Why was the BJ20 discontinued?

[LeJade]

Because BJ20 dealers are preparing to produce a replacement model. Here is more information about the BJ20: 1. Model: The BJ20 is a compact SUV model launched by Beijing Auto on September 10, 2016. 2. Production time: At that time, it appeared in front of the public as a successor to commemorate the 50th anniversary (1966-2016) of the birth of the classic model BJ212. 3. Appearance: It is also the first model in the BJ series to adopt a unibody structure. Compared with urban SUVs, it has a very distinctive appearance, inheriting the tough style of its predecessor, the BJ212.

[ChristianFitz]

I recently helped my cousin look at used cars and researched the BJ20. The main reason it was discontinued is its awkward positioning. BAIC wanted to go for an urban off-road route—the exterior looks rugged enough, but the chassis and four-wheel-drive system are far from proper off-road vehicles. The fuel consumption is also on the high side, making it uneconomical for city driving, while it can't handle real off-roading. Add to that the serious quality control issues back then—my neighbor bought a new one, and the sunroof leaked within three months, requiring four or five trips to the dealership to fix. Then there was the emissions upgrade period—the cost of modifying the old 2.0T engine to meet China VI standards was too high, and the manufacturer figured it was better to just scrap it. Now, BAIC seems to be focusing all its resources on mainstay models like the BJ40. On the used car market, the BJ20's prices have dropped sharply.

[DiAlessandra]

Last year at the repair shop, I overheard the mechanics talking about this car, and it's no surprise it was discontinued. The powertrain hadn't seen a major update in ten years, still using the old Saab technology, while competitors at the same price point had already adopted direct injection. The main issues were highly concentrated—common problems like turbocharger oil leaks and transmission jerking were so frequent that the mechanics could recite them by heart. Later, BAIC focused on platform integration, and low-selling non-core models like this were naturally the first to be cut. As for replacements, the BJ30 hybrid version is essentially the successor, with one-third lower fuel consumption, though the design isn't as distinctive now. Buyers should be cautious about electrical issues when considering a used one, especially if the lighting has been modified.

[JulianRose]

From an automotive media perspective, the BJ20 represents a typical case of strategic abandonment. At its launch in 2016, while the Haval H6 was selling 40,000-50,000 units monthly, the BJ20 peaked at just over 2,000 units. The R&D investment and marketing costs simply couldn't be recouped. The vehicle design also had fundamental flaws - the rear seats couldn't fold completely flat, which was unacceptable for young camping enthusiasts. Currently, you can find used models for around 30,000 yuan, but we strongly recommend replacing all fluids immediately after purchase as the factory coolant tends to form scale and clog the heater core.

[SanKing]

A technical colleague at the factory said the key issue lies in the supply chain. The Mitsubishi 4G63 engine used in this car was discontinued long ago, making it completely unrealistic to restart a production line specifically for it. Back then, many non-standard parts were used to cut costs, and now even finding replacement parts is difficult. There are also issues with the chassis tuning - the rear axle making loud noises over speed bumps is a common problem. Some owners added wheel spacers and switched to off-road tires, only to have the half-shafts fail prematurely. As for alternatives, finding a used four-wheel-drive Suzuki Vitara in the second-hand market might be more reliable, at least you wouldn't have to worry about parts availability.

[GiaFitz]

I've worked on this car during modifications, and its tuning potential is really limited. The engine bay layout is cramped, even requiring frame cutting just to fit a larger turbo. The most frustrating part is the highly locked-down ECU system, making it difficult to even flash the ECU. Used car dealers now bring inspectors when purchasing, focusing heavily on whether the transfer case oil seals are leaking. There was a modified 2017 model with nitrogen suspension listed for 32k, but later it was discovered that all the chassis bushings were cracked, requiring another 7-8k in repairs. Either go for a completely stock example or be extremely cautious with modified ones.