SINOTRUK BOLDEN

Model Overview

The BOLDEN is an international, all-scenario, multi-purpose full-size pick-up truck introduced by SINOTRUK Group. Founded in 1930, SINOTRUK boasts an automotive manufacturing heritage spanning over 90 years. The BOLDEN pick-up is built across modern assembly plants at the group's Jinan and Chongqing manufacturing hubs, supported by comprehensive stamping, welding, painting, and final assembly production lines.

On 28 June 2024, the BOLDEN pick-up was officially launched at Xueye Lake in Jinan, Shandong. Positioned as an all-scenario full-size pick-up, it is available in three distinct variants tailored for specific applications: the commercial-spec BOLDEN S6, passenger-spec BOLDEN S7, and off-road-spec BOLDEN S9. The entire range is powered by the Weichai Power WP2H 2.0T turbodiesel engine, offered in both 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, with prices ranging from RM110,800 to RM191,800. Specifically, the commercial S6 retails between RM110,800 and RM146,800; the passenger S7 is priced from RM138,800 to RM161,800; and the off-road S9 is tagged between RM181,800 and RM191,800. Power comes exclusively from a diesel powertrain, with four-wheel drive available.

Design Language

The BOLDEN features a distinctive, original exterior styled around the "Dragon Face" design philosophy. Upfront, it sports a massive blacked-out radiator grille flanked by the "SINOTRUK" lettering and brand badge at the centre. The split LED headlamp clusters feature an inverted "L" or "7" signature, showcasing subtle Oriental aesthetic cues. At the rear, "C"-shaped or "L"-shaped LED combination tail lamps mirror the front lighting signature, while the rear bumper incorporates integrated corner steps for easier cargo bed access.

In terms of dimensions, the BOLDEN is offered in both standard and extended wheelbase configurations. Standard wheelbase variants measure 5,365–5,400 mm in length with a 3,230 mm wheelbase, whereas long wheelbase variants measure 5,645 mm in length with a 3,470 mm wheelbase. Width ranges from 1,895 mm to 1,965 mm across variants. Cargo bed dimensions stand at 1,520 × 1,520 × 530 mm for the standard bed, expanding to 1,800 × 1,520 × 530 mm for the long wheelbase extended bed. The rear bed is equipped with a spray-on bedliner, high-tensile steel sports bar, and external tie-down hooks, alongside a damped tailgate with an integrated concealable step.

The cabin adopts a T-shaped dashboard layout generously trimmed with soft-touch materials. The passenger S7 variant features a refined black/coffee dual-tone interior; the off-road S9 opts for a sporty black/red scheme; and the commercial S6 features an all-black theme accented with white highlights. A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display alongside a 12.3-inch or 7-inch digital instrument cluster comes standard across the range.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the bonnet, the BOLDEN range is universally driven by the Weichai Power WP2H 2.0T turbodiesel engine. This unit puts out 140 kW (190 PS) and 420 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful single-turbo 2.0L diesel engine in China. The engine incorporates a 2,200-bar ultra-high-pressure common-rail system—delivering a 10% increase in rail pressure—to noticeably enhance both power output and fuel economy. Power is channelled through an in-house developed 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission (8AT), with selected variants also offering a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The powerplant integrates multiple cutting-edge technologies: a proprietary submarine-grade acoustic insulation system paired with 5-layer cabin soundproofing delivers an idling noise level of ≤41 dB, dipping as low as 39 dB; an advanced cold-start system uses six key technical measures to guarantee instant ignition at temperatures as low as -40°C; and an innovative twin AdBlue injection setup precisely meters urea dosing to prevent exhaust aftertreatment clogging. Average fuel consumption ranges between 6 and 9 L/100 km. Furthermore, the engine is backed by a lifetime warranty for the first owner with service intervals pegged at 1 year or 20,000 km.

