The 2026 Manila International Auto Show is a week away, which means that we’ll be witnessing a plethora of new car launches once again. In this case, you won’t just witness a new car launch, but a new brand entirely. Say hello to 212, a new brand that specializes in off-roaders and 4x4s.
To be precise, 212 started as a model called the BAW BJ212 in 1965, which was China’s first mass-market off-roader. Today, 212 has become its own sub-brand under BAW, or Beijing Auto Works, and it has chosen the Philippines to be the next market in which it will make an entrance.
“The Philippine market is ready for a vehicle that doesn’t just look tough, but is engineered to actually conquer the elements,” says 212 Motor Philippines management. “Whether you are a pragmatic urban commuter navigating deep city floods, an SME owner needing relentless diesel reliability, or an enthusiast tackling technical weekend trails, the 212 T01 is an urban fortress built for you.”
The 212 T01 is built from the ground up to be an off-roader, which is immediately evident from its boxy design that’s underpinned by a heavy-duty body-on-frame platform. The 212 T01 uses a 5-link solid axle suspension system for maximum wheel articulation over uneven terrain. Speaking of which, the T01 boasts an impressive 235 mm minimum ground clearance and a massive 850 mm water-wading depth.
Powering the 2i2 T01 is an AUCAN 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that produces 168 horsepower and 415 Nm of torque. All that power is sent to a four-wheel drive (4WD) system through a ZF eight-speed automatic. The 212 T01 comes with front and rear differential locks and dedicated off-road driving modes.
Despite the rugged exterior, the 212 T01 has an interior that looks very premium and posh. There’s a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment, and a 360-degree camera system. Full specs and pricing have not yet been revealed, but the press photos feature an interior with plush materials and lovely leather upholstery.
If you’re in the market for a left-field choice in the 4×4 segment, the 212 To1 is making its debut at the 2026 Manila International Auto Show.
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