Dongfeng Motors PH expands lineup with five new models

Dongfeng Motors Philippines, under the distributorship of Legado Motors Inc., has launched a total of five new models for the local market. 

The executives of the newly formed Team Dongfeng Philippines

These all-new Dongfeng models are the Rich 7 mid-size pickup truck, the Nammi subcompact crossover SUV EV, the Aeolus Mage compact crossover, the Forthing U-Tour MPV, and the military-inspired off-road-capable M-Hero SUV. 

These join the NanoBox, Forthing Friday, and Aeolus Huge models which were launched by Dongfeng Motor PH last year. 

So what can car buyers expect out of these all-new Dongfeng models? Let’s answer that by getting to know these vehicles a bit better one by one. 

Rich 7

The Rich 7 is the successor of the Rich 6 pickup truck. Being a newer version, the Rich 7 boasts an evolved appearance complete with an imposing front grille, a snorkel, angular fender flares, and the usual outdoorsy pickup truck bits like side steps and a sports bar. 

Rich 7 pickup truck

Inside, gets a stylish cabin with contrast orange trims and stitching, plenty of digital displays, and even a 540-degree camera. 

Under the hood of the Rich 7 is a 2.3-liter turbodiesel engine that’s good for 163 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. To make it ready for off-road excursions, the Rich 7 gets a 4x4 drivetrain, as well as front and rear differential locks. 

Inside the Rich 7

Price-wise, the Dongfeng Rich 7 starts at Php 1,298,000.

Nammi EV

The Nammi is a fully electric subcompact crossover SUV that’s looking to compete against similarly sized EV models like the MG4 and BYD Dolphin. It is positioned just above the smaller Dongfeng Nanobox, and it exhibits a curvy exterior look typical of EVs. 

Step inside the Nammi and you’ll be greeted by a stylish cabin that’s mostly covered in soft-touch materials. It also features a huge 12.8-inch central touchscreen, fabric-clad seats, and a roomy trunk. 

Nammi EV

Propelling the Nammi EV is a permanent magnet synchronous motor that can output 93 hp and 160 Nm of torque. It also boasts a maximum estimated range of 430 km and fast-charging capabilities. 

At launch, the 2024 Dongfeng Nammi EV is priced at Php 1,238,000. 

Aeolus Mage

Next up is the Aeolus Mage, which Dongfeng claims to be a follow-up to the success of the Aeolus Huge. With its entry into the local market, the brand now has something that may be able to compete against the MG One, GAC Emkoo, and Ford Territory, among others.  

Aeolus Mage

At a glance, this is a striking-looking compact crossover filled with sharp details including razor-thin LED headlamps, an LED daytime running lamp bar, and an LED taillight strip. Its interior meanwhile, is filled with features like a huge 13.2-inch touchscreen display, a panoramic sunroof, leather-clad surfaces, and a flat-bottom steering wheel, among other bits. 

For propulsion, the Aeolus Mage utilizes a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline mill that can output 201 hp and 305 Nm of torque. The said engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 

Aeolus Mage cockpit

In terms of price, the 2024 Dongfeng Aeolus Mage retails at Php 1,248,000.

Forthing U-Tour

Entering the MPV segment for Dongfeng PH meanwhile, is the seven-seater Forthing U-Tour. As per the brand, this model offers a luxurious “yacht-like” interior with electronically adjustable captain seats for the second row, a panoramic sunroof, and many other amenities. 

Forthing U-Tour

Under the hood of the Forthing U-Tour is a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that can produce up to 187 hp and 285 Nm of torque. Power is sent to its front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

Price-wise, the 2024 Forthing U-Tour is available locally for Php 1,358,000. With that price in mind, it is set to compete against the likes of the Toyota Innova. 

Inside the Forthing U-Tour

M-Hero

The most expensive vehicle in Dongfeng’s new line of models is the M-Hero. For a cool Php 6,980,000, this vehicle provides its buyers with an imposing military-inspired exterior that’s made all the more macho thanks to a matte paint job. 

M-Hero

As expected, this pricey SUV has a luxurious interior detailed with luxurious leather and faux wood. It likewise features plenty of onboard amenities, the most notable of which is a triple touchscreen setup for the dashboard. 

The crowning piece for this SUV however, is its fully-electric powertrain which can dish out a total of 1,073 horsepower and 1,400 Nm of torque. This is combined with an estimated maximum range of 500 km. 

The M-Hero's cockpit

Besides the launch of its five new models, Team Dongfeng Motor PH also introduced Atty. Albert Arcilla as its new Managing Director. If the name sounds familiar, Arcilla was the previous President & CEO of The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCI) which currently holds the distributorship of Chevrolet for the local market. TCCI also held the distributorship of MG before SAIC Motor PH took over as MG's new importer and distributor. 

With that said, Team Dongfeng Motor PH’s new Managing Director is an industry veteran with decades of experience under his belt. 

Atty. Albert Arcilla is Dongfeng Motor PH's new Managing Director

Along with Arcilla, the newly formed Team Dongfeng under Legado Motors Inc. has also brought in several veterans and dynamic new personalities to function as the brand’s managers and executives. 

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