Yet one more latest Chinese brand is ready to enter the Latest Zealand market next month, with Forthing confirming it’ll launch over the ditch in April with a mid-size SUV range – and an Australian launch is on the cards.
Headlining the brand’s Kiwi debut is the Forthing Taikon, a coupe-style SUV that can be offered with each plug-in hybrid and full electric powertrains, positioned as a value-focused alternative in an increasingly crowded segment.
The Taikon can be available in two trim levels – Luxury and Exclusive – across each powertrains, with pricing and full specifications still to be announced.
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The EV version uses a 150kW electric motor and a 64.4kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, claimed to deliver between 350km and 400km of driving range on the WLTP cycle.
Meanwhile, the Super Hybrid pairs a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 31.94kWh LFP battery, and may run in EV-only mode for as much as 183km on the WLTP cycle.
Forthing claims a complete driving range of as much as 1150km, assuming regular charging.
The mid-size SUV is roughly the scale of the Toyota RAV4, measuring 4600mm long, 1860mm wide and 1680mm tall on a 2715mm wheelbase. The Taikon Hybrid features multi-link independent rear suspension, while the EV sticks with a less sophisticated torsion beam rear.
Standard equipment across the Latest Zealand lineup features a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, plus a collection of energetic safety and driver assist technology including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Forthing, which is a component of Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co, a subsidiary of Dongfeng Motor Group, says the move marks the start of its push into right-hand drive markets.
Forthing NZ general sales manager Todd Groves says the brand is targeting buyers in search of value without sacrificing features.
“Our role is to bring Latest Zealanders competitive latest selections that make sense for his or her lifestyle,” he said.
“The Forthing Taikon, with its compelling mix of design and outstanding value, does exactly that… delivering premium design, pioneering technology, and exceptional value to create serious excitement out there.”
Based in Liuzhou in China’s Guangxi province, the automaker traces its roots back to 1954 and is now shifting its focus toward latest energy vehicles as a part of a broader global expansion strategy.
Forthing says the Taikon range can be backed by a nationwide dealer network in Latest Zealand, though details of locations and aftersales support are yet to be confirmed.
The corporate has yet to disclose pricing for Latest Zealand, but has signalled it’ll position the Taikon as a competitively positioned offering geared toward undercutting established rivals.
Full specifications, pricing, and dealership details are expected closer to the April 17 on-sale date, when the primary vehicles may also be available for immediate delivery.
Forthing’s confirmation of a Latest Zealand launch comes shortly after the Dongfeng brand debuted across the ditch.
It also comes after Forthing received type approval in Australia last October for the Taikon, which is predicted to wear the Friday nameplate. Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co filed to trademark the Friday name last November.
Each electric and extended-range electric versions of the Taikon/Friday appear in Australian Government type approval documents.
It’s still unclear who can be chargeable for distributing the brand in Australia.
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
