General Motors’ SAIC-Wuling joint venture announced the launch of the Baojun 730 family vehicle in China today. The new seven-seat MPV was created based on the feedback of SAIC-GM-Wuling customers who asked for a vehicle which could address the needs of growing Chinese families on a budget.
The Baojun 730 is based on a new front-wheel drive platform developed by SAIC-GM-Wuling. The wheelbase of the chassis, which is made from 50 percent high-strength steel, is 2,750 mm (108 inches) and is longer than that of a B-segment car. It features a McPherson front-suspension with a torsion beam in the rear, both of which were tuned by Lotus Engineering in the United Kingdom.
Customers can equip their Baojun 730 with one of two naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engines — a 1.5-liter or a 1.8-liter. The company has not revealed power figures for either motor, but said that the 1.5-liter unit is capable of consuming just 7.1 liters of fuel per 100 km, equivalent to 33 MPG.
A choice of eight exterior colors is available, including Sky Silver, Candy White, Desert Gold, Storm Grey, Sandy Gold, Starry Night Black, Earth Brown and Amber Gold. Inside, the 730 comes standard with an 8-inch high-definition touchscreen with Bluetooth capability and support for mobile devices via USB. Other available options include cruise control, a backup camera system, a dual-zone climate control system, and a power sunroof. Four airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brakeforce distribution are standard safety features, while electronic stability control is an option.
Prices for the Baojun 730 with the 1.5-liter engine start at 69,800 yuan ($11,309 USD). A jump up to the ‘Comfort’ trim drives the price up to 74,800 yuan ($12,119 USD), while the ‘Luxury’ trim will cost 80,800 yuan ($13,092 USD). The 1.8-liter engine is available only in conjunction with the ‘Comfort’ trim level, and will round out the model lineup at 81,800 yuan ($13,254 USD).
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Comments
I’ll curb what I want to say – just reminds me a lot of the Montana SV6.
Buick GL8?
Reminds me of the VW Routan mini van
It looks VW to me. Does GM work with Lotus often? I thought GM did their own tuning?
Why is.Boajan getting unique platforms when GM has a stable of outgoing platforms not to mention stuff from the mid 200ss?
Is Wuling Motors playing a larger role (position) with the Baojun 730 JV??
The strength of the two models 610 and 730 Baojun shows strength in the SAIC GM Wuling passenger family car market. This JV will continue to grow in the coming year (2015), especially with the new factory that will increase production capacity. Look to Wuling Motors to play a larger supportive role.