Under 120K AED Chinese Cars in UAE: Forthing Friday REEV vs MG 7 vs Chery Arrizo 8

Under 120K AED Chinese Cars in UAE: Forthing Friday REEV vs MG 7 vs Chery Arrizo 8

The UAE automotive market has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, and nowhere is this more evident than in the explosive growth of Chinese car brands. What was once a niche segment dominated by a handful of value-oriented buyers has evolved into a mainstream phenomenon, with Chinese manufacturers now capturing a significant share of new car sales across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the wider emirates. The keyword "under 120k aed chinese cars in uae" has become one of the most searched phrases among UAE residents looking for affordable, well-equipped vehicles that do not compromise on technology, safety, or style. In this comprehensive guide, we examine the Forthing Friday REEV, MG 7, Chery Arrizo 8 to determine which models deliver the strongest value proposition under 120K AED in 2026. The Chinese car revolution in the UAE has been driven by several converging factors: aggressive pricing that undercuts Japanese and Korean rivals by 20-40%, generous warranty packages that often extend to seven or eight years, rapid technology adoption including advanced driver assistance systems and large touchscreen infotainment, and a willingness to offer features such as leather seats, panoramic sunroofs, and dual-zone climate control as standard equipment rather than costly options. For buyers searching for the best under 120k aed chinese cars in uae, the choices have never been better or more varied. Whether you prioritise electric driving range, turbocharged petrol performance, family-friendly boot space, or simply the lowest possible monthly payment, the current lineup of Chinese cars under 120K AED offers something for every need and budget. This article provides a detailed, data-driven comparison of these models, examining pricing, performance specifications, fuel economy or electric range, interior space, warranty coverage, and real-world ownership considerations specific to the UAE market.

Updated August 2026. Data verified against manufacturer specifications and Cartea UAE market data.

Quick Overview

The table below provides a snapshot of the key models featured in this comparison, including their body style, starting price, and target buyer profile.

Model-by-Model Breakdown

Below we examine each model in detail, covering its powertrain, performance specifications, interior features, warranty coverage, and the type of buyer it is best suited for. These sections draw on verified manufacturer data and Cartea UAE market pricing.

Forthing Friday REEV

Price: 109,900 AED | Body Style: Sedan | Powertrain: Range Extender (REEV) | Power: 190 hp

The Forthing Friday REEV is a Sedan from Forthing, priced at 109,900 AED in the UAE market. It features a Range Extender (REEV) delivering 190 hp, making it a compelling option in the Chinese cars segment. The Forthing Friday REEV is designed for Daily commuters wanting REEV efficiency at an accessible price.

Under the bonnet, the Forthing Friday REEV produces 190 hp and 300 Nm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 8.0s, delivering performance for its class. The RWD layout is designed for efficiency and predictable handling on UAE roads.

Inside, the Forthing Friday REEV offers a comfortable cabin with seating for 5 and a 430 L boot. Standard features include advanced driver assistance systems, and the 8 yr / 200,000 km warranty provides long-term peace of mind.

Key Highlights

• 950 km combined range with range extender technology
• 190 hp electric motor with instant torque
• Modern sedan design with sporty proportions
• Smart cockpit with large touchscreen
• 8-year battery warranty for peace of mind

Best For: Daily commuters wanting REEV efficiency at an accessible price

MG 7

Price: 99,900 AED | Body Style: Sedan | Powertrain: 2.0L Turbocharged Petrol | Power: 254 hp

The MG 7 is a Sedan from MG, priced at 99,900 AED in the UAE market. It features a 2.0L Turbocharged Petrol delivering 254 hp, making it a compelling option in the Chinese cars segment. The MG 7 is designed for Performance enthusiasts wanting a fast sedan.

Under the bonnet, the MG 7 produces 254 hp and 405 Nm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 6.5s, delivering performance for its class. The FWD layout is designed for efficiency and predictable handling on UAE roads.

Inside, the MG 7 offers a comfortable cabin with seating for 5 and a 470 L boot. Standard features include advanced driver assistance systems, and the 7 yr / 200,000 km warranty provides long-term peace of mind.

