This is the new and surprisingly stylish Dongfeng
Fengguang ix5, a crossover that will be launched on the Chinese car market in
Q4. Price will start just above 100.000 yuan. The Fengguang ix5 will have its
public debut on the Beijing Auto Show later this month. It will be the new
flagship of the Fenguang range.
Design is a major departure from Fengguang’s usual
boxy MPVs. But Fengguang is not alone. Almost every Chinese automaker is
developing similar coupe-SUV-crossover vehicles, including Geely, Changan, and
Borgward. And many of these cars will debut near-simultaneously at the Beijing
Auto Show. The Chinese car market is getting more interesting. Rear light unit
is a beauty. Pipes neatly integrated in the bumper. Big spoiler above the
window, with a trendy shark fin antenna on the roof.
Engines are 1.5 turbo with 150 hp and 220 Nm, or a
1.8 with 139 hp and 187 Nm. ‘Boxes: 5-speed manual or CVT.
A very good looking interior with a large touch
screen, a digital instrument panel, and a sporty flat bottomed steering wheel. The
ix5 gets a lot tech: it’s operating system is based on Baidu Apollo, an
artificial intelligence suite originally developed only for autonomous cars.
In the ix5 however it appears to be more of a broad
infotainment-safety-navigation-security system. Dongfeng claims the following
capabilities: voice control for doors, windows, and sunroof. Face recognition
for entering and starting the car. Various unspecified app-controlled remote
control functions. Lane-departure
warning system. Forward collision warning system. Very impressive, especially
for a 100,000 yuan car.
The Dongfeng Fengguang ix5, a very good looking car
with a proper engine and exciting technology. This Fengguang might sell. Too
bad it takes until Q4 before it hits the market.
