Zhengzhou Nissan, a subsidiary of Dongfeng Motor Company (joint venture between Dongfeng Motor Group and Nissan Motors), has revealed the new Ruiqi 7, a pick-up truck that is based on the existing Nissan Navara, similar to the Renault Alaskan and the short-lived Mercedes-Benz X-Class.
Like those Navara-based models, the Ruiqi 7 gets a styling makeover to distinguish itself, most notably at the front where the grille frame is thinner, and the insert boasts a unique pattern. Flanking the grille are reprofiled headlamps with integrared DRLs, while the lower apron has new fog lamp sections that lead into the lower intake – there’s a skid plate too.
These changes make the Dongfeng model about 35 mm longer than a regular Navara, but the rest of the vehicle is pretty much identical. Retained cues include the bonnet line creases, flared fenders, the shape of the cab and doors as well as the design of the taillights.
While the face is a notable change from the Navara, it is the interior of the Ruiqi 7 that truly stands out. A lot more modern and premium in appearance, there’s plenty of leather-covered surfaces in a two-tone colour scheme for occupants to touch, some of which feature geometric patterns.
Other items include a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a floating touchscreen infotainment system, the latter sitting prominently in the centre of the dashboard. The centre console is also presented in a much nicer fashion too, complete with a specific gear lever, additional vehicle controls and covered cupholders. This looks fancier than what Mercedes-Benz did with the X-Class, don’t you think?
A public debut for the Ruiqi 7 will reportedly take place at April’s Beijing Auto Show before the pick-up goes on sale the following month. Customers will be able to choose from petrol and diesel powertrains, with either rear- or all-wheel drive.
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Much better than Proton Farizon pickup truck. :p
Wish unker ETCM Tan Chong brought this instead of crappy Navara with poor specs.