Now before anyone screams that it's just another Chinese rip-off, remember that Beijing Jeep was a joint venture that was originally set up by Beijing Automobile Works and the then-owner of Jeep, American Motors Corporation (AMC), in the early 1980s.
Frankly, I'm pretty impressed by this B40, at least in terms of styling. I think it's way better looking than the current Wrangler. Not much has been reported as to what's under the skin, but it's probably pretty similar to what Jeep offers...
brn says:
05:49 AM, 04/23/08
"way better looking than the current Wrangler"
Gonna have to disagree on that.
jaguar8 says:
07:05 AM, 04/23/08
It looks better, but now "way" better.
firstwagon says:
07:34 AM, 04/23/08
How does it look better?
rick8365 says:
07:35 AM, 04/23/08
I'll go with "way better". Wonder if they are offering a turbo diesel?
daytona_500 says:
07:46 AM, 04/23/08
I wouldnt say its way better than the current Wrangler, but this knockoff seems to be a bit more sincere than all the others that we have seen.
flicmod says:
10:54 AM, 04/23/08
daytona_500, it's not a knockoff. Read the first paragraph again. Beijing Motors has had a joint venture with AMC since the 1980's.
As for the appearance, I'll agree with Bob. Way better. Since the Wrangler was updated a couple years ago, it looks incoherent and out of place, specifically the front end. The rest is fine. But that grille and those headlamps just look... frumpy.
firstwagon says:
12:08 PM, 04/23/08
"daytona_500, it's not a knockoff. Read the first paragraph again. Beijing Motors has had a joint venture with AMC since the 1980's. "
That looks nothing like an AMC jeep. It looks like a copy of a Chrysler jeep.
desmolicious says:
02:25 PM, 04/23/08
Looks like a cross between an Fj and a Wrangler.
jknop says:
06:04 AM, 04/24/08
the seven slot grill is a Jeep trademark and jeep people like the round headlites.
daytona_500 says:
06:37 AM, 04/24/08
firstwagon, I'm just so sick of seeing Chinese knockoffs that as far as Im concerned, they're all knockoffs.
bbechtel16 says:
07:25 AM, 04/24/08
"Since the Wrangler was updated a couple years ago, it looks incoherent and out of place, specifically the front end. The rest is fine. But that grille and those headlamps just look... frumpy."
+1!
erickpl says:
11:11 AM, 04/24/08
It has potential. However, that shoulder cowl is quite high and rear visibility will be impeded between the smaller windows and tire carrier.
I prefer the round headlights, and that style could get hammered offroad in an off-camber situation. Overall, I think they borrowed from the Jeep parts bin quite a bit and it looks okay. The seats look a bit thin for good support and cushion. I'd just as soon take that rear top off, pull any rear seat and make it a pickup bed and make it a Gladiator. :)
flicmod says:
02:40 PM, 04/24/08
I think firstwagon and daytona are missing the point. Beijing has had a venture with AMC *SINCE* the 1980's. No one ever said that venture ended nor Beijing is only using 1980's AMC Jeep's. That's just ludicrous.
Not all of the Chinese brands are knocking off products from other companies. Since Beijing DOES have a venture with (NOW) Chrysler, it doesn't make any sense for them to "knock off" a product.
Someone's being paranoid and not looking at the facts.
smokeonit says:
03:51 AM, 04/25/08
to call this blatant copy better looking... no comment...
flicmod says:
06:29 AM, 04/25/08
http://www.thecarconnection.com/Auto_News/World_Report/What_Happened_to_Beijing_Jeep.S200.A1738.html
Stop saying it's a "blatant copy" already... jeesh.
firstwagon says:
07:19 AM, 04/25/08
Interesting article, good find.
flicmod says:
09:35 AM, 04/25/08
Thank you :-)