A new player is entering Pakistan’s SUV scene, and it’s bringing something bold—both in design and technology. Meet the Forthing Friday REEV, a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) from Chinese automaker Dongfeng. With a striking exterior, luxurious interior, and a claimed range of up to 1150 kilometers, this electric SUV promises to shake up the growing EV segment in the country. Backed by Capital Smart Motor, the Forthing Friday is expected to launch soon in Pakistan, with bookings set to open by mid-August. Here’s it’s first look review
First Impressions: Road Presence That Turns Heads
Right off the bat, the Forthing Friday impresses with its aggressive and sporty design. The sharp DRLs, sleek LED headlights, and a scale-like pattern on the front bumper give it a very high-end look. Many of today’s Chinese SUVs are said to take inspiration from the Lamborghini Urus, but this one feels the closest yet.
With a huge body, bold character lines, and 19-inch piano black alloy wheels, the vehicle demands attention. Even without roof rails or flashy canards, it still looks massive. The rear profile is equally unique, with full-width LED tail lamps, a sporty spoiler, and a trunk design that stands out from typical crossovers.
REEV vs Plug-in Hybrid – What’s the Difference?
The Forthing Friday is not a regular EV or a plug-in hybrid. It’s a REEV – Range-Extended Electric Vehicle.
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In plug-in hybrids, the engine drives the wheels alongside the battery.
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In REEVs, the wheels are powered entirely by the battery, while the engine acts as a generator to recharge the battery when needed.
This system eliminates range anxiety, a common issue for EV users, especially in Pakistan, where charging infrastructure is still developing.
Performance & Range Claims
Under the hood, the Forthing Friday packs a combination of:
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31.9 kWh battery
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1.5L turbocharged engine
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204 horsepower
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340 Nm torque
The company claims a jaw-dropping range of 1150 km on a full charge and full tank. Even more surprising is the claimed fuel average of 61 km/l when used efficiently. Of course, these are manufacturer figures—real-world testing will reveal the actual numbers.
Spacious Boot – No Spare, But Lots of Room
As with most electric cars, there’s no spare wheel due to the space taken by the battery. Instead, you get an emergency kit and a surprisingly spacious boot with a 40:60 split folding rear seat for extra cargo capacity.
Premium Yet Minimalist Cabin
Inside, the Forthing Friday offers a welcoming beige interior that gives off a spacious feel. Tech features include:
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14.6-inch infotainment screen
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8.8-inch digital instrument cluster
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Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
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Wireless charger
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Electronic parking brake
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Auto park feature
The dashboard design is minimalist, with hardly any physical buttons apart from the basic AC and defogger controls. Most functions are controlled via the touchscreen.
Comfort Features That Surprise
One of the highlights? The driver seat is 6-way powered, ventilated, and comes with massage functions like wave, relaxing, and more. The passenger seat is powered as well, but without the ventilation or massage features.
Add to that a huge panoramic sunroof, carbon-fiber-style trim, and Mercedes-inspired AC vents, and you’ve got a cabin that feels both premium and modern.
Safety & Drive Modes
The SUV comes loaded with features usually found in much more expensive vehicles:
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4 airbags
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Hill Descent Control
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Eco, Standard & Sports driving modes
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Terrain modes
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Adaptive Cruise Control
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Lane Keep Assist
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Lane Departure Warning
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Front Collision Warning
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Rear Cross Traffic Alert
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360-degree camera
The steering wheel is multifunctional, with customizable buttons and easy access to all driving aids. Both electric and petrol ranges are displayed on the instrument cluster.
Rear Seats – Comfort for Three
The rear seats offer excellent cushioning, ample legroom, and headroom. Even with the front seat fully pushed back, the back still feels roomy. The flat floor means three adults can sit comfortably. Features include:
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ISOFIX child seat anchors
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Rear AC vents
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Armrest with cup holders
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USB charging ports
In terms of size, it competes with C+ segment SUVs like the Kia Sportage and Haval Jolion.
Warranty & Availability
The Forthing Friday REEV is expected to launch in mid-August, with bookings opening soon via Capital Smart Motor. Warranty details are:
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8 years / 160,000 km battery warranty
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5 years / 150,000 km vehicle warranty
Final Thoughts
With an eye-catching design, cutting-edge comfort features, and the promise of exceptional range, the Forthing Friday REEV could be a game-changer in Pakistan’s EV market. It’s not just stylish—it’s smart, practical, and could appeal to those who want EV efficiency without the usual charging anxiety.
