Tucked away at One Commonwealth, the Neta showroom was once heralded as a sign of bold ambitions, a local beachhead for a Chinese upstart looking to go global.

But, it appears that the showroom has now closed its doors permanently.

Grand opening to closed curtains

It had all started with a respectable enough fanfare. At the 2025 Singapore Motorshow, the Neta X and Neta Aya were unveiled at Suntec City, targeting the city’s mainstream EV audience.

However, only four Neta vehicles have been registered in Singapore to date. Two in November last year (even before the official launch) and two in January. Since then, the trail has gone cold. We suspect these four units were all owned by Evology Automobile, and not a single customer unit exists today.

Evology, the firm charged with Neta’s local sales and support, was only incorporated on 4 June 2024. What’s left now is a very modern kind of ghost story: a brand that barely had time to leave tyre marks before it vanished.

Trouble was brewing before it began

Of course, the quiet collapse here may just be the local echo of a much louder crisis happening back home.

Neta is owned by Shanghai-based Hozon New Energy Automobile, a company that once basked in state-backed funding and optimism. But optimism only goes so far, and in recent months, Neta’s trajectory has started looking like a nosedive.

According to Chinese media, the company is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy after a 4 billion yuan funding round fell through. In January 2025, year-on-year sales dropped a staggering 98 per cent. Back in November, the company reportedly halted production at its Zhejiang plant and slashed salaries. Not quite the signs of a firm in rude health.

Between 2021 and 2023, Neta reportedly racked up losses of 17.2 billion yuan. That’s the sort of number that no amount of positive press or showroom gloss can hide forever.

A crowded battlefield

It’s worth noting that Neta isn’t alone in its struggles. China’s EV battlefield is extremely crowded today, with dozens of players jostling for space, speed, and survival.

Neta, once a promising player in the affordable EV space, may have overreached by pivoting towards the premium segment. Competing against well-entrenched names like BYD was never going to be easy, especially when all of them have deeper pockets, better brand equity, and broader reach.

What’s left for Neta now is unclear. A phoenix moment feels unlikely. And in Singapore, at least, it’s safe to say the brand has packed its bags before even finishing the welcome drinks.

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Unless you have been living under a rock, you would have noticed that the BYD Atto 3 has taken Singapore by storm. Everywhere you look, there is a good chance you will see one.

Yet, not everyone wants to follow the crowd. Some prefer to stand out, even if their friends and relatives already own one. Perhaps they want something a little different, or maybe they are searching for an EV that feels more “conventional”. This is where the Neta X enters the picture.

At $161,888, the Neta X undercuts the Atto 3 (at the time of writing). More importantly, it is a larger car with a comparable range. On paper, it looks like an appealing alternative. But does it have enough substance to convince buyers?

What’s In A Name?

It is always a bit of a puzzle when carmakers name their models after a single letter. It gets even more confusing when two brands pick the same one. Case in point: Zeekr also has an “X”, but unlike Neta’s offering, it is a premium Cat B model.

That aside, the X currently sits at the top of Neta’s lineup in Singapore. It is a five-seater, Cat A electric crossover, designed to cater to those who want something sleek, spacious, and practical without jumping onto the Atto 3 bandwagon.

And while its design is fresh, it is still familiar enough to feel mainstream. The slim daytime running lights, paired with a curved, shark-like snout, give the front end a modern look. The shoulder lines flow cleanly into the C-pillars, but the rear design is a little more generic.

The single-bar taillight is contemporary, but it is far from unique; in fact, it has been used so often across various brands that it no longer feels like a standout feature.

But looks are just one part of the equation. The real selling point of the X is its size.

Yes, It Is Bigger Than An Atto 3

If there is one thing the Neta X has going for it, it is size. At 4.6 metres in length and with a 2.78 metre wheelbase, the X is 164mm longer than the Atto 3 and boasts an extra 50mm between the wheels.

Every extra millimetre counts, and the Neta X makes full use of its longer wheelbase to create a spacious interior, offering passengers more legroom and comfort than its closest rival.

Space You Can Feel

Size aside, a car still needs to offer an inviting interior to win over buyers. And in this regard, the X makes a strong first impression.

The tan upholstery, paired with brass-coloured air vents, door handles, speakers, and steering wheel spokes, adds a touch of luxury. It does not quite feel like a full-fledged premium car, but it certainly does not scream budget either.

The minimalist layout of the cabin is designed for drivers who prefer an uncluttered space, with most controls integrated into the massive 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The graphics are sharp, and the system is responsive, but icon organisation could be improved.

