
The engine of the Baojun 730 is located under the car hood, in the middle of the engine compartment. An engine is a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy. The Baojun 730 is a 7-seater family car launched by SAIC-GM-Wuling, positioned as an MPV. The 2019 model comes in two versions: National V and National VI, with engine options of 1.5L and 1.5T. The 1.5L version has a maximum output power of 82 kW and a maximum torque of 147 Nm, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 1.5T version has a maximum output power of 110 kW and a maximum torque of 230 Nm, also paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. In terms of body dimensions, the Baojun 730 measures 4780mm in length, 1820mm in width, 1755mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2750mm.

I've been driving the Baojun 730 for two years now, and its engine is located under the hood at the front of the car. Every time I add windshield washer fluid by opening the engine compartment cover, I can see the entire engine layout, which is quite neat, with various fluid fill ports in prominent positions. This front-engine design makes the cabin and rear seats particularly spacious. When taking the whole family out, the second row offers enough legroom to cross your legs, and the trunk can still fit three or four suitcases. During the last , the mechanic also mentioned that this layout makes changing spark plugs especially convenient, unlike rear-wheel-drive cars where you might need to remove seats. During daily driving, you can feel the weight distribution is towards the front, making the car stable when cornering, though the large blind spot at the front requires extra attention when parking.

Our family has run an auto repair shop for over a decade, servicing hundreds of Baojun 730 vehicles. The engine is firmly positioned in the front compartment, featuring a classic front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. The biggest advantage of this design is its high transmission efficiency - power goes directly from the engine to the front wheels, eliminating the need for a driveshaft and allowing for a completely flat cabin floor. is also convenient, with easy access to replace worn engine mounts or timing belts. A friendly reminder to owners: front-engine vehicles provide rapid cabin heating in winter, but require special attention to cooling system maintenance in summer, including regular cleaning of radiator debris like poplar fluff and insect remains.

As an automotive designer, I truly appreciate the engine layout strategy of the Baojun 730. The front-mounted engine maximizes space utilization in the passenger compartment, achieving an industry-leading 880mm of legroom in the second row, while the third row offers ample space for adults without feeling cramped. Safety in collisions has also been considered, with crush guides designed into the front longitudinal beams to ensure the engine automatically drops downward in the event of a collision, preventing intrusion into the cabin. For a compact MPV, this front-engine layout is the optimal choice—it ensures comfortable seating for seven while keeping the overall length under 4.7 meters, making city parking less challenging.

Last week, I accompanied a friend to pick up the Baojun 730. The salesperson opened the front hood and gave a detailed introduction to the engine placement. Located in the compartment between the two front wheels, the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine with a turbocharger looked quite spirited. The most practical aspect of this layout is the low cost, as routine servicing doesn't require lifting the engine. My friend was most satisfied with the minimal engine vibration transmitted to the cabin; the steering wheel hardly shakes at red lights. During the pickup, we also specifically tested the front and rear weight distribution. Even with the trunk fully loaded, the rear wheels maintained strong grip, unlike some rear-engine vans that tend to feel floaty.

Having driven a Wuling for seven years, I recently switched to a Baojun 730. The most noticeable difference is the engine placement. The 730's engine is entirely positioned at the front, unlike microvans where it sits beneath the seats. This results in significantly reduced engine noise during long-distance drives, with wind noise being the primary sound entering the cabin. The engine bay's pipeline layout is particularly well-organized, making DIY air filter changes possible without removing the bumper. Once, when I scraped the undercarriage on a rural road, the elevated engine mounting fortunately spared the oil pan from damage. A reminder for beginners: front-engine vehicles have heavier front ends, so remember to slow down early when turning in rain or snow, and avoid sharp steering inputs.


