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The Dongfeng Fengxing SX6 is a compact 7-seater SUV under the Dongfeng Fengxing brand. Officially launched on 24 July 2016, it was the first SUV model under the marque's "plus-sized family 7-seater SUV" strategy. At launch, the SX6 was offered in 9 variants with an official price tag ranging from RM69,900 to RM102,900. Following multiple model-year updates, the line-up was progressively streamlined to just two variants for the 2023 model year: the 1.6L Manual Shuxiang and 1.6L Manual Zhixiang, priced between RM69,900 and RM76,900. Targetting the entry-level 7-seater SUV segment within the RM60,000 to RM90,000 price bracket, the SX6 catered primarily to budget-conscious buyers needing a practical multi-passenger family vehicle. By 2017, annual sales of the SX6 hit approximately 30,889 units, accounting for a notable chunk of Dongfeng Fengxing's overall volume.
In terms of exterior styling, the Dongfeng Fengxing SX6 adopts a mature and commanding profile. Up front, a full-width chrome grille with three horizontal slats connects directly to the headlamp assemblies, broadening the front fascia's visual stance. The headlamp clusters incorporate blue circular rings around the projector lenses, lending a subtle touch of flair. Along the sides, clean and crisp character lines run from the front fenders all the way to the tail lamps, creating an elongated silhouette complemented by generous black cladding and chrome garnish along the lower sills. The rear end is neatly layered with an integrated roof spoiler and rear wiper, while large tail lamps are bridged by a horizontal chrome strip. A twin-exhaust garnish on the rear bumper rounds off its sturdy, grounded appearance. Inside, the cabin gets a two-tone black and brown scheme with faux wood inserts for a classic feel, with components like the steering wheel, gear lever, and air-con vents receiving a more refined finish on the 2023 model compared to earlier iterations.
Dimension-wise, the SX6 varied slightly across different model years and powertrain options. The 1.6L variants measured 4,660 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, and 1,790 mm tall, whereas the 1.5T variants came in at 4,720 mm / 1,825 mm / 1,790 mm, both sharing a 2,750 mm wheelbase. For the 2023 model, dimensions were revised to 4,710 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, and 1,820 mm in height. With a minimum ground clearance of 195 mm to 200 mm, it boasts commendable rough-road capability.
The Dongfeng Fengxing SX6 saw several revisions under the bonnet over its lifecycle. At launch, it was offered with a choice of two naturally aspirated engines: a Mitsubishi-sourced 1.6-litre unit (4A92) and a 2.0-litre PSA-sourced engine. Later in late 2017, a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox joined the range. As the product range matured, the powertrain offerings were consolidated. The 2023 SX6 is powered exclusively by a Mitsubishi 4A92-series 1.6-litre naturally aspirated inline-four DOHC petrol engine with a 10.5:1 compression ratio, pushing out 90 kW (122 PS) and 151 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels (FWD). While earlier 1.6L models offered both a 5-speed manual and a CVT, the 2023 model is strictly manual-only with a 5-speed gearbox.
Fuel economy-wise, the 2023 1.6L manual variant delivers a WLTC combined fuel consumption of roughly 7.0 L/100 km, fed by a 45-litre fuel tank running on RON 92 petrol and complying with China 6 emission standards. Top speed is rated at 160 km/h. Earlier 1.5T turbo variants produced 150 PS mated to either a 6-speed manual or CVT, but were eventually dropped from the range. Out on the road, the 1.6L engine was widely noted by reviewers as feeling underpowered, struggling noticeably under heavy load or during steep hill climbs.
The Dongfeng Fengxing SX6 sits on a dedicated SUV platform engineered by Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, featuring MacPherson struts with an anti-roll bar at the front and a torsion beam non-independent setup at the rear. Steering duties are handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, while stopping power comes from ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, backed by a conventional manual handbrake. A ride height of around 195–200 mm provides ample clearance for navigating unpaved surfaces and rough terrain.
