Dongfeng Captain-E

When it comes to the interior cabin of the Dongfeng Captain E, the layout of the dashboard looks quite spartan and feels as if it has been built to cost, with a very basic looking fit and finish levels. The cabin is devoid of many contemporary features that are gradually making their way in the truck category as well.

The four-spoke steering wheel looks a tad too basic and has no controls for audio and Bluetooth on it. However, it is ergonomically well placed and feels good to hold. The instrument console with its blue-backlit theme might not be too attractive and informative to look at, but it does get the job done well.

The centre console of the dashboard, which is finished entirely in dull-looking grey, looks severely dated with cheap-looking controls for the AC as well as the single-DIN audio system placed above it. The AC vents, however, do come with chrome surrounds, which do add a touch of niceness to the cabin.

The Dongfeng Captain E is priced on the economical and basic side of the truck segment, which explains the fact that not much effort has gone in the aspect of designing. The Captain E looks tad too simple and a bit dated.

The Dongfeng Captain E has a curved windshield from top to bottom, which is possibly the only angle from which the truck looks quite contemporary, along with the extended outside rearview mirrors that are mounted on the lower edges of the windscreen. The lower portion of the windshield is finished in a nice looking piano black garnish running through the width of the windshield.

The frontal stance of the Dongfeng Captain E has a rather flat design, which includes a very simple and basic looking front grille. Shaped in a rectangular manner with rounded bottom edges, the grille comprises two horizontal slats running through it. The rectangular and block-shaped headlamps do have a dated design, and the lack of any modern LED elements make it look furthermore basic. The front bumper made up of metal has rectangular fog lamps placed on either side of it.

The Dongfeng Captain E has a well-placed seating configuration, which is made up of a single driver’s seat and a co-passenger seat, which has an extended middle portion for the accommodation of a third passenger in case of emergency. The passengers do get an upright seating position, which gives a commanding view of the road ahead, while the slightly higher positioned gear lever feels well placed. In terms of suspension, the Dongfeng Captain E comes fitted with semi-elliptical leaf springs with double-acting shock absorbers at both front as well as rear.

The Dongfeng Captain E shares its 3.9-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with the more premium Captain E. However, here the engine is paired to a six-speed manual gearbox, and produces a maximum power output of 125 PS, while the peak torque output is rated at 410 Nm.

Being a basic truck in terms of visual appeal and equipment list, the Dongfeng Captain E isn’t too well equipped in terms of safety, and lacks all the major things like airbags and more.

The basic appeal of the Dongfeng Captain E when it comes to design and features might not generate a very strong impression at first, but when it comes to basic duties like performance, load carrying capabilities and ergonomics, the Captain E does feel a very well rounded package. Though, it can have a bit more power available on the go to make it feel more responsive.