Baojun, the brand owned by the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture, has launched the new RC-5 liftback and RC-5W wagon on the Chinese market. Local prices start from RMB59,800 (equal to around $8,600 at today’s rates) for the Baojun RC-5 liftback and RMB72,800 ($10,490) for the RC-5W wagon.

Sized similarly to their Skoda Octavia equivalents, both compact models are available with either a naturally aspirated or a turbocharged 1.5-liter petrol engine. The free-breathing unit delivers 99 PS (98 HP) while the force-fed variant produces 147 PS (145 HP). A six-speed manual gearbox comes standard while a six-speed auto is available as an option.

The RC-5 and RC-5W adopt Baojun’s ‘Interstellar Geometry’ design language and look identical up to the C-pillars. The wagon is obviously the more practical choice, offering a cargo space of more than 470 liters (16.6 cu ft) with all seats in place. The RC-5W also features a roof rack, reclining rear seats on the second row with extra headroom compared to the RC-5 liftback, as well as “airplane-like” headrests.

The dashboard looks modern and is dominated by two big displays and a rather high center console. The RC-5 and RC-5W integrate mobile connectivity with in-vehicle features, enabling users to enjoy “precise and fast voice control, customized infotainment and even car-home connectivity”.

According to the Chinese carmaker, both models feature functions normally found in premium models, such as dynamic turn signals, wireless cellphone charging, memory seats, and an intelligent air purification system. From a safety standpoint, the RC-5 and RC-5W benefit from 17 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) functions. They are made possible by the fusion of a high-resolution camera and millimeter wave radars with ranges of 120 meters (393.7 ft) and 160 meters (524.9 ft), respectively.