Key Highlights

• 254 hp sport sedan at 99,900 AED
• 0-100 in 6.5 seconds
• Quad exhaust and sport styling
• Bose audio and leather seats
• Best performance-per-dollar Chinese sedan

Best For: Performance enthusiasts wanting a fast sedan

Chery Arrizo 8

Price: 89,900 AED | Body Style: Sedan | Powertrain: 1.6L Turbocharged Petrol | Power: 197 hp

The Chery Arrizo 8 is a Sedan from Chery, priced at 89,900 AED in the UAE market. It features a 1.6L Turbocharged Petrol delivering 197 hp, making it a compelling option in the Chinese cars segment. The Chery Arrizo 8 is designed for Executive buyers wanting a premium D-segment sedan.

Under the bonnet, the Chery Arrizo 8 produces 197 hp and 290 Nm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 8.0s, delivering performance for its class. The FWD layout is designed for efficiency and predictable handling on UAE roads.

Inside, the Chery Arrizo 8 offers a comfortable cabin with seating for 5 and a 500 L boot. Standard features include advanced driver assistance systems, and the 7 yr / 200,000 km warranty provides long-term peace of mind.

Key Highlights

• D-segment sedan with 197 hp 1.6L turbo
• Premium interior with suede inserts
• Bose audio system
• 500L boot capacity
• 7-year warranty

Best For: Executive buyers wanting a premium D-segment sedan

Price & Value Comparison

Price is often the primary driver for buyers exploring Chinese cars in the UAE, and the spread across these models is significant. The Chery Arrizo 8 starts at 89,900 AED, making it the most affordable option in this group, while the Forthing Friday REEV is priced at 109,900 AED, representing the premium end of this comparison. That is a difference of 20 AED, which can fund several years of fuel, insurance, and maintenance. However, price alone does not determine value. The cheapest car is not always the best value, nor is the most expensive necessarily overpriced. True value is found at the intersection of price, equipment, performance, and warranty coverage. When we examine the standard feature lists, several of these models include leather upholstery, large touchscreens, panoramic sunroofs, and advanced safety suites that would cost thousands of dirhams extra on Japanese or Korean alternatives. The warranty packages are equally compelling, with most offering five to eight years of coverage, providing peace of mind that rivals premium brands. For budget-conscious UAE buyers, the key question is not simply which car is cheapest, but which delivers the most equipment, performance, and long-term reliability per dirham spent. Our analysis suggests that the mid-range options in this group often represent the sweet spot, offering the best balance of affordability and capability.

Performance & Driving Dynamics

Performance is a critical consideration for UAE drivers who regularly tackle long highway stretches between emirates, merge onto fast-moving multi-lane expressways, and occasionally venture into desert terrain. The models in this comparison offer a wide spectrum of power outputs and drivetrain configurations, each suited to different driving priorities. The Forthing Friday REEV delivers 190 hp and 300 Nm, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 8.0s. Its Range Extender (REEV) configuration with RWD provides a distinct driving character that appeals to Daily commuters wanting REEV efficiency at an accessible price. This makes it particularly well-suited for enthusiastic driving and long-distance travel. The MG 7 delivers 254 hp and 405 Nm, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 6.5s. Its 2.0L Turbocharged Petrol configuration with FWD provides a distinct driving character that appeals to Performance enthusiasts wanting a fast sedan. This makes it particularly well-suited for daily commuting and weekend trips. The Chery Arrizo 8 delivers 197 hp and 290 Nm, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 8.0s. Its 1.6L Turbocharged Petrol configuration with FWD provides a distinct driving character that appeals to Executive buyers wanting a premium D-segment sedan. This makes it particularly well-suited for daily commuting and weekend trips. When comparing outright acceleration, the differences are notable. Buyers who prioritise overtaking confidence and highway merging will prefer the higher-output models, while those focused on fuel economy and urban drivability may find the lower-powered options perfectly adequate for Dubai and Abu Dhabi traffic conditions. The drivetrain layout also matters: all-wheel drive provides superior traction in adverse weather or light off-road situations, while front-wheel drive optimises efficiency and interior space. For most UAE buyers, the choice comes down to whether they value raw performance or operating economy more highly.

