Neta X
27 January 2025
Neta X Review

The Neta X is the latest contender in the hotly contested SUV EV market.


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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