Chassis and Handling

The BOLDEN is built on a heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis. The suspension setup is tuned to suit different variant roles: the commercial S6 utilizes a rear leaf spring rigid axle prioritized for heavy payloads; conversely, the passenger S7 and off-road S9 employ a multi-link solid axle rear suspension for superior ride comfort and road holding. The chassis underwent fine-tuning across 169 parameters, over 500 calibration iterations, and 3 full development cycles.

For off-road traction, the S9 and selected 4WD variants come equipped with a BorgWarner on-demand 4WD transfer case featuring 2H, 4H, and 4L modes. An all-terrain drive mode selector offers 7 dedicated profiles: Standard, Eco, Sport, Mud, Snow, Sand, and Rock.

The S9 off-road variant stands out with factory-fitted off-road hardware, including triple differential locks (front, centre, and rear), a raised air intake snorkel (>700 mm wading depth), a 12,500-lb electric recovery winch, K-MAN nitrogen shock absorbers, full underbody skid plates, Tank Turn assist, and Crawl Control. Key off-road geometry metrics include a 30° approach angle, 26° departure angle, and 230 mm ground clearance.

Cabin and Equipment

Inside, the BOLDEN features a dual 12.3-inch screen setup (central infotainment screen and digital instrument panel) with customizable display themes. The connected telematics system supports 10-scenario voice recognition, smartphone screen mirroring, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and GPS navigation. A dedicated mobile app allows remote access for door unlocking, power windows, climate pre-conditioning, sunroof operation, vehicle locating, and remote diagnostics.

Ergonomic seats engineered by Yanfeng Johnson Controls offer up to 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 4-way adjustment for the front passenger. The front seats feature both ventilation and heating functions, complemented by a heated steering wheel. Cabin climate is managed by a dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system with dedicated rear vents. Rear occupants benefit from class-leading space, featuring 955 mm of headroom and 285 mm of knee room. Other amenities include a Qi wireless charging pad and a 220V three-pin rear cabin socket.

Safety and Driver Assistance

For passive safety, the BOLDEN utilizes a high-strength cage body shell incorporating hot-formed steel across 13 critical zones, improving structural rigidity by 3 to 5 times. 6 airbags are standard across the range. Active safety is anchored by a Bosch ESP 9.3 electronic stability control suite with 10 integrated safety sub-functions, complemented by a 360° surround-view camera paired with a 180° transparent chassis view to provide 540° full visual coverage.

On the driver assist front, the BOLDEN is equipped with a Level 2.5+ ADAS suite. Active safety functions vary across variants: the commercial spec includes 6 ADAS features, the off-road spec gets 9, while the passenger model packs 14 intelligent driving aids. These include full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Centring Keep (LCK), Door Opening Warning (DOW), and Rear Collision Warning (RCW). Automatic collision fuel cut-off and hazard unlock systems are also standard.

Market Positioning and Verdict

The BOLDEN marks SINOTRUK's maiden entry into the mainstream pick-up market, standing as China's only all-new pick-up truck officially rolled out in 2024 to date. In December 2023, it secured three key automotive honours including the "Core Technology Benchmark Brand" award. The model celebrated its international premiere at the IAA Transportation show in Hanover, Germany in September 2024. An all-electric derivative has also been delivered to Electricite du Laos (EDL) and exported to markets across the UAE, Mexico, and Cambodia.

Industry feedback and motoring media have widely praised the BOLDEN's Weichai 2.0T diesel engine (140 kW / 420 Nm) as a segment performance benchmark for single-turbo powertrains. The passenger model's multi-link rear suspension and submarine-grade NVH suppression have earned high marks for refinement, while the off-road variant's factory-backed modifications (triple diff locks, K-MAN nitrogen dampers, snorkel, and winch) have drawn significant interest from off-road enthusiasts. Purchase incentives include up to RM6,000 trade-in support, RM5,000 financing rebates, 2 to 3-year 0% interest hire-purchase plans, a 7-day money-back guarantee, and a 3-year / 60,000 km manufacturer warranty. Combining exceptional diesel torque, advanced Level 2.5+ active safety, and true off-road capability, the SINOTRUK BOLDEN emerges as a highly capable and competitive contender in the RM110,000–RM190,000 pick-up segment.