We test the Chinese SUV you probably didn't know: the DFSK 580

Dongfeng Motor is China’s second most important carmaker and the tenth worldwide. Founded in 1969, the importance of this group is such that it produces exclusively for the Chinese market models from Citroën, Peugeot, Kia, Honda and Nissan. In June 2003 the Dongfeng Group joined forces with Chongquing Sokon Industry to bring to life the brand at the heart of these lines, Dongfeng Sokon (DFSK). Although there is much more history we could tell you, you will still not know them, but context was needed. They are already in Spain and intend to stay for many years.

With one of the most popular viruses of the 21st century frightening Europe, we wanted to reassure our loyal readers with the test of the Chinese family SUV. Coronavirus is just another flu. Will the DFSK 580 be just another SUV? If you want to know what the giant is hiding, keep reading.

This is not a conventional test

Normally we talk about the exterior, interior and mechanical changes compared with previous generations. But in this case, since it is a completely new model in our country, we have decided to give you the assessment of each of the important aspects without going into what has changed compared with the previous one. Let’s focus on the present.

The DFSK 580 measures 4.68 metres long, 1.84 wide and 1.71 high. These dimensions, mainly the length, place it in the segment of compact 7-seat SUVs. Direct rival of models such as the Skoda Kodiaq, Nissan X-Trail or Mitsubishi Outlander. If we only consider the rivalry in terms of 7 seats, we can also bring into the fight the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento or Seat Tarraco.

Interior roominess in all rows

Its wheelbase is close to 2.80 metres, which achieves a fairly good interior roominess. In the front seats the space is unmatched. The leather seats wrap the occupants perfectly, and shoulders, head and legs will not suffer no matter how many kilometres we cover. In the middle row we also found very good space, with enough dimensions to carry three people without any significant complaint about shoulder room. Without doubt the best measure is the headroom, where an average-height adult of 1.80 metres will have a hand’s width of extra space up to the roof. And finally its rear seats. The eternal problem of 7-seaters is always, precisely, those last seats.

In the case of the DFSK 580 this problem is diluted a little. It has acceptable rear seats, with plenty of capacity for two children to travel without problems and enough space for two adults to spend several kilometres without complaining too much. We tried sitting in them and in fact the shoulder room is very good, we are not squeezed at all. In terms of headroom we have almost 5 fingers to spare up to the roof, which is very good, but knees will touch the seats in front. So, overall, quite good.

A controversial combination

As for its engine, the DFSK 580 fits the bi-fuel powertrain (petrol/LPG) 1.5 Turbo of Mitsubishi origin. This unit develops 146 CV and 210 Nm of torque. The power to move this 7-seater (which weighs 1,510 kg on the scales) is sufficient, without any great feats. The engine moves the car without problems, since the weight is not excessively high for a three-row SUV.

The engine is paired with an automatic continuously variable transmission, also known as CVT. Although the brand boasts that this transmission avoids the jerks when changing gear – all those who use a CVT do so – the reality is that, with this type of gearbox, commands take a long time to arrive. From the moment we press the accelerator until the car understands that it should respond, a span of time passes that is long enough for it to be too late to leave that roundabout. Once you get used to this “lag” you know you have to start accelerating a couple of seconds before you want to enter the roundabout or pull away from the traffic light.

High consumption, good range

Before moving on, we will finish this section with its consumption figures. Despite not being excessively heavy, this DFSK 580 records high consumption figures. The CVT is one of the main culprits for the 11 litres of combined consumption shown by the on-board computer just as we handed the car back at the dealership. Far from the homologated 7.3 litres.

Despite having a range of 350 km on LPG, it is still a high expense. But thanks precisely to this bi-fuel solution, the car offers a total real-world range on both fuels of just over 800 km. Which is genuinely good. In addition, the LPG earns it the ECO label from the DGT, which comes in handy for driving in the Spanish capital. Because, as you can see in the images, pollution in central Madrid is, without doubt, worrying.

