Czech Republic’s Car Market: BAIC X35 and Chinese SUVs Gain Traction

The Czech Republic’s automotive market is witnessing a shift as more affordable SUVs, particularly those from Chinese manufacturers, gain popularity. Recent sales figures indicate that breaking the 400,000 unit mark in the SUV segment occurred last month, with models like the Hyundai Bayon and MG ZS leading the charge. The BAIC X35 has recently joined this group, offering a competitive price point and features.

BAIC X35: A New Contender

The BAIC X35, currently priced at 399,900 Czech crowns, has entered the market as a compelling option. This price positions it competitively against base models like the Škoda Fabia, while offering a more powerful engine and richer equipment. The X35 is powered by a turbocharged 110 kW gasoline engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive.

Standard features include manual air conditioning, an eight-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, a reversing camera, LED lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a sunroof. Notably, the X35 lacks some advanced driver-assistance systems, offering only two frontal airbags, a consequence of homologation rules for modest series vehicles in the Czech Republic.

Price Comparison with Competitors

The BAIC X35’s pricing undercuts several competitors in the Czech market. It is priced similarly to the basic Fabia but offers more safety features. It is similarly more affordable than the mild-hybrid Fiat 500 and the hybrid Toyota Aygo X.

• Hyundai Bayon: Starts at 429,990 crowns (price list), with production starting at 460,990 crowns.
• Kia Stonic: Available from 454,980 crowns, with pre-modernization models available for 45,000 crowns less.
• MG ZS: Starts at 449,990 crowns with a petrol engine and manual transmission.
• Dacia Duster: Begins at 441,900 crowns with a 90 kW three-cylinder gas engine.
• Citroën C3 Aircross: Priced from 450,000 crowns.

The Rise of Chinese SUVs

The Czech market is seeing an increasing presence of Chinese SUVs. Four Chinese cars are now among the fifteen cheapest SUVs available. Besides the BAIC X35 and MG ZS, the Evo brand offers models like the Evo 5 (essentially the same as the BAIC X35) and the larger Evo Cuatro, starting at 474,900 crowns.

The Kaiyi Showjet, utilizing technology from Chery, is another Chinese offering.

Market Trends and Škoda’s Position

The Škoda Kamiq, with its 70 kW liter TSI engine, is priced at 494,900 crowns and does not currently feature among the fifteen cheapest SUVs in the Czech market.

The Czech car market is becoming increasingly competitive, with Chinese manufacturers offering compelling alternatives in the affordable SUV segment.