If there’s one segment that Chinese-branded cars do well (or at least focus on), it’s the luxury MPV/Van segment. Dongfeng’s version is an intriguing one because it’s sized like a minivan but takes the shape of an MPV, the Forthing U-Tour.
It would be easy to dismiss the Forthing U-Tour as just another try-hard “so-so” offering, but don’t be so quick to judge and read on.
Dongfeng Forthing U-Tour Luxury
Looking at the U-Tour, you get a sense that Dongfeng really wanted it to stand out, and it does in some dramatic fashion. The front fascia carries this almost Lexus “Spindle-like” design that dominates the face, which is flanked by boomerang-shaped headlights and DRLs.
The rest of the design language is fairly standard. One of the most interesting design features is an illuminated logo in the very middle of the grille just below the hood. It’s an oddity that is quite interesting, if you ask me.
Interior
Moving inside, you see the Dongfeng Forthing U-Tour was meant to be a luxury MPV in all aspects, the color palette is cream, grey, orange, and brown wood. The mix of colors lends a hand to a rather pleasant visual experience, not to mention the thick leather seats with soft airplane-style headrests take control of the comfort.
Convenience is also a big deal, so both front seats are automatically adjustable, and the driver even gets a massage function. The 2nd-row captain seats are automatic as well and have a cooling function for those very hot days. The instrument cluster and infotainment screen are housed in one panel, unfortunately, there is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The best features, though, are the trays located in front of the 2nd-row captain seats, and that the 3rd row passengers have their own aircon vents and USB chargers.
Performance and safety
Powering the Dongfeng Forthing U-Tour is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that puts out a very decent 197 PS and 285 Nm of torque, It is paired to a 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission.
Safety features are more of a standard nature, in terms of no full ADAS system but rather just lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, and a 360-degree panoramic camera.
Driving Impressions
Expectations for the driving characteristics of the U-Tour are understandably lower than usual because it’s an MPV, not a sports car. I have to say, though, that in the city, the U-Tour is very light and easy to maneuver, even at its size and heft. It felt more like an MPV rather than a van, which is good for our naturally tight roads in Metro Manila and even in the provinces.
The ride in the city is decent at best. There were times when the suspension would “crash” or not react properly to certain bumps, but if the road is generally even and smooth, the Dongfeng U-Tour becomes the born cruiser that it is. I took it out to SLEX, STAR TOLL, and the innards of provincial Batangas, and it was a very relaxing and plush drive the whole way through.
The decently sized engine is peppy and alive when pushed for overtaking, and sedate during cruising conditions, and I also have to commend how the 7-speed DCT is one of the smoothest I’ve ever encountered.
Fuel economy from the Dongfeng U-Tour is decent at a mixed condition number of 11 km/l, which surprised me given how much effort it needs to haul this heavy vehicle forward.
Points for improvement
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the Dongfeng U-Tour interior feels dated already compared to the competition; it lacks the relevant mirroring apps like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the resolution of the instrument cluster and infotainment screen isn’t as crisp as I would like, as well.
Lastly, at this price point, there should be a full ADAS system available to provide the best and most complete convenience and safety to owners.
Price and verdict
The top-of-the-line Dongfeng Forthing U-Tour Luxury comes in at a very competitive PHP 1,558,000, with all that you get in terms of space, luxury, and comfort, the U-Tour actually has most of its competitors beat in terms of value for money.
With a little more fine-tuning and maybe an update, it could seriously challenge the established nameplates in the segment.