Dongfeng Automobile’s New RICH Conquers Harsh Tests

Dongfeng Automobile has set a new benchmark in the pickup segment: its latest New RICH model has completed a punishing 450,000-kilometre durability program that pushed the truck through icy roads at –30 °C, baking deserts at 45 °C, and oxygen-starved plateaus 4,500 m above sea level. The result is a pickup that promises day-in, day-out dependability for contractors, fleet managers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Below, we unpack what that marathon test means for real-world owners - and why the New RICH is poised to reshape expectations in the mid-size truck market.

Unshakable Strength: 450,000 km of Proof

The New RICH did not simply rack up highway mileage. Engineers at Dongfeng Automobile designed an “accelerated life” schedule that simulates ten years of mixed use in less than a year. Gravel tracks, flooded roads, corrugated washboards, and endless stop-and-go loops were all on the menu.

In spite of this abuse, the truck's mature ladder-frame chassis remained free of weld fatigue, while its 3050 mm wheelbase preserved straight-line stability even on rutted tracks. A 215 mm ground clearance and approach/departure angles of 31° / 25° kept the underbody unscathed during steep ascents and departures, protecting critical components such as the ESC module and rear disc brakes.

Key takeaways from the verification program include:

✓ Zero critical drivetrain failures across 450,000 km

✓ Consistent brake-pedal feel thanks to rear disc setup, even on mountain descents

These findings translate to lower downtime and longer service intervals - an especially valuable edge for commercial users who cannot afford unscheduled repairs.

Efficient Muscle for various road conditions

Dongfeng Automobile offers two proven engines for the New RICH, both certified to the stringent Euro VI-B emissions standard.

•  Diesel - Yuchai YCY24165-61 (2.36 L, turbocharged)

This unit delivers 121 kW and a stout 350 Nm plateau from 1,600 - 2,800 rpm. Compared with rival 4D20M powerplants, output is up 17 % while torque climbs 9 %, yet fuel use drops by up to 0.5 L/100 km (2WD) and 0.3 L/100 km (4WD).

•  Gasoline - 2TZD (2.4 L, naturally aspirated)

Co-developed on a Toyota platform, this engine supplies 116 kW and 235 Nm. Its long-stroke design maximizes mid-range pulling power, letting drivers hold a higher gear on gentle grades to save fuel.

A slick 5-speed manual gearbox mates to both motors, and buyers can select 2WD or shift-on-the-fly 4WD with low range. The entire truck line now ships with ESC stability control, dual front airbags, and tire-pressure monitoring - features that once lived only in SUVs.

•  Balanced Workhorse Geometry (H3)

The New RICH measures 5,085 x 1,820 x 1,805 mm and distributes its 1,662 - 1,840 kg curb mass over a 3,050 mm wheelbase, a footprint that strikes a sweet spot between city maneuverability and highway poise. The 1,395 x 1,390 x 430 mm cargo bed swallows full-size pallets, while the 490 kg payload rating covers tools, soil, or adventure gear.

Advantages for Business and Lifestyle Buyers

The double-cab cabin features bolstered seats trimmed in wipe-clean fabric, electric A/C tuned for tropical humidity, and a 9-inch infotainment screen with smartphone mirroring. Engineers added strategic sound insulation in the firewall and transmission tunnel, trimming cabin noise at 100 km/h to 68 dB - quiet enough for clear calls over Bluetooth. Dongfeng Automobile offers an optional telematics box that streams live data - fuel usage, DPF status, and trip logs - to a cloud dashboard.

Global demand for reliable mid-size pickups is projected to climb 4 % annually through 2030 as emerging economies expand rural infrastructure. By proving its durability under extreme heat, cold, and high altitudes, combined with stringent Euro VI-B compliance, the truck can enter mature markets without costly retrofits.

Final Thoughts

The 450,000-kilometre gauntlet was more than a publicity stunt - it was a statement that Dongfeng Automobile is ready to challenge established players on the global stage. For builders hauling cement bags, farmers ferrying produce, or families towing campers, the New RICH offers a proven mix of stamina, safety, and smart running costs. As distribution networks expand, expect this green-check-approved pickup to become a familiar sight on job sites and highways alike.