The VGV U70 Pro is the inaugural D-segment mid-size SUV from VGV, the light-duty vehicle arm of China National Heavy Duty Truck Group Co., Ltd. (Sinotruk), positioned as a "creative and enjoyable spacious 7-seater SUV". Founded in 2019, VGV stands for "Visionary Global Vanguard", focusing on the R&D and manufacturing of pick-up trucks, SUVs, vans, and MPVs across diverse powertrain options including petrol, pure electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell powertrains. As a crucial evolutionary successor to VGV's maiden SUV, the U70, the U70 Pro shoulders the brand's strategic mission to expand its footprint in the passenger vehicle segment and broaden its global presence.
Officially launched on 26 May 2022, the model line-up includes the Manual Youyue Edition, Automatic Youyue Edition, and Automatic Executive Edition, with official recommended retail prices ranging from RM77,800 to RM115,800. It is offered in 5-seater and 7-seater configurations, powered exclusively by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine driving the front wheels (FWD). Its primary rivals in the segment include fellow Chinese D-segment SUVs such as the Jetour X70 and Sehol X8.
On the global front, the VGV U70 Pro represents a significant milestone in the marque's internationalisation drive. Leveraging Sinotruk’s extensive global footprint—which exports to over 110 countries and regions, operates 22 overseas CKD assembly plants across 14 countries, and conducts business in over 90 markets—the U70 Pro has successfully made inroads into key markets such as Russia and the Middle East. Retailing globally under the unified VGV marque, the SUV stands as one of China's flagship contenders in the global D-segment SUV arena.
The VGV U70 Pro adopts the "Dynamic Momentum" or "Simple Elegance Aesthetics" design philosophy, striking a fine balance between family-oriented practicality and sporty character. Up front, it sports an imposing polygonal grille with horizontal bright chrome slats, complemented by rugged front bumper styling with silver skid plates and contrasting red accents. The headlight assemblies integrate full-width LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and matrix LED headlights, enhancing visual width and technological sophistication. Down the sides, a prominent character line stretches from the front wings to the tail lights, complemented by a floating-roof design and 18-inch or 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels for a poised yet purposeful stance. At the rear, the sculpted tailgate features tail lights that visually mirror the front lighting signature, underpinned by a lower bumper with a silver diffuser-style trim that adds a premium touch.
Dimension-wise, the SUV measures 4,825 mm long, 1,870 mm wide (1,926 mm on selected variants), and 1,691 mm tall (1,775 mm on selected variants), riding on a 2,800 mm wheelbase. These dimensions place it in the upper echelon of the mid-size SUV class, providing a generous spatial foundation for both 5-seater and 7-seater layouts.
Under the bonnet, the VGV U70 Pro is powered by a 1.5-litre inline-four turbocharged petrol engine (engine code TLE4G15D), generating a maximum power output of 115 kW (approx. 156 PS) and peak torque of 215 Nm between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. The powerplant features a DOHC valvetrain, runs on RON 92 petrol, and complies with China VI emission standards. Top speed is rated at 175 km/h. For the domestic market, transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox with manual mode, sending drive exclusively to the front wheels (FWD). While official combined fuel consumption figures are not officially stated, automotive media test drives report real-world figures of around 8.0 to 9.0 L/100 km. This powertrain setup is tuned primarily for linear power delivery and fuel efficiency, ideally suited for everyday urban driving.
Underneath, the VGV U70 Pro rides on a front-wheel-drive platform featuring MacPherson struts up front and a rear torsion beam setup—a tried-and-tested configuration in this price bracket that optimises manufacturing costs and rear cabin packaging. Steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, while braking is managed by ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, supported by Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold as standard.
Ground clearance is rated at 200 mm for export models, though exact domestic figures remain unstated. This ride height, combined with short front and rear overhangs, provides decent clearance over unpaved roads, though the overall chassis setup is primarily tuned for supple ride comfort on paved city roads. Wheel options include 18-inch or 19-inch alloys depending on the variant.
The cabin layout adopts a clean, uncluttered design ethos. The dashboard features a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment display as standard, offering voice command, smartphone integration, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Mid-to-high-spec variants upgrade to a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster, creating an integrated dual-screen cockpit setup. Selected variants also gain tri-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic sunroof. Upholstery comes in either synthetic leather or fabric, with the front seats offering multi-way manual or powered adjustment. Additional interior amenities include multiple USB charging ports, a multifunction steering wheel, and cruise control on higher-spec models. In terms of NVH refinement, owners report well-suppressed tyre noise at urban cruising speeds of 60–80 km/h, alongside acceptable wind noise suppression at 120 km/h highway speeds.
In terms of passive safety, the VGV U70 Pro is built around a high-tensile safety cage body structure. Standard safety equipment across the range includes dual front airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA/EBA), Traction Control (TCS/ASR), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP/DSC).
For active safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), top-spec domestic models feature Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities, encompassing full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. This suite puts the vehicle on par with mainstream Chinese D-segment competitors in its segment. Selected variants also feature a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and rear parking sensors.
In its home market, the VGV U70 Pro established its foothold in the RM70,000 to RM120,000 price bracket as a "value-driven, spacious mid-size SUV". In comparative tests against competitors like the Jetour X70 and Sehol X8, motoring media highlighted its generous cabin space and solid, dependable chassis as primary USPs, whilst pointing out its slightly dated infotainment interface and limited dealer network as key drawbacks. Furthermore, isolated customer complaints have surfaced on consumer quality portals concerning minor body fitment and electrical issues, such as door water seal leaks.
Overseas, the VGV U70 Pro follows a well-defined export strategy. The model is assembled via Complete Knock-Down (CKD) kits at the Unison plant in Belarus for the Russian market, undergoing extensive cold-weather adaptations for harsh local climates and rough road conditions—comprising 141 re-engineered sub-assemblies and 169 revised components. For export markets, the engine is tuned to produce 143 PS (approx. 105 kW) and 207 Nm of torque to comply with local regulations. In Russia, prices start from 2,150,000 rubles for the 5-seater and 2,210,000 rubles for the 7-seater, coming comprehensively equipped with an extended winter package (heated front seats, heated side mirrors, heated windscreen, rear defogger, heated steering wheel, etc.), revised suspension damping, a localised Russian infotainment interface, and RON 92 petrol compatibility. In June 2024, VGV officially commenced retail operations in Russia through its local partner, Motor Place. The U70 Pro has also entered Middle Eastern markets including the UAE, backed by a 6-year manufacturer warranty.
On a broader industry level, the VGV U70 Pro exemplifies Sinotruk's strategic expansion from commercial heavy vehicles into the competitive passenger car segment. As the brand's primary spearhead in the global mid-size SUV market, the U70 Pro has carved out a respectable niche across China, Russia, and the Middle East through its outstanding cabin space, reliable core mechanics, and adaptable localised assembly strategies. Nonetheless, building stronger brand recognition, expanding dealer networks, and further refining long-term build quality remain crucial hurdles as it competes in wider international markets.
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