The second-generation Suzuki Alto car was rebranded under the Jiangnan TT name for the Chinese market. Zotye, a Chinese automaker that previously produced Suzuki and Fiat-based cars, purchased Jiangnan before the latter went bankrupt. What characteristics does a Chinese electric vehicle have with a second-generation Suzuki Alto from the 1980s? Unexpected as it may be, the explanation for Jiangnan U2 is a shared design history. Jiangnan Automobile, formerly known for manufacturing rebadged Suzuki Altos as one of China's cheapest cars, is back this year with a far more up-to-date model.
However, the Jiangnan U2 is a new electric city car, as the BAIC Ruixiang Hoen O2 largely inspired it. While it shares many of the latter's body panels, its distinctive front end is likely inspired by the Jiangnan TT (2001-2010), which was the name of a rebadged and sold-in-China version of the second-generation Suzuki Alto (1984-1988).
For its retro-futuristic style, the black fascia with rounded rectangular LED headlights may remind certain people of a Honda e. The aerodynamic windscreen, short overhangs, and short hood give it a similar profile to the Ruixiang Hoen O2. Additional exterior features of the EV include a rear spoiler, panoramic sunroof, sleek door handles, and large 17-inch alloy wheels.
