Ickx K2's looks is an interesting 4x4 SUV mashup
Do you see the Wrangler, F-series and Range Rover cues?
Another day, another boxy off-road SUV coming from the PRC.
We've seen the Jetour T-3, the Dongfeng M-Hero 917, and GWM's Tank 300. And now, DR Automobiles, a company that's selling Chinese-made vehicles in Italy, has created a brand called Ickx. Their first vehicle? Well, feast your eyes on the K2.
We're sure you know it looks familiar, and that is because it's basically a rebadged BAIC BJ40 with a different-looking front end. Like the BJ40 of course, the styling is inspired by some of the most popular off-road SUVs in the world.
The boxy silhouette reminds us of the Jeep Wrangler. But up front, the K2 may have taken a leaf off the Land Rover design playbook. The only thing that reminds you it's a different vehicle is because of the “Ickx” badge on the hood, instead of “Range Rover”. Meanwhile, if you're an American pick-up truck fan, you'll notice the door handles are inspired by the early 2000s Ford F-series trucks, particularly those from the F-350.
Inside, the Ickx K2 has a well-appointed interior. It has a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that (surprisingly) has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and leather upholstery. Now going back to the Wrangler inspiration, the K2 also has removable doors, as well as a three-piece roof.
Under the hood, the K2 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that puts out 162 PS and 380 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. In terms of off-road tech, the K2 has electronic locking front and rear differentials, as well as a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. But instead of live axles front and rear, the K2 has a double-wishbone front suspension which should translate to better handling on sealed surfaces.
As for its pricing, the Ickx K2 is being sold in Italy for around USD 60,000 (PHP 3.3-million), and that's quite understandable if the SUV is made in China, then will make its way to Europe.
