Forthing, a sub-brand of Chinese state-owned giant Dongfeng that has existed in its home market since 2001, has picked Australia as its newest beachhead, with its local chief framing the country as a key right-hand-drive hub in the brand's global plans. The debut product is a mid-size SUV available in both extended-range hybrid (REEV) and pure-electric form. It was originally to be called the Taikon 5, but a Porsche legal challenge in New Zealand — over perceived similarity to the Taycan — has forced the company to sell it under powertrain-based names for now.
Australian pricing opens at $36,990 drive-away for the REEV Luxury, with the entry electric grade at $38,990 and Exclusive trims at $40,490 and $42,490 for REEV and EV respectively. That puts it up against a wave of Chinese plug-in rivals, among them the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid, Omoda Jaecoo J7 SHS-P, Geely Starray EM-i and GWM Haval H6 PHEV.
Inside, the cabin reads as a composite of other Chinese designs rather than something distinctive: the reviewer sees BYD-flavoured screens, dashboard and door treatments that recall GWM, and a crystal-style shifter cited as the lone trace of its ex-Volvo designer. A 14.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto works well and physical climate controls aid usability, though there is no embedded navigation.
The REEV pairs a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (75kW/130Nm) with a 120kW/240Nm drive motor, while the EV uses a 150kW/340Nm unit. Boot space is quoted at 480L, growing to 1480L with the 60:40-split rear seats folded, and only the flagship EV gets even a space-saver spare. The upshot: keen pricing and everyday competence, but the chassis reaches its limits early and the cabin lacks atmosphere.