ZX AUTO 1986

Model Overview

The ZX AUTO 1986 is a mid-size pick-up truck manufactured by ZX AUTO, first introduced to the market in 2022. The "1986" moniker pays homage to the brand’s milestone in 1986, when ZX AUTO successfully developed China’s first proprietary pick-up truck. Tracing its roots back to 1949, ZX AUTO boasts over 70 years of automotive manufacturing heritage, with deep technical expertise in the engineering and production of pick-ups and off-road vehicles.

Over the years, the ZX AUTO 1986 has expanded into a versatile model line-up, spanning variants such as the Heavy Duty Edition, Commercial-Passenger Edition, Exploration Edition, Off-road Competition Edition, and 40th Anniversary Edition. It offers a wide array of configurations, including petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, 2WD and 4WD layouts, as well as standard and long-wheelbase cargo bed options. Priced between RM88,800 and RM155,800, the pick-up is engineered to cater to commercial hauling, family travel, and recreational off-roading, targeting small business owners, contractors, and outdoor enthusiasts while competing head-on against rivals like the GWM Poer and JMC Grand Avenue.

Design Language

The ZX AUTO 1986 sports a rugged and commanding exterior profile. Up front, it features a large polygonal radiator grille with a blacked-out horizontal slat insert, flanked by the prominent ZX AUTO emblem in the centre for strong visual identity. The large headlamp clusters feature intricate internal detailing, while the three-piece front bumper design integrates side air curtains and a central air dam for an assertive off-road stance. The Exploration Edition features an inverted-triangle front fascia paired with a heavy-duty front bumper for an aggressive look. Meanwhile, the Off-road Competition Edition adopts a more hardcore aesthetic with dedicated off-road accessories, including a raised air intake snorkel and extended steel bumpers. The fully electric variant features a closed-off front grille accentuated by a full-width upper black trim strip with integrated LED lighting.

Body dimensions vary across the range. The standard-bed variant measures 5,341 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,895 mm tall, with a 3,230 mm wheelbase; the long-bed version stretches to 5,624 × 1,920 × 1,925 mm with a 3,513 mm wheelbase. The Exploration Edition Plus measures 5,620 × 1,915 × 1,960 mm, whilst the Off-road Competition Edition boasts an expanded body width of 2,045–2,055 mm for a more muscular stance. A generous overall width of over 1,920 mm gives the truck a notable size advantage within its class.

Inside, the ZX AUTO 1986 focuses on practicality and clean ergonomics. High-spec variants are fitted with a floating central infotainment touchscreen and an integrated instrument cluster. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather, while the cabin layout prioritises functional usability with well-placed physical switchgear for effortless operation on the move.

Powertrain Performance

The ZX AUTO 1986 offers a comprehensive range of engine options:

Diesel Powertrains:

• 2.8T Isuzu Diesel Engine (model JE493ZLQ6E): Produces 88 kW (120 PS) and 285 Nm of torque. The turbocharger spools up at 1,200 rpm delivering 275 Nm of torque, reaching full boost from 1,500 rpm upwards. It is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

• 2.3T Diesel Engine (model ZXDDi23-6A): Produces 120 kW (163 PS) and 380 Nm of torque. It comes mated to either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 40th Anniversary Edition shares this same 2.3T powerplant, with peak torque sustained across a wide rev band of 1,500 to 2,750 rpm.

• 2.0T Diesel Engine: Exclusively fitted on the Off-road Competition Edition, delivering 122 kW (166 PS) and 410 Nm of torque.

Petrol Powertrains:

• 2.4T Petrol Engine: Produces 155 kW (211 PS), mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

• 2.0T Petrol Engine: Produces 145 kW (197 PS) and 360 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Electric Powertrain:

• The fully electric variant is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations, powered by a ternary lithium battery pack capable of a driving range of up to 500 km. Full mass production is scheduled for 2026.

