
Baojun 730 is front-wheel drive (FWD). Front-wheel drive, where the front wheels propel the vehicle, is a prevalent drivetrain configuration in passenger cars, though it is rarely used in trucks and buses. FWD vehicles typically feature a transversely mounted engine connected to a compact transaxle. The Baojun 730 is a model under SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile, with body dimensions of 4780mm in length, 1820mm in width, and 1755mm in height. Exterior-wise, the Baojun 730 has undergone significant rear-end styling updates, including reduced chrome accents, an enlarged tailgate spanning the full width of the rear, and a transition from split to unified taillight design with sharper contours.

As an owner who frequently researches family MPVs, I specifically looked into the chassis structure of the Baojun 730. This model indeed features a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with a transversely mounted engine in the front, transmitting power directly to the front wheels. The front-wheel-drive design ensures an exceptionally flat rear floor, making it very convenient for third-row passengers to place their feet—ideal for someone like me who often travels with the whole family. Another advantage of front-wheel drive is its strong grip on snowy roads; last winter when driving on mountain roads, I really felt how stable the steering was. However, it does tend to understeer when taking sharp turns, so it's important not to overload when carrying cargo.

Having worked on dozens of Baojun 730 chassis, I can definitively confirm it's a front-wheel-drive vehicle. The front MacPherson strut suspension with half-shafts and the rear torsion beam setup clearly show no driveshaft – classic FWD traits. This layout offers cost efficiency and fuel economy, making it practical for family use. Owners are advised to inspect front wheel bearings every 50,000 km as FWD vehicles place heavier loads on front wheels – worn bearings produce humming noises. Also, the steering rack dust boots are prone to cracking; pre-monsoon inspections are recommended.

I bought a Baojun 730 automatic transmission two years ago, and the feeling of the steering wheel pulling the whole car is very obvious. When a front-wheel-drive car climbs a slope, the center of gravity shifts backward, especially when fully loaded climbing a basement garage, the front wheels occasionally slip slightly. It's true that front-wheel drive has high transmission efficiency, with a fuel consumption of only 7.5L per 100 kilometers. The turning radius is smaller than that of rear-wheel-drive cars, making it easy to turn around in the market with just one turn. However, the front tires wear out faster, and I had to rotate the tires at 20,000 kilometers.

When comparing parameters on car websites, I noticed that all models of the Baojun 730 feature an FF layout (front-engine, front-wheel drive). This design eliminates the rear floor hump, allowing me (178cm tall) to cross my legs comfortably in the second row. During , I observed the chassis: the transmission and engine are mounted side-by-side transversely, with drive shafts running directly from the transmission to the front wheels. Front-wheel drive vehicles are simpler to maintain - even changing tires is easier than with rear-wheel drive. Just drive slower in snowy conditions since the front wheels handle both steering and propulsion.

Having run an auto repair shop for fifteen years, I've disassembled three Baojun 730 engines. It's clearly a front-wheel-drive vehicle with the transmission and front differential integrated as one unit. The advantage of front-wheel drive lies in space efficiency—the three independent rear seats can be fully flattened. Last time, I helped a customer transport a fridge, and it fit perfectly. The simplicity of front-wheel-drive means cheaper repairs; replacing a clutch three-piece set costs only 800 yuan. Pay attention to the front wheel alignment parameters—if tire wear occurs, get a four-wheel alignment done promptly.


