212 T01

Inside, the 212 T01 features a classy-looking cabin with an abundance of soft-touch panels and high-tech features. In terms of practicality, the front row is a very nice place to be in, while the rear can effectively accommodate three adult passengers. At the back, it also comes with an expansive cargo area for your groceries and off-roading gear. 

Additionally, its seats offer a good balance of cushioning and support, ensuring that all passengers are relaxed both on- and off-road. Its front seats are also equipped with a ventilation function for elevated comfort.

Meanwhile, the driver gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, a steering wheel with multiple controls, and a modern-looking gear lever. This SUV also offers a wireless smartphone charging pad for your convenience. 

For entertainment and information accessibility, the T01 is fitted with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Overall, the T01’s cabin offers an impressive mix of comfort, practicality, and modern functionality wherever you go.

For starters, the 212 T01 measures 4,705 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, and 1,936 mm in height. This SUV also comes with a 2,860-mm wheelbase and an impressive 235-mm minimum ground clearance, which enhances its capability off-road.

The T01 flaunts a neo-retro boxy design defined by a combination of classic elements and modern features. Its robust fascia is flanked by round LED headlights connected by a functional grille finished in black. Underneath, it comes with a blacked-out muscular winch-ready bumper, which gives it a commanding look.

Furthermore, its rugged, utilitarian side profile is complemented by bulged wheel arches and robust-looking 18-inch wheels wrapped in thick tyres. This SUV gets power-folding and adjustable mirrors. Additionally, its door handles and side garnishes give its silhouette a nice contrast of colours. 

Meanwhile, a spare tyre cover adds a classic touch to its rear design. It features hypermodern-looking LED tail lights, as well as a high-mounted third brake light for enhanced visibility at all times.

The 212 T01 is equipped with front and rear Five-Link suspension systems, supported by front and rear locking differentials. This advanced setup enables this SUV to confidently tackle rocky and muddy terrain while keeping passengers comfortable. Additionally, it is also adaptable on different road conditions, soaking up bumps and other road imperfections with ease. However, maneuvering it through tight traffic and narrow streets requires some level of skill due to its big size. That said, the T01 thrives more on the highway and in uncrowded rural areas.

The Philippine-spec 212 T01 is powered by a 2L, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that delivers 170 PS (168 hp) of maximum power and 415 Nm of maximum torque. This SUV comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission system and utilizes a mechanical part-time four-wheel drivetrain (4WD). The T01 is also equipped with selectable terrain modes.

That said, this SUV offers plenty of power and torque on tap for hauling huge amounts of cargo and climbing steep rural inclines. Meanwhile, on-road, this SUV can get up to speed effortlessly, allowing the driver to easily overtake slower vehicles on the highway. Aside from that, it delivers respectable fuel economy for its size.

In terms of safety, the 212 T01 is equipped with a 360-degree camera system, the aforementioned front and rear differential locks, as well as front and rear ventilated disc brakes, which deliver great stopping power.

In my opinion, the 212 T01 has a high potential to become competitive in its segment moving forward. It undercuts a lot of its competitors in terms of pricing while delivering excellent off-road capabilities and a luxurious cruising experience on the open road.