Arctic Trucks, an Icelandic company, operates through subsidiaries around the world, including Russia. The firm is renowned for its extreme, high-clearance versions of Japanese pickups and SUVs. Current market realities pushed Arctic Trucks to seek new channels for Russian customers and expand its reach beyond traditional supply chains.
One of the initial responses to this shift, a project born from the idea of import substitution, centered on the Chinese Great Wall Wingle 7 pickup. The concept aimed to bring a robust, off-road capable variant to markets that demand reliability and rugged performance from a pickup, while leveraging local production and distribution networks to reduce lead times and costs.
What improvements?
Despite the broader strategy, the core approach to enhancements remained consistent. The base platform was retained, but a series of substantial modifications were introduced to convert the standard pickup into a capable off-road performer.
The vehicle sits on 35-inch tires, paired with reinforced suspension components, and a revised geometry for the wings to accommodate the larger wheel arches. The design includes pronounced wheel-arch extensions, widened fenders, functional steps, and protective liners around the wheel wells. In addition, customers can opt for an extended underbody protection plate and a winch to broaden its utility in challenging terrains.
These changes increase ground clearance from 212 mm to 276 mm, adding 80 mm of height and 230 mm in width growth. The curb weight rises by about 70 kg, but the vehicle’s official specifications remain aligned with the passport data. The approach angles become more aggressive: entry angle improves to 36 degrees from 29, and exit angle to 29 degrees from 23. The drivetrain remains standard, featuring a 143 hp diesel engine coupled with a manual transmission, ensuring straightforward, dependable operation in off-road environments.
Preliminary estimates place the basic package of improvements at roughly one million rubles, reflecting the balance between rugged capability and practical cost for customers seeking true all-terrain performance in a compact pickup. The package is designed to deliver noticeable gains in approach, departure, and breakover angles, while preserving predictable handling and reliable power delivery for demanding driving conditions.
- Big test comparison of pickups Mitsubishi L200 and a large Chinese Great Wall Wingle 7 is here.
- Behind the Wheel can now be seen on RuTube