Australian drivers are frothing for a Forthing, otherwise the latest budget contender from China wouldn’t be here.
That’s the view of the bloke in charge of making a company stand out in an increasingly crowded market.
Shaun Garrard, national manager for Forthing in Australia, says a carpark that welcomed the likes of BYD, Geely, Deepal, GAC, JAC and Leapmotor has room for more.
Even if there are others, like Avatr, Lepas, Skyworth and iCaur just around the corner.
MORE: Inside the world of bad car names
“Any time that a new Chinese brand comes to market, in recent history, there’s always those that will say, the market’s full, there’s not enough space, there are too many Chinese brands,” Garrard says.
“But time and time again, Chinese brands that come into Australia prove them wrong. Time and time and again there are those brands that are still able, even though people consider them late to the market, to grow off the back of a good offer, good product and good price. So that’s what we plan to do for Australia.”
If you’ve heard of Forthing, it might be because of legal dispute with Porsche. Forthing calls its debut offering the Taikon, which rankled a German sports car company that calls its EV the Taycan.
So for now, Forthing is peeling badges off cars and referring to its first two models by their powertrains.
MORE: The new EV brands storming Australia
There are two models, the Forthing Range Extender Hybrid, priced from $36,990 drive-away, and the Forthing BEV, for $38,990 drive-away.
The cheaper model drives the rear wheels with a 120kW/240Nm electric motor linked to a small 31kWh electric battery topped up by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. Forthing says the car can drive for up to 170 kilometres on electric power alone, or up to 937km if you fill its fuel tank with 91 Octane. The 75kW/130Nm petrol motor never drives the wheels directly – it only serves as a range extender or generator for the car’s battery.
Forthing’s petrol-free BEV model costs $2000 more, and represents a simpler machine that drives the front wheels through a 150kW/340Nm electric motor linked to a 64kWh battery that delivers a claimed 427km of range.
Standard equipment in both models includes a 14.6-inch infotainment screen with smartphone mirroring, plus an 8.8-inch driver information display. Imitation leather seats are heated and cooled upfront, where the driver and front passenger have electric adjustment.
MORE: BYD’s Atto 1 is Australia’s cheapest car
Luxury touches include a driver’s massage function and an eye-catching crystal-look illuminated gear selector. Safety kit includes electronic features such as auto emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and rear cross traffic alert systems.
Folks who want more gear can choose an Exclusive trim line for each car that adds $3500 to the price while delivering a sunroof, powered tailgate, 360 degree camera, a wireless phone charger, an upgraded stereo and more.
Forthing’s Garrard says the “outdated perceptions” of Chinese cars as discounted, basic transport have been “fundamentally challenged” in recent years.
Like most cars from new Chinese brands, the Forthing makes a strong first impression with modern looks and a high-tech cabin.
It doesn’t feel like a discounted or carelessly finished car – until you hit the road.
Once underway, the car’s shortcomings become readily apparent. The electric model has seriously laggy power delivery, with a frustrating delay between throttle application and forward progress.
Soggy suspension exhibits excessive roll, and a waterbed-like bobbing sensation on lumpy roads.
Budget tyres offer little purchase in dry weather, which makes us worry it won’t by much good in the dry.
The hybrid is a better bet, with tauter body control that is less likely to make passengers feel carsick, though it suffers from the numb steering and budget rubber you’ll find in the EV. It’s not a confidence-inspiring choice.
Affordable and well-appointed, this model is let down by a sub-par driving experience.
The Forthing is not the first thing on our shopping list.
Read related topics:China