal the production version in an undisguised state for the first time. It is seen getting transported to dealer showrooms ahead of launch.
What To Expect From MG’s Jimny Rival, Yep?
Baojun Yep is a small SUV with 3-door, 4-seat layout. Apart from executing duties in your day to day city life, it is also meant to perform during weekend camping excursions among other lifestyle activities.
Yep measures 3381 mm in length, 1685 mm in width and 1721 mm in height. Wheelbase measures 2110 mm and kerb weight is surprisingly low at 1006 kg. Considering that it is an EV with a heavy electric powertrain, low kerb weight should ensure peppy performance. A new teaser video shows the mini electric SUV drifting in the snow.
Speaking of electric powertrains, Baojun Yep is powered by a LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate, LFP) battery. The sole drivetrain is a 50 kW (68 bhp) and 140 Nm single motor with RWD architecture. Baojun Yep claims a range of 303 km under CLTC test conditions. There are reports suggesting a dual motor layout with AWD and even 5-door versions in the future. This will deliver more power and performance.
Inspirations Drawn From Jimny SUV
One look at Yep is enough to see that it is shooting for Jimny’s design. Even colours are somewhat similar. We can spot design elements inspired by Mercedes-Benz G Wagon and Land Rover Defender. Front fascia gets projector headlights, quad-pod LED DRLs, a gloss black grille and a radar module for ADAS functions.
At the sides, stylish alloy wheels denoting either an ‘x’ or ‘+’, flared wheel arches and boxy silhouette catch attention. Roof rails and squared-off rear section lend a rugged aura around it. Previous spy shots revealed twin horizontal displays. These take center stage on the inside.
Will It Launch In India?
MG cars on sale in India, were first launched in China. These were then re-engineered for launch in India. Hector, Astor, Gloster, ZS EV as well as the soon to be launched Comet EV, are on sale in the Chinese market.
But that does not mean all cars sold by MG’s parent in China are on sale in India. Only those cars which make sense to the Indian market, will be launched. Considering that India has been reporting exponential growth in electric car space and popularity of lifestyle products like Jimny and Thar is exploding – Yep makes an exciting proposition for India. As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding a launch in India.
