BAIC's Trifecta Climbs Highest Point of PH Road System (with VIDEO)

Bayan Automotive Industries Corporation--which shares its acronym with China-based brand BAIC (which is its authorized dealer locally)--tested the mettle of its latest offerings by bringing them to the uphills and twisties of the highest point of the Philippine national highway system. A small group drove all the way from Metro Manila to Baguio to see whether the BJ20 crossover SUV and the M60 and M50S MPVs --all fitted with a 1.5 liter-gasoline engine--is literally and figuratively up for the challenge. We first drove the M50S. Though all the fun was with the BJ20 and the M60, the M50S proved that it was not lagging behind when it comes to performance.

The M50S engine is said to deliver 114 hp and 150 Nm of torque. Based on the national laws on roads (or Republic Act 4136 which is also known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code), these are the figures you need to coast through highways. The maximum 100-kph speed limit can easily be reached and the occasional overtaking is doable with very few limitations. The M50S seems to pin itself on the 140 kph mark. After reaching the Baguio Country Club, participants had a quick meal before proceeding to Atok, Benguet. Going to the said destination, we went on board the BJ20. BAIC's crossover is the most fun amongst the three. Since we have previously tested it, we checked to see if it is still as reliable as it is on the normal road conditions. Since it is fitted with a Mitsubishi 4A91T turbocharged engine, it has sufficient power, but took its toll on the fuel. As mentioned in our previous story, the vehicle tends to slide back a little before you prod it forward with a little nudge on the throttle.

The very mean and tough-looking BJ20 also had a chance to stop in the middle of a very steep uphill when a vehicle in front suddenly stopped on our path, so we had to literally crawl our way up to a more flat surface, keeping the pedal on the gas till we reached it. If for the twisties alone, plus good driving habits, the BJ20 is a very capable vehicle. Last but not the least, we tried the BAIC M60 MPV. The vehicle seems to offer the most comfortable ride among BAIC's trifecta.

Also fitted with the same turbocharged engine as the BJ20, the M60 provides more occupant seating with a occupant-friendly ride height. It has its perks, but what the M60 lacks is the electronic parking brake and hill-hold assist, which is a premium for the BAIC's well-loved crossover. BAIC President George Chua said that while other brands are suffering the brunt of the TRAIN Law, its offerings are now in the market so that consumers can still enjoy the same premium offered by other brands at a much lowered price. So, if you would ask if we'd enjoyed the climb to Atok, we definitely did. BAIC made sure that we went there not just with their vehicles and their companionship; we went their with reliability as well.

Watch the video, or better yet, test drive one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX904_YOq54