Chassis and Handling

The ZX AUTO 1986 is built on a heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis (body-on-frame) structure. Front suspension utilises a double-wishbone independent setup, while rear suspension configurations vary by variant: the Heavy Duty and Commercial-Passenger Editions employ a robust rear leaf spring rigid axle setup focused on payload capability; the Off-road Competition and Passenger Editions feature a multi-link solid axle with coil springs for enhanced ride comfort. The 40th Anniversary Edition features a five-link coil-spring rear suspension, delivering a 30% improvement in ride compliance over conventional leaf springs.

For four-wheel-drive capability, the truck utilises a reliable BorgWarner part-time 4WD system. Off-road metrics include an approach angle of 31° and a departure angle of 27° on the Exploration Edition Plus, alongside a ground clearance of up to 230 mm on the Off-road Competition Edition. A rear differential lock is optionally available on selected variants. In addition, the 40th Anniversary Edition features a high-strength ladder frame (with 2 longitudinal beams and 7 fully welded cross members of varying cross-sections), boosting torsional stiffness by 25%.

Cabin and Equipment

Cabin appointments differ across grades. The Commercial-Passenger Edition comes standard with an MP5 central colour touchscreen supporting navigation, voice recognition, smartphone mirroring, and Bluetooth hands-free. The 40th Anniversary Edition is upgraded with a 10.4-inch smart infotainment display, a reverse camera, and smartphone connectivity. The leather-wrapped steering wheel features integrated multi-function controls.

In terms of comfort and convenience, standard equipment across the range includes power windows all round, electronic climate control, cruise control, a 12V auxiliary power socket, and four USB charging ports. Higher trims add keyless entry with push-start button, leatherette upholstery, and multi-way power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support. The Exploration Edition Plus comes equipped with an oversized flat-floor cargo bed measuring 1,810 × 1,620 × 515 mm, while a protective bedliner is fitted as standard across all variants.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the ZX AUTO 1986 adopts a reinforced "3H" cage body construction, with high-strength steel comprising 61.3% of the structure, meeting Euro NCAP 4-star crash safety standards. The chassis frame utilises heavy-gauge longitudinal rails with continuous full-seam welding for superior torsional and impact resistance.

In terms of passive safety, dual front airbags are available on selected models. Active safety features across the range include ABS with EBD, electronic parking brake (EPB), rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera. The 40th Anniversary Edition further adds all-round disc brakes, pretensioner seatbelts, and a two-stage collapsible steering column. Other standard safety features include a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), automatic door unlocking upon collision, rear door child safety locks, and an engine immobiliser. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are not fitted on this model, keeping the focus strictly on core primary and secondary safety equipment.

Market Performance and Reception

Since its debut, the ZX AUTO 1986 has made inroads in both its domestic and global export markets, shipping to countries across South America including Peru and Ecuador. Dealerships in Peru have praised the truck for its "robust off-road prowess, impressive payload rating, rugged dependability, and performance on par with Japanese competitors at a far more accessible price point". In Ecuador, the 1986 proved its durability under rigorous testing conditions, earning a spot in local police fleet procurement.

Feedback from owners and automotive media has been largely positive, with widespread praise for the tractable low-end torque and bulletproof reliability of the 2.8T Isuzu diesel engine, the spacious interior granted by the 1,920 mm wide-body design, and the loading versatility of the flatbed cargo box. The Exploration Edition Plus’s "factory-tuned" approach—featuring a factory-installed snorkel, metal off-road steel bumpers, and radiator skid plates—has also been well received, as these genuine OEM modifications eliminate vehicle inspection and registration hassles.

On the flip side, equipment levels on base trims remain relatively sparse, with certain entry variants omitting the front passenger airbag; cabin material quality and connectivity tech lag behind similarly priced modern rivals. Overall, by leveraging its core formula of "proven Isuzu diesel grunt, tough ladder-frame chassis, wide-body proportions, and a versatile flatbed," backed by competitive pricing and genuine off-road kit, the ZX AUTO 1986 maintains a solid foothold in the entry-to-mid-tier pick-up segment.