Dongfeng Yixuan GS

Model Overview

The Dongfeng Fengshen Yixuan GS is the marque's maiden SUV developed on the all-new CMP global modular platform, having officially debuted at the Chongqing Auto Show in June 2020. Marketed as a "new-era smart crossover SUV", it champions four core pillars: versatile cabin space, established marque reliability, advanced intelligent tech, and a commanding road presence, specifically targeting progressive and lifestyle-oriented urban buyers. As the pioneering SUV under the Yixuan banner, the Yixuan GS leverages its crossover styling to meet the demands of younger motorists seeking a refined, easy-to-drive, and spacious urban runabout.

The crossover has undergone several updates throughout its lifecycle. It initially debuted with 1.0T and 1.5T turbocharged petrol engines, priced between RM74,900 and RM108,900. The subsequent Mach Edition brought a notable performance upgrade, while the 2025 1.5L naturally aspirated variant carries an official recommended retail price of RM115,900. First-hand owners are backed by a comprehensive 10-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, demonstrating Dongfeng Fengshen's confidence in its build quality.

Design Language

Visually, the Yixuan GS blends sporty aggression with contemporary styling cues. The front fascia features an oversized, integrated inverted trapezoidal grille finished in a black honeycomb mesh with chrome highlights for substantial road presence. Positioned proudly at the centre of the grille is the "AEOLUS" script (referencing the Greek god of winds), marking a fresh chapter in Dongfeng Fengshen's brand rejuvenation. Flanking the grille are sharp matrix LED headlamps, complemented by aggressive "fang-style" bumper garnishes for heightened visual identity. Along the sides, rising dual character lines work in tandem with a floating-roof aesthetic and 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels to create an athletic, forward-leaning stance. The rear adopts angular sheet metal sculpting, where smoked taillight clusters are bridged by a full-width chrome bar to accentuate visual width. Depending on the model year, body dimensions stand at 4,610/4,630 mm (L) × 1,830 mm (W) × 1,600/1,610 mm (H) with a wheelbase of 2,680 mm, placing it squarely in the compact C-segment SUV footprint.

Inside, the Yixuan GS prioritises a clean, driver-centric, and practical layout. The dashboard adopts a wraparound cockpit architecture, generously lined with soft-touch slush-moulded plastics and carbon-fibre-textured trim inserts to keep perceived cabin quality high. From the 2021 model year onwards, the vehicle was upgraded with a 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster alongside a 10.25- or 13-inch floating central touchscreen infotainment display. On higher-spec variants, the central display is angled 9.8 degrees towards the driver to facilitate seamless on-the-move operation.

Powertrain and Performance

The Yixuan GS has offered several powertrain options across its lifecycle. Early versions were powered by either a 1.0T three-cylinder turbo or a 1.5T four-cylinder turbo petrol engine. The 1.0T unit produces 92 kW (125 PS) and 196 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.5T mill delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 230 Nm, paired with a 6-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Subsequent updates saw a major bump in output: the 2023 Mach Edition 1.5T pushed outputs to 145 kW (197 PS) and 300 Nm. Meanwhile, the 2025 Mach Edition also provides a 1.5L naturally aspirated option rated at 92 kW (125 PS) and 158 Nm, paired with a 6-speed wet DCT. In terms of efficiency, the 1.5T records an NEDC combined fuel consumption figure of 6.7 L/100 km, while the 2025 1.5L variant achieves a frugal WLTC combined rating of 6.33 L/100 km.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the CMP platform-based Yixuan GS utilises a front MacPherson strut independent suspension paired with a rear torsion beam semi-independent setup. The rear torsion beam employs Benteler's cold-formed closed-section beam tube technology, boosting structural rigidity to enhance handling composure. Drawing on chassis tuning expertise from PSA Group, the suspension setup leans towards everyday ride comfort, soaking up minor road imperfections while delivering adequate body roll control in corners. Steering is managed by a P-EPS speed-sensitive electric power steering system offering well-weighted feedback and commendable high-speed stability. The lineup is front-engine, front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with braking handled by front ventilated discs and rear solid discs. Owner feedback notes that tyre roar from the rear wheel arches becomes audible at highway cruising speeds, and the rear torsion beam setup can feel slightly firm or bouncy over sharper speed humps.

Cabin and Equipment

In-car technology serves as one of the key selling points for the Yixuan GS. The central touchscreen runs the WindLink AI infotainment operating system, which has seen continual software refinements. Early iterations boasted a 97% voice recognition accuracy rate with support for 38 voice-activated vehicle commands and multiple scenario modes. The 2025 edition steps up to the WindLink X 2.0 OS, featuring AI-powered voice control, online satellite navigation, multimedia streaming, smartphone screen mirroring (including CarLife), and over-the-air (OTA) updates. In terms of comfort and convenience, standard kit across the board includes a 1.08 m² panoramic glass roof with power sunblind, keyless entry with push-start button, and an electronic parking brake (EPB) with Auto Hold. Upholstery comes in either synthetic leather or a leather/suede combination, while the 60:40 split-folding rear seats allow luggage capacity to expand from 474 litres to 1,109 litres. Some users have pointed out that cabin NVH insulation at expressway speeds is merely average, and selected trim pieces feature a noticeably hard plastic texture.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the Yixuan GS boasts a class-leading Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), packaging comprehensive active safety tech into an accessible RM100,000-bracket crossover. The suite includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go (ACC-S&G), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA). Flagship variants also gain a 540° high-definition 3D surround-view monitor with a transparent underbody chassis view to eliminate blind spots. Passive safety is bolstered by a safety cell composed of 70% high-strength steel to safeguard occupants in a collision. Standard baseline safety equipment includes ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and dual front SRS airbags across all variants. Minor owner gripes centre around average high-speed sound deadening, noticeable new-car cabin odour, and occasional infotainment software stutter. Furthermore, modest brand equity, conservative marketing spend, and intense competition from rapidly electrifying rival models have contributed to a contraction in sales over its later lifecycle.

Market Performance and Verdict

As an integral pillar of the Yixuan lineup, the Yixuan GS enjoyed strong initial market reception. In January 2022, monthly sales for the Dongfeng Fengshen Yixuan family peaked at 10,434 units, with the GS crossover variant winning over urban drivers who valued style, practicality, and ease of driving. However, as segment rivalry intensified, momentum steadily tapered off: from January to November 2025, cumulative sales for the entire Yixuan stable stood at 14,128 units (averaging roughly 1,284 units monthly), with the Yixuan GS shrinking to low triple digits, registering just 123 units in February 2026 to sit sixth in the brand's internal sales ranking. User consensus commends its sharp exterior design, generous rear legroom, and versatile boot utility. Conversely, the utilitarian ride quality of the rear torsion beam, elevated highway tyre roar, and early consumer hesitation towards the 1.0T three-pot engine proved to be headwinds in the model's later years. On the whole, as the CMP platform's maiden SUV offering, the Dongfeng Fengshen Yixuan GS carved out a distinct identity in the RM100,000 compact SUV space through its crossover packaging, youth-oriented design, and competitive Level 2 ADAS suite, though broader brand realignment and market shifts have ultimately seen it settle into a niche segment player.