Once again, CIDEF, without press announcements (we discovered it in an AutoPlaza), is presented directly the first Dongfeng Aeolus model in a long time, the Y3, a 4.6 meter long sedan, but it costs less than any 4.6 meter sedan you can get in our market. It is not only the only card that the Aeolus Y3 plays in Chile, but it also opts for a sporty and less conservative design than what we expect.
Aeolus?
Dongfeng has many sub-brands and product lines. One of them is Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, which produces three of these subbrands: Lingzhi, Jingyi (Joyear in Chile) and Fengxing (Forthing). Dongfeng’s other company is well known in China and is probably behind the brand, called Dongfeng Fengshen, which used the name Aeolus for the export market, but later became the official name of this sub-brand.
Dongfeng Fengshen’s business has its roots in a partnership made with the Taiwanese company Yulon (now, Luxgen manufacturers), which has an alliance with Nissan, like Dongfeng. Nissan acquired its entire stake in Yulon and this helped strengthen its position in China, along with Dongfeng.
If we talk about Fengshen / Aeolus, the models of this family are already sold in Chile. You will certainly remember cars like the H30 or the AX4 or AX5 SUVs.
Aeolus Y3: dimensions and design
- Largo: 4.660 mm
- Anchor: 1.812 mm
- Alto: 1.490 mm
- Distance between axis: 2.680 mm
- Head: 454 L (the brand incorrectly indicates that it is 240 liters)
The Aeolus Y3 is known in China as Yixuan and was released in 2019. Of course, as usual with Chinese manufacturers, there are many variants and designs out there. The car may have gone through several revisions between the years, so there are different interiors and fronts, some more aggressive with the Aeolus badge and others with the Dongfeng logo.
In Chile, at least apparently, the latest model will be released, with a large front grille, with headlights combined with a translucent decoration (which in some versions includes the Aeolus logo) and two shaped diamond inserts. The skirt can be decorated with orange.
The silhouette is fastback-type, leaning back, although the tailgate is a short cover. It has integrated LED lights and a Z-shaped detail that marks the sides of the car. Some models read the nomenclature “Shine” because that is how the Y3 is known in other countries (like Panama, for example). This matter of having different names and brands is something that the brand needs to address because it causes confusion.
The brand offers:
- LED taillights
- Electric mirrors with turn signals
- 16″ wheels
- Lower engine cover
- rear fog light
- Sunroof (solo Luxury)
Aeolus Y3: interior and equipment
The interior stands out for its minimalist design and the unique choice of colors, which we do not know if it corresponds to one of the versions or all. By this we mean the combination of white and orange, which we know will not appeal to all customers.
The vertical screen to operate the air conditioning and multimedia system stands out, as well as the two-spoke steering wheel with modern controls and the seats with built-in headrests.
The standard MT level and AT Comfort level offered:
- Air conditioning
- Power windows
- Lighted trunk
- Headlight height adjustment
- Multimedia system with vertical screen
- The brand doesn’t indicate what kind of connectivity it has, beyond Bluetooth
- 4 speakers
- backup camera
- 7″ digital instrument panel
- Remote central locking
- Adjustable height multifunction steering wheel
- Cross control
- audio control
- Keyless access (driver’s door only) with push button start
- Electric parking brake
The AT Luxury level adds or changes:
- Rear air vents
- Six speakers
- 360° camera
Aeolus Y3: security
The safety standard is almost the same for all three versions
- Dual airbags
- Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, EBD and hydraulic assist
- esp
- ISOFIX
- AYC (active yaw/yaw control or torque vectoring)
- Hill Start Assist (AT models only)
Aeolus Y3: train motor
The Aeolus Y3 is powered by a 1.5 DVVT engine with direct injection, 123 HP and 158 Nm of torque. There is a choice of five-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It has electro-assisted steering and semi-independent rear suspension.
Consumption is 10.8 km/l in the city and 18.2 km/l on the highway, for a combined 14.6 km/l, at least with the manual transmission. In the approval sheet we also know that there are approved hybrid versions, so there is a possibility that they will be included later.
Aeolus Y3​​​​: sales
As you can see, the Aeolus Y3 does not shine for its equipment, despite its quality: in China it is sold with Turbo engines and the level of autonomous driving 2. That is exactly what helped it to achieve -ot such a low price, although a greater effort should be made in safety to be able to include six airbags: if Hyundai with the small Grand i10 can do it, now there are no excuses for any manufacturer and for any vehicle format.
The list of prices is as follows:
- Aeolus Y3 1.5 5MT: $10,590,000
- Aeolus Y3 1.5 6DCT Comfort: $11,590,000
- Aeolus Y3 1.5 6DCT Luxury: $12,290,000
