Forthing confirms model expansion, starting with electrified people mover

Forthing Australia has barely landed Down Under, but the new Chinese auto brand has already signalled its plans to add three new models between now and 2028.

Speaking with media at the launch of the Forthing REEV and EV electrified SUVs (previously known as the Taikon 5 before Porsche filed to oppose the trademark in Australia and New Zealand), national manager for Forthing Australia Shaun Garrard said "at least three new models" are coming over the next 18 months.

"The next model that's coming to Australia will be a people mover that will bring the choice of pure electric and plug-in hybrid power to the segment at attainable price points," Mr Garrard said during a media conference.

"The vehicle will be on display at the Everything Electric show [in Sydney]. We're also planning a larger SUV for release in 2028. In addition to that, we're planning another exciting [new] model, but we're keeping that under wraps for the moment."

Mr Garrard said the rationale behind releasing a people mover next is to fill a gap in the market for affordable electrified MPVs.

"Today there aren't many, I can't think of any, affordable plug-in hybrid or pure-electric MPVs with eight seats, or seven seats for that matter, that people can access in Australia," Mr Garrard said.

"We've recognised that gap in the market, and we're hoping with the first generation of our MPV, that we can help to fill that gap and give Australians additional options within the MPV segment."

During an earlier press conference, Mr Garrard said "there have been a lot of introductions of new electric MPVs from other Chinese brands, but none of them are focusing on bringing affordable, accessible models to Australia" – appearing to reference the likes of the Denza D9, LDV MIFA 9 and Zeekr 009, which are all playing at the premium end of the market.

The prime candidate for this position in the lineup is the Forthing Xinghai V6, an updated version of the Yacht mid-size people mover that has been in production since 2022 and is already on sale in several European markets as well as Iran.

Debuted in facelifted guise as recently as this year's Beijing motor show, the Xinghai V6 measures 4835mm long and 1900mm wide on a 2900mm wheelbase, and was developed in collaboration with Huawei – well known for its smartphones.

Based on the same Dongfeng Super Cube EMA platform as the T5 Evo SUV (or not-a-Taikon 5-in-Australia-right-now), the Xinghai V6 is already on sale in China as an EV, with an extended-range electric (EREV) version on the way.

In China, the Xinghai V6 is offered with a six-seat cabin and a choice of 45.5kWh or 60.5kWh battery packs, with driving range for the EV quoted at between 400-510km on China's more lenient CLTC test cycle.

For reference, the pre-facelift Forthing Yacht (aka the Forthing U-Tour in parts of Europe) was sold with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine combined with a dual-clutch automatic, though based on Mr Garrard's comments only electrified powertrains will head Down Under.

As for pricing, expect it to be quite affordable, like the (not-a) Taikon 5, which is currently priced from $36,990 drive-away for the entry-level EREV variant, while the EV kicks off from $38,990 drive-away.

The smaller battery variant starts from 89,900 yuan (A$18,553) in China, while the higher-spec and larger-battery model starts from 104,900 yuan (A$21,648).

While we're not expecting the Australian model to be that cheap, we wouldn't be surprised if it's within striking distance of the Taikon 5's high-$30,000 starting price.

After that the "larger SUV" is earmarked for a 2028 launch, while the third model likely due to land sometime in 2027 remains a bit of a mystery.

Mr Garrard wouldn't comment on its size or the segment this mystery vehicle would compete in, but we have a hunch it'll be the Xinghai S7 sedan, which like the Taikon 5 and Xinghai V6 offers both EREV and EV powertrain options, and is already exported to overseas markets like Italy under the Cirelli brand.

The rear-driven sedan quotes up to 650km of CLTC driving range in EV form, while the EREV boasts EV range of 235km (CLTC) and total range of 1250km.

It lines up at 4935mm long and 1915mm wide, with a long 2915mm wheelbase, making the Forthing S7 larger than the Tesla Model 3 and similar in size to the Mazda 6e produced by rival Chinese automaker Changan.

Stay tuned to CarExpert for our first Australian drive review of the Forthing (Taikon 5) REEV and EV at 5:00pm AEST on Thursday, September 17.

MORE: Explore the Forthing showroom