Business in the front, party in the back? SUV-based VGV VX7 ute launches in China
Turning a ute into a wagon is common practice for automotive manufacturers, but going the other way seems to be a growing trend in China.
While not as outright ungainly as the Geely Farizon FX ute, the new VGV VX7 ‘lifestyle pick-up’ in sale now in China may be another answer to a question we have not yet asked: if we can have more ute-based SUVs, why not more SUV-based utes?
Produced by China’s state-owned Sinotruk (China National Heavy Duty Truck Group), the VGV VX7 takes the company’s VGV U75 Plus mid-sized SUV, removes the upper bodywork aft of the C-pillar, and adds a 1114mm load bed.
Questionable aesthetic decisions aside, the tub looks to be quite functional in offering plastic-lined edges, underfloor storage, plus a 1438mm width, 588mm height and a 330kg payload rating.
Inside, the five-seat layout of the mid-sized SUV is retained, with leather-appointed seats, a large 10.25-inch touchscreen and a haptic-style climate control interface suggesting that the VX7 is pitched more as a luxury tourer than a workhorse.
Under the bonnet is a 167kW/385Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The VX7 is priced from 115,800 yuan (around $AU25,000).
There are seven colours available, including a rather bold purple, and the tailgate features an integrated step like that found on the GWM Cannon Ute.
While the VGV VX7 will never come to Australia, we’re not completely isolated from SUV-based utes.
The SsangYong Musso is actually based on the SsangYong Rexton SUV – not the other way around, as commonly – which gives the Korean ute better on-road manners than many of its competitors due to the use of coil-spring suspension on all four corners (though both still ride on body-on-frame architectures).
The trade-off is in off-road articulation and ride height, as well as a more conservative payload than you’ll find in other double cabs.
And although an Australian launch has been ruled out, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz ute sold in the US is actually based on the Hyundai Tucson SUV.
We’ll take this time to remember another questionable icon of the wagon-to-pick-up product set, the North-American exclusive 2004 Subaru Baja, which turned a regular Outback wagon into something far more unique.
While this approach may not be leading the way in ‘beautiful’ automotive design, the trend toward lifestyle vehicles in many markets may see more car makers investigate what could be done with an existing SUV platform and a cutting torch…
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