The BAW 212 is a new off-roader with similar styling to the previous-generation Land Rover Defender (Image: BAW Global)
Across the world, many motorists dream of owning a certain car that offers plenty of space and luxuries for all occupants, with a large number of drivers aspiring to own a new .
Whilst the model was originally designed to be a that could be bought by farmers and utility workers, the latest version of the Defender is also a particularly stylish and luxurious model, with a starting price of £57,660 for the three-door 90.
However, drivers interested in getting behind the wheel of a new old-style Defender may be interested in a new model made in for a .
The is a that bares a striking resemblence to the old Land Rover Defender 110, built from 1983 to 2016, with small touches of the Jeep Wrangler and other popular .
Launching in China in June 2024, the 212 range starts at about $14,000 (£11,135), meaning it costs over £2,000 less than the cheapest full-sized car officially sold in the UK.
:
The model shares a lot of styling similarities to the original Land Rover Defender (Image: Getty)
The BAW 212 shares a lot of styling elements in common with the original Land Rover, featuring barrel-sided doors, a clamshell-style bonnet, and completely flat windows.
Nevertheless, there are some differences between the two models, with the front end featuring a front end that closely resembles a Toyota Land Cruiser from the 1960s, and a wider rear door making the model more practical.
Some of the models that BAW used for publicity photos also include a military-style air defence lamp fitted to one of the front wings, a search lamp that is typically much brighter than the standard headlight.
Don’t miss… [REPORT]
Inside, the BAW 212 comes with a number of luxuries, including a large central touchscreen (Image: BAW Global)
Whilst the original Land Rover was notoriously basic inside, featuring all the necessary controls for off-roading and little else more, the BAW 212 offers a decent amount of standard equipment, including a fairly large touchscreen, leather seats, and plenty of tactile buttons.
Under the bonnet, owners get a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine designed by Mitsubishi, which makes around 208bhp, taking it to a top speed of 105mph and allowing the 212 to achieve some impressive off-roading feats.
With four-wheel drive selected, BAW claim the 212 is able of wading in water that is 600mm deep and can climb gradients of up to 60 percent, with a 245mm ground clearance meaning the Chinese off-roader is capable of covering rocky terrain.
The BAW 212 is built in Beijing by one of the country’s oldest vehicle manufacturers, having built their first off-road vehicle in 1965. Whilst these vehicles were initially designed for the armed forces, modified versions gradually gained popularity with private drivers.
Currently, BAW has not announced any plans to sell the 212 to any markets in Europe, with local emissions and safety restrictions often being more severe than those in China.
However, a number of new Chinese brands are due to arrive to the UK market in 2025, including the Stellantis-owned Leapmotor, Tesla rival XPENG, and MG sub-brand IM.