By Chinese standards and on a global scale, Dongfeng Motor is a sizable player. Known in markets as DFM, it has produced roughly 55 million vehicles over more than five decades. In Russia, its sales remain modest compared to other Chinese brands, and the comeback has not fully materialized.
DFM now offers the Captain T cabover trucks. What makes them noteworthy?
Almost a doorman
The Captain T evokes the Hyundai Porter in the eyes of many Chinese small-truck makers. A trendsetter for sure, lately it reminded us of Soller’s Argo, which previously carried the JAC N25 / N35 badge before localization. The resemblance is striking. In China a four-door cab exists, but the Captain is built with two doors here.
Truck lighting includes halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights, and front and rear fog lights. Assembly and painting are tidy, though a new car sample showed some rust on the rims that caught attention. The rear suspension uses leaf springs, and the front axle employs a similar bridge with springs and pivots. The design looks rugged yet a touch archaic, demanding extra care in maintenance, especially for kingpin bearings that require lubrication from time to time.
Captain T comes in two weights: a gross vehicle weight of 2.5 tons or 3.5 tons, while curb weight remains the same at 1920 kg. The lighter variant differs mainly in documentation, enabling easy access to a Moscow cargo frame. This is a trick many manufacturers now rely on.
The frame projects a solid impression with a beam width of 50 mm. It includes multiple mounting holes for add-ons, and a board version with an awning is available.
The cargo area is substantial, yet equipment is modest with no auxiliary lights or rigging loops. The overall footprint is compact, with a cargo area measuring 3.5 m in length, 1.8 m in width, and 1.6 m in height, totaling about 10 cubic meters. Four Euro pallets fit inside the superstructure, though the loading height is quite high at roughly 93 cm, making lifting a bit of a workout.
Interior and ergonomics
Truck interiors rarely steal the show, but the Captain’s cabin comes across as utilitarian. The finish leans toward a robust, plastic-heavy aesthetic with noticeable gaps and some flash on trim. A single-DIN radio remains, which feels outdated for a 2023 model. Despite this, visibility is good thanks to a large glass area and wide mirrors. The cabin includes air conditioning, central locking, power windows, and a heated driver seat. The seat profile offers reasonable comfort with limited adjustment range.
Access to the engine is via a folding passenger seat, as seen in many light trucks of this class.
Which engine?
The right-side seat unfolds to reveal the engine access. It houses a 2.2-liter Turbo Diesel delivering 128 horsepower, produced by Quanchai. The engine uses an overhead cam, a Bosch common-rail fuel system with electric injectors, and meets modern emission standards through AdBlue injection and a particulate filter with a forced regen option. A coarse fuel filter heating feature has been added specifically for this market, which is a welcomed improvement.
A double-seal perimeter and an extra rubber strip along the hood reduce noise and vibration. At idle, the engine runs quite loudly, but highway conditions may quieten it somewhat.
Overall, the Captain’s noise level during idle can be jarring, but it isn’t the defining trait of the vehicle.
How does it drive?
The truck starts with a confident clutch and solid traction. The five-speed gearbox is straightforward, making city driving easy. Its small dimensions and good visibility add to daily usability. On the highway, however, the Captain shows its limits. Optimal cruising around 80 km/h corresponds to about 2550 rpm. Faster speeds bring vibration and an uneasy ride, with noticeable drone at 85 to 100 km/h. The hydraulic steering loses its zero feel, making long highway runs less comfortable. It shines in urban corridors where compact size matters.
Brakes well?
The Captain’s suspension handles irregularities with some clunkiness, especially on larger bumps. The ride can feel harsh, and the front suspension tends to transmit shocks. Inside, the equipment is practical: air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, central locking, and a multifunction steering wheel. A convenient cup holder sits to the left of the wheel. Brakes perform reliably from the start, though an ABS warning light appeared late in testing, suggesting a return to basics might be wise.
Despite its practical offerings, the Captain does not convey the aura of a true heavy-duty machine.
Which source?
DFM Captain T price in Russia starts at 1,790,000 rubles. Reliability concerns are evident with lower service intervals and frequent MOT checks every 10,000 km or six months.
A dealer inquiry revealed a confusing price ladder: for 1,790,000 rubles only a basic Sable Business is available, with higher trims costing significantly more. Maintenance costs were unexpectedly high for the first MOT, exceeding 48 thousand rubles, while some rivals show lower initial maintenance expenses. The overall value proposition can feel inflated for a truck with modest interior equipment and soundproofing.
For this market, a tilting platform extension is offered by a domestic supplier, SpetsMobil, adding versatility for payload handling.
| High torque motor, visibility, price | Soundproofing, trim level, highway performance |
DFM Captain T
- Length / Width / Height / Base 5430 / 1945 / 2046 / 2800mm
- seats 2
- Luggage compartment volume 10 m3
- Empty weight / gross weight 1920 / 2490 kg
- engine diesel, P4, 16 valves, 2237 cm3; 94 kW / 128 HP at 3000 rpm; 315 Nm at 2000 rpm
- Fuel / fuel reserve 80 liters
- Rear drive; M5
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According to Autostat data. The authors acknowledge Major Auto for coordinating the test drive.
- Driving can now be viewed on RuTube