Dongfeng invested considerable effort into chassis tuning for the SX6. The front dampers, front subframe, and rear torsion beam were upgraded and fine-tuned on the UK Anthony Best Dynamics (ABD) K&C rig through more than 100 iterations to improve ride stability and road feel. Real-world drive impressions note a reasonably planted chassis that absorbs road imperfections and potholes decently well, offering acceptable ride comfort for its price segment. However, body roll is evident during cornering, though the suspension settles cleanly once the vehicle straightens out. Earlier models suffered from a softer rear setup, which led to excessive float and bounce over uneven road surfaces.
Cabin practicalities are the SX6's standout selling point. The model features a 2+2+3 seating layout as standard (earlier versions also offered 2+3 and 2+2+2 configurations), boasting two individual captain chairs in the second row and a 3-seater third row—a unique layout in the budget 7-seater SUV segment. The second-row captain seats can slide forward/aft and recline, while the third-row bench features a 50:50 split-fold, ensuring good cargo/passenger flexibility. Note, however, that the first two rows only semi-fold and do not lie completely flat, hindering the loading of bulky items. Boot space is also fairly tight with all three rows in place.
On the tech front, the 2023 SX6 comes standard with a 9-inch floating touchscreen infotainment head unit across the range, supporting AutoNavi satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone screen mirroring. The higher-spec Zhixiang trim adds a multifunction steering wheel, synthetic leather upholstery, a reverse camera, an electric sunroof, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), and rear privacy glass. Rear air conditioning with dedicated blower controls is standard across all variants to keep rear passengers cool. The steering wheel is finished in standard urethane while the instrument panel utilizes traditional analogue dials with a central multi-info display, keeping things functional and basic.
On the active safety front, the SX6 is fitted as standard with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Bosch ESP 9.1 Electronic Stability Programme. Earlier variants also featured Hill Start Assist and Traction Control, with select higher trims receiving a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Passive safety is modest, limited to dual front airbags for the driver and front passenger, with side or curtain airbags notably absent across the range. Rear parking sensors are standard on all trims, while a reverse camera is fitted to higher variants alongside a sunroof; however, these remain basic driving aids, as the SX6 does not offer any Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as Adaptive Cruise Control or Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).
The Dongfeng Fengxing SX6 enjoyed a strong start after its launch, with monthly sales hitting 8,157 units in October 2016. However, sales momentum subsequently waned, dropping to just 442 units by April 2021—a 33.53% year-on-year drop—with January 2021 registering a high of 946 units for that year. By March 2026, monthly registrations tapered off to virtually zero across several tracking datasets, indicating waning market presence. This decline was driven by a confluence of factors: intensified competition in the 7-seater SUV space, the rapid surge of new energy vehicles (NEVs), alongside the SX6's sluggish update cycle and muted marketing push.
User sentiment remains polarised. Positive remarks consistently praise its generous interior space and value-for-money proposition: the 2+2+3 seating arrangement is highly practical and comfortable, while the 8-year/160,000 km manufacturer warranty provided peace of mind. Owners also commended its light steering, decent fuel efficiency, and pocket-friendly maintenance costs. Conversely, complaints centre on sluggish engine performance, overly soft rear suspension damping, lacklustre NVH suppression (with prominent engine roar and tyre noise at highway cruising speeds), and minor build quality quirks. Data from consumer complaint portal 12365auto highlights reported issues including bodywork rust, airbag warning lights, and gearbox oil seepage, particularly on 2016 and 2018 models. Over on PCauto, user ratings for performance and equipment remain low, with owners citing sluggish acceleration, soft rear shock absorbers, interior squeaks and rattles, infotainment screen glitches, and a limited service network.
All in all, the Dongfeng Fengxing SX6 carved out its niche as a budget 7-seater SUV thanks to its practical 2+2+3 layout and accessible pricing, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious families needing maximum seating. Nonetheless, its modest engine performance, subpar cabin insulation, and intermittent quality control niggles remain key trade-offs buyers had to consider.
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