In the off-road segment, besides heavyweight contenders like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Toyota LC76, I believe the classic 212 deserves a mention as well. However, today we’re not looking at the classic 212, but the all-new 212 T01.
Highlights Overview:
- Body-on-frame construction + five-link front and rear axles
- A variety of optional packages
- Inherits the classic design of the 212
The all-new 212 T01 has dimensions of 470518951936 mm, a wheelbase of 2860 mm, a approach angle of 40 degrees, and a departure angle of 36 degrees. Just looking at the specs, it’s impressively rugged.
From the side, it has a classic boxy shape, especially the doors, which remain perfectly straight, with a pronounced character line that is even more robust than that of Volkswagen. A tough SUV is incomplete without flared wheel arches and side steps, especially since the 212 T01, with its body-on-frame structure, has a minimum ground clearance of 235 mm.
The rear, however, doesn’t carry much of the classic design forward. It replaces the classic 212’s separate spare tire carrier and downward-opening tailgate with a more modern side-opening tailgate and a full-size spare mounted on it, making it more practical overall. The taillights have also been redesigned, featuring vintage-style round lights.
In terms of details, the 212 T01 has the “212” logo in several places, including the front of the hood, mirror covers, front fenders, and wheel hub markers, enhancing its recognizability.
As for the interior of the 212 T01, aside from the steering wheel, the trim panel in front of the cup holders, and the “212” emblem on the seatbacks, it’s hard to see any connection to the classic 212. The new model comes equipped with a fully digital instrument panel and a floating central touchscreen.
Overall, the interior looks like what you’d expect from a rugged off-road vehicle. The A-pillar has grab handles for getting in and out, and the glove box on the passenger side also has a handle, with a hot-pressed label indicating that Chinese off-road vehicles originated from the 212.
Apart from the central touchscreen, the middle section of the center console is reserved for physical buttons. Whether for adjusting the air conditioning, selecting driving modes, hill descent control, drive modes, or differential locks, it retains physical buttons, which is commendable, unlike some rugged off-roaders that integrate functions into the screen or even add an entertainment screen for the passenger.
However, one drawback is that I think a mechanical gear lever for the transmission and transfer case would be more reliable.
The classic 212’s cabin looks like a bare shell, suited for hands-on users who don’t prioritize comfort, while the 212 T01 is different. It features leather seats with honeycomb stitching on the backrest and seat cushion, along with “212” embroidery, giving it a significantly more upscale feel compared to the classic 212. As for seating comfort, it performs adequately.
The rear seat of the 212 T01 won’t disappoint. Although the rear door is narrower, making entry and exit less convenient than the front, once inside, you’ll find the space quite ample. The workmanship and materials match those of the front seats, and the backrest supports angle adjustment, marking a qualitative leap from the classic version. One downside is that the rear middle position lacks a headrest, and even with a body-on-frame structure, the center tunnel does have some height.
The trunk isn’t very spacious, but it meets everyday needs and features several independent storage compartments. The storage compartment cover on the tailgate is removable for easy cleaning. Most importantly, the rear, including the exterior of the door, is designed with numerous mounting interfaces for off-road accessories, like antennas and desert flags, seemingly tailored by off-road enthusiasts. Additionally, interfaces for water fording hoses, tow hooks, and cables are also provided, making it convenient for users to customize or directly purchase official accessory packages.
The 212 T01 is powered by a 2.0T turbocharged engine, the N20TG from Dong’an, producing a maximum power of 252 horsepower and peak torque of 410 Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, also from Dong’an. We haven’t tested the engine-transmission pairing yet, so we’ll evaluate it further once we get a test vehicle.
Regarding its core features, the part-time four-wheel drive combined with the front and rear solid axle structure provides excellent mechanical qualities and immense modification potential, making it easy to lift the vehicle and upgrade to larger wheels and tires. With both front and rear differential locks and an electronically disconnectable anti-roll bar, it can increase suspension travel and ground traction in critical situations, making it a solid competitor to the domestic Wrangler Rubicon.
