Baojun RC-5

Baojun RC-5: Which Version to Buy and Why

The Baojun RC-5 range offers two distinct choices within its single generation: the naturally aspirated 1.5 MT with 99 hp and the turbocharged 1.5 CVT with 147 hp. Both are Gasoline, FWD liftbacks with a 1,485 cc engine and a 48-litre fuel tank, but they suit different priorities.

The Baojun RC-5 range offers two distinct choices within its single generation: the naturally aspirated 1.5 MT with 99 hp and the turbocharged 1.5 CVT with 147 hp. Both are Gasoline, FWD liftbacks with a 1,485 cc engine and a 48-litre fuel tank, but they suit different priorities. The 1.5 MT is the economy-focused option, returning 6.2 l/100 km combined, while the 1.5 CVT provides 48 hp more and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds. Buyers choosing between them are therefore deciding mainly between lower fuel consumption and stronger performance.

Baojun RC-5 generations and versions

The Baojun RC-5 has one generation in the supplied data. The 1 generation entered production in April 2020, has no recorded end date, and uses a Liftback body. It contains four listed modifications: two entries named 1.5 MT and two entries named 1.5 CVT. The matching entries share their principal engine specifications but differ in kerb weight; the two 1.5 CVT entries also have slightly different city and combined fuel-consumption figures. No separate restyling is listed.

Because there is only one generation, there is no intergenerational power, body-style, engine, or transmission change to compare. The meaningful buying comparison is between the 99 hp 1.5 MT and the 147 hp 1.5 CVT, followed by the differences between duplicate listings of each version.

Baojun RC-5 engine and specs

Both engines are mounted at the front in a transverse position and use Distributed injection (multi-point). Each has 4 valves per cylinder. The naturally aspirated 1.5 MT produces approximately 66.7 hp per litre, whereas the turbo 1.5 CVT produces approximately 99.0 hp per litre. The CVT version consequently delivers about 32.3 more hp per litre.

The difference in peak torque is modest at 4 Nm, but its delivery is not the same. The 1.5 CVT reaches its 147 Nm between 2,200 and 3,400 rpm, while the 1.5 MT supplies 143 Nm between 3,400 and 4,400 rpm. The turbo version therefore reaches peak torque 1,200 rpm earlier at the bottom of its stated range.

Baojun RC-5 performance, economy and mpg data

The 1.5 MT is the more economical specification in every recorded driving cycle. Compared with the 1,321 kg 1.5 CVT, it uses 0.9 l/100 km less in the city, 0.3 l/100 km less on the highway, and 0.5 l/100 km less combined. Compared with the 1,350 kg 1.5 CVT, its advantages become 1.1 l/100 km in the city, 0.3 l/100 km on the highway, and 0.6 l/100 km combined.

Only the 1.5 CVT has a measured acceleration figure: 9.4 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. Acceleration for both 1.5 MT entries is not measured. Top speed is not measured for any Baojun RC-5 version, so the available data cannot support a top-speed comparison.

Baojun RC-5 dimensions, weight and chassis specs

Body dimensions are not measured in the supplied data. Gross weight, ground clearance, and wheel sizes are also not measured for all four listings. Each version has a 48-litre fuel tank.

The two 1.5 MT entries differ by 31 kg, while the two 1.5 CVT entries differ by 29 kg. At their lightest recorded kerb weights, the 1.5 CVT is 71 kg heavier than the 1.5 MT. Comparing the heavier entries gives a 69 kg difference.

Despite its additional weight, the turbo version has the stronger weight-to-power result. The 1,250 kg 1.5 MT carries approximately 12.6 kg per hp, and the 1,281 kg entry carries approximately 12.9 kg per hp. The 1,321 kg 1.5 CVT carries approximately 9.0 kg per hp, while the 1,350 kg entry carries approximately 9.2 kg per hp. This gives the 1.5 CVT a clear numerical advantage when performance per unit of vehicle mass is the priority.

All four versions use Independent, spring front suspension and Semi-independent rear suspension. Braking hardware consists of Ventilated disc brakes at the front and Disc brakes at the rear.

Baojun RC-5 problems and reliability data

Problems and reliability results are not measured in the supplied data. The catalogue figures therefore do not establish that either the turbo 1.5 CVT or the naturally aspirated 1.5 MT is more reliable. Service costs, repair frequency, component life, and purchase prices are also not measured, so they cannot be used to justify one version over the other.

Which Baojun RC-5 version should you buy?

Choose the 1.5 MT if fuel economy is the main priority. Its 99 hp engine is paired with a Manual gearbox with 6 speeds, and both listings return 8.4 l/100 km in the city, 5.0 l/100 km on the highway, and 6.2 l/100 km combined. It is also the lighter choice, with recorded kerb weights of 1,250 and 1,281 kg. Its trade-off is the lower output of 99 hp and 143 Nm, and its 0–100 km/h time is not measured.

Choose the 1.5 CVT if stronger power-to-weight performance matters more. It adds 48 hp, an increase of approximately 48.5% over the 1.5 MT, while torque rises by 4 Nm, or approximately 2.8%. Its Variable gearbox and Turbo engine accompany the only measured acceleration result in the range: 0–100 km/h in 9.4 seconds. The cost in catalogue terms is higher consumption of 6.7 or 6.8 l/100 km combined and a kerb weight of 1,321 or 1,350 kg.

Between duplicate listings, the lighter 1.5 MT at 1,250 kg is preferable on the available numbers because it is 31 kg lighter while matching the heavier entry’s engine output and fuel consumption. Among the two 1.5 CVT listings, the 1,321 kg version is 29 kg lighter and records 9.3 rather than 9.5 l/100 km in the city and 6.7 rather than 6.8 l/100 km combined; both retain 147 hp, 147 Nm, and a 9.4-second 0–100 km/h time.

On specification alone, the 1,321 kg 1.5 CVT is the strongest performance choice, while the 1,250 kg 1.5 MT is the clearest economy choice. What any extra purchase price buys cannot be calculated because pricing is not measured in the supplied data.