The Dongfeng Box, which initially debuted in August has now been officially launched in Malaysia, becoming the first EV hatchback with right-hand drive. Distributed by the Malay Vehicle Importers and Traders Association of Malaysia (Pekema) subsidiary Central Auto Distributors Berhad (CADB), the Dongfeng Box will come in two models— E2 and E3, with prices starting at RM100,700 and RM113,700 respectively. The latter model also comes with a two-tone white roof option, but it costs RM2,000 more.
The Box will be locally assembled (CKD) in Malaysia at NexV Manufacturing’s Chembong plant, as CADB has previously stated. However, this plan has not yet been implemented, and the Dongfeng Box will continue to be fully imported from China until late 2025.
At 4,030 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, and 1,570 mm in height, the Dongfeng Box is a small EV hatchback that sits on a 2,660 mm wheelbase making it roughly the same size as the BYD Dolphin. A floating roof design, 3D LED tail lights, and a delicately crafted full-width LED headlight design all contribute to the Box’s adorable external styling.
The Box’s basic equipment includes flush pop-up door handles, 17-inch wheels, and—surprisingly for a car in this class—frameless windows on all four doors.
The “Mach E 10-in-1” motor on the front axle of both Box models produces 95 horsepower and 160 Nm, allowing for a top speed of 140 km/h. The Box produces the same amount of power as the BYD Dolphin, but its torque is 20 Nm less.
The entry-level Dongfeng Box E2 has a smaller 31.45 kWh lithium ion phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which gives it a driving range of 330 km on the (very optimistic) CLTC test cycle. In th real world let’s just say around 270km. This is the primary difference between the two types. A larger 42.3 kWh pack on the E3 increases its driving range to 430 km (CLTC), which is about 10 km more than the BYD Dolphin Dynamic Standard Range that comes standard.
The Dongfeng Box has an intricate interior design similar to its exterior, which is highlighted by the dashboard and door cards’ quilted leatherette lining and ornamental straps reminiscent of the MINI Cooper. The Box’s distinctive appearance is further enhanced by other fancy features, such as the cat avatar on the infotainment system’s home page.
Standard features on the Box include a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, 50W Qi wireless charger, 5-inch digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, six speakers, and 360-degree surround view monitor with transparent underbody view.
The 2024 Dongfeng Box is currently fully imported from China, and priced as follows on-the-road and without insurance — Box E2 at RM100,700, the Box E3 from RM113,700 and the Box E3 with Floating Cloud (White Roof) – from RM115,700.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Size-wise this EV is prefect for Malaysia — and well, even though its range is barely acceptable in today’s world, it’s high 200kms figures is just worthy. Included in the price is an eight-year/150,000 km battery warranty, alongside a five-year/150,000 km vehicle main parts warranty. Four colour options are on offer, namely White, Purple, Green, and Blue.