In the course of 2023, the DFSK Forthing 5 will be launched in Germany. The petrol engine with 177 hp costs less than 30,000 euros. The electric version will follow a little later.
The Chinese brand DFSK will expand its model range over the course of 2023 with the SUV model Forthing 5. Importer Indimo Automotive is currently preparing the market launch of the new series.
With a length of 4.65 meters, a width of 1.86 meters and a height of 1.69 meters, the five-door is positioned just above the segment of compact SUVs around the VW Tiguan, Mazda CX-5 and Co. The interior should be spacious. As usual from other Chinese brands, the trunk volume is probably less important. With 370 liters with the rear seat backrest up and 1,420 liters in a two-seat configuration, the DFSK Forthing 5 lags behind many of its competitors.
Gasoline engine with 177 hp and front-wheel drive
The front wheels of the Chinese are powered by a supercharged 1.5 liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. It develops an output of 130 kW /177 hp and a maximum torque of 285 Newton meters. They are managed by a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The standard equipment of the DFSK Forthing 5 will include a panoramic glass roof, artificial leather upholstery, electrically adjustable driver's seat and manual air conditioning. An Audi system with a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone is also on board. There is probably no smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
In addition to a 360-degree all-round camera view, other little helpers in the form of parking sensors, cruise control and hill descent control are part of the standard equipment. Driving assistants such as lane departure warning or adaptive distance control do not exist.
Later also electric
The list price of the DFSK Forthin 5 is said to be 29,795 euros in Germany. This makes the Chinese significantly cheaper than many models from established brands. The importer offers a three-year guarantee on all new cars.
The battery-electric Forthing 5 EV should also come to us a little later than the petrol engine. It will differ from the combustion engine with a differently designed front end. Technical data on the electric drive and information on cell chemistry and the storage capacity of the battery are not yet available. However, the electric Forthing 5 is likely to be significantly more expensive than the petrol engine.
Conclusion
With the DFSK Forthing 5, a mid-range SUV starts for less than 30,000 euros. But you get the Chinese as a petrol engine, an electric variant follows with a time delay.
