DFSK 580 and DFSK iX5: Chinese SUVs arrive with LPG

Brought to Spain by Grupo Invicta, these SUVs from the Chinese brand DFSK are also available with LPG versions and start from around 22,000 euros.

Grupo Invicta Motor is arriving in Spain with three brands. Invicta Motor is a new Spanish brand that will offer small city cars, electric socooters and commercial vehicles, all of them battery-electric. In addition, it handles the sale in Spain of the SUVs from two major Chinese brands, DFSK and BAIC.

In the case of the SUVs, Grupo Invicta offers conversion to LPG to turn them into bifuel vehicles. Among its strong points are the value for money in terms of price and equipment, as well as warranties that run up to 7 years. The sales network currently has 21 service points spread across the entire peninsula.

These are the LPG-equipped SUVs that can already be purchased, initially from the DFSK brand, until the BAIC models arrive at the end of the year.

DFSK 580: a 7-seat SUV from 22,500 euros

The DFSK 580 is a 4.68-metre-long SUV with a robust look, which offers up to 7 seats and great versatility, especially in the Intelligent trim version, with a rear bench that adjusts longitudinally.

The engine is a 1.5 Turbo petrol with direct injection, of Mitsubishi origin, producing 146 CV and 210 Nm of torque, coupled to a continuously variable automatic gearbox from ZF specialists. The engine timing is chain-driven. It promises a top speed of 190 km/h, with 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 7.3 seconds. In the LPG conversion, a gas tank is installed in the location of the spare wheel, with a capacity of 60 litres, while keeping the 58-litre petrol tank.

It is offered in two trim versions, named Luxury and Intlligent. The latter stands out for its panoramic roof, exclusive alloy wheels, electric tailgate, 360-degree camera, electric front seats and an 11-inch touchscreen, with a multimedia system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its price starts at 26,500 euros, which drops to 24,500 euros when financing the purchase. The entry version costs 24,500 euros, 2,000 euros less with financing. At this price, roughly 2,000 euros must be added for the LPG installation.

DFSK iX5: a Chinese SUV with a premium air

In terms of design, as well as equipment and connectivity, the DFSK iX5 aims to be the premium SUV among Chinese brands. Unlike the DFSK 580, the running gear here uses a multi-link rear axle instead of a torsion beam axle. Its body also measures 4.68 metres and, although it offers a 2.79-metre wheelbase (10 cm more than the 580), this is a 5-seat SUV.

The cabin is much more refined, with better presentation and greater technological content. It includes up to three digital screens, one for the instrumentation and two others on the centre console, the lower one used to control the climate system. Boot capacity is 380 litres, below what is normal for cars of this size.

The engine is the 1.5 Turbo also used in the 580 version, in this case with 150 CV and 220 Nm of torque, also coupled to the CVT gearbox. In the version adapted to run on petrol and LPG, like the DFSK 580, it has the ECO environmental label from the DGT.

Equipment options in this case include features such as front collision warning, eight airbags or lane departure warning. The lighting uses full LED headlights, and it has a sensor for opening the tailgate with a foot movement. It also offers a driving mode selector with four programmes (normal, sport, eco and winter), a 360-degree camera and a wireless charger for mobile phones.

The price of the DFSK iX5 is 28,500 euros, which drops to 26,500 euros when financing the purchase. As with the 580, the price is for the petrol version. With the LPG installation, add 2,000 euros.