DFSK, short for Dongfeng Sokon, is known in Malaysia for its range of prime movers, light trucks and vans.
In China, however, the car manufacturer has ventured into the sedan and also electric vehicle market by unveiling the ‘Number 1’ sedan in 2015 and its full-electric vehicle Voyah in October 2020.
This shows the brand’s promise to keep up with its rivals in China, namely SAIC and Geely, to provide a range of new-generation vehicles.
So here comes a regional favourite by DFSK: the seven-seater SUV. It goes without saying that Asian vehicle buyers are drawn to large seven-seater vehicles and more so when it is an SUV.
In December 2020, the DFSK Glory 580 was launched in Pakistan at a selling price of approximately US$28,637 (RM115,694).
Just a week before that, Proton launched the X70 in Pakistan at a price of US$30,420 (RM123,000) to US$33,890 (RM137,000), which gave the Glory 580 an edge with its extra row of seats and cheaper price.
Plus, measuring in at 4,680mm long and 1,845mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2,780mm, the Glory 580 is slightly larger than the Proton X70.
Exterior looks
DFSK designers have done a rather adequate job of blending the rear of the first-generation Audi Q5 with the nose of the previous generation Toyota RAV4 to deliver a rather evergreen design.
The Glory 580 has all the exterior trim and trinkets one could ask for, as standard equipment includes LED headlights and taillights, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels that hide disk brakes.
There are even chrome door handles and roof rails for that added bling, not to mention a powered sunroof.
Interior features
There is a long list of standard features for the Glory 580 cabin.
For starters, you get a two-tone leather interior with an electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, a 10-inch central infotainment touchscreen, keyless go and automatic climate control with rear air conditioner vents.
On top of that, you also get a multi-function steering wheel, an electronic parking brake, a reverse camera, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and four airbags.
What is missing in the Glory 580, however, is perhaps a comprehensive suite of active safety equipment.
The engine
This Chinese SUV is powered by a 150 PS/220 Nm 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a CVT.
Costing just approximately US$21,768 (RM88,000) on the road, this means that the much better equipped Glory 580 is placed right up against the likes of the Honda BR-V, Perodua Aruz and the Mitsubishi Xpander – price-wise, at least.
At this point, many might be thinking that while this reasonably priced seven-seat SUV does sound tempting enough, there are doubts and uncertainties surrounding that badge, especially when it involves buying from a relatively unknown marque.
Having said that, unlike some other unknown Chinese brands, DFSK has actually established quite a reputable image internationally.
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