Dongfeng has unveiled an expanded model range at the Festival of Motoring in Kyalami. Although Dongfeng is still relatively unknown in South Africa, the company is demonstrating significant ambitions in the local market by introducing a large number of new products.
Dongfeng is one of China's four major state-owned automotive companies. In South Africa, the brand is distributed by E Auto Motor SA, with the Box, 06, and 007 models being the first products to enter the market. Currently, there are 16 dealerships operating in South Africa, and the company plans to increase this network to approximately 40 by the end of the year, supported by the launch of numerous new models, including the Dongfeng Friday.
Dongfeng Friday Family Crossover
This mid-sized family crossover features elegant, albeit rather standard lines. It will be available in both a fully electric version and a Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV) variant. The first units are expected in showrooms around October.
Company representatives stated that the REEV will cost between R560,000 and R580,000, while the fully electric version will cost approximately R580,000 – R600,000. The REEV is equipped with a smaller battery (31 kWh), which limits its claimed range to about 200 km, compared to the full EV with a 64 kWh battery capable of covering 400 km. However, thanks to a generator powered by a 1.5-liter engine, the REEV can achieve a total range of about 1300 km. Although final specifications for South Africa have not yet been announced, international Dongfeng websites indicate a power output of 130 kW for the REEV and 150 kW for the EV.
Affordable New Electric Vehicle for South Africa
At the festival, Dongfeng also showcased its new lineup of compact Kaiyi electric vehicles. The smallest model, the Kaiyi e-Qute 04, is projected to cost between R280,000 and R300,000 upon its launch at the end of this year. This would make it the most budget-friendly electric vehicle on the market, surpassing the Geely E2 priced at R339,900. Nevertheless, this compact hatchback is better suited as an urban car: its 39 kWh battery provides a range of only 280 km, and the 40 kW motor is likely to deliver modest performance.
The Kaiyi lineup will also introduce a larger crossover named '05', positioned as more suitable for highway driving. It will feature 120 kW of power and a claimed range of about 410 km, with an expected price range of R520,000 to R550,000.
Model 007
The recently introduced Dongfeng 007 also attracted significant attention at the festival due to its sporty design and fastback profile, leading to comparisons with the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. Although the 007 has never been used by James Bond, it possesses sufficient power for his adventures: the flagship version boasts 400 kW, and versions with 160 kW and 200 kW are also available, starting from prices of R799,000.
