Say what you want about lookalikes but there’s no denying that the Baojun Yep is as fun as they come thanks to its Suzuki Jimny-inspired styling.
The model was recently unveiled by Chinese carmaker SAIC-GM-Wuling as a tiny fully electric SUV and Yep, that’s its actual name too.
It’s worth noting that the official model name is actually “悦也” (YueYe) in Chinese which translates to Yep in English.
According to CarNewsChina, the model is aimed at a younger market who live in urban areas but venture out into the countryside at the weekend.
While that may suggest it wants to go off road, you’d be surprised to know the Yep is only offered in rear-wheel drive. At least for now.
It’s drivetrain is made up of a single electric motor on the rear axle which makes 50kW and 140Nm of torque. That may not sound like much and you’d be right because it isn’t, especially considering it’s top speed comes to 100km/h.
However, a low power rating means more juice is saved for its lithium ion battery which enables the SUV to travel 303km on a single charge.
An all-wheel drive variant is reportedly on its way as well which will likely double its power and torque output.
To be fair to its design, the carmaker has paid virtue in making the Yep as distinct as possible thanks to its blocked off front grille, boxy fenders, and unique rear end. There’s no doubt that the front and rear bumpers have a bit of Jimny about them though.
We weren’t lying when we said it was tiny too, with the car measuring in at 3381mm long, 1685mm wide, and 1721mm tall. It also has a 2110mm wheelbase and weighs 1006kg.
There’s still room for four inside though and it could follow in the Jimny’s footsteps as a five-door model is rumoured to be on the way.
The Baojun Yep will only be available in China as of writing and it will make its public debut at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show next month.
