This is the new Ruiqi 7, a pickup truck built for the Chinese market by the Zhengzhou Nissan joint venture. The truck is based on the outgoing Ruiqi 6 and is essentially a rebadged version of the global Nissan Navara with a unique design. Zhengzhou Nissan is expected to unveil the vehicle at April’s Beijing Auto Show before sales begin the following month.
There’s certainly no mistaking the Ruiqi 7
for a Navara when viewed from the front. For example, it features a unique
grille finished in black with silver-colored surrounds and a distinctive set of
headlights with incorporated LED daytime running lights. Found lower down on
the front fascia are small fog lights. The side profile is virtually identical
to the Nissan and includes the same fender flares, creases, and doors. Images
of the Ruiqi 7’s rear end have yet to hit the web but it appears to have the
same taillights as the Navara.
Where things differ is in the cabin.
Whereas the interior of even the latest Navara is starting to feel old, the
cabin of the Ruiqi 7 is much more modern and looks more premium. We can see
that it features a floating infotainment screen in the center of the dashboard,
a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and a distinctive gear selector. The design of
the dash is particularly intriguing thanks to the geometric patterns found
throughout. Making the cabin stand out further is the two-tone cream and brown
leather upholstery. Other features include remote start and an 8-way
power-adjustable seat for the driver.
Chinese shoppers will be able to purchase
the Ruiqi 7 with petrol or diesel engines, the latter of which will be a
2.3-liter turbocharged diesel with 166 hp and 420 Nm of torque. Two-
and four-wheel drive configurations will also be available.
