With the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in China appearing to subside and businesses are resuming operations, some carmakers are already looking at launching new models later this year. One of them is Dongfeng Motor Corporation (DFM) which is readying a new compact SUV, to be called the Yixuan RV, in June this year
Tough sharing the same over styling as the Yixuan model in the Aeolus range, it has a more aggressive design language. The angular front design elements complement the large matrix centre grille to create a bold look. When viewed from the side, the profile of Yixuan RV incorporates a bi-colour design, and the chromed sash molding and wheel rim well echo the overall design styling.
This is the first SUV developed from the DFM’s CMP modular platform which was jointly developed with the French PSA Group (which has Peugeot and Citroen). Dimensionally, the new model has an overall length of 4610 mm and width of 1830 mm with a wheelbase of 2680 mm. This would put it around the same size as a Hyundai Tucson.
The interior styling of this new model is also similar to Yixuan, with a similar looking console, floating central control screen, multifunction steering wheel and red/black leather seats. What differentiates the RV version is the carbonfibre-like pattern on the trim.
Customers will be able to order the Yixuan RV with either a 1-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine with a maximum power of 125 bhp/196 Nm, or a 1.5-litre (also turbocharged) 4-cylinder engine that produces 150 bhp/230 Nm. Transmission options available are 5-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch unit.
About Dongfeng
DFM’s history is longer than most other carmakers in China, going back to 1969 when it was founded as the Second Automobile Works Co., Ltd. This was before the country’s automotive industry took off (in the 1980s) and its main products then were trucks. Since the 2000s, it has also been producing passenger vehicles and collaborates with the PSA Group as well as Renault and Nissan.
Last year, it sold almost 3 million vehicles, made up of 2,463,620 passenger vehicles and 468,333 commercial vehicles. This year, it is aiming for 3.1 million vehicles although the lengthy shutdown would impact that target especially as DFM production facilities are located in Wuhan and Hubei province whichh were at the epicentre of the pandemic.
