Is the BAIC 212 Really Not Suitable as a Family Car?
3 Answers
The BAIC 212 is not recommended as a family car due to its strong off-road performance, which makes it unsuitable for daily family use. Below is some relevant information about the BAIC 212: 1. Exterior: The WZ Hunter off-road vehicle (also known as the BAIC BJ212) has launched its 2020 model, retaining the classic rugged and bold design of its predecessor. The exterior features two elongated mesh grilles, with circular headlights and fog lights, closely resembling a vehicle from a video game. The vehicle has a high ground clearance, with a minimum of 220 mm, ensuring protection against underbody damage during off-road driving. 2. Interior: The interior emphasizes the style of a tough off-road vehicle—simple and plain, giving the impression of a car from the last century. The interior exudes a sense of durability, with a metal dashboard and metal flooring. There is no large central display screen; instead, a few instrument panels are visible, highlighting a mechanical feel and robustness against wear and tear.
I once drove a BAW 212, and as a classic off-road vehicle, its off-road performance is indeed formidable—handling mountains and rivers with ease. However, using it as a family car is simply too much of a stretch. The comfort is severely lacking: the seats are as hard as wooden planks, the vibrations while driving cause backaches, and the noise is so loud it leaves your ears ringing. Long drives become exhausting. Fuel consumption is a nightmare—a full tank can't even cover 200 kilometers, and in city traffic, it guzzles fuel like a machine. Safety-wise, it's just the basic framework, with no airbags or anti-lock braking system, making family trips too risky. The space is also cramped; fitting a stroller is a struggle, and weekend trips with luggage are a hassle. It was great for off-roading in my younger days, but for daily tasks like school runs, grocery shopping, or commuting, it’s pure torture. With rising fuel prices today, it’s even less economical. Modern SUVs are a far more reliable choice.
My family is a typical household of three, and we once considered buying the BAIC 212 for nostalgia, but after a test drive, we decisively gave up on it. A family car should be easy and practical, but this one is too exhausting to drive: the seats are not soft, and the bumpy ride always makes our child cry in the back seat. The noise is so loud that even the neighbors have complained. The space is cramped—the trunk is full with just a stroller, and we have to borrow a friend's car to transport large household appliances. The fuel consumption is outrageous; a full tank doesn't last a week, and the extra money spent on gas each month could buy snacks for our child. Safety is also a concern, with almost no protective features, and the car wobbles dangerously when turning, making me nervous on the way to school. With today's busy traffic, driving it feels like torture. It's better to choose an economical SUV that's worry-free, cost-effective, and comfortable. Nostalgia is fun, but family life needs practicality and convenience.
