The Chinese manufacturer Dongfeng has found a new focus in Russia through a lineup that includes the DFM 580 seven‑seat crossover and the newly introduced DF6 pickup, although the latter is not yet listed on the official site. More recently, significant expectations rest on a different strategy: the Lipetsk region’s Motorinvest plant plans to assemble three Dongfeng models under the Evolute brand in Russia. The trio consists of the i-Joy compact crossover, the i-Jet crossover sedan, and the i-Pro sedan.
All three vehicles are electric. Avilon has already published price points and begun taking orders for the entire Evolute range. There is a strong likelihood that this lineup will broaden in the future as demand grows.
Voyah Free in Moscow, September 2022
Not long ago, a full‑size crossover called Voyah Free was demonstrated in Moscow. Dongfeng introduced the model in China in 2020, and the silhouette briefly appeared in March 2022 during teaser disclosures for the Evolute brand in Russia. This early reveal fueled speculation that Voyah Free could be part of the brand’s reintroduction strategy in the Russian market.
Teaser of the presentation of the Russian Evolute
Serial Voyah Free
The Voyah Free sits in the same class as the Volvo XC90 and the Audi Q7. The base version runs fully on electricity, powered by two electric motors delivering a combined 680 horsepower and 1000 Nm of torque. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, with a governed top speed of 200 km/h, and a single charge provides roughly 500 kilometers of range.
A second option is a rechargeable sequential hybrid: the same electric motors plus a 1.5‑liter turbocharged four‑cylinder engine producing 105 horsepower, which is not connected to the wheels but instead charges the battery. This configuration extends cruising range to about 860 kilometers.
The interior features a five‑seat cabin with generous comfort and a distinctive long, continuous display that runs across the front panel, creating a striking visual impression.
Dongfeng markets itself in Russia mainly through more affordable models with internal combustion engines, and the fate of the luxury Voyah sub‑brand in Russia remains uncertain. It is plausible that Voyah Free, under a new name, could join Evolute’s lineup, complementing the domestic offerings in time. However, the market still needs broader acceptance of budget models like i-Joy, i-Jet, and i-Pro before such a premium crossover can establish a stable presence on Russian streets.
- In Russia, the Evolute i‑Joy, a front‑wheel‑drive electric model assembled locally, is positioned as a rival to the Dongfeng Fengon E3 and the Hyundai Creta, with a starting price around 3,490,000 rubles.
- Further insights are available in car media and social outlets for readers seeking a deeper look at the evolving lineup.