GM's Compact SUV Is Only One Layer of Plastic Cladding Away from Resembling a Mini Land Cruiser FJ | Carscoops

      The charming Baojun Yep Plus, manufactured by GM in China, is making its debut in Brazil under the Chevrolet name with a new designation.

      GM markets a compact and stylish SUV in China through its partner Wuling.

      The company has confirmed that the Yep Plus will be available in Brazil as a Chevrolet model.

      The Brazilian version features a 42 kWh battery and an electric motor producing 101 hp.

      While many Land Cruiser enthusiasts are excited about Toyota introducing a smaller, more budget-friendly model with the FJ, others in the U.S. were disappointed to learn that this new iteration won't be available domestically.

      Examining the photos released by Toyota, we found it difficult to pinpoint what the Land Cruiser FJ reminded us of—aside from its clear resemblance to the Hilux Champ. The connection became evident when we encountered a GM-built model from China that is now going global.

      The vehicle in question is marketed in China as the Baojun Yep Plus, developed through the GM-Wuling partnership. It isn’t designed as a dedicated off-roader like the new FJ and is powered by an electric powertrain instead of a traditional combustion engine.

      We’re not implying that the FJ took inspiration from the Baojun Yep Plus, but they do share a similar aesthetic, and to us, the Yep Plus appears just as appealing, if not more so, than Toyota’s smaller FJ Cruiser.

      From the side, both vehicles have a comparable silhouette, although the GM model is distinctly more compact with measurements of 157.3 inches (3,996 mm) in length, 69.3 inches (1,760 mm) in width, and 68 inches (1,726 mm) in height, along with a 100.8-inch (2,560 mm) wheelbase. In comparison, the Toyota measures 180.1 inches (4,575 mm) long, 73 inches (1,855 mm) wide, and 77.2 inches (1,960 mm) tall, featuring a 101.6-inch (2,580 mm) wheelbase.

      This technically positions it as a mini version of the baby Land Cruiser FJ.

      The Yep Plus exhibits similar boxy proportions to the FJ, though its bumpers are smoother and more rounded since it's not intended for off-road capabilities. Unlike the Toyota, it omits the jagged wheel arch extensions, while the arrangement of its headlights and taillights seems closely aligned.

      However, the FJ’s taillights are positioned higher and protrude slightly from the body, whereas the Baojun’s lights are more seamlessly integrated into the rear fascia.

      There’s no doubt that incorporating retro elements into a modern design, as GM and Wuling have done with the Yep Plus, aids in appealing to a broader audience. Toyota has also embraced a similar approach with the FJ, giving it a retro-modern style that many buyers might find appealing. It's unfortunate that it won’t be available in the United States.

      Brazil Is Getting Its Very Own Baojun

      In July, GM announced it would export the Yep Plus to Brazil, rebranding it as the Chevrolet Spark EUV. This vehicle will come standard with a 42 kWh battery pack and a single rear-mounted electric motor generating 101 hp and 133 lb-ft (180 Nm) of torque, providing a range of 249 miles (401 km) on the CLTC cycle.

      While we don’t believe it would see massive sales if introduced in the U.S. as an affordable EV, there could be potential success with a more rugged styling that includes wider fenders and additional plastic cladding paired with a small, efficient combustion engine. What are your thoughts?