South Africans got their first look at the new Dongfeng Box at the 2025 Festival of Motoring this past weekend.
Dongfeng is one of the many Chinese carmakers that have announced their intention to launch in our market in recent times, and we won’t have to wait much longer to get our hands on their first product.
The Box (known as the Nammi 01 in China) is a small electric hatchback that is scheduled to launch within the next few months.
What’s particularly noteworthy about the Box is that it will be one of the most affordable electric vehicles (EVs) in the country, as a representative at the festival told TopAuto that they were looking at an indicative starting price below R500,000.
There is only one EV in South Africa that currently fits this description – the R399,900 Dayun S5 – but it has a top speed of 100km/h – less than the highway speed limit.
The Box, which doesn’t have this issue, could potentially be the cheapest “full-speed” EV on the market, but we’ll have to wait until BYD announces the pricing for the upcoming Dolphin Surf to know for sure.
What to expect
Dongfeng has already confirmed the specifications for the new hatchback, including the drivetrain.
It has a single front-mounted electric motor that generates 70kW and 160Nm – enough to give it a top speed of 140km/h.
The Box will be offered with one of two batteries, starting with a 32.5kWh block suitable for 330km.
Alternatively, there’s a larger 42.3kWh battery that extends the range to 430km.
It supports both AC and DC charging speeds, the latter of which can top up the cells in 30 minutes.
In terms of size, the Dongfeng is 4,030mm long, 1,810mm wide, and 1,570mm tall, making it comparable to B-segment hatchbacks like the VW Polo and Hyundai i20.
The front end is rather distinctive, thanks to a horizontal LED daytime running light strip that curves at the end to meet the headlights.
There’s no open grille owing to its electric underpinnings, and the 17-inch alloy wheels have an unusual pattern that adds to the new-energy look.
The list of confirmed safety features includes ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, front collision warning, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, tyre pressure monitoring, front radar sensors, and a rearview camera.
The 42.3kWh-battery units also have rear sensors, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree panoramic camera system.
Inside, the Chinese hatch has a ventilated electric driver’s seat with memory settings, quilted two-tone soft-touch upholstery, a wireless charging pad, ambient lighting, a 5-inch digital driver display, a 12.8-inch infotainment screen with smartphone mirror-link, and up to six speakers.
More information on the Dongfeng Box will be announced closer to launch.
Full article HERE
(source: TopAuto)