One interesting feature is the ability to swap the positions of different sections on the screen. This means the navigation display can be moved closer to the driver, or shifted towards the passenger for easier viewing.

For those who are new to the system, Neta has included a small but useful detail; each menu option has a small “i” icon next to it, which provides a brief explanation of the function. It is a thoughtful touch that makes first-time use much easier.

Voice commands are also available, activated by saying “Hey Neta”. The system is clever enough to detect whether the driver or passenger is speaking, ensuring that when you ask for a window to be lowered, it responds correctly to the right side.

The rear seats are generous in legroom and headroom, comfortably accommodating tall passengers without the need to adjust the headrests.

The boot space is another strong suit of the Neta X. With the seats in place, it offers 508 litres of cargo capacity, which is more than enough for daily errands and weekend getaways.

If more space is needed, folding down the rear seats expands this to 1,388 litres. Additionally, the boot floor can be lowered for extra versatility, allowing bulkier items to fit more easily.

Sufficient, But Not Exciting

As a Cat A EV, the Neta X delivers 100kW (134bhp) and 210Nm of torque. The 0-100km/h sprint is completed in 9.5 seconds, while top speed is capped at 150km/h.

It is not the quickest crossover in its class, but it does edge out the Atto 3, which takes 10.1 seconds to complete the same sprint.

Power comes from a 62kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which Neta claims provides a 410km range.

However, real-world testing suggests that achieving the claimed efficiency of 16.9 kWh/100km is only possible on long, uninterrupted drives.

Many electric crossovers lack steering feedback, but the Neta X does better than expected. The steering provides actual communication from the front wheels, allowing the driver to feel surface undulations and wheel movement. While refinement could be improved, it is a step above the typical lifeless steering found in some EVs.

The ride quality is generally comfortable, with the dampers doing a good job of smoothing out rough roads. However, the powertrain is not as quiet as some might expect. The whirring noise from the electric motor is noticeable, though this is not necessarily a downside.

For added safety and convenience, the X comes equipped with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Features such as Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control provide an extra layer of security for drivers.

Regenerative Braking Needs Work

One notable flaw in the driving experience is the regenerative braking system. While there are three levels to choose from, the difference between them is barely noticeable. 

The “One-Pedal” mode also does not function as expected. Unlike most EVs with true one-pedal driving, the X does not come to a complete stop when the driver lifts off the accelerator.

A Worthy Alternative To The Atto 3?

Neta is still a newcomer in the EV scene, with its parent company, Hozon Auto, having only been around for a decade. Given that context, the X is a respectable first attempt.

It offers spacious seating, a well-equipped cabin, and decent driving dynamics. The ADAS features are well-implemented, and its longer wheelbase and added power give it an edge over the Atto 3.

However, the infotainment system could be more intuitive, the ride could use more refinement, and the regenerative braking system needs improvement.

If you are looking for something different from what everyone else is driving, the X does make a compelling case for itself.

Technical Specifications

Neta X

Powertrain: Single Electric Motor, Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 100 kW (134 bhp)
Torque: 210 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 9.5 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 150 km/h
Battery Capacity: 62 kWh
Drive Range: 410 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 16.9 kWh/100km (claimed)

Price: S$161,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Neta Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Being a budget-friendly car in Singapore is no easy feat. With the world’s highest car prices, affordable runabouts are quickly becoming an endangered species. 

The current COE landscape favours luxury brands, where the additional cost of ownership is a smaller percentage of the overall price.

Let’s illustrate an example. The bread-and-butter Toyota Corolla Altis is currently priced at $164,888, with its $96,000 Category A COE making up a staggering 58% of the car’s cost.

With more than half of its price going effectively to taxes, this is the unfortunate reality of Singapore’s car market, where once-popular, everyday commuter cars are disappearing.

But that has not stopped Neta, a new player in the EV space, from introducing the AYA, a compact electric hatchback aimed at cost-conscious drivers.

Whether it finds a place in the hands of new drivers or fleet operators remains to be seen.

A New Player

The name AYA supposedly stands for “Amazing, Young, Active”, an attempt at marketing towards younger, urban drivers looking for a no-frills EV experience. It is Neta’s entry-level model, positioned as a simple and practical electric car for city dwellers.

However, the design of the AYA seems a little at odds. The brand’s X crossover has sleek, cohesive styling. In contrast, the older AYA is unconventional, sporting a hatchback shape with a fastback-style tailgate. Almost reminiscent of the Mitsubishi Colt Plus.

