There is a lot going on in the Chinese motor market lately. Range Rover, Rolls Royce, Audi, and Lamborghini, to mention a few, have all focussed serious attention delivering customised products and launches on this fast-growing market. Not all of it is something to be particularly envious of however. The idea of seeing the latest in Chinese motor engineering on British roads is perhaps not something we would hope for.
The most recent release to hit the tarmac or some certain parts of it at least, is an armoured version of the Dongfeng EQ2050. The original version of this vehicle is certainly favoured by the Chinese military, for its role in protecting its nation. Hummer-like in its exterior appearance, the armoured version is also a 4×4. High ground clearance allows the vehicle the freedom to cross any number of terrain conditions for its missions. A virtual all-rounder, the vehicle is designed for offensive and fast hit-and-run attacks. For this purpose, a gun turret on the roof can accommodate either a rocket-propelled grenade launcher or an automatic machine gun.
From the Chinese specialists in multi-purpose vehicles, an all-road ambulance is one of their other recent releases; this vehicle is built on the heritage that brought forth tanks and IFVs. Under the bonnet in this particular model however, the V8 diesel engine was built by Dongfeng in collaboration with Cummins.
Standing 1.8 metres high, armouring appears to have been kept lightweight. The advantage of this vehicle in a protection situation would seem to be in its speed and agility. Inside the vehicle, reinforcement is available in terms of steel bars supporting the roof and flexible armour curtains on the interior sides.
The overt nature of this vehicle’s objectives are a stark contrast to our own native breed of protective vehicles, epitomised by the armoured Range Rover currently available for self-drive hire or with chauffeur or CPO service.
The bullet-resistant Range Rover may take a completely different approach to its duties but it certainly does so with panache and respect. Our more tasteful vehicle may not be able to launch an RPG but it certainly has a lot more flair. Even with its lightweight Armormax ballistic composite material covering the body and bullet-resistant glass protecting its windows, our Armoured Range Rover still manages to look as elegant as any other Range Rover on the road.