Maxus significantly updated his pickups - now Intertellar

A large Chinese car manufacturerMaxusheld a presentation of his new pickups the other day. The updated line has become wider and more diverse, but in fact it is still a modification of the first modelMaxus T60, released in 2016.The new versions were also rebranded: pickup trucks used to belong to the T-series, but now they are part of the familyInterstellar(星阿).

Maxus Interstellar L

Basic modelis the simplest and cheapest pickup in the line, designed primarily for commercial use. In fact, it is slightly improved and simplifiedMaxus T70: the exterior has not changed, and the interior is almost unchanged, except for a different media system with a 10.1-inch screen. Two versions are available for purchase: 5365 mm long and 5680 mm long, which differ in wheelbase and cargo compartment size.

Powertrains remain the same, but while the Maxus T70 can come with an automatic transmission, the Interstellar L, being a true workhorse,offered exclusively with a manual transmission. The naturally aspirated 2.4-liter gasoline engine (160 hp, 230 Nm) is paired with a five-speed manual transmission, and the 2.0-liter turbodiesel (143 hp, 360 Nm) is paired with a six-speed manual.The transmission can be both rear and all-wheel drive(with hard connection). The cost of Interstellar L in China starts from $12,800.

Maxus Interstellar R

Outwardly, it is a copy of the "L", but the plastic wheel arch extenders are now not optional, but included in the basic price. And herethe interior is completely redone- it is borrowed from the current oneMaxus T90. The buyer receives a single panel with two displays: 10.25" for the dashboard and 12.3-inch for the multimedia system. Also, the design can highlight the minimum number of buttons, the "automatic" selector without fixation, as well as optional leather trim.

The Interstellar R is also offered in two lengths. The choice can be made between a forced turbodiesel with a volume of 2.0 liters (163hp, 410 Nm) and a two-liter turbocharged gasoline engine (261hp, 410 Nm). Both engines can be paired with a six-speed "mechanics" or an eight-speed automatic transmission manufactured by ZF. Drive system as in the base model.In China, the price of the R-pickup starts at $15,600.

Maxus Interstellar H

The third car in the family is the most expensive of the new line (the price starts at $18,900). It is actually an upgraded version of the current Maxus T90.Major updates are hidden from view- a new independent rear suspension on springs, replacing the spring used in the predecessor and cheaper cars of the Interstellar family.

The salon has also been updated- all attention is captured by two 12.3-inch screens, a massive central console and a climate control system with touch controls. From intelligent systemsautopilot is presentlevel two or advanced cruise control in human terms. The washer in the middle allows you to control the four-wheel drive, and the automatic transmission selector is now made in the form of a right-hand steering lever (I think we've seen this solution before? 😉). Surprisingly, the hatch was excluded from the list of options.

As for external differences- updated front bumper, expanded radiator grill and other optics (main and lower units).

The Maxus Interstellar H model is presented with the same power units as the R-pickup, but additionally has a top version with a biturbodiesel 2.0 (218hp, 500 Nm). It is used only in this versiononly eight-speed "automatic", and the connected four-wheel drive works in a pair with an automatic clutch for connecting the front axle (downshift remains). This model also has the option of choosing a body length option.

The most expensive version of the Maxus Interstellar H pickup from the factory has a good oneoff-road factory preparation, which includes:

• AT class tires;
• additional bottom protection;
• regularwinch;
• snorkel;
• a different shape of the front bumper and a number of other improvements.

This model is only available with the most powerful 218-horsepower turbodiesel and short cargo platform for the price$36,800. All models from the Interstellar line will be available on the sky market by the end of this summer.