Fuel Economy & Running Costs

Running costs are a major factor for UAE car owners, where fuel prices, while subsidised relative to many global markets, still represent a significant ongoing expense alongside insurance, registration, and maintenance. The models in this comparison span petrol, hybrid, and electric powertrains, each with distinct cost profiles. Petrol-powered models offer the convenience of instant refuelling at any of the UAE's numerous service stations, with fuel consumption ranging from economical naturally aspirated engines to more powerful turbocharged units that trade efficiency for performance. Hybrid models bridge the gap, using electric motors to supplement the petrol engine and reduce consumption by 20-35% in urban driving, where regenerative braking captures energy typically lost during deceleration. Fully electric models eliminate fuel costs entirely, with home charging costing a fraction of petrol per kilometre, though they require access to charging infrastructure and carry higher upfront purchase prices. For UAE buyers, the calculation should include not just fuel or electricity costs but also the typically lower maintenance requirements of electric and hybrid vehicles, which have fewer moving parts and no oil changes. Insurance costs in the UAE vary by vehicle value and power output, so more affordable models often benefit from lower premiums. Over a five-year ownership period, the total cost of ownership can differ dramatically between these models, and buyers should consider the full picture rather than focusing solely on the sticker price.

Practicality & Interior Space

Practicality is where Chinese cars have made some of their most impressive strides, with manufacturers understanding that UAE buyers demand generous interior space, flexible seating configurations, and enough boot capacity for family trips, grocery runs, and airport journeys. The seating capacity across these models ranges from 5-seat configurations ideal for small families and singles, to 7-seat layouts that accommodate larger households or those who frequently travel with extended family or domestic staff. Boot space is equally varied, with some models offering compact luggage areas suitable for daily use and others providing cavernous cargo holds that rival dedicated estate cars. Interior quality has also improved markedly, with soft-touch materials, leather or premium cloth upholstery, and thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin. The infotainment systems in these models typically feature large touchscreens of 10 to 15 inches, wireless smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and integrated navigation tailored to UAE roads. Climate control is, of course, a critical consideration in the Gulf, and all of these models are equipped with powerful air conditioning systems designed to cope with summer temperatures that regularly exceed 45 degrees Celsius. Rear AC vents, multi-zone climate control, and even cooled seats are increasingly common, ensuring passenger comfort regardless of where they are seated. For families, the availability of ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear door child locks, and spacious rear legroom are important considerations that these models address comprehensively.

Technology & Safety Features

Technology and safety have become battlegrounds where Chinese car brands compete aggressively, often offering equipment levels that rival vehicles costing twice as much. Across the models in this comparison, buyers can expect to find large touchscreen infotainment systems with high-resolution displays, wireless smartphone mirroring, digital instrument clusters, and voice control. Many also include premium audio systems from brands like Bose, multi-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, and connected car features that allow remote monitoring and control via smartphone apps. On the safety front, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are increasingly standard, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360-degree or even 540-degree camera systems. These features, once the exclusive domain of luxury European brands, are now available on Chinese cars at accessible price points, democratising safety technology for UAE buyers. The airbag count typically ranges from four to six, with some models offering additional knee and curtain airbags. Structural safety is validated through crash testing, and while not all Chinese models have been assessed by GCC-specific programmes, many have undergone testing in their home markets and in ASEAN NCAP or Latin NCAP protocols. For UAE buyers, the combination of active safety systems and passive crash protection provides confidence that these vehicles can protect their families on the busy roads of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond.

Scoring & Rankings

Each model is scored out of 100 across six criteria. The table below summarises our assessment for the Under 120K AED Chinese Cars in UAE: Forthing Friday REEV vs MG 7 vs Chery Arrizo 8 comparison.

Pros & Cons

Every vehicle has its strengths and weaknesses. The following section summarises the key advantages and potential drawbacks of each model, helping you weigh the trade-offs before making a purchase decision.

