Dongfeng’s latest compact SUV offers plenty at its price point. We also like that it is a little less serious!
Singapore – There are just a few cars today that you can purchase under the $170k mark. The Dongfeng Vigo is one of those. A good looking offering, penned with more ruler than French curve. Unpretentious, but still a good laugh to own, since its designers have added a dollop of fun into the mix.
The Vigo’s boxy styling is further accentuated by its T-shaped slim lighting signature in front. It is a little more slab-sided than its peers, so it does stand out quite a bit.
At the rear, the Vigo’s distinctive ‘Crystal Tower’ tail lights are neat and fuss free. There is a little bit of Like in the frontal area, there is a subtle bit of roundness, which is also mirrored at the rear, and also on the Vigo’s interior.
Grey interior, but not really boring
The interior presents itself in a few different shades of grey, while a few silver accents break the monotony. Overall the Vigo’s interior is decently built. Dongfeng has stuck with physical buttons on the steering wheel, which is a welcome touch.
The Vigo, like many Chinese cars, has the bulk of its features buried into the infotainment screen. Thankfully the wing mirror adjustments are still located on the driver’s side door card. The screen’s user interface has a rather low learning curve, so you’d be easily on your way within the first few minutes of ownership. Menus are organised, and bear similarities to some of the user interfaces offered by other Chinese brands.
Wireless Apple CarPlay is offered as standard, though wireless Android Auto is offered via a third party device. The lack of standard Google connectivity here is not so much the fault of the car, but rather licensing rights.
To keep your devices charged, there is a 50w wireless charger located on the centre console, and a good few USB ports (including one USB A overhead to power your dashcam). There are also compartments located below the central air vents and also a large storage under the armrest to keep often used items within arms reach.
With a wheelbase of 2,715mm, the Dongfeng Vigo boasts good legroom for passengers at the rear. The average adult wouldn’t have their knees touch the backs of the front seats.
The boot at 500 litres is larger than the competing BYD Atto 2 by 120 litres. What is unique though is its split tailgate, where the lower half drops open flat, allowing you to slide heavier items, like large luggages out without going over a boot lip, or risk dropping them onto the rear bumper. The tailgate, which is rated to support up to 150kg, and comes with its own moulded-in cupholders, also doubles as a bench. I heard from Dongfeng Singapore that you can purchase original camping gear to turn the Vigo into a camping car.
Fuss-free drive
The compact SUV puts out 133hp (99kW) and 230Nm through the front wheels. Acceleration to 100km/h is done in 9.5 seconds. In our driving conditions, the Vigo gets up to speed quick enough.
I did drive the Vigo in the rain, and quickly learnt that despite its firmer suspension, which brings about a little bit of cornering confidence, the tyres do need more grip in the wet. I quickly found out that I had even less to work with on wet basement carpark floors.
I feel that the suspension can be dialed down a notch (not to floaty BYD levels) for better comfort, but that is my opinion.
The cabin is pleasantly quiet while on the run, with just a smidge of tyre noise entering. I heard from Dongfeng that the Vigo has 37 layers of sound deadening to take the edge off the daily commute.
The 51.87kWh battery gives the Vigo a maximum range of 471km, which is more than the BYD Atto 2 and the Aion UT Premium. Dongfeng’s claimed consumption is rated at 17.5kWh/100km (5.7km/kWh), I managed 16.9kWh/100km (5.9km/100kWh).
It is also a good laugh
I had a bit of fun with the car’s ‘Fun Speaker’, broadcasting from within to passersby saying: “I am a random orange car! Now give me fi dollar!”. The external speaker is also able to broadcast music from your playlist, and also play a few preset sounds – the ‘dog fart’ being my favourite.
Cheerful and versatile
In a time where COEs have gone through the roof and more, the Vigo presents itself as a cheerful, well-equipped and versatile EV which has a lot going for it… especially at its price point.
Honestly worth the look.
Photos & Text: Clifford Chow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spacious for its size | Seriously needs better tyres |
| Loaded features. Fun speaker is a blast | Rear suspension can get crashy over tall humps |
| Split rear tailgate does plenty of good |
Dongfeng Vigo Electric Essential 51.87kWh
| Drivetrain | Full Electric |
| Layout | Single Motor, Front-wheel Drive |
| Motor power / torque | 133hp / 230Nm |
| Battery capacity | 51.87kWh |
| Efficiency | 17.5kWh/100km |
| Electric Range | 471km |
| 0-100km/h | 9.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 150km/h |
| VES Band | A1 |
| Dealer | Volt Auto |
| Price | S$168,888 with COE and VES |
| Verdict | Equipped with a good amount of kit, the Vigo is an offering that is worth considering |
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