Beauty in the Beast
Having a car for all seasons is something that became more important to me ever since I started my hosting job for Bilyonaryo News Channel. Despite typhoons or holidays, I still have to travel to the studio in Quezon City and host a live program in the mornings after which I proceed to a private equity fund office in BGC where I work as Chief Legal Counsel. At the height of Typhoon “Enteng” battering Metro Manila, BAIC’s B40 Ragnar was the only vehicle that I felt confident to use despite the strong rains. The B40 Ragnar effortlessly drove through flooded areas and large potholes.
The B40 Ragnar is designed to withstand all types of terrain and driving conditions. It is a robust vehicle with a body-on-frame construction and a 4×4 drivetrain. With a ground clearance of 220 mm and large 19-inch alloy wheels, the B40 Ragnar towers over other vehicles and can aptly wade through water or difficult terrain. Apart from having a tough exterior, it is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine with 161 horsepower, 350 N-m of torque and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Despite its toughness and durability, the B40 Ragnar manages to look stylish and beautiful. Its boxy large frame is reminiscent of well-known off-road SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler or Mercedes Benz G-Class, but the B40 Ragnar has a distinct look that features a modern grille and slight curves in its hood and bumpers, which lends some finesse on the exterior.
I was astonished by how the B40 Ragnar attracted people from all ages. After I finished interviewing former National Security Advisor Clarita Carlos (a brilliant professor in her late 70s), she walked by the B40 Ragnar that I parked in Bilyonaryo Studio and stopped to say: “Who’s car is this? I like it!” She then asked her assistant to take her picture with the B40 Ragnar.
It was also love at first sight for my son when a military green B40 Ragnar pulled into our home garage. My two-year old son shouted excitedly, “Wow, what a big car!” Perhaps, I should not have been surprised since my son is also obsessed with Monster Trucks. On days I would pick him up from school, he would run out of the classroom in a rush if I told him that we were riding the “Big Green Car” to go home.
The interiors of the B40 Ragnar are a mix of modern comfort and some rugged charm. At the center is a 10-inch touch-screen infotainment display that is equipped with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. The slim gear stick is nestled next to a round wheel for remotely controlling the infotainment system and vehicle settings.
Several accents give the B40 Ragnar the atmosphere of a military vehicle. The driver’s instrument display simulates an analog speedometer and tachometer. A creative and youthful touch are the handles on top of each passenger seat which are made of black woven polyester belts strapped around the frame of the roof. In contrast to some of the ruggedness that was intentionally designed into the interiors are comfortable leather upholstery seats with generous leg room and charging stations in the rear. ISOFIX child seat anchors are a standard feature for the rear seats which made the installation of my son’s car seat easy.
The B40 Ragnar is also consciously designed as a recreational vehicle. It has foldable rear seats and a removable roof. A camping tent could also be mounted on the ceiling handlebars of the B40 Ragnar.
With its hefty size and weight, the B40 Ragnar is surprisingly fuel-efficient with an average consumption of 10-12km/liter. The B40 Ragnar can thus travel long distances because of its 75-liter fuel tank.
Endowed with a tough construction, a powerful engine, and off-road capabilities, the B40 Ragnar is truly a beast on all types of terrain. But take a look at the exterior and interior, and you’ll soon discover the beauty in the beast.
