The Dongfeng Forthing Leiting is a compact new energy SUV launched by Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor under its Forthing marque, serving as a core model in the brand's "3-Year Comprehensive Electrification" transition roadmap. The vehicle originally debuted as a battery electric vehicle (BEV) in 2023. Following a lukewarm market reception, an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variant was introduced in December 2025 to broaden powertrain options.
The 2025 EREV version is offered in a single trim level with an official recommended retail price of RM129,900. Due to model lineup restructuring, current market availability for the pure electric version is limited, though its previous pricing spanned between RM99,800 and RM229,900. Featuring a 5-seater layout, it targets budget-conscious families seeking zero range anxiety, competing against rivals such as the Deepal S05 EREV and AION Y.
In terms of exterior styling, the Leiting has transitioned from an aggressive "sci-fi mecha" aesthetic to a cleaner "tech-minimalist" design. The 2025 EREV variant features a newly simplified front fascia, doing away with the large black decorative panels of the pure EV model while retaining the split headlamp assemblies and repositioning the charging flap to the centre of the nose for a cleaner look. At the rear, it re-adopts the full-width LED light bar from the 2023 model, complemented by lateral air vents that enhance visual depth and road presence.
In terms of dimensions, the EREV measures 4,600 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,700 mm in height, with a 2,715 mm wheelbase. Compared to the BEV version, it is 30 mm longer and 20 mm taller—primarily to accommodate the range-extender packaging—which also improves interior headroom. The exterior is available in six paint shades, including Gentian Purple, Jasper Green, and Starry White.
Inside, the cabin features a warm and energetic two-tone brown-and-orange colour scheme. The dashboard centerpiece is a 14.6-inch floating touchscreen infotainment display. Notably, the car omits a traditional instrument cluster, consolidating all crucial driving information into the central screen—a layout that requires some acclimatisation from drivers. The infotainment runs on the Tencent-backed HMI 2.0 operating system, supporting ecosystem apps such as WeChat and Tencent Maps alongside voice command functionality.
The 2025 Leiting EREV is powered by an extended-range hybrid system consisting of a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with an electric drive motor.
Range Extender: 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine (engine code 4F15N) outputting 75 kW (approx. 102 PS), operating purely as an on-board generator without mechanically driving the wheels.
Drive Motor: Rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering a total system output of 120 kW (approx. 163 PS) and 240 Nm of torque in a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout.
Range and Fuel Economy: Equipped with a 31.9 kWh Sunwoda-sourced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, delivering a CLTC pure electric range of 230 km and a combined range exceeding 1,200 km on a full tank and full charge. Fuel consumption in charge-depleting mode is rated at 5.4 L/100 km.
Charging: Supports DC fast charging from 30% to 80% state of charge in 30 minutes, alongside a 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply function for outdoor electrical appliances.
By comparison, earlier pure electric variants offered 120 kW and 150 kW motor outputs with CLTC ranges spanning 410 km to 630 km, but failed to make a meaningful market impact.
Under the skin, the Leiting range rides on an all-round independent suspension setup comprising front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link suspension—a generous specification for its price point that balances handling stability with ride comfort. The EREV adopts a rear-motor rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout, a rarity in a segment dominated by front-wheel-drive crossovers, which aids off-the-line traction and cornering dynamics.
Steering is managed by an electric power steering system, while braking performance comes from ventilated front discs and solid rear discs paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). It rides on 225/65 R17 tyres and comes with a space-saver spare wheel. Overall chassis tuning is biased towards family comfort, with the multi-link rear axle improving bump absorption for rear passengers.
The Leiting EREV's minimalist cabin revolves around the 14.6-inch floating central touchscreen, doing away with a dedicated digital meter panel. The HMI 2.0 system integrates voice control, Tencent ecosystem apps (WeChat, navigation, media streaming), and smartphone connectivity. A basic four-speaker audio setup and halogen headlamps reflect noticeable cost-control measures.
On the comfort front, standard equipment includes an electronic steering column stalk shifter, faux leather upholstery, a powered driver's seat, single-zone automatic climate control, and rear air-conditioning vents. The 5-seater cabin offers 60:40 split-folding rear seats for versatile boot space expansion. Convenience features include cruise control, Auto Brake Hold, Hill Start Assist, a reverse camera, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) alert.
Early entry-level BEV variants were noticeably spartan; trims priced below RM164,900 lacked voice recognition and mobile app telematics, while base specs even settled for a urethane steering wheel.
Passive Safety: The Leiting is built around a high-strength safety cage structure. The EREV variant comes with dual front airbags (driver and front passenger) only, omitting front side and curtain airbags. ISOFIX child seat anchor points and a tyre pressure warning system are fitted as standard.
Active Safety: The entire range is equipped with electronic active safety aids, including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).
Smart Driver Assistance: The EREV model is not equipped with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance, settling for basic cruise control and a reverse camera. While the range-topping BEV variant (RM229,900) previously offered Level 2 ADAS features—such as Blind Spot Detection, Lane Keep Assist, and Automated Parking—its steep price tag severely undermined its market competitiveness.
The Dongfeng Forthing Leiting has struggled with prolonged sales stagnation. Industry data indicates that since its 2023 launch, the model's peak monthly sales reached only 1,034 units in November 2023, rarely breaching the 400-unit threshold in other months. Sales slumped further in 2024, shifting a dismal 6 units in December 2024 and closing the full year with just 1,404 units sold. While the introduction of the EREV variant in 2025 broadened the lineup, market momentum has shown no meaningful recovery as of early 2026.
Industry analysts attribute the Leiting's lacklustre performance to several key factors:
"Petrol-to-EV conversion" perception: The Leiting is widely regarded as an electrified conversion based on the ICE-powered Forthing T5 EVO platform, sharing identical width and wheelbase dimensions, thus lacking the engineering credibility of a dedicated bespoke EV platform.
Spec-to-price mismatch: Entry-level variants feature spartan specifications (halogen headlamps, urethane steering wheel, no voice control), whereas high-spec variants reached up to RM229,900, leaving them outmatched at that price bracket by strong contenders like the BYD Yuan PLUS and Deepal S05.
Brand and technological deficit: Dongfeng Forthing lacks proprietary technological depth in electrification, relying heavily on third-party suppliers for core electric powertrain components. Compounded by frequent management reshuffles and persistently high defect complaints (body corrosion, powertrain faults, etc.), brand credibility has been severely eroded.
Shrinking dealer network: A wave of dealership closures has downsized the retail network, further diminishing its showroom presence and customer reach.
Owner feedback: The limited number of early adopters have praised the EREV's 230 km pure electric range for delivering low-cost urban commuting, alongside the compliant ride delivered by the multi-link rear suspension. However, criticisms are heavily focused on the questionable ergonomics of omitting the instrument cluster, a perceived lack of safety with only two airbags at the RM129,900 price point, an underdeveloped service network complicating maintenance, and mediocre wind and tyre noise insulation at highway speeds.
Overall, the Dongfeng Forthing Leiting is a byproduct of strategic inconsistency, technological deficit, and management turmoil during the marque's new energy transition. While the EREV variant addresses range anxiety on paper and offers competitive pricing at RM129,900, its compromised ICE-derived roots, skimpy basic safety kit, and eroded brand credibility place it at a distinct disadvantage against mainstream rivals. For budget-conscious buyers with modest expectations for smart features and active safety, the Leiting EREV remains an alternative option; however, for the vast majority of family car buyers, established and proven contenders such as the Deepal S05 and BYD Yuan PLUS remain far more compelling choices.
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