The Forthing Taikon arrives in New Zealand with an unmistakable value-first proposition: a comprehensively specced medium SUV available as a long-range Super Hybrid and a full EV, backed by generous warranties and an expanding dealer network.
Pricing is aggressive (the Taikon Super Hybrid Luxury starts at $39,990 and the Exclusive at $44,990; the EV Luxury from $42,990 and Exclusive from $47,990) positioning the Taikon to punch above its weight in a crowded segment. We were invited to Queenstown to get our ‘Take-on’ what this new brand and SUV range has to offer.
Exterior – confident, modern, mainstream appeal
The Taikon follows current SUV design cues, strong wheel-to-arch proportions, 19-inc wheels and LED lighting for main, high and DRL functions, and roof rails that underline crossover practicality. Exclusive models add a full panoramic opening glass roof and sunscreen glass, giving the top trim a near-premium silhouette and a lighter cabin ambience when the world outside gets bright. Colour choices are broad (from Pearl White and Atomic Red to Jade Green and Amethyst) which lets you personalise the Taikon to suit.
From a design standpoint, (and thanks to the input from Hans-Henning Knoeplfe) the Taikon doesn’t aim to be polarising; instead it opts for safe modernity that will age well I’m sure. The signature lights give it a presence that reads larger than its segment, while functional touches like roof rails and a power tailgate (on Exclusive grades) are quite the bonus.
Interior – surprising comfort and thoughtful inclusions
Step inside and the Taikon doubles down on perceived value. Standard across the range are power electric sports seats with a massaging driver seat (yes massage seats) and accented stitching that lift the cabin feel. Those in the rear get a 60/40 split seat with armrest and ISOFIX for family practicality.
Safety equipment is comprehensive, a full safety suite including Level 2+ intelligent ADAS, blind spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, front and rear collision assist, adaptive cruise control and six airbags (driver, passengers, side seats and curtain) all details that speak to a well-rounded occupant protection strategy. The Taikon achieved a 5‑star VSSR safety rating in NZ testing, while ANCAP is something that’s on the radar soon.
Infotainment and creature comforts
The Taikon’s 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster are a strong points for its class. An acoustically tuned audio system is standard, with Exclusive variants upgrading the package to six speakers and adding a 360‑degree HD camera, useful when parking a vehicle of this size in city environments. Wireless phone charging (50W) is included on Exclusive models for seamless device integration. The inclusion of keyless entry, reverse camera and park sensors as standard keeps everyday usability high across the range.
Powertrain – long-range hybrid and a credible EV option
The headline figure for the Super Hybrid is its electric-only capability: more than 180 km of EV range in pure electric driving mode, and a combined range exceeding 1,000 km, impressive numbers that make the Taikon Super Hybrid one of the longest-range hybrids on the market. That degree of electric range shifts the ownership calculus, daily commuting can be largely electric for many drivers, while the hybrid backup removes range anxiety for longer trips.
Underpinning the electrified powertrains is current-generation battery hardware supplied by Octillion, (I think they supply Apple products?) with future model iterations slated to switch to next‑generation cells from Cornex and Thunder to enhance energy density and safety.
The Taikon Super Hybrid comes with a highly thermal-efficient (class leading 48%) 1.5L engine mated to 31.94 kWh battery and RWD 120kW/240Nm electric motor. While the all-electric option comes with a 64.4kWh battery and a FWD 150kW/240Nm electric motor – offering a range of around 400km.
Driving impressions – refined, efficient, and confidence-inspiring
The NZ launch had us driving from Queenstown to the Clyde Dam and back, jumping between both the Super Hybrid and EV models. First up for me was the hybrid.
The Taikon is somewhat deceiving in size, at 4.6m long and 1.86 wide, it’s larger than a Honda ZR-V and slightly wider than a RAV4 but somehow feels smaller on the road. There is plenty of cabin space and it’s far from cluttered. The Super Hybrid goes about its business well, with the engine (very quietly) providing power to battery which services the electric motor. However, it’s not overly quick off the line and borderline slow, when compared to an EV (even the EV Taikon). But of course, that’s not what a Super Hybrid is about, it’s more about relieving range anxiety (and it does this well – boasting 1000km).
In the corners, the rear wheel drive and solid chassis combo offers plenty of confidence and the when you (I) switched up the steering feel from light to heavy, the Taikon drove better still. Visibility front and side is good, but the rear windshield is slightly compromised due to lower roofline and rear seat head rests. There was a fair amount of road noise from the Queenstown tarmac, but it is quite an open pore mix, so the new SUV may be forgiven. Wind noise is minimal, and as mentioned before, so too is the engine input.
With a brief stretch of straight road, we engaged the adaptive cruise control and Level 2+ ADAS, in fairness I was expecting more beeps and grumbles from the SUV, bearing in mind its origin, but it’s actually compliant and let’s you have fun without nagging – the added bonus of not having a driver attention monitor was evident.
Switching to the EV model and things get a little more exciting and a little more unpredictable. The extra power being delivered to the front wheels makes it more frisky (but still a bit tame) and can I say a little more juddery in the corners. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not at all unsettling, but when compared to the RWD model, my personal preference was the hybrid.
The rest of the Taikon EV’s traits (visibility, steering, road manners) were the same as the hybrid, and all in all, very good – even without throwing in the value.
Ownership and aftersales – a sensible peace-of-mind package
Forthing NZ is backing the Taikon with a clear dealer footprint across Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch, with nationwide expansion (well Tauranga, Dunedin and another Auckland outlet) coming soon. The lengthy factory and battery warranties, plus seven years of roadside assistance, add tangible reassurance to the ownership equation and strengthen the Taikon’s value narrative against more established rivals .
Where it fits
The Taikon’s blend of long electric range in the Super Hybrid, strong safety credentials, generous standard equipment and sharp pricing places it as a compelling choice for value-minded buyers who want modern tech without the premium badge cost. It’s particularly suited to families and commuters who prioritise running-cost savings, safety tech and warranty reassurance.
Quick spec & buying highlights
- Pricing: Super Hybrid Luxury from $39,990; Exclusive $44,990. EV Luxury from $42,990; Exclusive $47,990 (plus on-road costs) .
- EV range (Super Hybrid): 180+ km pure electric; combined range over 1,000 km .
- Warranty: 7yr/200,000 km factory; 8yr/200,000 km battery; 7‑year roadside assist .
- Safety: Level 2+ ADAS, six airbags, 5‑star VSSR rating .
- Towing: 1,500 kg braked / 750 kg unbraked .
- Dealer network: Initially Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch
Tarmac Takeaway
If you’re looking for a family-friendly, tech-rich medium SUV that undercuts established rivals on price while offering long electric capability and strong warranty cover, the Forthing Taikon deserves a test drive, and given immediate availability, you don’t have to wait long to find out whether it delivers on its impressive spec sheet.
