Sedans are still very popular in China so it is natural to see some of them fitted with fast bits right from the factory. The latest example is the Dongfeng Aeolus Yixuan MAX Dark Night Edge Edition which was unveiled in concept form last year and is now available for sale in the Chinese market. The special edition features an in-your-face bodykit right from the factory, making it look like a true performance sedan even though its underpinnings are not exactly on par with the design. The exterior of the car looks like it came out of the Need For Speed Underground video game. The front end is dominated by a grille that is connected with real and faux intakes, highlighted by gold accents and a prominent splitter. Front and rear fender add-ons continue the same theme on the profile increasing the width of the sedan and covering the larger-diameter BBS-style rims.


While the DTM-style inserts are a nice touch, the stock suspension seems to be a little high. At the back, things get even weirder, especially in the wing department. The double fixed rear spoiler looks like two different parts stacked on top of each other at a warehouse corner while we are not sure if it has any effect on aerodynamics. The rear bumper is also redesigned with a massive diffuser and two golden wings mirroring the front splitter and leading our eyes to the extra winglets behind the semi-exposed rear wheels. The quad exhaust pipes look excessive for the job but Chinese media report they are functional.

Inside, there is a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster showing a 3D model of the regular version of the sedan without the fancy bodykit, and a 10.25-inch central touchscreen under a VW-style cover. Weirdly, the gold accents on the dashboard are combined with red accents on the rest of the cabin, and the environment is not nearly as sporty as the exterior. And now we covered the design let’s see what’s under the bonnet. A humble but at least turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 188 hp and 300 Nm of torque, just like in the stock Aeolus Yixuan MAX. Power is transmitted to the front axle through a seven-speed DCT gearbox allowing a top speed of 210 km/h. While this is decent, it is far below the expectations created from its appearance, and no match for the Hyundai Elantra N which goes up to 286 hp and 392 Nm from its turbocharged 2.0-liter.

 

Despite the difference in performance and the lack of any handling-related treats, it is important to note the price. The Dongfeng Aeolus Yixuan MAX Dark Night Edge Edition starts from ¥ 117,900 (US$ 18,631), making it significantly cheaper than the aforementioned Hyundai Elantra N which sells for ¥ 152,100 (US$ 25,350) in China (and US$ 32,925 in the US).