The 212 T01 is the first all-new model officially rolled out by 212 Off-Road Vehicle Co., Ltd. (formerly Beijing Automobile Works) in August 2024, signalling the official transition of "212" from a legacy nameplate into a standalone brand. Positioned as a dedicated hardcore off-road compact SUV, the T01 serves as the pioneering model for the 212 brand's independent operations and product renaissance. The 2024 model debuted in August of that year across three variants—Mechanic, Explorer, and Inspector—with prices starting from RM139,900. The brand subsequently expanded the range with several spin-offs, including the Diesel Edition, Changfeng Edition, and Highland Edition. As of early 2026, the T01 lineup offers two powertrain options—a 2.0T petrol and a 2.0T diesel—spanning more than ten trim levels, with pricing ranging from RM130,000 to RM210,000 and primarily taking aim at segment rivals such as the Tank 300 and BJ40.
On the styling front, the 212 T01 embraces a heritage-inspired design philosophy, striking a balance between retro 212 cues and modern aesthetics. Up front, it retains the signature three-slat horizontal grille, classic round headlamps, and the iconic bonnet-mounted blackout lamp, anchored by a chunky, modular off-road bumper. Its profile is distinctly boxy and rugged, highlighted by a clamshell bonnet with twin longitudinal strakes, broad black wheel arch claddings, and heavy-duty side steps that accentuate its purposeful off-road stance. Round the back, you will find a side-hinged tailgate paired with an exposed full-size spare wheel, flanked by vertical LED tail lamp clusters. For the 2025 and 2026 model years, variants such as the Changfeng Edition and Highland Edition boast beefier dimensions, stretching up to 4,811 mm in length, 1,945 mm in width, and 1,999 mm in height for a significantly more imposing road presence. The exterior colour palette includes rugged shades such as military green and desert yellow, heavily complemented by unpainted black protective body cladding and scratch-resistant finishes to underline its go-anywhere credentials.
Inside, the 212 T01 represents a monumental leap forward over its spartan predecessor. The dashboard is headlined by a modern dual-screen setup comprising a floating 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument display, while generous use of soft-touch materials across the steering wheel and door panels elevates perceived cabin quality. Ergonomically, dedicated physical toggles and switches are retained for crucial drive mode selections and 2WD/4WD transfer case controls, ensuring tactile reliability in demanding environments. Moreover, the cabin features over 30 pre-engineered modular mounting points, allowing owners to easily rig up aftermarket overland accessories such as snorkels, UHF two-way radios, and auxiliary light controllers.
Under the bonnet, the 212 T01 is offered with a choice of petrol or turbodiesel powerplants. The petrol variant is driven by a Dongan Power 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection (GDI) petrol engine kicking out 185 kW (252 PS) and 410 Nm of torque, with max pulling power on tap across the 1,900 to 3,300 rpm rev band on standard RON 92 fuel. Meanwhile, the diesel variant packs an Aucan 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit rated at 125 kW (170 PS) and an impressive 415 Nm of torque available from as low as 1,500 rpm, serving up the low-end grunt essential for crawling out of tricky off-road situations.
Both mills are paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission (8AT). On the WLTC test cycle, the petrol variant is rated at approximately 11.3 litres per 100 km, whereas the diesel variant returns a more frugal 8.5 litres per 100 km. With a generous 80-litre fuel tank fitted as standard across the range, the diesel model delivers a theoretical cruising range approaching 1,000 km on a single tank—ideal for long-distance overland touring. Additionally, all variants boast an official factory-certified 2,500 kg braked towing capacity, making it fully compliant for hauling caravans, boat trailers, and jet skis.
Underneath, the 212 T01 stands out as one of the few authentic hardcore off-roaders in its price segment. Built on a robust ladder-frame chassis, it pairs body-on-frame construction with front and rear five-link live axles (rigid axles front and rear). This setup allows for exceptional suspension wheel articulation over severe terrain, keeping the tyres firmly planted. Traction is managed by a BorgWarner electronically controlled part-time 4WD system; in 4WD mode, power is locked in a 50:50 split between the front and rear axles, while engaging low-range (4L) multiplies torque by 2.5 times for serious obstacle-clearing prowess.
Off-road hardware is equally comprehensive, featuring standard central and rear differential locks, with an optional front differential lock available to unlock a full "triple-lock" setup. Standard off-road geometry is remarkable: a 40° approach angle, 36° departure angle, 23.6° breakover angle, 235 mm of ground clearance, and a wading depth of up to 850 mm, while the Changfeng and Highland variants gain lifted suspension setups that push the approach and departure angles further to 43° and 39° respectively. Drivers can also toggle between eight all-terrain drive modes (including Mud, Sand, and Rock), supplemented by advanced off-road assistance features like Crawl Control and Tank Turn.
In terms of cabin tech and creature comforts, the 212 T01 comes standard with a 12.3-inch floating touchscreen head unit and a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system incorporates built-in AutoNavi navigation alongside voice control, smartphone connectivity (CarPlay, HiCar, etc.), over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and mobile app-enabled remote telematics. Comfort amenities comprise automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat with heating and massage functions on higher trims, a Qi wireless charging pad, a 360-degree surround-view monitor with a transparent underfloor display, and ambient lighting. The harmonious blend of tactile switchgear and digital screen interfaces strikes a fine balance between user-friendly interaction and bulletproof functionality in harsh environments.
Safety-wise, the 212 T01 is constructed around a robust safety cage comprising approximately 71% high-strength steel. The roof incorporates a grid of seven crossmembers and two longitudinal beams, complemented by six crossmembers and six longitudinal members across the floor pan. Paired with a four-chamber load-distributing front bulkhead and hot-stamped door ring structures, it creates an exceptionally rigid passenger cell. The heavy-duty ladder frame itself is fabricated from 99% high-strength steel, designed to endure one million vertical bending fatigue cycles to prevent structural deformation in punishing terrain. Standard safety gear also includes an SOS emergency roadside assistance call button and an interior manual emergency escape release on the tailgate.
On the active safety front, the T01 offers Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), incorporating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Traffic Sign Recognition, and Lane Departure Warning. The standard 360-degree camera with a "see-through" transparent chassis view gives drivers a real-time feed of the terrain beneath the vehicle, making it significantly easier to place the wheels over technical obstacles.
The 212 T01 stands as the only domestic brand vehicle in the RM150,000 bracket to feature a complete hardcore blueprint comprising a ladder-frame chassis, front and rear five-link live axles, and part-time 4WD, plugging a unique niche in the market. Sales-wise, the T01 shifted around 4,877 units in 2024 before climbing to 17,013 units across 2025, maintaining a steady monthly volume of 1,000 to 1,600 units—though still lagging behind heavyweight contenders like the Tank 300. Customer feedback has been largely positive regarding its macho styling, genuine trail prowess, extensive customisation potential, and competitive entry price. However, common complaints centre on the petrol variant's heavy fuel thirst (averaging 12–13 litres per 100 km in real-world driving), tyre roar at highway speeds, snug rear legroom, and rear seatbacks that do not fold completely flat. Motoring journalists and off-road pundits have lauded its chassis torsional stiffness and recovery capability across extreme trails, but agree that on-road tarmac manners and NVH refinement trail rivals equipped with independent suspension setups. Ultimately, the 212 T01 is a purist, purpose-built off-roader catering directly to trail enthusiasts seeking uncompromising all-terrain capability, even if there remains room for growth in everyday livability, fuel efficiency, and mainstream brand cachet.
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