The Dongfeng Paladin crossover may enter the Russian market, according to Automatic review. Its premiere happened recently in China, and sales are expected to start soon. This move highlights the ongoing expansion strategy of Chinese automakers into overseas markets and reflects a growing interest in rugged, family-friendly SUVs across North America as well.
Architecturally, the Paladin is built on the same platform as the Nissan Terra, a Japanese model. In appearance, the two vehicles share many design cues, with the Paladin presenting a refreshed front fascia that carries new grille styling and updated branding. Inside, the cabin centers around a large 12-inch touchscreen mounted in the center console, signaling a shift toward modern, screen-driven control layouts that are increasingly common in mid-size crossovers sold globally.
The Paladin is powered by a licensed two-liter Mitsubishi 4K31 turbo engine delivering roughly 228 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. This powertrain choice aims to balance performance with efficiency, offering confident acceleration for highway merging and light off-road duties. On the feature side, the crossover comes equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems and convenience tech. Expect cameras positioned for surround-view monitoring, a panoramic sunroof for a brighter interior, adaptive cruise control for smoother highway cruising, and a comprehensive set of electronic aids designed to assist the driver in varying conditions.
In China, starting prices for the Dongfeng Paladin begin at 170,000 yuan, which translates to roughly 2.3 million rubles at current exchange rates. These figures position the Paladin competitively in its segment, suggesting a value-forward approach that Chinese manufacturers often pursue when introducing vehicles to international markets. The pricing strategy appears tailored to attract buyers who want a robust, well-equipped crossover without paying premium prices typically associated with Western or Japanese brands.
Earlier communications noted Dongfeng’s broader product strategy, including the Mengshi line of electric SUVs. For instance, there was news about the Mengshi 917, a high-performance electric model advertised with a 1,000-horsepower powertrain. The announcement created anticipation among enthusiasts in China and abroad, illustrating the automaker’s parallel efforts to diversify its lineup with both conventional internal-combustion offerings and high-powered electrified models. Such moves underscore the evolving landscape where traditional combustion engines and electric drivetrains coexist under the same corporate umbrella, appealing to a range of buyers in North America and beyond.