Dongfeng SHINE

Design & Quality

Considering the price point, segment of the car, the cabin is quite functional, or I would even say more premium than one might expect. This is quite clear the moment you step inside, the soft-touch materials, solid build and absence of rattles give it a positive feel. Take some bumpy rides, nothing squeaks, and the dust wipes off easily, too, which is a relief to keep the cabin clean. I really liked the new ambient lighting; it adds a touch of coolness during night drives.

The 13-inch touchscreen is sharp and quick, integrated perfectly with the 7-inch cluster. I should mention, the wireless charging worked seamlessly, something of a huge advantage to keep your smartphone charged up. Good to see ventilated seats in this segment, which help beat the heat. Against rivals like the Corolla or Elantra, the SHINE just feels better equipped for the money. The only downside is that the infotainment had the odd lag, but nothing deal-breaking.

Front Seat

The driver’s seat is quite good, to an extent it surprised me. It has six-way power adjustment, so finding the right position takes seconds, and once set, it holds you comfortably in place. On the higher E3 trim, you also get ventilation, a must during summer, and I used it a lot. The driving position is such that you feel quite confident, this is also due to the clear view of the road without that overly high SUV feel. Everything you need, from steering to controls, is right where it should be.

Electronic Parking Brake

The electronic parking brake with auto-hold made daily driving a lot less stressful, convenient and safer. In stop-start city traffic or on inclines, it holds the car steady, no rollback. It’s one of those features you don’t think about until you live with it, and then you don’t want to give it up.

Rear Seat

Sitting in the back, the space feels generous for two and workable for three. The flat floor is a big plus, making it more comfortable for the middle passenger who doesn’t have to deal with a bulky hump. The airflow is strong from the rear AC vents, and the extra USB ports are good for charging. Also, quick wipe easily cleaned up my spilt bottle of water, which is a regular occurrence for families with kids around, they love it about the car.  Overall, the rear seat has good space with leg, shoulder and head room, along with good outside view from the window, along with practical space and comfort, essentially, perfectly. passenger-friendly.

AC Vents

The dual-zone AC is fast and powerful; on a hot day, it cools the cabin in minutes. The rear vents are effective enough to throw air evenly, which makes sure passengers in the back are always comfortable, without any complaints. The CN95 filter is a smart addition, noticeably keeping dust at bay. Access through voice control for adjusting the temp worked better than I expected, meaning less distraction while driving.

Storage Options

Plenty of clever storage spots make, a must for everyday convenience. This includes a big enough lit glovebox, the door bins take large bottles, and the armrest box even has cooling, which is great for long trips. Under the boot floor, there’s extra space that came in handy for stowing smaller items out of sight.

Armrest

Both the front and rear armrests are properly padded and come with cupholders. On a highway run, my rear passengers really appreciated that, saying it made the cabin feel more relaxing.

Charging Options

There are about five USB ports spread across the cabin which means everyone can plug in, and the wireless pad on the higher trim worked flawlessly with my phone. For long drives or just daily commutes, staying connected is effortless.

Boot Space

One advantage Sedan offers over SUVs is the separate boot with a larger space. The Shine is no exception, with 454 litres of capacity, you’re spoiled for space. Which is honestly plenty for a family. The 60:40 split seats further expand it a lot for bigger stuff, and the tie-downs keep bags from sliding around. There’s even a retractable cover that keeps things neat and hidden. For everyday use or a weekend trip, it feels well thought out.

• 6 airbags
• ABS, EBD, ESC
• Hill hold assist
• Blind-spot detection 

• Lane-keep assist 
• AEB pedestrian detection 
• TPMS
• Rear cross-traffic alert 
• ISOFIX
• Auto hold

The SHINE looks quite modern and smart, the body design cues are quite unique. This is even more fascinating to observe such a design for a car at this price, and so the exterior is a really attention-grabbing one. Details like chrome grille, LED headlights, alloy wheels, bumpers and a nice, sharp nose are some of the details that define the overall exterior.

Size-wise, at 4,670 mm long and 1,812 mm wide, it feels just right, easy to thread through the city, but still big enough to look confident on the road. Then comes the standard 150 mm clearance for a sedan, and just fine to overcome the road bumps. Once you’re on the move, you notice how quiet it feels, with its sleek shape cutting down wind noise.

Front

From the front seat, you get the full effect of that bold grille and bright LED DRLs. The hood has this subtle curved shape that you can see from behind the wheel, which adds a sporty vibe while driving and also quite distinctive. I also noticed how well the fog lamps are placed, neat, not flashy. And a small but handy point, it seems to stay looking clean for longer, even after a couple of dusty runs. So from a washing and maintenance point of view, it is qutie friendly and easy, something car makers should always keep in mind for us users. Loved the way the Shine looks from the front, a refreshing change for a sedan in the flood of SUVs.

