During the recent 2020 Chengdu Motor Show, Baojun launched the second model year of its RS-3 subcompact crossover – the brand’s new entry-level vehicle bearing the RS nomenclature. The young General Motors brand has announced that the 2021 Baojun RS-3 is hitting the Chinese market with a new range-topping trim level and a more powerful engine.
Specifically, the 2021 Baojun RS-3 adds the Smart Lofty as its highest trim level and a new turbocharged, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The latter develops 145 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission. This engine comes standard on the RS-3 Smart Lofty while being optional on the Smart Elite and Smart Luxury trims.
From its official launch in October 2019 until now, the Baojun RS-3 was offered in China exclusively with a naturally aspirated 1.5L four-cylinder engine, which produces a modest 98 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque, coupled to a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic that simulates eight fixed gear ratios. This powertrain soldiers on for the more affordable versions of the crossover.
The 2021 Baojun RS-3 maintains the Interstellar Geometry design language of that signaled the brand’s renaissance, characterized by its distinctive proportions and stylized lines. Its front end stands out with its large jewel-style grille and bold split-lighting configuration, comprised of slim LED daytime running lights up top and headlamps mounted low in the front fascia.
Inside, the RS-3 features a new optional all-black finish and the latest generation of Baojun’s infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen. In addition, the small crossover comes with wireless charging for mobile phones, automatic climate control and a segment-leading suite of advanced driver assistance systems that includes adaptive cruise control.
The 2021 Baojun RS-3 is now available in China, with a total of seven variants and three trim levels. The crossover is one of the most strategic vehicles in Baojun’s new product offensive, as it is intended to capture the attention of younger customers with an emphasis on design and connectivity with the aim of introducing them to the brand’s latest vehicle range. The starting prices are as follows:
- Baojun RS-3 Smart Elite 1.5L Manual: 71,800 CNY (about $10,295 USD at the current exchange rate)
- Baojun RS-3 Smart Luxury 1.5L Manual: 79,800 CNY ($11,445 USD)
- Baojun RS-3 Smart Elite 1.5L CVT: 81,800 CNY ($11,730 USD)
- Baojun RS-3 Smart Luxury 1.5L CVT: 89,800 CNY ($12,875 USD)
- Baojun RS-3 Smart Elite 1.5L Turbo CVT: 87,800 CNY ($12,590 USD)
- Baojun RS-3 Smart Luxury 1.5L Turbo CVT: 93,800 CNY ($13,450 USD)
- Baojun RS-3 Smart Lofty 1.5L Turbo CVT: 98,800 CNY ($14,170 USD)
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Comment
So now we’re stuck with news about Chinese Jam vehicles and in the US GM can’t get their backside off the chairs. I really like to know what safety equipment for $11,000 This SUV has and why can’t we get cars and trucks for this price in the US? In a year or two GM will not be in the automotive business I will be in the SUV and truck business I’m sticking with my eight-year-old Veronica and probably never buy another GM product again