Targeted mainly at big families but also suitable for chauffeur-driven business executives and VIPs, the Forthing V9 is the Dongfeng-owned brand’s flagship model which is available in a few European markets.
Following the Friday/Taikon SUV, we had a chance to check out this plug-in hybrid MPV in person, and here’s our experience.
Design
The Forthing V9 makes no effort to mask its bold styling and large dimensions. The MPV’s tall and prominent front features a sculpted bumper with wide horizontal chrome bars, slim upper grille openings, distinctive split headlamps, and a high-set, wide bonnet.
If it makes it here, the V9 would appear quite big on UK roads, and this sense of scale is most apparent in the side profile. Measuring 5.3 metres in length, it is longer than even the hybrid-only Lexus LM sold here.
The plug-in hybrid MPV features a sleek greenhouse, sculpted doors and quarter panels, 19-inch alloy wheels, and chrome detailing.
The upright rear-end integrates a full-width combination lamp, gloss black and chrome garnishes, a tri-bar high-mount stop lamp, and vertical light reflectors. The brand inscription on the tailgate is small and understated, contrasting with the large lettering seen on many new MPVs and SUVs.
Interior
The interior of the Forthing V9 has a digital-first layout. The dashboard features layered gloss black elements at the outer ends, a near full-width floating panel integrating three displays, slim AC vents, a wood-look garnish, and a full-width silver trim strip with a diamond pattern, split at the steering wheel.
The three-spoke steering wheel features a wide centre pad, satin metallic trim on the split lower spoke, gloss black accents, and silver-finished push buttons.
The centre console includes touch-operated buttons, silver-finished switches for AC temperature and fan speed, a crystal-look gear selector, a wireless charging pad, two cupholders, and multiple storage spaces.
Experience in the Forthing V9
The Forthing V9 is a seven-seat MPV with a 2+2+3 layout. I am 5’7″ and faced no issues with ingress or egress. Visibility is good in all directions, with a digital mirror aiding rearward visibility.
The front seats are 10-way (driver) and 8-way (passenger) electrically adjustable. They offer 8-point massage, memory, heating, and ventilation, along with winged headrests. Back support is very good. Headroom is generous. Under-thigh support is less convincing, as the cushion feels slightly short.
Material quality is acceptable, but does not fully match the exterior presence or the rich interior colour theme.
The floating centre console uses gloss black plastic, which attracts fingerprints. The metallic speaker grille looks premium at a glance, but feels less convincing when we looked up close. Switches and buttons feel solid and well-finished, though.
The second-row captain’s seats are 10-way electrically adjustable and offer massage, heating, and ventilation. They include leg rests and dedicated touchscreens in the inner-side armrests for comfort controls.
Comfort in the second row is a highlight of the V9. The individual seats offer excellent back support, along with ample legroom and knee room for my frame. The flat floor further enhances space and ease of movement. Visibility is good through the large side windows. Overhead air vents are integrated into the headliner above the second row, which is the better design.
The sliding doors operate electrically. There is a 220-volt power outlet, a small storage compartment, and two USB-A ports integrated into the lower side of the seats. Cupholders are built into the lower side and slide out when pressed. There is also a small storage space beside each seat cushion for smartphones.
There is a walk-through space between the captain’s seats, allowing easy access to the third row. The 60:40-split third-row seat has manually adjustable backrests and folds flat into the floor. The seating posture is more constrained. For someone 5’7″, knees sit relatively high, although there is enough space to place feet below the second row.
Knee room is limited to around two inches, and headroom is also tight at roughly three inches. The backrest recline angle is adequate, and the back support is acceptable. Shoulder support is limited due to the short backrests, so taller adults may not find this row comfortable over longer journeys.
The third row includes two USB-A charging ports, two cupholders, and overhead AC vents integrated into the headliner.
Specifications
The Forthing V9 plug-in hybrid is already available in select European markets. In Poland, where it is called the V-Tour, it uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 113 kW (152 bhp) and 230 Nm (170 lb.-ft.) of torque, paired with an electric motor delivering 130 kW (174 bhp) and 300 Nm (221 lb.-ft.) of torque.
The powertrain enables a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph).
A 34.9 kWh LFP battery pack supports AC charging from 0-100% in 11.5 hours and DC charging from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes. The plug-in hybrid MPV has an electric-only range of 160 km (99 miles) and a combined range of 1,000 km (621 miles).
Pricing
The Forthing V9 plug-in hybrid retails at PLN 229,900, which converts to roughly GBP 47,000. While Forthing is inching towards launching products in right-hand drive markets like Australia and New Zealand, it hasn’t confirmed plans to enter the UK.
Since 2014, I’ve worked as an international automotive editor, attending global motor shows, industry events, media drives, and tracking the latest developments across the sector, with a particular focus on electrified vehicles.
