Chinese carmaker Dongfeng has introduced its first-ever pickup truck in the Middle East. The all-new Dongfeng Z9 is now available in the UAE, and it competes with the best-selling Toyota Hilux directly. Check out what is special about the new Z9 pickup truck below.

Meanwhile, you can also search for used Dongfeng cars at Cars24 UAE.

Also read: Toyota Land Cruiser FJ spied testing for the first time, UAE launch soon?

Exterior design and dimensions of the Dongfeng Z9

The new Z9 pickup truck made its global debut last year in China. The company has now launched the Z9 in the pickup-crazy UAE car market, where it competes with the new Toyota Hilux.

On the outside, it features a clean, modern design, with features like the Z-shaped LED headlights, connected LED DRLs, connected LED tail lights, an electrically controlled loading bed with a loading capacity of 200 kg and a towing capacity of 2.8-3.5 tons. Meanwhile, it rides on the 18-inch sturdy alloy wheels that are wrapped in all-terrain tyres.

Moreover, it measures 5,520 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,950 mm in height, making it significantly larger than the Toyota Hilux. Additionally, its loading bed is also bigger in size, while it has a wheelbase of 3,300 mm, offering more interior space, and 270 mm ground clearance.

Specifications-wise, the Dongfeng Z9 is better than the Toyota Hilux on paper.

Interior design and features of the Dongfeng Z9

Dongfeng has positioned the Z9 as a comfortable and luxurious everyday pickup truck. Its cabin features a dual-tone leather upholstery, a modern, driver-centric dashboard with a 10.25-inch digital instrument console, a twin-spoke steering wheel with mounted controls, and a big 14.6-inch infotainment console with wireless connectivity.

Pickup trucks are generally known for less rear seat space, but that’s not the case with the Z9, as it features a long wheelbase and 60:40 split seats, along with leather treatment and rear AC vents.

In terms of features, the Z9 pickup truck is equipped with loads of modern equipment as follows:

• Electric sunroof
• 8 driving modes
• Ambient lights
• Auto AC
• Wireless charging
• 12-speaker sound system
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Electric driver seat adjustment

Safety features of the Dongfeng Z9

Dongfeng claims that the chassis of the Z9 pickup truck has been built from 70% high-tensile steel, which offers durability and rugged performance. Additionally, it is equipped with 28 autonomous safety features, which include the following:

• 360-degree camera 
• ISOFIX child seats 
• 6 airbags
• ESP, Hill Hold control, Traction control
• Adaptive cruise control
• Auto emergency braking
• Front collision detection and avoidance
• Blind spot detection and alert
• Lane Keep Assist
• Rear-cross traffic alert

Engine specs of the Dongfeng Z9

Powering the GCC-spec Dongfeng Z9 is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine that offers 241 bhp of power and 380 Nm of torque. It is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission and gets an electronic 4WD system with 8 driving modes.

Price and availability in the UAE

The new Dongfeng Z9 is priced around AED 121,900 (without VAT) in the UAE. It is now available in the UAE across the official dealerships of Dongfeng.

Cars24 UAE says

The all-new Dongfeng Z9 pickup truck brings the off-road capabilities mixed with the luxurious cabin experience of a premium car. It packs a powerful turbocharged engine along with a sturdy build quality and the latest safety features.

FAQs

1. What is the price of the Dongfeng Z9 in the UAE?

The Dongfeng Z9 is priced around AED 121,900 (without VAT) in the UAE.

2. Is the Dongfeng Z9 better than the Toyota Hilux?

The Dongfeng Z9 is a new pickup truck, and it is more luxurious than the Hilux, but it has yet to prove its long-term durability and reliability, which is unmatched on the Toyota Hilux.