Dongfeng T5

Model Overview

The Dongfeng Forthing T5 is a C-segment compact SUV launched by the Dongfeng Forthing brand in September 2018, serving as a sister model to the Jingyi X5. Positioned as a "smart social SUV" targeted at younger buyers, its core selling points centre on high value-for-money, generous cabin space, and intelligent tech features. As a key milestone in Dongfeng Forthing's brand rejuvenation strategy, the T5 was tasked with driving the brand's pivot towards youthfulness and smart connectivity. Offering a broad price spread, the petrol variant is officially priced between RM69,900 and RM119,900, while the fully electric Xinghai T5 starts from RM153,900, cementing its position in the mass-market budget compact SUV segment. Building on this platform, Dongfeng Forthing also introduced derivative models, including the long-wheelbase mid-size Forthing T5L SUV (priced from RM109,900 to RM129,900) and the more aggressively styled Forthing T5 EVO, establishing a well-rounded product line-up.

Design Language

On the exterior, the Forthing T5 showcases the brand's refreshed design language. The front fascia is dominated by a prominent trapezoidal grille with dot-matrix chrome inserts, flanked by "sword-feather" LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that blend seamlessly into a bold central chrome bar, delivering high road presence and recognisability. In profile, sweeping dual character lines and a floating roof treatment impart an athletic, forward-leaning stance. At the rear, trendy full-width LED taillights are complemented by a roof-mounted spoiler and dual exhaust finishers, elevating the SUV's sporty flair and visual sophistication. Dimension-wise, the petrol-powered Forthing T5 measures 4,545 mm long (4,460 mm on selected facelift variants), 1,855 mm wide, and 1,765 mm tall, riding on a 2,720 mm wheelbase. The cabin features a wraparound cockpit layout finished in a sporty black-and-red two-tone theme; the dashboard is generously trimmed with soft-touch slush-moulded materials, highlighted by contrast double stitching and 16-colour customisable ambient lighting, yielding a perceived cabin quality that punches above its price point.

Powertrain Performance

Under the bonnet, the Forthing T5 offers several powertrain configurations to cater to diverse driving requirements, primarily utilising Mitsubishi-derived engine tech. Early iterations featured a Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi-sourced 4A91T 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 156 PS and 230 Nm of torque, alongside an entry-level 4A92 1.6-litre naturally aspirated unit outputting 122 PS and 162 Nm. The subsequent Mach Edition was upgraded with a Mach Power 1.5TD turbocharged mill, churning out an impressive 197 PS and 300 Nm with a thermal efficiency rating of 41.07%, returning a rated combined fuel consumption of 6.9 to 7.2 litres per 100 km. Transmission choices vary: the 1.6L unit is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT, the standard 1.5T gets a 6-speed torque-converter automatic, while the Mach Power variant is mated to a Magna 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The Mach Edition completes the century sprint (0-100 km/h) in an official 9.88 seconds. Meanwhile, the fully electric Xinghai T5 is driven by a front-mounted single motor rated at 120 kW (163 PS) and 240 Nm, delivering a CLTC-rated range of up to 530 km.

Chassis and Handling

Built on a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD) architecture, the Forthing T5's suspension setup varies by variant. Entry-level grades utilise front MacPherson struts paired with a rear torsion beam, whereas higher trims, the Mach Edition, and T5 EVO models upgrade to a rear multi-link independent suspension setup for superior ride comfort and road-holding stability. Braking duties are handled by ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, operated via either a traditional handbrake or an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) depending on the spec. The Electric Power Steering (EPS) system is tuned for light-to-moderate weighting and progressive damping, ensuring effortless manoeuvrability in urban traffic. Overall, the chassis is calibrated primarily for comfort, soaking up rough road imperfections with ease while maintaining adequate body control and suspension composure through bends.

Cabin and Equipment

Inside, the Forthing T5 stands out with its screen-heavy layout and smart infotainment ecosystem. The SUV comes standard with a portrait-oriented 12-inch floating touchscreen (upgraded to 13 inches on top-spec variants) alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, creating a thoroughly modernised twin-screen cockpit. Infotainment is powered by the Android-based "FutureLink 3.0" telematics operating system developed in collaboration with Tencent; integrating Tencent's AI in Car cloud ecosystem, it supports natural voice commands with wake-up-free continuous dialogue, in-car WeChat, QQ Music, and online GPS navigation. In terms of convenience kit, the T5 offers a Bluetooth digital smartphone key with remote sharing capability, a wireless phone charging pad, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a hands-free powered tailgate. Seating options span across fabric, leatherette, and genuine leather; thanks to its generous 2,720 mm wheelbase, rear passengers enjoy ample legroom of over two fists, while 60:40 split-folding rear seats allow the luggage boot capacity to expand seamlessly from 453 litres to 1,600 litres.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

On the active safety front, flagship variants of the Forthing T5 are equipped with an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite. This bundles full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHC), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). A 360-degree surround-view camera and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) further ease tight urban manoeuvring and parking. For passive safety, the bodyshell incorporates laser-welded high-strength steel and is fitted with up to six airbags (front dual, front side, and full-length curtain airbags) to provide essential occupant crash protection. Notably, Dongfeng Forthing backs the T5 line-up with a comprehensive 8-year or 160,000 km manufacturer warranty, alongside a lifetime warranty on core engine and gearbox components for the first registered owner, representing exceptional after-sales peace of mind.

Market Performance and Evaluation

During its initial launch phase, the Forthing T5 enjoyed strong market traction on the back of its compelling "large screens + generous space + budget-friendly pricing" value proposition, sustaining monthly sales of several thousand units around 2019. However, as China's compact SUV segment turned increasingly cutthroat, powerhouse domestic rivals like the Changan CS75 PLUS and Geely Boyue L raised the bar in overall product substance and brand equity, inevitably cannibalising the T5's market share. By 2025, sales volumes for the T5 and its T5 EVO spin-off had tapered off drastically—industry figures indicate the T5 EVO recorded only a solitary unit in October 2025, with cumulative sales for the first ten months standing at a modest 1,714 units. Owner sentiment has remained positive regarding the SUV's cabin roominess, generous equipment list, and strong value for money, but complaints have also surfaced regarding engine power lag, transmission jerkiness, suspension noises, and sluggish after-sales support. On paper, the Forthing T5 offered large 5-/7-seater versatility, a connected digital cockpit, and a respectable ADAS package at an accessible price point, carving out a niche amongst local compact SUVs. Nonetheless, hampered by lower brand equity, quality feedback concerns, and intense segment rivalry, the model struggled to sustain its early momentum, resulting in an underwhelming overall market showing.