BAIC M50S

MANILA, Philippines — Launched side by side with the BJ20 crossover was the M50S subcompact MPV. Based on the BAIC M20 MPV, which has been on the market for two years, the M50S, is slightly bigger, more spacious, more luxuriously outfitted, and has substantially more features.

It sports black polymer cladding on the lower parts of the doors and on the fenders, as well as more upscale chrome on the doors, grille and foglight openings. 

Like the M20, the M50S is a three-row tall body-on-frame rear-wheel-drive MPV also powered by a modern drive-by-wire dual-VVT Euro five-compliant 1.5-liter gasoline engine developing 114hp and 150Nm.

Suspension is via MacPherson struts up front and five links suspending a solid rear axle at the rear. Tires are 195/65R-15 for the higher end variant and 185/70R-14 for the entry model (both on alloy wheels). Ground clearance is an identical 145mm for the two variants.

It comes in seven- and eight-seater variants, the latter with two individual chairs on the second row (the second and third rows fold and tumble). There is a dual aircon system and upholstery is eco-friendly micro-fiber synthetic leather. A reversing camera projects rearward images to the car’s nine-inch touchscreen Bluetooth/USB/SD card four-speaker infotainment system (with steering wheel controls). 

It has a longest-in-class 2,790mm wheelbase for generous legroom and a confortable ride. Driving ease comes from an electric power steering system.

Safety features include dual front airbags, ABS/EBD (for the disc/drum brakes), auto door locks, ISOFIX seats, and an anti-theft system.

The M50S retails for P638,000 for the seven- and eight-seater Luxury variant and P668,000 for the seven-seat-only Ultra-Luxury edition.