The Dongfeng Fengshen A9 1.8 THP Tiptronic, produced between April 2016 and April 2019, represents Dongfeng Motor Corporation’s attempt to establish a foothold in the mid-size sedan segment. Positioned as a more premium offering within the Fengshen A9 lineup, this variant aimed to attract buyers seeking a balance of performance, comfort, and technology. The A9 itself was Dongfeng’s flagship sedan, intended to compete with established players in the Chinese market. This particular configuration, featuring the 1.8-liter turbocharged engine and a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual shift mode, occupied a middle ground between the base models and potentially higher-trim level options, if offered. The Fengshen A9 was designed to appeal to a growing Chinese middle class desiring a domestically produced vehicle with modern features.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | DongFeng |
| Model | Fengshen A9 |
| Generation | Fengshen A9 |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 THP (204 Hp) Tiptronic |
| Start of production | April, 2016 |
| End of production | April, 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 230 km/h (142.92 mph) |
| Emission standard | China V |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.1 kg/Hp, 122.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm, 168.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 204 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 116.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 1400-4000 rpm (206.52 lb.-ft. @ 1400-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EP8 |
| Engine displacement | 1751 cm3 (106.85 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-scroll turbo |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, CVVT |
| Engine systems | Start & Stop System |
| Kerb Weight | 1660 kg (3659.67 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 501 l (17.69 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 5066 mm (199.45 in.) |
| Width | 1858 mm (73.15 in.) |
| Height | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2900 mm (114.17 in.) |
| Front track | 1589 mm (62.56 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1563 mm (61.54 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 120 mm (4.72 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission Tiptronic |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 245/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Fengshen A9 1.8 THP Tiptronic lies the EP8 engine, a 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection. This engine is a product of Dongfeng’s collaboration with other automotive manufacturers, leveraging established technologies to deliver a competitive power output. The direct injection system, coupled with the turbocharging, allows for precise fuel delivery and increased air intake, resulting in 204 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 280 Nm (206.52 lb.-ft.) of torque available from a low 1400 rpm all the way to 4000 rpm. The engine also incorporates a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on both intake and exhaust valves, optimizing engine performance and efficiency across a wider range of operating conditions. The six-speed automatic transmission, featuring a Tiptronic mode for manual gear selection, was chosen for its balance of smoothness and responsiveness. This transmission allows the driver to override the automatic shifting and select gears manually, providing a degree of control for more spirited driving.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.8 THP Tiptronic variant of the Fengshen A9 offered a comfortable and relatively refined driving experience. The turbocharger provides a noticeable boost in power, making overtaking maneuvers and highway merging easier. However, the 1660 kg (3659.67 lbs.) curb weight does impact overall acceleration, with a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 8.5 seconds. Compared to potential higher-output engine options (if available), this variant prioritizes fuel efficiency and smooth power delivery over outright performance. The Tiptronic transmission allows for some driver engagement, but it isn’t as sporty or responsive as a dedicated performance automatic or a manual transmission. The gear ratios are tuned for comfortable cruising, with a focus on minimizing engine noise and maximizing fuel economy at highway speeds. The suspension setup, featuring McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link system at the rear, provides a reasonably comfortable ride, absorbing most road imperfections without feeling overly soft or wallowy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Fengshen A9 1.8 THP Tiptronic typically came equipped with a range of standard features aimed at providing comfort and convenience. These included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a multi-function steering wheel, and a basic audio system. Higher trim levels, if offered, likely added features such as leather upholstery, a sunroof, a more advanced infotainment system with navigation, and additional safety features like parking sensors and a rearview camera. Interior materials were generally of acceptable quality for the price point, with a focus on providing a comfortable and spacious cabin. The dashboard layout was relatively conventional, with a clear and easy-to-read instrument cluster.
Chassis & Braking
The Fengshen A9 utilized a front-wheel-drive chassis with independent suspension all around. The front suspension employed McPherson struts, while the rear featured a multi-link setup. This configuration aimed to provide a balance of ride comfort and handling stability. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing adequate stopping power for everyday driving. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The electric power steering provided light and easy steering effort, making it convenient for urban driving.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Dongfeng Fengshen A9 1.8 THP Tiptronic was generally well-received in the Chinese market as a competent and reasonably priced mid-size sedan. Critics praised its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and relatively fuel-efficient engine. However, some reviewers noted that the interior materials and overall refinement weren’t quite on par with some of the more established international competitors. Compared to other trims in the A9 lineup, the 1.8 THP Tiptronic offered a good balance of performance and fuel economy, making it a popular choice for buyers who didn’t require the extra power of a larger engine. Fuel economy figures of 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg) were competitive for its class.
Legacy
The Dongfeng Fengshen A9 1.8 THP Tiptronic, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, played a role in Dongfeng’s efforts to establish itself as a credible automotive manufacturer. The EP8 engine, while not without its quirks, proved to be a relatively reliable powertrain when properly maintained. On the used car market, these models represent an affordable option for buyers seeking a comfortable and spacious sedan. Long-term reliability reports suggest that the engine and transmission are generally durable, but regular maintenance is crucial to prevent issues. The A9, in general, helped Dongfeng gain valuable experience in designing and manufacturing modern passenger vehicles, paving the way for future models.
