Dongfeng Forthing Yacht

Model Overview

The Dongfeng Forthing Yacht is a mid-size family MPV launched by Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor's Forthing marque in 2022, officially going on sale in July 2022. Serving as the pioneer model under Forthing’s brand rejuvenation, the Yacht adopts the "Feng Dynamics" design philosophy and targets the family mobility segment, offering both petrol-powered (ICE) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. The petrol version debuted with 4 variants, carrying recommended retail prices between RM119,900 and RM154,900; in November 2025, the Dongfeng Forthing Yacht PHEV was officially launched in two trim levels—Deluxe and Exclusive—priced from RM154,900 to RM159,900. Dimension-wise, the petrol model measures 4,850/1,900/1,715 mm in length, width, and height, with a 2,900 mm wheelbase; the PHEV variant is 25 mm taller at 4,850/1,900/1,740 mm, retaining the same wheelbase. The entire lineup features a 2+2+3 seven-seater layout aimed at the mainstream family MPV segment, competing against rivals like the GAC Trumpchi M6, Geely Jiaji, and BYD Song MAX.

Design Language

On the styling front, the Forthing Yacht embraces the "Feng Dynamics" design philosophy, anchored by a prominent spindle-shaped front grille filled with vertical waterfall-style chrome louvres and outlined with green accent trim, giving the front fascia a striking visual punch. Flanking the grille, the "arrow-feather" LED headlamps stretch outwards and tie into a full-width chrome garnish, visually widening the vehicle's front profile. Along the sides, sleek character lines, a floating-roof aesthetic, and an upswept beltline give the MPV an athletic, forward-leaning stance. At the rear, full-width LED tail lamps feature internal chrome accents, complemented by a roof-mounted spoiler and a black rear diffuser for added sportiness. The petrol model comes in several exterior colourways, including Desert Poplar Green, Cangshan Erhai Blue, Snowfield Forest White, and Jiangnan Misty Grey.

Inside, the Yacht boasts a wraparound cockpit inspired by luxury marine yachts, creating an inviting, lounge-like cabin atmosphere. The petrol version features twin 10.25-inch integrated widescreen displays running on the Future Link 4.0 infotainment system, supporting full-duplex voice control, navigation, music streaming, and comprehensive telematics. The PHEV variant moves to a standalone 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 14.6-inch floating central infotainment touchscreen, accompanied by a Mercedes-Benz-style column-mounted electronic gear selector to free up usable storage on the centre console. Upholstery is trimmed in NAPPA leather, with the driver’s seat offering 10-way electric adjustment with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the second-row captain chairs gain individual fold-out tray tables and aviation-grade headrests. A panoramic sunroof comes standard across the lineup, alongside 64-colour ambient cabin lighting to enhance the sense of luxury and comfort.

Powertrain & Performance

The petrol-powered Forthing Yacht is driven by a 1.5TD four-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection engine churning out 145 kW (197 hp) and 285 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT), with an NEDC combined fuel consumption rating of roughly 6.6 L/100 km, a top speed of around 180 km/h, and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of approximately 9.5 seconds. Thanks to direct injection and early turbo spool-up, low-end pick-up feels responsive in urban traffic, while high-speed overtaking capability adequately meets everyday family needs.

The PHEV variant introduced in 2025 features a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 1.5T turbocharged petrol engine with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor. The 1.5T engine produces 113 kW (approx. 154 hp) and 230 Nm, while the electric motor delivers 150 kW (approx. 204 hp) and 310 Nm; total system output is rated at 195 kW (approx. 265 hp) and over 400 Nm of peak torque, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in approximately 8.5 seconds. Energy is stored in a 20.16 kWh ternary lithium battery pack (supplied by EVE Energy), yielding an NEDC pure-electric range of 120 km (92 km on the WLTC cycle). In charge-depleted hybrid mode, combined fuel consumption stands at just 5.4 L/100 km, providing a total cruising range exceeding 1,200 km with a full tank and full charge. However, the PHEV lacks DC fast charging and only supports AC slow charging, meaning recharging takes noticeably longer—a point of contention among prospective buyers post-launch. A 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply function is standard, catering to outdoor family electricity demands.

