DSFK IX5: this is the new Chinese SUV with LPG and ECO label

With a coupé-style SUV body, the DSFK IX5 is a Chinese-origin SUV available in Spain with a 1.5 Turbo engine producing 150 CV from 26,400 euros, and you can also buy it with LPG and an ECO label.

Not long ago we discussed the model offensive from the Grupo Invicta, with the Chinese SUVs with LPG, which include the DFSK 580 and the IX5. The former is already on sale and we have even had the chance to test it. Here you can read the road test of the DFSK 580 LPG. Now it’s time to look in more detail at the new DFSK IX5, a SUV with coupé styling that, through its design and technological content, wants to shake off the “Chinese car” label.

The best Chinese SUV at the moment?

At least based on what we already know about the DFSK 580, and looking at the images and specifications of the new DFSK IX5, we can venture to say that this is the best SUV to come out of China. Admittedly, there isn’t much to choose from yet. Another matter is that we associate Chinese with cheap. That is not the case here.

Be careful not to get confused, because this IX5 is not a “low-cost” car, and it competes on price with European, Korean or Japanese SUV models such as a Nissan Qashqai, an Seat Ateca, a Kia Sportage… The trump card here is playing on the relationship between price and equipment. And then the IX5 can start to puff out its chest a little.

To put things in context: with the 2,000-euro campaign currently in force, the entry-level version, the DFSK IX5 Classic 110, starts at 26,500 euros. And you get a 4.7-metre-long SUV with exterior and interior design that could pass for a European, Japanese or Korean model, a modern 1.5 Turbo petrol engine with 150 CV and the option of LPG (which I would almost call compulsory), an automatic gearbox and comprehensive equipment.

A very complete level of equipment

Here is one of the keys to this Chinese SUV, in terms of what you get for what you pay. We have already said that it is not a “low-cost” car. It does not sacrifice safety, multimedia and comfort details typical of high-end cars. What is interesting is the relationship between value and price.

Even in its entry-level version it has full LED headlights, electric tailgate opening from the key fob or even via gesture control (passing your foot under the rear bumper) or with the voice control system (which recognises natural-language voice commands), panoramic sunroof… Not to mention the fully digital instrument cluster with a 10.25″ screen and three display modes, wireless smartphone charging, the audio system co-developed with Pioneer, and the dual touchscreen on the dashboard.

Inside the cabin, the seats are upholstered in leather, with heating and electric adjustment at the front. At the rear, the seatbacks are adjustable for recline. In their most upright position the boot offers 380 litres of capacity, a figure below the average for cars of this size. With the rear seatbacks folded, it expands to 1,420 litres.

We will have to wait until we drive it. We already warned you that, after testing the DFSK 580, the only thing we will probably miss, more so in this case given that this is an SUV with a somewhat sportier focus, is an automatic gearbox that doesn’t filter engine response as much as the CVT continuously variable transmission does.

But until the more powerful future version with 174 CV arrives, this 1.5 Turbo can be a good starting point for the DFSK iX5 to carve out a place for itself in such a competitive segment.

That said, we 100% recommend opting for the LPG conversion offered by DFSK. First, so you can enjoy the advantages of the ECO label. But also because the combination of the petrol engine and the CVT gearbox is not exactly the best when it comes to fuel consumption. Even less so in an SUV of this type.

It’s worth noting that the brand’s warranty is 4 years, extendable to 7.

DFSK IX5 image gallery