The Forthing S7 REEV has arrived in Croatia and caused a stir among passersby. With a range of over 900 kilometers and equipment worth more than €30,000, this car redefines the concept of value for money.
Another Chinese brand has entered the Croatian automotive market with no intention of staying on the sidelines. This time, it's the Forthing S7 REEV, a D-segment sedan from the massive Dongfeng conglomerate, which drew unprecedented attention on the road during testing. "What is that? A Ferrari?" asked a friend of the test author, puzzled by the aggressive lines and a badge reminiscent of a prancing horse, as reported by Net.hr.
The key to understanding this car lies in the acronym REEV, which stands for Range Extended Electric Vehicle. This model differs from standard plug-in hybrids in that its wheels are driven exclusively by an electric motor producing 154 kW (218 hp) and 310 Nm of torque. The gasoline engine, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder, never directly powers the car-its sole purpose is to act as a generator that charges the battery when it runs low.
In practice, this means the driver always enjoys the experience of an electric vehicle-instant throttle response, silence, and smoothness-but without range anxiety. The lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a capacity of 28.4 kWh provides a pure electric range of 156 kilometers according to the WLTP standard, which is sufficient for the daily needs of most drivers. When the battery depletes after about a hundred and fifty kilometers, the gasoline engine seamlessly starts up and begins generating electricity.
The official combined range is 1,250 kilometers, but testing in real-world conditions showed a more realistic figure of around 900 kilometers. Still, that's autonomy that allows you to travel across Europe worry-free. Fuel consumption in hybrid mode with an empty battery ranges between five and seven liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers, depending on driving style. Using a fast DC charger at 80 kW, the battery can be charged to 80 percent in approximately 30 minutes.
The Forthing S7 REEV is a car that cannot go unnoticed. With a length of 4,935 mm and a width exceeding 1.9 meters, this sedan makes a strong impression on the road. Aerodynamics were a primary focus of the design, resulting in a world-record drag coefficient for a production car of just 0.191 Cd. This figure isn't just a marketing gimmick; it directly contributes to reduced energy consumption and increased range.
Frameless doors further enhance the premium feel, and during testing, the car constantly attracted curious glances from passersby and other drivers. The interior follows a modern and minimalist approach-dominated by a vertically oriented central touchscreen with a 15.6-inch diagonal, while a smaller 8.8-inch digital display in front of the driver shows essential information.
Thanks to a wheelbase of 2,915 mm, there's an abundance of space, especially in the rear seats. The sense of spaciousness is further enhanced by a panoramic roof covering 1.9 square meters. The upper part of the dashboard and the steering wheel are covered in soft-touch materials that feel pleasant, and the artificial leather seats offer exceptional comfort, with the front seats heated as standard and the driver's seat also ventilated.
However, this is where the compromises necessary to achieve an affordable price become apparent. The lower sections of the doors are made of hard plastic, and the panoramic roof lacks an electric sunshade; instead, you get a manual sunshade that attaches with clips beneath the glass. There's no center armrest in the rear seats, and the infotainment system is visually appealing but can occasionally be sluggish.
The Forthing S7 REEV costs €32,990 in Croatia, including all fees up to registration. This price includes a full range of equipment, including 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, Level 2+ autonomous driving assistance, and heated and ventilated driver's seat. There are no options for equipment packages or any additional charges.
As an extra incentive, the importer Auto Hrvatska is offering the first buyers a special promotional package worth over €3,000, which includes five years of regular maintenance and a comprehensive and collision insurance policy for the first year. This effectively brings the price of the vehicle below €30,000. Reliability is backed by a five-year or 150,000 km warranty on the vehicle, and eight years or 200,000 km on the battery.
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.2 seconds, and the top speed is electronically limited to 165 km/h. During driving, the S7 REEV comes with adaptive dampers and offers four driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport+) that significantly alter the car's character. Despite weighing 1,855 kg, it handles corners safely and predictably, but the rear-wheel drive requires caution on wet and slippery surfaces.
