31-03-2025
2025 Dongfeng AX7 auto review: The car in the Common Man's corner
The top variants of once-affordable crossovers from established automakers are now priced upward of Dh150,000, leaving the middle class foraging for affordable private mobility. However, there is hope. It partly lies in the growing presence of Chinese brands in the Middle East, which offer a range of affordable sedans and crossovers.
We take a look at the China-made 2025 Dongfeng AX7, which starts at just Dh78,900. But is the attractive price tag just clickbait for Instagram scrollers? Or is it another example of a Chinese brand challenging the stigma of poor quality with a well-rounded product? Here's your answer:
Design and aesthetics
Yes, the AX7 is another Chinese compact crossover, but a few distinctions keep things interesting. Between those simplistic, albeit Audi-esque, lamps is a large grille with beautiful, repeated 'twisted metal' detailing, as I call it, which gives it a face that stands out. The rising beltline, sloped rear roofline, and turbine-style large two-tone 19-inch wheels create a sporty profile, while at the rear are neat LED tail lamps stretched across the width, with faux exhaust tips below – stereotypical Chinese car details. Now add some unique contrasting red, detailing on the front lower valance and door bottoms, and you have a sporty crossover with an almost youthful appearance that many may be drawn to.
Far from the fuddy-duddy designs of some German, Japanese, and American rivals, the interior is reasonably busy but chic, featuring a swoopy dashboard design with satin-finish trims and contrasting red detailing that continues into the cabin.
The main focus lies in two parts. One is the flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel with suitably sized buttons and controls, sitting in front of a seven-inch digital cluster disguised to look larger than it is. The second is the centre console with a colourful 12.3-inch screen, along with ergonomic A/C buttons below it. The BMW-style transmission lever is easy to operate, though it is squeaky, and the plastic speaker covers look cheap. However, the plastics pass the 'QC' test overall.
The faux leather seats are sculpted, with perforated and paneled faux leather. The six-way power adjustability and padded door handles add to the comfort. While the rear cabin is spacious, shoulder room can be tight with three large adults. Thankfully, it has a panoramic sunroof.
Powertrain and performance
Propelling this compact crossover forward is a turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder MACH engine, which it shares with the Shine Max we reviewed earlier. This seems to be the main configuration for Chinese vehicles, and for good reason—they never disappoint in terms of overall performance. This one makes 188 PS at 5,200 rpm and a healthy 300 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm.
On the straights, it doesn't quite provide neck-breaking torque, but the enthusiasm from the small-displacement motor is relentless which helps it get to 100km/h from a standstill in a brisk eight seconds. But on regular drives, the 7-speed DCT transmission was a tad temperamental—it wasn't silky smooth.
The lightweight front-wheel-drive layout helped with fuel economy. I couldn't quite match the claimed 6.6 L/100 km, but managed a decent 9.9 L/100 km, which is an average that won't break the bank.
The AX7's FWD layout, along with the suspension setup (MacPherson struts up front and multi-link rear), was designed for comfort, which most families will appreciate. As for road dynamics, they are predictable for all regular driving conditions, thanks to the grip of the 225mm wide tyres. But if pushed, it does understeer a little.
Features and functionality
The cup holders are small, but it does have a sizable glovebox and a decently sized boot. It lacks a power tailgate, but everyone knows you can shut it a lot quicker manually. Additionally, you can also increase the luggage capacity by folding the 60:40 split rear seats.
The AX7 comes equipped with Bluetooth and two USB-A ports (none in the rear), so connectivity isn't a real issue. However, here's the caveat. The AX7 isn't equipped with radio or navigation.
But worry not, the showroom folks have promised a solution. A dongle for FM reception will be retrofitted, and we expect both issues to be resolved with the next batch of vehicles.
In terms of safety, the concerned driver doesn't have much to worry about. It comes with conveniences like cruise control, a tire pressure monitoring system, a 360-degree camera with decent resolution (a rear camera for the base model), six airbags, and ISOFIX points for fitting a child seat.
The Dongfeng AX7 is a great entry into the compact crossover segment. For Dh84,900 (as tested), it's a modest ask for a well-rounded SUV that is fighting the common man's cause. And yes, being a new vehicle, reliability and residual value are up in the air, but surely a six-year/200,000 km warranty and a two-year/30,000 km service package should appease your sensible side, even if just a bit.
EDITOR'S RATING: 7.0/10 stars
SPECIFICATIONS
Body type : 5-seater; 5-door compact crossover SUV
Engine : Front-engine; turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder; front-wheel drive
Transmission: 7-speed DCT (automatic manual)
Peak output: 190 PS @ 5,600 rpm
300 Nm @ 2,000 – 4,000 rpm
0 to 100km/h: 8.0 seconds (estimated)
Top speed: 185 km/h (drag limited; estimated)
Price: Starting at Dh78,900
