With its approachable price point (as far as COE prices are concerned), surprisingly impressive range for its battery capacity, and other modern features, this five-door hatchback does reshape perceptions of entry-level EVs in our local automotive landscape.

It’s got a future-focused foundation

Built upon Dongfeng’s Quantum Architecture Platform 3, the Box is designed with compact dimensions.

At 4.03-metres in length, 1.81-metre in width, and 1.57-metre in height, it is well-proportioned for urban environments. A 2.66-metre wheelbase still provides ample legroom for passengers, proving that small stature does not equate to a cramped interior.

More importantly, its compact nature makes it ideal for Singapore’s dense traffic and tight parking spaces.

And it’s affordable too

One of the most significant advantages of the Dongfeng Box is its affordability. Priced at $138,888 inclusive of COE (at the time of this article), it undercuts many of its competitors in Singapore’s EV market.

While EVs have traditionally been positioned as premium alternatives, the Box does aid in democratising electric mobility, making it accessible to a broader audience.

At this price point, one might expect compromises in build quality or technology, yet Dongfeng has ensured that the Box does not feel like a budget offering.

With a striking design, inside and out

The Dongfeng Box invokes cuteness with a contemporary and eye-catching design. Its sealed grille, angular LED headlamps, and floating roofline contribute to a sleek and futuristic aesthetic, while flush door handles and sculpted bodywork enhance its aerodynamic efficiency.

Dongfeng offers the Box in five distinct colour combinations, including vibrant shades like Aurora Purple and Icy Blue (pictured here).

Step inside, and the Box continues to impress. The interior is available in three refined themes; Grey and Black, White and Black, and Purple and White, each paired with quilted upholstery and soft-touch materials that elevate the sense of comfort.

It’s worth noting, that the Purple option is reserved solely as a pairing for the Aurora Purple shade.

It is clear that Dongfeng has placed emphasis on quality, ensuring that the cabin feels well-appointed rather than austere.

A 5-inch LCD digital instrument cluster provides key driving information, while the centrepiece of the dashboard is a 12.8-inch floating infotainment display.

This system supports intelligent voice commands and offers over-the-air software updates plus wireless smartphone connectivity.

The inclusion of wireless phone charging and 32-colour ambient lighting further reinforces the Box’s premium aspirations.

The car motivates you too, with customisable slogans you can “frame” up on your digital display.

Despite its compact size, the Box offers a relatively spacious interior. Rear passengers benefit from ample legroom, and the flat floor design enhances comfort.

Cargo space is also respectable, with a 326-litre boot that can accommodate goods.

It’s not lightning-quick, but it is efficient

If you’re someone who wants an absurd amount of instant torque from your EV, look away.

For the rest of the sensible folk, the Dongfeng Box is powered by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 70kW (94hp) and 160Nm of torque.

While these figures may not suggest exhilarating performance, the Box is designed for efficiency and ease of use rather than outright speed.

And thanks to it being an EV, the result is a smooth and responsive drive, ideal for city commutes. Even if you wanted to perform some overtakes, the car’s compact dimensions give it added nimbleness.

Body roll is manageable in corners, with the car mostly limited by its factory tyre compound. Although, the rear torsion beam suspension does send jolts should you go over any speed bump with too much enthusiasm.

Like its power output, the 42.3kWh battery doesn’t immediately scream range, but I was delighted to find that the Box is actually pretty efficient. My test drive garnered an impressive 10.5kWh/100km or 9.52km/kWh.

With a normal commute cycle, you can easily achieve 380-400km with it, allowing for extended urban use with fewer charging stops. Even if you do need to juice up, the car supports both DC and AC charging, replenishing its battery from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes using an adequately high-speed charger.

You’ll feel assured knowing it is safe

One of the commendable aspects of the Dongfeng Box is its safety suite. Unlike some budget EVs that skimp on driver assistance features, the Box is equipped with Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities.

This includes blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, intelligent adaptive cruise control, and autonomous parking assist.

Although the safety features can be overzealous at times due to our narrower roads, they aren’t as invasive or can be switched off although should you wish.

A small car with a big heart.

The Dongfeng Box is refreshing, offering a blend of affordability, modern features, and practicality. For urbanites looking to transition into the world of electric mobility, this compact hatchback makes a persuasive argument.

After all, going electric doesn’t have to be complicated.

Technical Specifications

Dongfeng Box

Powertrain: Single Electric Motor, Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 70 kW (94 bhp)
Torque: 160 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 6.7 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 140 km/h
Battery Capacity: 42.3 kWh
Drive Range: 430 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 10.5kWh/100km (tested)

Price: S$138,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Dongfeng Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!

Now available at $148,888 with COE, this five-door hatchback, brought to us by newcomer Volt Auto, is Dongfeng’s latest addition to the EV scene.

At 4,030mm long, the Dongfeng Box isn’t exactly what you’d call “large” but thanks to a wheelbase of 2,660mm, it promises a surprisingly spacious interior. Compact on the outside, roomy on the inside.

Available in five playful colour combos, you’ve got options to mix and match with the interiors too. But, the Purple and White interior in these pictures is exclusive to the Aurora Purple version.

Step inside and it feels cute and whimsical. Soft-touch upholstery and quilted accents on the dashboard and door panels lend a premium feel to the cabin.

The driver’s seat even comes ventilated and there’s a well-thought-out design throughout.

One standout feature is clever storage, like a drawer-style compartment for the front passenger, a ‘floating’ centre console, and even large vanity mirrors that don’t feel like an afterthought. 

At the heart of the tech setup is a 12.8-inch high-resolution infotainment display with Smart Phone Mirror Link, while a five-inch Interactive Driver Display serves as your digital instrument panel.

For those hauling around their life’s necessities, the 326-litre boot expands to a solid 945 litres when you fold down the rear seats. 

Safety isn’t an afterthought either. The Box comes equipped with the works: Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Road Traffic Sign Recognition.

The Dongfeng Box is powered by a modest 94bhp electric motor delivering 160Nm of torque. Nothing too wild, but certainly enough to zip through urban traffic.

Its 42.3kWh lithium-ion battery claims an impressive range of 430km, which should ease that all-too-common “range anxiety.” And when it comes to charging, a 60kW DC charger will juice up the battery from 20% to 80% in just 30 minutes.

According to a Volt Auto spokesperson, the Box is their only Dongfeng model for 2024, but more are expected to follow. In the meantime, the Box is certainly an intriguing starting point for this new player in the EV game.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!