Exterior and interior design and finish

Let’s return to the praise, since we have given the poor Chinese SUV enough of a beating in the mechanical section. The exterior design of this DFSK 580 is, broadly speaking, attractive. Its rear is not very eye-catching, it is quite standard. But its profile and, above all, its front end, are its key features. The headlights show a very aggressive design, with an optimal LED shape that enhances its sporty look.

From the side this SUV makes an impression. As you can see in the gallery, the sharp nose and the attractive wheel design increase the sensation of length. 17-inch alloy wheels which, through their open design, let us glimpse red-painted brake calipers. A detail we liked, since it is typical of cars with sporty touches.

Very well executed

We have already told you about the very good roominess of this compact SUV. But now we mention the elements it includes and their quality. The comment as soon as we sat in the DFSK 580 was: “Wow!”. In a good way, of course. It is true that over the course of the week we have realised that certain materials may not be of the best quality. But we are talking about a car that costs infinitely less than most rivals. Therefore, what counts is how DFSK has managed to finish its car.

A well-structured dashboard. The centre console has manual adjustment controls for the 9-inch screen (which is also touch-sensitive), the gear lever and the electric handbrake. In addition, right in front of the lever, we find the 12-volt charging socket and the LPG switch. The steering wheel has a good design and a quality on a par with that of the leather seats. The analogue instrument cluster has a small screen where you can check the main on-board computer information. Consumption, engine temperature, tyre pressure… The usual things.

Top-of-the-range version

This DFSK 580 is offered in two trim levels. The Luxury and the Intelligent. The first is the entry level and comes as standard with an electric sunroof, rear-view camera and sensors, and an integrated 11-inch touchscreen with navigation, USB input and Mirror Link.

Our test unit came equipped with the Intelligent trim. Many of the previous compliments about the design stem from this. The alloy wheels, the red brake calipers, the LED lights or the trapezoidal exhaust outlets are offered in this top-of-the-range trim. Inside, this SUV is really well equipped. The driver’s seat adjustment is electric, the screen is of the floating type and from it we viewed the 360º camera that our unit had. It is one of the best technologies a modern, large car can fit to make life easier on narrow roads and in difficult parking situations.

The most striking novelty

And finally, this Chinese family car has something we had never seen before. It has a camera built into the interior that records everything that happens while we drive. By inserting an SD card, we can select “video mode” and record the driving in real time. It can be viewed on the dashboard screen with the date and time live. This can help us fight a fine that does not belong to us or be useful in an accident where we are blamed for something we had nothing to do with.

Price up to, not from

All brands use the word “from” to advertise the starting prices of their cars. DFSK does too, but I wanted to turn it around and state the maximum price. Why? Very simple. Being able to buy a DFSK 580 for a maximum of €29,000 means that only the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Peugeot 5008, in their entry-level 7-seat versions, are cheaper.

Put more colloquially: the “cheapest” DFSK 580 can be bought for €22,500, while the “cheapest” 7-seat Outlander is €24,900 and the “cheapest” 5008 is almost €28,000. In other words, the entry versions of their cheapest rivals are between €2,000 and €6,000 more expensive. The reverse is also true. The most expensive possible DFSK 580, counting the maximum equipment, metallic paint and LPG installation, costs €29,000. Meanwhile its rivals with the top trims and without the autogas solutions exceed €30,000 by a wide margin.

All prices

The price range is simple to explain since this SUV has only two trim levels. The Luxury starts at €22,500 with financing and stays at €24,500 if we opt for the cash option. The car in Intelligent trim costs €24,500 financed and €26,500 in cash. The only additional prices are €590 for the metallic paint and €1,936 for the LPG installation.

We are therefore looking at a car with absolutely no rival when it comes to price. Each person can then weigh more subjective specifications such as dynamic behaviour, the quality of the materials, the space or the design, since all of this is a matter of taste. But what is purely objective is the mathematics. Science doesn’t lie. And this DFSK 580 has a knock-down price that no one can currently beat on the market.