It’s how you use it that matters… The Dongfeng Box is small in size, but big on cuteness and tech
Singapore – Dongfeng is one of the newer Chinese brands to reach our shores. Volt Auto, their authorised distributor for now has just one offering, the Dongfeng Box.
If you are unfamiliar with the brand, Dongfeng is one of China’s four largest automakers, with back experience of producing Citroen, Peugeot, Honda and Nissan automobiles for their domestic market. The Box, which is retailed in its home country as the Nammi 01, is a chic B-segment hatchback which easily rests in the Category A COE segment; and largely goes against the grain of what legacy carmakers have to offer.
This example is in Icy Blue, topped-off with a white roof – one of five paint options you can choose from. Apart from some fancy exterior LED lighting, the Box’s exterior is rather nondescript. In-all, it probably is simple as it can modernly get, and one of an inoffensive demeanor, knowing its Ps and Qs.
It’s What’s on the Inside That Counts Right?
The interior is where the Box is truly unique. The top half of the dashboard does reveal some hard scratchy plastics, though it is pleasantly textured. The lower half is covered in soft-touch surfaces, with embellishments vaguely hinting of a Brics luggage. Quality here is quite unlike what I would have expected from an econobox of its stature.
Taking centerstage, is a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, featuring a virtual living room, complete with its very own tamed feline. Over here, you can pin notes onto the wall, select your track on your playlist, or even simply play with the cat. The infotainment system supports wireless smartphone connectivity, and offers over-the-air software updates. There is also a wireless mobile phone charging pad located in-front of the armrest.
For added comfort, the driver’s seat comes ventilated, and also features a one-touch Reclining Mode. Interestingly, the glovebox rolls out like a drawer, which I think is quite ingenious, since it does not get in the way of your legs if you were to open it.
Overall, the Box accommodates four with sufficient head and legroom, despite its tiny size. At the rear, the boot boasts 326 litres of cargo space, which is significantly more than the 284 litres offered by the Honda Jazz, though smaller than the 345 litres offered by the BYD Dolphin. With the rear seats folded, the Box’s cargo space increases to 945 litres, though the folded seats do leave a kerb in the way.
All Show and Some Go
Its 93hp (70kW) and 160Nm may not seem like much, but the Box feels quite alive on the run; all thanks to the healthy bit of torque it has. It gets you to 100km/h in a matter of ‘yes’. The steering does however feel quite numb, but overall, the chassis feels communicative enough, and you can quite easily explore the car’s handling limits without much of a rude awakening. However, I wish that the steering wheel could be adjusted for reach, and not just for rake.
The suspension which is tuned for comfort does a fine job over most surfaces, though rougher patches do ruffle the rear torsion beam. Its worst enemy though are narrow speedbumps, which would communicate a lion’s share of what the rear wheels pick up into the cabin.
Overall, I managed between 10.5 – 11kWh/100km during my drive, which I find is efficient. The 42.3kWh battery is capable of giving you a claimed range of 430km, which is rather decent in my books. A similar-sized petrol hatchback would probably be quite similar.
As for charging the Dongfeng Box is able to replenish its battery from 30 to 80-percent in 30 minutes, using a DC charger.
What’s Your Safe Word?
The Box is equipped with a pretty decent suite of active safety features. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Front Collision Warning among others. It also has a 540-degree Panoramic Camera, which aids in parking the car. But for those who want this process simplified, the BOX is also equipped with automatic parking tech.
If you are keen on a small EV for day-to-day runnings, the Box is quite easy to manage due to its tiny size. Tiny, but it is big on equipment, and surprisingly decently well-built.
Text & Photos: Clifford Chow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Chic design | Steering lacks reach adjustment |
| Loaded with tech | Steering feels numb |
| Decent quality | Rear suspension can get harsh over bumps |
| Drivetrain | Full Electric |
| Layout | Single Motor, FWD |
| Motor power / torque | 93hp / 160Nm |
| Battery capacity | 42.3kWh |
| Efficiency | – |
| Electric Range | 430km |
| 0-100km/h | – |
| Top Speed | 140km/h |
| VES Band | A1 |
| Dealer | Volt Auto |
| Price | S$143,888 with COE and VES |
| Verdict | Easy ownership, heaps of tech. Great combination if driving dynamics take a bit of a back seat |
