- Medium-sized Taikon super hybrid enters market under $40k.
- Pure-electric option offers up to 400km range.
- Another two Forthing models to be launched this year.
Sharp Kiwi pricing for the new Forthing Taikon electrified SUV puts the new medium-sized model into the market essentially at compact-SUV prices.
At 4.6m long, Taikon is longer than a Mazda CX-5 and similar in size to a Toyota RAV4. But the entry-level model ducks below the $40k mark at $39,990; even the flagship version of the four-tier lineup is well under $50k, at $47,990.
The new model, the first from a new brand for New Zealand, is all about value for money, says Forthing general sales manager Todd Groves: "Given the pricing, we want to push value and high quality, because this is the first car on the journey; we want to build the brand for the future.
"We’re not trying to be anything we’re not; we’re not trying to be premium, we’re not trying to be technology-advanced or anything like that. It’s about providing value for money into the market, which is why we’ve priced it as a medium SUV under $40,000. That’a a pretty strong offer."
Forthing super hybrid and battery-electric
While Groves says the focus is not on high-tech with Taikon, both powertrains being offered are pretty interesting.
It's available as a super hybrid with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and 31.94kWh plug-in battery giving 180km EV range (1000km-plus total in hybrid mode), or a full-electric with a 64.4kWh battery and up to 400km range (WLTP).
Either powertrain is available in Luxury or Exclusive specification, with a $5k step up between the two equipment levels.
The Taikon super hybrid Luxury is $39,990, while the Exclusive is $44,990.
The full electric Taikon Luxury is $42,990 ($3k more than the equivalent super hybrid), and the Exclusive variant is $47,990.
What's a Forthing again?
Forthing is a sub-brand of Dongfeng, one of the "big four" state-owned brands in China. However, while Forthing is being distributed by Ateco Automotive in Australia and NZ, Dongfeng is handled by a completely different Kiwi company.
Forthing as a company stretches back decades, but the name itself wasn't created until 2016. At the same time, a new Peugeot-esque lion logo was introduced to establish a clear brand identity.
By the way, "Forthing" denotes "forward design thinking". And "Taikon" means "astronaut".
Taikon is based on a new-generation platform that will underpin future models, many of which will also use the Taikon name: Taikon 5, Taikon 7 and so on.
Groves says Ateco expects to launch another two Forthing models this year, and more by mid-2027.
Forthing's Kiwi dealer network
Forthing kicks off with four NZ dealers, which are all now open: a new standalone showroom by Smith Motor Group in Panmure, Auckland, Winger Motor Group in Hamilton, Automarque in Wellington and Euromarque in Christchurch.
Groves says there are plans for more dealers on Auckland's North Shore, Tauranga and Dunedin, but emphasises the brand needs to "walk before it can run". Current sales projections are 50-100 cars per month, split evently between super hybrid and EV.
There are eight colour choices for Taikon – Pearl White, Black, Light Blue, Granite, Atomic Red, Jade Green, Sandstone and Amethyst. There's a $495 charge for anything other than white.
The entry Luxury models come with reversing camera, roof rails, power seats with massage function for the driver, keyless entry, LED lights, 19-inch wheels, blind spot warning, lane keep assist, front and rear collision assist, reversing camera, parking sensors, six airbags, adaptive cruise control and a 1.5-tonne braked tow rating.
Exclusive variants add full panaromic opening glass roof, HD 360-degree camera, upgraded 6-speaker audio, power tailgate, cargo blind and wireless phone charge pad (50w).
What's missing for now is e-call and driver distraction alert, which Forthing acknowledges would prevent the Taikon achieving a 5-star ANCAP rating (it hasn't yet been tested). These items are being added in the next 6 months; meanwhile, the car still rates 5 stars under NZ's VSRR system.
Shortening the gap between new and used
Groves reckons Taikon pricing and the strong warranty package (7 years/200,000km, 7 years roadside assist, 8 years/200,000km for the battery) could be compelling enough to draw used-vehicle buyers in.
"The market represents a real opportunity to speak to both new and used car buyers. Every year the used-car marker tracks almost 1:1 new to used... but there’s massive pressure on used cars in terms of cost competitiveness. This presents a huge opportunity for us. Consumers can now buy new vehicles with exceptionally long warranties for not much more than used cars.
"It's shortening the gap between the new and used car buyer.
“I think what will be interesting to see over the next 6-12 months is: are we going to see a lot more used car buyers move into the new-car market, and what does that growth look like?”