Side

Looking at it from the side, the SHINE feels balanced with that sedan body style. The sharp lines along the body and chrome window trim give it an upscale look without overdoing it. With a 2,680 mm wheelbase, it feels planted even when you hit the wind at higher speeds. Since this is a sedan, you feel the easy access, and nobody would complain about getting in and out effortlessly. So the side profile is nothing great, but fine, with good detailing for a car in this segment.

Alloy Wheels

I got to test both 16 and 17-inch wheel setups, and frankly, both look good. The 17s definitely fill the arches more, so for those buyers who prefer a stronger stance, they’re the way to go. The tires grip well on our regular roads and handle a bit of gravel without fuss.

Rear

At the back, the wide LED taillights stand out at night, and the little spoiler highlights sportiness without trying too hard. The rear camera on the higher trims is great, reducing the stress of parking in congested or tight spots. I liked how wide the view was, and it’s sharp enough to give confidence when reversing. The skid plate down low feels like a small touch, but it feels relaxed when going through rough patches or concrete bumps.

Colors

You get to select from given colours shades including White, Black, Grey, Black/Grey and Red. I think the white is practical in the heat, and Grey does a good job of hiding dust, but again, this is very subjective, so it depends on your choice. However, I would say the choice of colours is great, no matter which one you choose.

City Performance

A city car, the SHINE appears to be easy and enjoyable. The base engine in the E1 and E2 trims with 123 hp, which is good enough for city traffic and daily trips. But if you go for the E3 with 194 hp, it just pulls stronger, especially when you need that extra push to merge. The 6-speed automatic is smooth most of the time, while the DCT feels a bit shaky in slow-moving traffic. But the steering is light and makes U-turns or tight parking a breeze, a much easier part.  I found the fuel economy really impressive, averaging about 20 km/l in mixed city runs, which makes it instantly attract attention from anyone looking for daily city driving, and considerable savings on running costs. You also have the rear camera and blind-spot alerts in the E3, making city life easier. Inside, it is quiet, for your spoiled, relaxing and comfortable city rides. 

Highway Performance

Take it on the highway, and the SHINE doesn’t disappoint, because most of the owners will likely have mixed usage. Keeping that in mind, it's good for all types of driving needs. In the E3, that 194 hp turbo cruises along without any issues at top speeds, overtaking without any strain or a sweat. The base trims with 123 hp need a bit more planning, understandably so, especially when loaded, but once you settle at speed, it holds steady. Cabin noise is well controlled, so music and conversations are interruption-free. The adaptive cruise in the E3 makes long drives less tiring, and the fuel efficiency stays impressive at around 20.5 km/l. With the sunroof open, it gives that airy, open-road vibe. The DCT feels sportier at these speeds too, smoother than in the city.

Ride and Handling

Ride comfort is solid, thanks to the suspension, which is well-tuned to take care of most potholes and bumps, though sharper edges do make their presence felt. I noticed it feels content in corners, with less body roll than I expected. The steering is light in town but firms up enough on curves, which builds confidence. Also, the ground clearance isn’t off-road stuff, but it’s perfect for city roads, like the bumps or speed breakers. The only issue I foresee is the slight lag in the DCT at low speeds, but otherwise, it feels like a family-friendly sedan with a comfortable and calm persona.

• 13-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

• 7-inch digital cluster

• Leatherette seats

• Dual-zone AC
• 6-speaker audio
• Keyless entry
• Adaptive cruise control 
• Rear camera
• Panoramic sunroof 
• Wireless charger 

• Voice control

E1

You get the basics here: like LED lights, a 13-inch touchscreen, and decent efficiency. It’s the affordable choice for someone mainly doing city runs, though you miss the turbo kick and some key tech.

E2

This one feels like a good middle ground with rear AC vents and keyless entry. The cabin is airy and family-friendly. Still runs the 123 hp motor, which is fine for daily use, but not exciting enough.

E3

The one to beat, undoubtedly the best choice among the three options.  The 194 hp turbo engine gives it proper power, and features goes, you get a sunroof, wireless charging, ADAS, and a real premium vibe.

Sayarabay Recommendation

Our recommendation is without a doubt the E3. Yes, it is pricer, the right pick simply because there is value. This includes the turbo engine, top features, and ease of driving with added safety with ADAS. For families who want one car that does it all, it just makes sense.

We spent considerable time with the SHINE, and that helped us know it better by driving across every possible driving condition and roads across KSA. And here are our takeaways, starting from a stylish design, quite upmarket tech with a loaded, spacious cabin with capable engines, there is hardly anything missing. And, so, given the price point, this sedan has a lot to offer. If you look at the competition, apart from the China brand angel, on performance, specs and look, the SHINE does impress us. It’s stylish, efficient, and practical, making it a great fit for both young professionals and families who want value without compromise of daily usability.

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