BAW BJ212 Sniper: Soviet SUV, modified by the Chinese

Initially, the BAW BJ212 was produced for the needs of the Celestial Army. Subsequently, the model migrated to the civilian segment. The design of the SUV clearly shows similarities with the Soviet automobile industry. This is not surprising, because USSR engineers worked on the army version in the 1960s.


China recently introduced an updated version of the BAW BJ212 SUV called Sniper. Although the model’s appearance remains recognizable, they have worked on the interior equipment and comfort. Today we’ll talk about whether it’s worth buying a Chinese SUV today, and what it’s capable of.

Design

One look at the BAW BJ212 is enough to see the native features of the GAZ-69 and UAZ-469. Over the decades, the Chinese have dealt with “children’s” technical problems, but the appearance of the car has been left virtually unchanged.


In the updated version of Sniper, the designers added more color schemes and thought out polymer trims for the wings.


Dimensions of the updated version of Sniper:

✅ Length - 4 360 mm
✅ Width - 1 mm
✅ Height - 1 mm
✅ Clearance - 245 mm
✅ Entry angle – 47 degrees
✅ Departure angle – 35 degrees

Another innovation is the number “212” instead of the usual brand logo. Otherwise, the frame structure with continuous bridges and springs in a circle remained in place.

Technical part

Over the past 5 years, the BAW brand has actively modernized the “two hundred and twelfth” - four years ago the model received a modern turbocharged engine, as well as an independent front suspension and an elongated body.

Under the hood of the BAW BJ212 Sniper is a Mitsubishi 2.4 petrol engine with 211 horsepower and a torque of 320 N*m.


Many people complain that there is no alternative to the gearbox - there is a 6-speed manual transmission on board. The SUV has classic all-wheel drive with low speed. By default, the BAW BJ212 Sniper is shod in All-Terrain off-road tires.

What's in the cabin

BAW designers decided not to overthink the interior of the BJ212 Snipe - it is not far from military asceticism. The basic configuration includes a simple steering wheel without buttons, an audio system with a radio and a slot for a flash card. There is “oak” plastic all around, not very pleasant to the touch. There are no airbags in the basic version, but there is air conditioning.


The top-end Hardcore configuration has a full-fledged multimedia system with a touch screen and a multi-function steering wheel. Also announced are LED headlights, a rear differential locking function and a winch.

Price tag and competition in the Russian Federation

Many in Russia compare the BAW BJ212 Sniper with the UAZ Hunter. If you can still look at them on the technical side, then the prices are too different. In the domestic market of China, the BAW BJ212 Sniper in the basic configuration costs $14 and $300 in the top-end configuration.


Domestic dealers offer a Chinese SUV manufactured in 2023 on order for 3-3,5 million rubles. The same “Hunter” from the assembly line will cost just over 1 million rubles.

This pricing policy completely kills competition. The majority of Russians, other things being equal, will most likely prefer a domestic car. Moreover, it costs more than two times less, and its off-road qualities are definitely no worse.

If the price of the BAW BJ212 Sniper on the Russian and Chinese markets ever becomes equal, plus or minus, it will be difficult to say unambiguously about the preferences of Russians. The SUV, which is not bad in itself, is sold rather poorly in the PRC, and is more valued by lovers of outdoor activities, fishermen and hunters.