Forthing Taikon EV SUV Launches in New Zealand: Price and Specifications

Forthing, a Chinese automotive brand under Dongfeng Motor Corporation, has launched its Taikon electric SUV in New Zealand with a starting price of NZ$43,000, marking one of the most affordable entries in the country’s growing electric vehicle market.

The Taikon, which debuted in New Zealand in April 2026, is positioned as a compact electric SUV offering a single-motor rear-wheel-drive layout and an estimated driving range of up to 420 kilometers on a full charge under the WLTP standard. The vehicle is equipped with a 61.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and supports DC fast charging at up to 100 kW, allowing an 80% charge in approximately 35 minutes.

According to specifications released by Forthing New Zealand, the Taikon measures 4,470 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width and 1,650 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,720 mm. It features a minimalist interior design centered around a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch central touchscreen infotainment system that supports over-the-air updates, smartphone integration, and voice control in multiple languages including English and Mandarin.

The vehicle includes a suite of driver-assistance systems as standard, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims add features like a 360-degree camera, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Forthing has confirmed that all Taikon units sold in New Zealand will be locally compliant with Land Transport New Zealand safety and emissions regulations.

Pricing for the Taikon begins at NZ$42,990 for the base Comfort trim, which includes 18-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, and manual air conditioning. The mid-range Luxury trim is priced at NZ$46,990 and adds synthetic leather seating, dual-zone climate control, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The top-tier Prestige variant, at NZ$50,990, includes 19-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, a premium audio system, and enhanced driver-assistance features.

The launch represents Forthing’s first official foray into the New Zealand passenger vehicle market. Previously, the brand had limited presence in the region through commercial vehicle partnerships, but the Taikon marks its debut as a consumer-facing electric vehicle offering. Forthing New Zealand has established a network of three initial dealerships in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, with plans to expand to five additional locations by the end of 2026.

Industry analysts note that the Taikon’s pricing places it competitively against other entry-level electric SUVs available in New Zealand, such as the MG ZS EV (from NZ$44,990) and the BYD Atto 3 (from NZ$47,990). However, unlike some rivals, the Taikon does not currently qualify for the New Zealand government’s Clean Car Discount rebate, which offers up to NZ$5,750 for eligible low-emission vehicles, due to its classification under specific import categories under review by the Ministry of Transport.

Forthing has stated that it is working with local regulatory authorities to ensure future models meet the criteria for incentive eligibility. The company also confirmed that it intends to introduce additional electric models to the New Zealand market in 2027, including a potential electric MPV based on its M7 platform, pending consumer demand and charging infrastructure development.

The Taikon is manufactured at Dongfeng’s plant in Wuhan, China, and shipped to New Zealand via the Port of Tauranga. Forthing has partnered with a local logistics provider to handle inland distribution and pre-delivery inspections. Warranty coverage includes an eight-year or 160,000-kilometer battery warranty and a five-year, unlimited-kilometer vehicle warranty, transferable to subsequent owners.

Early customer response has been moderate, with Forthing reporting approximately 120 pre-orders recorded in the first four weeks following the launch event. The company attributes initial uptake to growing consumer interest in affordable electric vehicles, particularly among urban buyers seeking lower running costs and reduced environmental impact. Forthing New Zealand has not disclosed monthly sales targets but indicated that it aims to achieve steady month-over-month growth through 2026 and into 2027.