It is an interesting mix of lines and curves, and while it may not be to everyone’s taste, the rear design is perhaps its most resolved angle. The full-width taillight and roof spoiler does give it a distinctive look; something that could work in its favour as a fresh entrant into the market.

Looking different is better than being forgettable, after all.

It’s Compact But Surprisingly Practical

The AYA sits on the smaller side of the spectrum, measuring 4 metres in length, 1.7 metres in width, and 1.54 metres in height. It is larger than a kei car but narrower than a typical family hatchback.

The wheelbase stretches 2.4 metres, providing a respectable amount of interior room.

Step inside, and you are immediately greeted by a 14.6-inch tablet-style infotainment display that dominates the cabin. In a car of this size, the screen almost feels oversized, drawing attention away from everything else.

The dashboard, meanwhile, is trimmed with what appears to be brushed aluminium, which helps break away from the plastics.

Tech-wise, the AYA keeps things simple and intuitive. Apple users, in particular, will appreciate how CarPlay loads instantly when plugged in, providing quick access to navigation and music.

Another standout feature is the small, rounded-square steering wheel, reminiscent of what you would find in the Peugeot e-2008. The good news? It does not obstruct your view of the 12.0-inch digital instrument panel. The bad news? It is completely non-adjustable.

This means that getting comfortable behind the wheel is a gamble. You will have to hope that after adjusting your seat, the wheel sits at the right distance.

It might be a cost-saving measure, or it might be to prevent the instrument cluster from being blocked. Either way, it is an ergonomic flaw that could have been avoided.

How spacious is it?

For a compact hatchback, the AYA makes good use of its space. The flat rear floor helps maximise legroom, but taller folk might find it a tight fit.

Seating three adults in the back is possible, but not ideal, as shoulders will inevitably brush against each other.

Boot space is a respectable 335 litres with the rear seats in place. However, there is no split-folding functionality; it is all or nothing. Fold the back seats, and capacity increases to 588 litres.

Is it good to drive?

Powering the Neta AYA is a 40.7kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which Neta claims delivers a WLTP range of 338km. Official figures suggest an energy consumption rate of 13.8 kWh/100km, but real-world driving tells a slightly different story.

During testing, the AYA proved to be more efficient than expected. On routes that included more expressway driving, it returned 10.8kWh/100km, an impressive figure. At this level, the AYA should comfortably cover over 300km per charge.

That said, performance is best described as ‘modest’. The motor produces 70kW (94bhp) and 150Nm of torque, meaning the 0-100km/h sprint takes a leisurely 12 seconds. Top speed is capped at approximately 110km/h.

While these figures will not excite enthusiasts, the AYA does offer one key advantage over traditional petrol-powered hatchbacks; it never sounds like it is struggling. 

For new drivers, the AYA is an easy car to get along with. Its compact size makes parallel parking effortless, and tight multi-storey carparks feel far less intimidating. 

Handling is predictable, and while it lacks the sharpness of sportier hatchbacks, it is composed enough for everyday use. The ride quality is ‘fair’, considering the short wheelbase, but wind noise is noticeable at virtually any speed.

Unlike many modern EVs, the AYA does not come with an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Safety features are basic, with just two front airbags, ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control. 

Interestingly, it does include Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, which are unexpected bonuses in an otherwise minimalistic package.

Everything Goes Back To Pricing

And this is where things get complicated. The AYA starts at $143,888 with COE, putting it in direct competition with better-equipped rivals. 

For instance, the Dongfeng Box offers a longer wheelbase and more interior space at a similar price point. The Aion Y Plus crossover, which is significantly roomier, is only a smidgen more expensive.

At its current pricing, the AYA struggles to justify itself as a private buy. Which means…

Unfortunately, This Will Be For Fleet Operators

The Neta AYA is a compact, no-frills EV that is easy to drive, efficient, and surprisingly practical for its size. But in Singapore’s tough car market, being priced right is a paramount struggle.

For now, fleet operators are more likely to be its main customers, rather than private buyers. A lower price could change that, but until then, the AYA remains a decent EV that is simply too expensive for what it offers.

Technical Specifications

Neta AYA

Powertrain: Single Electric Motor, Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 70 kW (94 bhp)
Torque: 150 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 11 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 101 km/h
Battery Capacity: 40.7 kWh
Drive Range: 338 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 13.8 kWh/100km (claimed)

Price: S$143,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Neta Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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