212 T01 set to enter local market via MIAS 2026 debut

MANILA: Chinese automaker 212 shall formally mark its presence in the Philippines through its  brand debut at this year's Manila International Auto Show. This was announced via the brand’s official social media pages. 

At the said event, 212 Motor Philippines, under the local distributorship of Transcorp Incorporated,  will showcase the T01 sport utility vehicle (SUV) - a rugged model touted for its off-road capability and overall toughness. 

So, what is this all-new model promising to buyers? Let’s find out here by taking a gander at the version currently offered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

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212 T01: UAE market specs

The T01 is a ladder-frame SUV from 212 - a sub-brand of Beijing Automobile Works Corporation Limited (BAW). 

Propelling the model is a 2.0-liter inline-four diesel engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, though a similarly sized turbocharged gasoline version is available. 

At maximum, the diesel version can generate up to 168 horsepower (hp) and 415 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. The gasoline variant, on the other hand, can dish out 248 hp and 410 Nm of torque. 

It was not revealed if the local scene is getting both versions, but the output figures for the gasoline variant look attractive. 

For handling, ride comfort, and off-road capability, the T01 comes with a 4x4 system with front and rear locking differentials, front and rear five-link independent suspension systems, a ground clearance of up to 256 millimeters (mm), and a water-wading capacity of 850 mm. 

Clearly, the 212 T01 was inspired by military vehicles. To be more specific, it is a nod to early Chinese military models that are on par in breadth with the Russian-made UAZ lineup of SUVs. On the one hand, it does have some modern amenities.

Available to the UAE market version of the 212 T01 are:

• Electronic parking brake
• 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Electronically adjustable front seats with ventilation
• Automatic air conditioning
• Wireless smartphone charging pad

Its exterior design does come in a boxy, utilitarian shape. It even has a flat roof, huge wheel arches, and not much in the way of sleek character lines. On the one hand, it has power-folding/adjustable side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and a full complement of LED lighting fixtures. 

Again, Transcorp Incorporated did not reveal any Philippine market specs for the 212 T01. We can, however, expect more information about this SUV (including its pricing) when it appears at the 2026 MIAS.

As a reminder, 2026 MIAS will be kicking off from April 9-12 at the World Trade Center Manila in Pasay City. 

Also read:

Rox Motor enters PH market

Rox Motor displays various interpretations of 01 SUV at Auto Guangzhou 2024

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