A peek inside the BAW 212, an adventurous jeep at an affordable price, made in China. Thomas Geiger/dpa-tmnChinese car manufacturers tend to opt at present for no-frills electric SUVs or cheap petrol cars aimed at the mass market.Yet these makers can also come up with characterful models and even create timeless cult classics that rank alongside European and North American favourites.One of the these is no-frills BAW 212, which is heavily influenced by classic off-roaders and promises real capability thanks to locking differentials.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe German importer is bringing the best-equipped version of the Chinese off-roader to Europe and it's designed for "customers who need high off-road capability, robust technology, and everyday usability."This is actually the second time around for the mud-plugger with its old school ladder chassis and rigid axles.The car is as angular as it is classic, but has been completely revamped over the past two years.For a fixed, all-inclusive price of €41,850, importer Indimo is selling this Chinese classic as the BAW 212 through around 250 dealers across in Germany. Demand has been strong and prospective buyers will now have to wait half a year for delivery.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis is hardly surprising since the sensible off-roader costs barely half as much as its European rivals. With its striking LED rings in the radiator grille, flared wings and externally mounted spare wheel, it looks just as rugged and can hold its own off-road where it's not easily outdone.The ground clearance (235 mm) and fording depth (850 mm) make it perfectly suited to off-roading and the switchable four-wheel drive is complemented by a low-range gearbox and two differential locks.There's also a built-in safety net. If you get bogged-down in fields, woods or meadows, you can pull yourself out of trouble using the standard winch. The competition charges a hefty premium for this extra, assuming they offer it at all. Incidentally, the same applies to the searchlights, which the Chinese also fit as standard on the bonnet here.The power-train is something of a rarity too - at least for the Chinese who normally focus e-mobility or hybrids that are electrified to a greater or lesser extent.AdvertisementAdvertisementthe US Mercedes G-Class comes with modern engine concepts, including all-electric power-trains. Yet the 212 uses a bog-standard conventional diesel engine, which growls unabashedly and shakes itself quite vigorously when starting up.The 2.0-litre unit produces 122 kW/166 PS and delivers up to 410 Nm of torque, which is smoothly managed by a surprisingly modern eight-speed automatic gearbox. That's enough for a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 13.0 seconds and a top speed of 160 when driving at full throttle.You would not want to drive the China Jeep much faster than that in any case since it is really designed more for off-road use than for tarmac. The suspension is not very supple, and the steering is more of a guide than anything else.Not to mention the large turning circle. And when fitted with deep-tread tyres, it takes a firm hand and a watchful eye to stay on course. In this respect, its Western rivals – despite their similarly old-fashioned design – do have the edge over the 212.AdvertisementAdvertisementYet in other areas, the BAW has no qualms about embracing new technology. The instruments are digital, and there is a touchscreen in the centre console, which runs all the usual apps.There are also USB sockets all over the place and the customary wireless charging pad. The seats are even climate-controlled and provide a massage to soothe a stiff back after a bumpy ride.Inside the 212 is a little cramped, given the car's length of 4.71 metres and wheelbase of 2.86 metres.Even up front, your knees come dangerously close to the dashboard, and adults in the second row are likely to get restless relatively quickly. Overall, the seats are comfy and a trip through town is fine. Off-road adventures might end in back pain though. Added to that, the rather short boot is only of limited use for expeditions. Fortunately, a roof rack is standard.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 212 is more of a tool than a lifestyle accessory and since the few serious off-road vehicles from the West are far too refined and posh to be pushed through harsh terrain, they seem like toys for wannabees compare to the go-anywhere BAW 212.It is capable, cheap and a genuine workhorse which blends styling cues from more expensive models with real off-road capability.Specification: BAW 212Adventure at a modest price, in the Chinese Jeep BAW 212. Thomas Geiger/dpa-tmnThe BAW 212 is capable, cheap and a genuine workhorse which blends styling cues from more expensive models with real off-road capability. Thomas Geiger/dpa-tmnThis Chinese Jeep is really designed more for off-road use than for tarmac. The suspension is not very supple, and the steering is more of a guide than anything else. Thomas Geiger/dpa-tmn