Although many Malaysians may only have heard of Chinese state-owned automaker Dongfeng in the past few years, the brand has actually been on Malaysian roads for a while – with heavy commercial vehicles.
Dongfeng joined other Chinese automakers in the wave that swept into Malaysia after 2022 when the government offered tax-exemptions on EVs for a few years. Working with a local party, it brought in small range of models.
Its strategy needed changing when there was a change in regulations relating to imported EVs after July 1, 2026. MITI has set a minimum CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value threshold of RM200,000 alongside performance criteria, effectively closing off low-priced EVs.
Fortunately for Volt Auto, which is now handling the business, Dongfeng has a variety of models from entry-level to luxury, with the latter well past the RM200,000 level. Malaysians got a glimpse of this upper end range at KLIMS 2026, with VOYAH being hinted as one of the future offerings.
Luxury brand
VOYAH is Dongfeng’s dedicated luxury electric and hybrid vehicle sub-brand which was launched in China in 2020. As with all Chinese automakers, the products are all electrified (either hybrid electric or fully electric) and currently there are 6 models.
The latest, which was launched in Beijing recently, is the DREAM 9 which takes its place as flagship of the VOYAH range. The flagship is designed for executive transport, high-end hospitality, and family mobility, positioning itself squarely in the premium segment.
Both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery-electric (BEV) powertrains are available and use 800V high-voltage architecture for quicker and more efficient recharging.
PHEV models have a 65 kWh battery package capable of 5C ultra-fast charging — able to recharge from 20% to 80% charge in 12 minutes, it is claimed. The fully electric variant a 120kWh Amber Battery unit designed with 16 layers of structural protection.
Sophisticated platform
From an engineering perspective, the DREAM 9 represents a serious statement of intent. Underneath, it rides on Dongfeng’s Huju Chassis P, utilizing a front double-wishbone and rear 5-link suspension set-up complemented by 3-chamber air suspension and dual-valve EDC damping.
Manoeuvrability for a vehicle of its proportions is aided by 10-degree bidirectional rear-wheel steering and VMC intelligent domain control.
Built on a full-domain Level 3 architecture with 8-system redundancy, it integrates HUAWEI Qiankun ADS 5 and HarmonySpace 6 operating systems supported by 37 sensors, including multiple LiDAR units.
Interior features include rotating second-row zero-gravity VIP seats with massage functions, a 21.4-inch ceiling display, dual-door heating and cooling refrigerator, and a 35-speaker sound system.
Volt Auto has indicated that it will launch the VOYAH range in the first quarter of 2027, with the possibility of local assembly being explored. With this brand, the Dongfeng brand can move upmarket into the executive mobility space.
