The Chinese automaker highlights intelligent driving, spacious six-seat interiors, long-range hybrid technology and factory-built camping features for modern family travel.

Dongfeng Forthing has showcased its Xinghai V6 and Xinghai V9 family vehicles at the 26th Wuhan International Auto Show, which opened on October 30 in Wuhan, China. The display focused on family mobility, combining spacious interiors, intelligent driving technology, electrified powertrains and outdoor lifestyle features.

As part of Dongfeng's passenger vehicle portfolio, Forthing presented four models: the Xinghai V6, Xinghai V9, Xinghai V6 Exploration Edition and Xinghai V9 Exploration Edition. Through interactive displays and camping-themed experiences, the brand demonstrated how its vehicles are designed to support everyday family journeys as well as longer road trips and outdoor adventures.

Xinghai V6: A Six-Seat Family Vehicle with Huawei Intelligent Driving

The Xinghai V6 is positioned as an affordable six-seat family vehicle, with the Chinese-market model promoted as offering Huawei Qiankun Intelligent Driving ADS 5 SE technology.

Its 2+2+2 seating configuration provides space for six occupants. The second row features individual seats and a wide central passage, making it easier for passengers to access the third row. The third-row seats can also be folded down to create additional luggage space when fewer passengers are travelling.

The vehicle's intelligent driving package is designed to assist with different driving conditions. According to Dongfeng Forthing, its urban driving assistance functions include traffic-light recognition, adaptive following and lane-centred assistance. On highways, the Navigation Cruise Assist function is designed to support operations such as lane changes, overtaking assistance, ramp navigation and speed adjustment on curves.

The system is complemented by the CAS 5.0 active safety package, which monitors driving conditions and can provide warnings or intervene in certain emergency situations. These features are driver-assistance technologies and should not be regarded as a replacement for an attentive driver.

Dongfeng Forthing also quotes a driving range of up to 510 km and energy consumption as low as 11.8 kWh per 100 km for the Xinghai V6. These figures are manufacturer-provided claims; the applicable test cycle and real-world results should be confirmed for the specific market and vehicle version.

For outdoor activities, the V6 comes with a reported 6.6 kW vehicle-to-load external power supply, allowing compatible electrical equipment to be powered during camping and outdoor gatherings.

Xinghai V6 Exploration Edition Adds Camping Capability

The Xinghai V6 Exploration Edition made its public debut at the Wuhan show. Its key feature is a roof-mounted pop-up tent designed to expand the vehicle's camping functionality.

Dongfeng Forthing says the camping equipment is developed as an integrated solution with structural compliance and dedicated warranty coverage. This factory-oriented approach may appeal to buyers who want outdoor functionality without relying on extensive aftermarket modifications.

The model reflects a growing interest in vehicles that can serve both as everyday family transport and as a base for weekend outdoor activities.

Xinghai V9: A Long-Range Plug-in Hybrid MPV for Larger Families

The Xinghai V9 is presented as a premium electrified MPV designed for families that need more passenger space and long-distance flexibility.

It uses Dongfeng's Mach dual-engine hybrid system. According to the manufacturer, the vehicle offers a CLTC-rated pure-electric driving range of up to 200 km and a combined range of up to 1,300 km.

The vehicle's body measures more than 5.2 metres in length, providing a spacious cabin for family travel. Its second-row aviation-style seats are designed to improve passenger comfort, while dual power-sliding doors and a wide central aisle make it easier for older passengers and children to enter and exit.

A multifunctional in-car table adds practical convenience for longer journeys, allowing passengers to eat, read, draw or work while travelling.

The V9 also features a reported 6 kW external power supply. This can support compatible appliances such as kettles, rice cookers and projectors during outdoor activities, subject to equipment compatibility and power requirements.

For families who regularly travel between cities or take extended road trips, the combination of electric driving capability and a petrol-supported hybrid system is intended to reduce dependence on frequent charging stops.

Xinghai V9 Exploration Edition: A Factory-Built Camping MPV

The Xinghai V9 Exploration Edition takes the MPV concept further by adding an integrated pop-up roof and dedicated camping equipment.

At its standard roof position, the vehicle has a reported height of 1,950 mm, which Dongfeng says is designed to make everyday urban driving and access to many parking facilities more convenient. When parked, the roof can be raised to provide an interior standing height of approximately 2.2 to 2.3 metres.

The expanded layout creates two separate sleeping areas:

• An upper sleeping space measuring approximately 0.95 x 1.9 metres.

• A lower area that retains a 2+2 seating layout and can be converted into a bed measuring approximately 1.1 x 1.9 metres.

The camping package also includes a 5-litre fresh-water tank, an 8-litre wastewater tank, an external shower kit, a 22-litre refrigerator, a side awning, a 6 kW external power supply and an in-car 220V power outlet.

Dongfeng Forthing lists the model's starting official guide price in China at RMB 258,800. This is a China-market price and should not be interpreted as an expected retail price in Rwanda.

By combining everyday MPV practicality with integrated camping equipment, the V9 Exploration Edition is aimed at customers who want a vehicle suitable for both city use and extended outdoor travel.

What the Xinghai Family Could Mean for Rwanda's Automotive Market

The Xinghai V6 and V9 showcase several features that are relevant to the changing needs of family mobility in Rwanda.

For larger households, a six-seat vehicle such as the V6 offers a flexible seating arrangement, while the V9's larger MPV body is designed to provide additional passenger comfort on family journeys.

The V6's claimed electric efficiency and the V9's plug-in hybrid configuration also highlight two different approaches to electrified mobility. A fully electric vehicle may suit drivers with convenient access to charging, while a plug-in hybrid can offer additional flexibility for longer journeys where charging infrastructure may be less accessible.

Features such as external power outlets, flexible seating and integrated camping equipment may also appeal to drivers interested in leisure travel and outdoor activities.

However, several important details would need to be confirmed before either model could be evaluated as a purchase option in Rwanda. These include local availability, right-hand-drive configuration, vehicle certification, charging compatibility, warranty coverage, after-sales support, spare-parts availability and final retail pricing.

The Chinese-market specifications and driving-range figures reported by Dongfeng Forthing should therefore be treated as reference information rather than confirmed Rwanda-market specifications.

A Family-Focused Direction for Dongfeng Forthing

At the Wuhan International Auto Show, Dongfeng Forthing used the Xinghai V6 and Xinghai V9 to demonstrate its focus on family-oriented electrified vehicles. The two models target different needs: the V6 emphasises six-seat practicality and intelligent driving assistance, while the V9 focuses on larger-family comfort, hybrid range and premium MPV features.

The Exploration Editions add another dimension by integrating camping equipment into the vehicles' original design.

For the wider African automotive market, the models offer an interesting look at how Chinese manufacturers are combining electrification, passenger comfort and lifestyle-focused features in their latest family vehicles. Whether they will become available in Rwanda, and at what price, remains subject to official local-market announcements.