The Soueast DX8 is a D-segment SUV introduced by Soueast Motor, serving as a crucial strategic offering for the brand in the SUV market. First launched in October 2022, the model offers both 5-seater and 7-seater configurations, primarily targeted at budget-conscious families seeking generous cabin space. Powered by a Chery-sourced 1.5T turbocharged engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the front-wheel-drive DX8 carries the "Amazon Edition" trim designation across both 5-seater and 7-seater variants. Following a lacklustre market reception, the Soueast DX8 has been officially discontinued as of 2026, with only limited 2022 run-out stock remaining in the market.
The Soueast DX8 adopts a conventional, utilitarian exterior design. The front fascia features defined character lines across the bonnet, complemented by a moderately sized radiator grille with horizontal chrome inserts and the central brand emblem. The distinct headlamp clusters integrate cleanly with the grille for a cohesive front profile. Down below, the lower intake spreads outward in a "handlebar moustache" motif—a distinctive visual element that received mixed reactions from the motoring press.
Dimensionally, the Soueast DX8 measures 4,720 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,710 mm in height, with a 2,745 mm wheelbase, placing it firmly in the D-segment SUV category. Its generous 1,900 mm width provides ample cabin shoulder room. Along the sides, a rising shoulder line pairs with a gently sloping roofline from the A-pillar to inject a sporty flair. At the rear, the minimalist tailgate is flanked by two-piece tail lamps with chrome detailing, while the lower bumper houses dual circular exhaust tailpipes.
Inside, the cabin features a symmetrical dashboard layout, though the styling feels somewhat unconventional with an overabundance of chrome garnish that clutters the visual presentation. The instrument cluster combines a 4.3-inch multi-info display with traditional analogue dials. The urethane steering wheel offers tilt adjustment only.
The Soueast DX8 is powered exclusively by a transversely mounted SQRE4T15C 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine sourced from Chery. It puts out 115 kW (approximately 156 PS) and 230 Nm of torque, with peak torque delivered across a wide rev band between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. Utilising multi-point injection with an aluminium alloy cylinder head and a cast-iron engine block, the engine meets China VI emissions standards and runs on regular RON 92 petrol.
Power is sent to the front wheels exclusively via a 6-speed manual transmission (6MT), with no automatic transmission variant offered. Top speed is rated at 180 km/h, though official NEDC or WLTC combined fuel consumption figures have not been disclosed. It features a 55-litre fuel tank. For the 2022 model year, the 5-seater variant was priced at RM86,900, while the 7-seater retailed at RM89,900.
Underneath, the Soueast DX8 rides on a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup—a well-balanced configuration for a mid-size SUV that helps absorb road imperfections while maintaining rear-seat ride comfort and overall handling stability.
Steering is handled by a hydraulic power steering system, which provides a heavier steering weight and more pronounced road feel than electric setups, though it demands more steering effort during low-speed parking manoeuvres. Braking is managed by ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear, paired with an electronic parking brake (EPB)—a rare standard inclusion at this price point. It rides on 235/60 R18 tyres with a space-saver spare wheel. It remains strictly front-wheel drive, with no all-wheel-drive variant available.
Overall, the chassis is tuned for everyday family comfort. While the multi-link rear suspension effectively soaks up bumps, overall ride refinement and NVH levels still lag behind mainstream Chinese brand mid-size SUVs due to cost constraints.
The DX8's in-cabin technology focuses on essential practicality. The centre stack is dominated by a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display supporting Bluetooth telephony, smartphone mirroring (CarLife), and a reverse camera. However, connected car features, built-in GPS navigation, and over-the-air (OTA) updates are completely omitted across the range.
On the comfort front, standard equipment includes a urethane multifunction steering wheel, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, a 6-speaker sound system, central locking, and a remote key fob. The seats are finished in fabric upholstery; the driver's seat features manual fore/aft, backrest angle, and 2-way height adjustments, while the front passenger seat gets manual fore/aft and recline functions. The second-row backrests are reclinable and feature a 60:40 split-folding mechanism to expand cargo capacity. Both rows in the 5-seater get centre armrests (the rear centre armrest is exclusive to the 5-seater), whereas the 7-seater features a 2+3+2 seating arrangement.
Climate control is a basic manual air-conditioning system lacking rear passenger air vents or dual-zone functionality. Lighting is handled by standard halogen reflector headlamps with manual height adjustment, omitting LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and automatic headlamp control.
In terms of passive safety, the Soueast DX8 comes standard with dual front airbags (driver and front passenger only), omitting side and curtain airbags altogether. It does, however, include basic provisions such as a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS warning), ISOFIX child seat anchor points, and seatbelt reminders.
For active safety, standard features are limited to Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Crucially, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), and Brake Assist (BA/EBA) are entirely absent. Driver aids such as Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, and Auto Brake Hold are likewise omitted. Parking aids are restricted to rear parking sensors and a standard reverse camera, with no 360-degree surround-view system offered.
On the advanced driver-assistance (ADAS) front, the DX8 lacks any Level 2 automated driving capabilities. Even standard cruise control is missing, let alone Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), or Lane Centring Assist (LCA). Its safety and assistance suite remains strictly rudimentary, highlighting a stark generational gap compared to contemporary rivals.
Following its market debut in October 2022, the Soueast DX8 struggled with sluggish sales. Despite its competitive sub-RM90,000 starting price in the D-segment SUV space, it failed to gain sales traction. As of 2026, the vehicle has been discontinued, making the 2022 model year its sole production run.
Industry Verdict: Automotive analysts attribute the DX8's commercial failure to several critical factors:
Manual-Only Lineup Alienated Mass Market: In an era dominated by automatic transmissions, offering only a 6-speed manual gearbox severely restricted the vehicle's appeal and alienated mainstream urban buyers.
Glaring Safety Omissions: The total absence of ESP stability control was an unacceptable compromise for a mid-size family SUV in the 2020s. The lack of basic traction control and brake assist further heightened consumer safety concerns.
Outdated Interior and In-Car Tech: The dashboard aesthetics drew criticism for looking dated and overly fussy. Compounded by the complete lack of factory navigation, telematics, and OTA updates, the infotainment suite felt a generation behind the curve.
Weak Brand Equity and Dealer Footprint: Soueast Motor's declining market presence and sparse dealer network prompted buyers to gravitate towards more established, mainstream domestic brands.
Lack of Distinct Identity: While sharing key hardware with Chery models (including the engine), the DX8 lacked a unique selling proposition or distinct brand identity to stand out against established rivals like the Chery Tiggo 8 and Jetour X70.
Owner Feedback: Consumer complaint platforms such as CheZhiWang recorded owner grievances primarily concerning build quality issues like bonnet corrosion, alongside complaints regarding sluggish customer service responses from the manufacturer.
In summary, the Soueast DX8 attempted to win buyers through a "low price, large footprint, 7-seater" value proposition. On paper, combining an RM86,900 price tag with a 2,745 mm wheelbase delivered an aggressive value-for-money stance in the mid-size SUV segment. However, its manual-only powertrain, glaring safety omissions like the lack of ESP, dated cabin tech, and weak brand positioning left it outclassed by direct competitors such as the Chery Tiggo 8, Jetour X70, and DFSK Fengon 580. While it might appeal to a niche segment of commercial operators or buyers with ultra-tight budgets who demand pure cargo volume and don't mind a manual gearbox, mainstream family buyers are far better served by established, well-proven alternatives in this price bracket.
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