Forthing Friday REEV - Pros

• 950 km combined range with range extender technology
• 190 hp electric motor with instant torque
• Modern sedan design with sporty proportions
• Smart cockpit with large touchscreen
• 8-year battery warranty for peace of mind

Forthing Friday REEV - Cons

• Brand awareness still growing in UAE
• Resale value unproven long-term

MG 7 - Pros

• 254 hp sport sedan at 99,900 AED
• 0-100 in 6.5 seconds
• Quad exhaust and sport styling
• Bose audio and leather seats
• Best performance-per-dollar Chinese sedan

MG 7 - Cons

• Brand awareness still growing in UAE
• Resale value unproven long-term

Chery Arrizo 8 - Pros

• D-segment sedan with 197 hp 1.6L turbo
• Premium interior with suede inserts
• Bose audio system
• 500L boot capacity
• 7-year warranty

Chery Arrizo 8 - Cons

• Brand awareness still growing in UAE
• Resale value unproven long-term

Full Specification Comparison

For buyers who want to compare the technical specifications side by side, the table below presents a comprehensive view of pricing, powertrain, performance, dimensions, and warranty across all featured models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most affordable Chinese car in this comparison?

The Chery Arrizo 8 is the most affordable option, starting at just 89,900 AED. Executive buyers wanting a premium D-segment sedan This makes it an excellent entry point into new car ownership in the UAE, offering modern features and warranty coverage at a price that undercuts most Japanese and Korean alternatives. Despite its low price, it includes essential safety equipment and connectivity features that ensure it does not feel like a compromise.

Which model offers the best performance?

The MG 7 leads this group on performance, producing 254 hp and 405 Nm, with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5s. Its 2.0L Turbocharged Petrol delivers strong acceleration for highway merging and overtaking, and the FWD layout provides confident handling. For buyers who prioritise driving dynamics and power output, this model is the clear performance leader in the comparison.

What warranty coverage do these Chinese cars offer in the UAE?

Warranty coverage varies across the models but is generally generous. Most offer between 5 and 8 years of coverage, with mileage limits ranging from 150,000 to 200,000 km. For example, the Forthing Friday REEV comes with a 8 yr / 200,000 km warranty. This level of coverage provides significant peace of mind and is often longer than what Japanese brands offer, reflecting the Chinese manufacturers' confidence in their build quality and their commitment to building long-term trust in the UAE market.

Which model offers the best overall value for money?

Value depends on your specific needs, but we recommend looking at the model that best balances price, equipment, and your intended use. For buyers focused on the lowest purchase price, the Chery Arrizo 8 is compelling. For those who want the most features and performance per dirham, the mid-range models often represent the sweet spot. Our detailed scoring table above provides a model-by-model breakdown to help you identify which vehicle aligns best with your priorities and budget.

Are these Chinese cars reliable in UAE summer conditions?

Yes, the Chinese car brands featured in this comparison have invested significantly in GCC-specific testing and adaptation. Their air conditioning systems are designed for extreme heat, engines are tuned for high-ambient-temperature operation, and battery chemistry in electric and hybrid models is selected for thermal stability. The Chery Arrizo 8's 1.6L Turbocharged Petrol is particularly well-suited to UAE conditions, and the generous warranty coverage provides additional reassurance. However, as with any vehicle in the Gulf, regular maintenance and adherence to service intervals are essential for long-term reliability.

Final Verdict

After a thorough evaluation of all 3 models in this comparison, our top recommendation is the MG 7. Priced at 99,900 AED, it delivers 254 hp and 405 Nm, with a 7 yr / 200,000 km warranty that provides exceptional peace of mind. Its combination of performance enthusiasts wanting a fast sedan makes it the standout choice for buyers seeking the best balance of price, performance, and equipment in the UAE market. The MG 7 excels because it offers features and capabilities that were previously available only on vehicles costing significantly more, demonstrating the value proposition that has made Chinese cars so compelling in the GCC region. Our runner-up is the Chery Arrizo 8, which offers a compelling alternative at 89,900 AED with 197 hp. Depending on your specific needs and budget, it may be the better choice, particularly if you value executive buyers wanting a premium d-segment sedan. For buyers with different priorities, each model in this comparison has distinct strengths: some prioritise outright affordability, others focus on performance or technology, and some offer the practicality that families need. We encourage you to test drive multiple models, as personal preference in ride comfort, interior ergonomics, and infotainment usability often plays a decisive role in the final purchase decision. The UAE Chinese car market in 2026 is more competitive than ever, and buyers are the ultimate beneficiaries of this competition. Whichever model you choose, you can be confident that Chinese car quality, technology, and value have reached a level that warrants serious consideration alongside any Japanese, Korean, or European alternative. Visit your nearest dealership to experience these vehicles firsthand and negotiate the best possible deal.