November 16th, Dongfeng Windy Starway S7 Plus Debuts in China
The Dongfeng Windy Starway S7 Plus has debuted in China, marking a significant milestone for the brand. The S7 is designed as a mid-size SUV, with two variants - a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version and an all-electric (BEV) model.
Design-wise, both the PHEV and BEV variants share a similar design aesthetic, featuring a sleek touring wagon bodyshape and a negligible drag coefficient of 0.191. The front grille boasts seven distinct lights, with the upper part consisting of multiple-segment LED headlights, while the central section features a lens-shaped taillight configuration. On the rear side, a sloping roofline exudes dynamism, complemented by an integrated single-color body finish featuring seamless door handles and low-rolling-resistance wheels.
Dimensions-wise, both variants exhibit consistent specifications - length: 4,935mm, width: 1,915mm, height: 1,495mm, with a wheelbase of 2,915mm. The former variant features the same design and no changes in its size compared to a previous electric version.
The rear bumper displays a characteristic T-shape style inspired by current trends, while an integrated LED lighting package is visible beneath. Rear-axle illumination contributes to increased visibility on roadways with darker traffic conditions. A unique feature includes the use of an integrated trunk lid opening mechanism facilitating substantial space that combines both an ample storage section and a window system with the tailgate.
Inside, the design maintains the same sleekness akin to preceding models, emphasizing simplicity through reduced physical keys, instead having essential functions displayed upon a central panel on the dashboard. Double screen display equips eight points and 15.6’ inch resolution, encompassing Sihai (starway) mobile application series for seamless smartphone connection - allowing drivers to monitor navigation data or receive audio commands from voice calls – enabling intuitive remote control and phone pairing capabilities.
Additionally, wireless charging zones are found beneath the central console in the cockpit area with a raised platform providing sufficient support.
All interior materials have been treated with premium leather wraps available throughout different seats. Front passenger seats support a unique e-boost arrangement, adding energy recovery efficiency during stop-and-go traffic situations while keeping the seat surfaces adequately heated for colder days. Both front and rear seats are further enhanced by side pillars featuring well-designed headrests, giving a sense of comfort and stability on extended drives.
Performance-wise, both variants combine an internally-combined gasoline-powered engine and electric motors working in harmony within a hybrid system. Engine power reaches 77kW and is accompanied by a battery capacity from a Zonyx innovation Lithium-ion battery group providing overall cruising ranges at 235kms (plug-in combined mode) and up to 1,250km when used solely in electric mode.
Competitors
A key competitor pool for the new S7 variant can be noted with several vehicles. They are long an Chery Envision A07, Dongfeng GAC Geodor Pie 007 as well as the Zracing Zero runner C01 to name just a few. All three of these SUVs feature similar positioning within the market but have distinctive individual designs that set them apart in form and function.
Despite several similar aspects, there is some degree of competition between all the mentioned models in terms of sales overall due various degrees of complexity compared with their respective counterparts.
Market Prices are expected to be relatively less expensive for this particular new variant of Dongfeng vehicle offering a better balance with its higher end rivals as reported on prior monthly sales figures.
