The brand owned by the Dongfeng concern is preparing to launch a SUV on the market that will be smaller and cheaper than the Free model. The new product has so far been certified only as an electric car, but it is possible that later it will also have hybrid versions.
In the photo of the Ministry of Industry of the People's Republic of China, this SUV of the Voyah brand was revealed back in May. And today local media, including Autohome, published branded images. In the Celestial Empire, the five-door will be sold under the name Zhiyin, which can be translated as soulmate (“soul mate” or “like-minded person”). The new product will be the fourth model in the range of the electrified brand of the Dongfeng concern: it will join the Free crossover, the Dreamer minivan (in Russia it’s Dream) and the Passion sedan (aka Zhuiguang or Chasing Light). Moreover, the Chinese media consider the Voyah Zhiyin an “entry-level” crossover, that is, it should also be the cheapest.
Among the exterior design features of the new SUV are two-tier headlights, retractable door handles and rear lights designed in the form of a single die. Official pictures show the Voyah Zhiyin with a sleek nose in body color. However, thanks to the certificate, we know that there can also be a concave black panel on the front.
The upcoming cross is more compact than the available one and we have the Voyah Free model. The length of the Zhiyin is 4725 mm, width – 1900 mm, height – 1636 mm, wheelbase – 2900 mm. The length of the older SUV intended for the home market is 4905 mm, the distance between the axles is 2960 mm.
The interior has not yet been demonstrated. However, Voyah Zhiyin has already been caught by photo spies. Inside there is a narrow instrument screen and, conversely, a giant multimedia system tablet.
The SUV is currently announced exclusively as an electric car. According to preliminary data, Voyah Zhiyin will be offered in several modifications. “Simple” versions will have one electric motor with 292 or 313 hp. Expensive SUVs have dual-motor all-wheel drive, total output is 425 hp. Batteries with capacities from 77 to 109 kWh will be available to choose from, and the range, depending on the version, will be 570 – 901 km (probably according to the Chinese CLTC cycle). Subsequently, Zhiyin may also acquire a hybrid installation. By the way, the older Voyah Free crossover in China today is only a hybrid, although it still has electric versions in export markets.
Voyah Zhiyin crossover in the photo of the Ministry of Industry of the People's Republic of China
Voyah Zhiyin is expected to go on sale in the third quarter of this year. Some Chinese media are predicting a starting price tag of about 200,000 yuan (about 2.4 million rubles at the current exchange rate). The hybrid Voyah Free in its homeland will cost at least 228,900 yuan (about 2.7 million rubles).
Most likely, the youngest SUV of the Voyah brand will be brought to Russia, but under a different name.