Forthing Taikon 5 vs Suzuki Vitara

What's the difference?

We’re entering the second half of 2026 and the rollout of new Chinese brands in Australia shows no sign of slowing.

The latest is Forthing, a brand from China’s massive Dongfeng Motor Group which has joint ventures with Nissan, Honda and Stellantis.

Forthing's first model in Australia is called the Taikon 5, a mid-size SUV offered in both electric (EV) and range-extender hybrid (REEV) guises.

Although customer deliveries have just begun, the rollout has been bumpy. Forthing is currently in the middle of a trademark dispute with Porsche over the Taikon name.

Porsche alleges Taikon is too similar to Taycan.

While this dispute is ongoing, Forthing is publicly referring to the car as the Electric and Range Extender Hybrid.

Forthing is hoping to have a resolution by the end of 2026, but if Porsche is successful in its opposition, the company may need to rename the car.

Now that the original Mitsubishi ASX is finally gone, the oldest small SUVs still on sale in Australia today are the Mazda CX-3 and Suzuki Vitara.

Both released in 2015, their longevity is due to a combination of good design, strong engineering, sound driving dynamics and an undefinable charm.

Given their high number of rotations around the sun, it’s also surprising that neither has received a major facelift in all this time. Clearly, their creators got it largely right early on.

Until now. The Vitara steps up with the Series III makeover, ushering in a fresh nose, larger central touchscreen and a hybrid tech upgrade for the (now-sole) turbo powertrain, among other more-minor changes.

Are these enough to keep the venerable Vitara from vulnerability?