China's Forthing locks in updated Geely EX5 rival for New Zealand, Australian timing unclear

Having been revealed to the world at last month’s Paris motor show, the Forthing TK5 – a facelift for the model formerly known here as the Taikon 5 – has been confirmed for the New Zealand market, with its arrival pencilled in for early 2027.

However, an Australian launch date has yet to be announced.

"The model known as the Forthing TK5 in Europe is not confirmed for the Australian market. We have announced three new models for Australia over the next 18 months and will have more to add closer to local showroom arrivals," said a spokesperson for Forthing Australia.

The TK5 is essentially a comprehensive update for the Taikon 5, a mid-size SUV that debuted the Forthing brand in Australia and New Zealand earlier this year and which offers both electric (EV) and extended-range electric (EREV) powertrains.

A Forthing New Zealand representative confirmed to CarExpert NZ that the TK5 is expected to land locally “towards the end of Q1 2027”, with the brand's TK7 people mover set to arrive at the same time. The TK7 has also been confirmed for Australia, though specific local launch timing has yet to be announced.

It's unclear when the updated mid-size will arrive in Australia.

The model’s change in name comes off the back of an ongoing row over trademark in Australia between Forthing and Porsche. 

This resulted in Forthing Australia removing the ‘Taikon’ name from its marketing materials and changing the model’s name to simply 'Electric' or 'Range Extender Hybrid', depending on the variant. Forthing New Zealand, meanwhile, has persevered with the Taikon name.

The TK5 gains a more minimalist front end with styling elements borrowed from the brand’s S7 electric sedan, an all-new cabin layout and, most notably, an 800V architecture in electric variants. 

In Europe, the TK5 comes with a 75kWh battery pack and a WLTP-rated range of 500km. Its more advanced architecture results in a slightly quicker peak charging speed of 160kW, meaning its state of charge can lift from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 16 minutes.

The TK5 EV is propelled by a single electric motor developing 200kW of power and 360Nm of torque in Europe. 

For context, the current Taikon EV makes 150kW and 340Nm, and has a 64kWh battery pack with a claimed range of up to 400km. 

The updated TK5 PHEV, as Forthing refers to it in its press release, pairs a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 39kWh battery pack and a 155kW/315Nm electric motor. Its pure electric range is rated at an impressive 210km to a charge.

These represent healthy gains on the existing Range Extender Hybrid, which uses a 120kW/240Nm electric motor to drive the wheels, and has a claimed electric range of 170km. 

Inside, the TK5 trades some of the Taikon 5’s physical switches and controls for a more minimalist layout led by a large 15.6-inch touchscreen. 

In Europe, the TK5 is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a heated and ventilated driver’s seat with massage, a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, a power tailgate, 360-degree camera, and more. 

As mentioned, Forthing will expand its local lineup with a people mover over the next 18 months, while the Chinese brand – owned by Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor – is also planning a larger SUV for release during 2028.

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