It took a while but electric vehicles (EVs) have finally reached a level of acceptance in the market, as such more and more brands are throwing their hats into the ring. One of the newest kids on the block is Dongfeng, who has a decent range of EV models.
I had my hands on the rather uniquely named Forthing Friday 430, (430 connotes the range of the vehicle itself) and it was one of the most interesting weeks I’ve had with any vehicle in recent memory.
Dongfeng Forthing Friday exterior
Table of Contents
Let’s start first with the outside, and already you can tell Dongfeng is trying to make an impression. The overall design is very “of its time” along with some more future-looking touches, I like how the design seems to make sense and not try too hard to be outlandish.
It actually felt refreshing to get into an EV that isn’t trying to look like it came from Star Wars, and instead looks like a normal car.
Interior
Inside things are pretty much the same as the outside, a splash of excitement is added with the contrasting tan panels, seats, and other interior bits. Everything else though is what you’d normally find in other cars, which isn’t a knock on the Forthing Friday at all, ergonomics wise it is very easy to get to know and get accustomed to.
It has a floating and integrated digital instrument cluster, plus a sizeable infotainment system that unfortunately isn’t Apple Carplay and Android Auto ready but does have a Bluetooth connection.
The sunroof has a fixed glass panel meaning only the screen opens to let more light in, but it’s there anyway for those who appreciate the airy-ness an open sunroof gives. It has power-adjustable front seats, charging ports, and aircon vents for the 2nd row.
In other words, the Dongfeng Forthing Friday 430 is decently spec’d for our market.
Performance and Safety
The Forthing Friday is powered by a Lithium-ion phosphate battery pack that generates 203 hp and 340 Nm of torque and a full range of 430kms, while safety comes in the form of multiple ADAS systems that are becoming the norm nowadays.
Driving Impressions
I’ve been able to drive most EVs being sold currently and the trouble with reviewing them is that with the lack of a combustion engine, they all pretty much feel similar. I’ve had to dive deep to find out the true characteristics of the Forthing Friday and what I found was it’s actually quite good to drive.
The sense of speed and acceleration is more than enough to elicit a smirk from the driver and surprised reactions from passengers, but it isn’t as mind-melting as the higher-priced EVs. I like that it balances out the performance and the overall comfort well, the Forthing Friday feels well made from a driving standpoint, and the EV silence gave me more opportunities to listen to the various sounds the car makes as it drove over the rather worsening roads of Metro Manila.
I have no gripes about the driving at all, it felt comfortable, quick when needed, and rather predictable for an SUV-type vehicle. When it comes to EVs you can’t get any more user-friendly than the Forthing Friday and that’s big praise considering we now live in a world where cars are getting more complicated by the minute.
When it comes to range anxiety I had none, because the 430 km range was very much the truth, in stop-and-go traffic the range barely moved and I appreciated that a lot.
Points for Improvement
This is where the story takes somewhat of a turn because the entry-level 430 km range Dongfeng Forthing Friday comes with a GB/T type charger socket which is now outdated and basically non-existent in the Metro’s charging station. This is because locally it has been mandated that the charging type of new EVs must be the Type 2 system.
So when it came time to charge the vehicle at the ever-growing charging network I ended up circling around the city dumbfounded at the lack of the GB/T charging infrastructure. If you’re wondering why I didn’t charge at home, well I tried but unfortunately, no adaptor fits into the 3-prong plug of the home charger that was provided.
I don’t blame the brand, in fact, afterwards a few people have enlightened me on some helpful mobile apps that can tell you where the GB/T chargers are in the city, but my problem is with the governing bodies.
Let me explain, the divide between EV early adaptors and internal combustion lovers is still wide. I personally think though that we shouldn’t punish people for their preferences, mobility should be easier as it is a byproduct of the freedom and independence we enjoy as Filipino citizens.
However, the trepidation and lack of push from the government side in boosting the infrastructure, and the proper dissemination of information to help EV owners is appalling, to say the least.
Unless you have your own fast charger at home you’re beholden to the “free” stations which only really accommodate 2-3 cars at a time, which clearly isn’t enough anymore.
Price and Verdict
This whole charging port debacle is what prevents the Dongfeng Forthing Friday from being great, it honestly is good at being the most normal feeling EV I’ve driven, and some people who were able to ride it while I had it actually liked it.
It also comes in at a decent price of PHP 1,998,000 which is kind of a bargain for a full EV SUV that is decently equipped and spacious.