Chassis & Handling

In terms of underpinnings, both the petrol and PHEV models utilise a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent setup. The suspension tuning is decidedly comfort-oriented, adept at soaking up minor road undulations in city driving and maintaining composed high-speed highway cruising stability. However, the rear torsion beam layout is naturally less compliant over speed bumps and potholed surfaces compared to a multi-link independent setup—a typical hardware compromise in this price bracket. Steering is handled by an electric power steering (EPS) system tuned for light, effortless manoeuvring during low-speed parking, with steering weight building up progressively at highway speeds for greater stability. Stopping power comes from ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes paired with an electronic parking brake (EPB), with ABS, EBD, TCS, and ESP fitted as standard across the range.

Cabin & Features

On the smart cabin front, the petrol variant is fitted with the Future Link 4.0 telematics system housing dual 10.25-inch connected screens, supporting full-duplex voice commands (across 16 functional categories), 360-degree digital surround sound, and continuous single-wake-up voice interaction. The system bundles built-in navigation, music streaming, and smart voice assistance to meet everyday digital needs. The PHEV model swaps the dual-screen setup for an 8.8-inch full-digital instrument display and a 14.6-inch floating central touchscreen, while retaining voice control, connected car services, and over-the-air (OTA) updates.

For seating and comfort appointments, NAPPA leather upholstery is standard across the board, with the driver enjoying 10-way electric adjustment with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the front passenger seat offers 4-way electric adjustment. The second-row captain seats are equipped with electric adjustment, heating, and ventilation, and can slide both fore-aft and laterally (four-way movement), complemented by individual armrests and foldable seatback tray tables; the third-row backrests feature recline adjustment and can fold flat into the floor, expanding boot capacity to roughly 1,800 litres. Other amenities include automatic climate control with dedicated rear air vents, wireless smartphone charging, keyless entry, and push-button start. A six-speaker audio setup is standard, upgradeable to eight speakers on higher variants.

Safety & Intelligent Driving

In safety evaluations, the Forthing Yacht scored an impressive 83.3% overall in the C-NCAP (2021 protocol) crash tests to earn a five-star safety rating, making it the first MPV to achieve five stars under the stringent 2021 regulations. It achieved full marks for curtain airbag pressure retention during side impacts, as well as full points in post-crash emergency rescue assessments. For active safety, top-spec variants are equipped with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), comprising Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC, active from 0 to 130 km/h), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). A tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), reverse sensors, and a 360-degree surround-view monitor are standard across the range, with higher trims adding Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA). Passive safety is bolstered by a high-strength steel safety cage structure (>60% high-strength steel content) and 8 airbags (front dual airbags, front side airbags, and front/rear full-length side curtain airbags) to ensure all-round occupant protection.

Market Performance & Assessment

Following its launch, the Dongfeng Forthing Yacht maintained steady sales without securing a major market breakthrough. Industry figures recorded approximately 18,000 units sold in 2022, dipping noticeably year-on-year to roughly 12,000 units in 2023. In the first quarter of 2026, cumulative sales stood at 662 units—recording 0 units in January due to the Chinese New Year holidays and model switchover, followed by 334 units in February and 328 units in March. Early on, showroom transaction prices for the petrol model plummeted from RM156,900 to just above RM100,000, relying on heavy discounts to drive sales volume. Since its debut in November 2025, the PHEV version has stirred interest within the RM150,000 plug-in hybrid MPV market, although overall sales volume remains relatively modest.

Customer feedback highlights strong praise for the flexible cabin packaging (2+2+3 seven-seater layout with four-way sliding second-row seats), top-tier seat comfort (ventilated, heated, and massaging NAPPA leather chairs), class-leading safety kit (C-NCAP five-star rating and 8 airbags), and the PHEV’s frugal fuel consumption in charge-depleted mode (5.4 L/100 km). On the flip side, owners have highlighted several drawbacks: the lack of DC fast charging limits charging efficiency on the PHEV, the rear torsion beam suspension struggles over rough tarmac, brand recognition and service network reach lag behind tier-one domestic marques, and the petrol model's urban fuel consumption (around 8 L/100 km) elevates running costs during fuel price hikes. In summary, the Dongfeng Forthing Yacht carves out a niche in the RM150,000 family MPV segment through its compelling recipe of generous cabin space, generous equipment list, and accessible price tag. Serving as a crucial milestone in Forthing's brand reinvention, it remains a high-value proposition for family buyers seeking a well-appointed, competitively priced people mover.