The Dongfeng Forthing U-Tour Luxury is making waves in the mid-size MPV segment, offering a compelling mix of premium design, versatile functionality, and tech-laden features — all at a surprisingly attractive price point. As car buyers continue to look for value-packed family vehicles with creature comforts and advanced safety tech, Dongfeng’s U-Tour Luxury is stepping up as a serious contender.
In this in-depth review, we explore everything that makes the Dongfeng Forthing U-Tour Luxury worth your attention — from its design and comfort to its engine performance and pricing. Whether you’re a growing family or an executive needing a people mover that doesn’t scream “fleet car,” this model might just tick the right boxes.
🔹 Dongfeng’s Growing Global Presence
Before diving into the car itself, it’s worth noting that Dongfeng Motor Corporation, one of China’s largest and most respected automakers, has steadily expanded its global footprint. Through strategic partnerships and quality improvements, the brand is shedding its budget-only reputation and evolving into a formidable competitor in global markets. The Forthing sub-brand, also known as Fengxing, is their lifestyle-oriented marque — and the U-Tour Luxury is positioned as a high-end MPV within this lineup.
🔸 Exterior Design: Executive Looks with Family-Friendly Vibe
At first glance, the U-Tour Luxury stands out with a bold and stylish design, more reminiscent of a luxury SUV than a conventional van or MPV. The vehicle features:
- A large, commanding chrome-accented grille
- Full LED headlights with a sleek DRL signature
- Smooth body lines that add a sense of dynamism
- Dual-tone paint options that add flair
- A floating roof effect for a touch of elegance
Its stance is wide and stable, and the alloy wheels — often 18-inch or larger — give the car a planted, premium appearance. Unlike many MPVs that feel boxy or bland, the U-Tour is a visual standout that blends family practicality with urban sophistication.
🔸 Interior Comfort: A True 7-Seater Lounge
The U-Tour Luxury continues to impress once you step inside. The cabin feels more like a business-class airline suite than a people carrier, with premium materials, ambient lighting, and excellent use of space.
Key Highlights:
- 7-seater layout with 2+2+3 configuration (captain seats in the second row)
- Plush leatherette upholstery
- Electrically adjustable seats for both front and second rows
- Multi-zone automatic climate control
- A large panoramic sunroof that brings in light and airiness
One of the strongest features is the second-row captain seats, which are not only spacious but also recline, slide, and come with individual armrests — making long journeys a pleasure for both families and executives.
The third row is roomy enough for adults, unlike in many 7-seaters that relegate rear passengers to cramped quarters. The rear cargo area, even with all seats up, is usable, and expands dramatically when the third row is folded flat.
🔸 Technology and Infotainment: Smart and Sophisticated
Dongfeng has clearly prioritized technology in the U-Tour Luxury. At the center of the dashboard is a large floating touchscreen infotainment display, often 10.25 inches or more depending on the variant. The system supports:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- A responsive voice-command interface
- Navigation with real-time traffic updates
- Bluetooth and USB connectivity
- Surround-view 360-degree camera system for easy parking
The driver gets a fully digital instrument cluster, offering customizable layouts that display everything from navigation to tire pressure. There’s also wireless charging, multiple charging ports for all rows, and rear entertainment screens available on higher trims — all features typically reserved for more expensive rivals.
🔸 Engine and Performance: Smooth and Capable
Under the hood, the Dongfeng Forthing U-Tour Luxury is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine, producing around 197 hp and 285 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission).
While the displacement may seem small, the turbo tuning and dual-clutch gearbox deliver peppy acceleration and smooth highway cruising. The ride quality is tuned for comfort — absorbing bumps and potholes with ease, which is ideal for long trips and urban commutes alike.
Driving dynamics may not be as sharp as a sports sedan, but for an MPV, the U-Tour handles corners well and inspires confidence. Steering is light, making tight turns in city traffic effortless, and NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels are impressively low.
🔸 Safety: Loaded with Driver-Assistance Features
Safety is a major focus in the U-Tour Luxury. It comes equipped with a full suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance systems, including:
- 6 Airbags
- ABS with EBD and Brake Assist
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Traction Control
- Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control
- 360° camera with parking sensors
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
These features, combined with the car’s sturdy build and passive safety systems, make it a top choice for safety-conscious families.
🔸 Pricing and Value: Competitive in Every Sense
What truly sets the Dongfeng Forthing U-Tour Luxury apart is its value for money. In markets like Southeast Asia and the Philippines, the U-Tour is priced below or around PHP 1.9 million, depending on variant and features — significantly undercutting rivals like the Toyota Innova Zenix, Kia Carnival, and Hyundai Staria, while offering a comparable (or even better) feature set.
Given its premium interior, strong safety package, and powerful engine, the U-Tour Luxury offers exceptional value in the family MPV category.
🔸 Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Stylish and modern design
- Premium and spacious interior
- Advanced infotainment and tech
- Strong turbocharged performance
- Excellent value for money
- Loaded with safety features
❌ Cons:
- Relatively new brand in global markets (less brand familiarity)
- Resale value remains uncertain
- Limited dealer and service network (depending on region)
🔸 Verdict: A Sleeper Hit in the MPV Segment
The Dongfeng Forthing U-Tour Luxury delivers a surprising combination of style, space, and smart features — all while keeping costs under control. Whether you’re ferrying your family around the city, going on long road trips, or using it as a business executive shuttle, the U-Tour doesn’t just get the job done — it does so in style.
For buyers looking for an alternative to the usual Japanese and Korean MPVs, and who are open to newer brands offering premium features at a sensible price, the U-Tour Luxury is well worth a test drive.
🛠️ Final Thoughts
As global automakers continue to up their game in emerging markets, the Dongfeng Forthing U-Tour Luxury stands as a prime example of how far Chinese car brands have come. No longer just about affordability, they are now delivering on quality, innovation, and premium feel — and this MPV proves it.
In a market dominated by familiar faces, the U-Tour Luxury is a refreshing and smart choice for those who dare to go beyond the obvious.
