The DongFeng brand held a national media launch in late 2024, where it literally unboxed its "Box" electric vehicle (EV). The Box is a fully electric compact hatchback positioned in the entry-level EV segment. The compact Chinese EV is now available for sale in South Africa and is gearing up to challenge the current leaders. But can its high-tech cabin and aggressive pricing overcome concerns about the brand's local footprint, its relatively low safety score and slightly stodgy dynamics?
| We like | We don't like | |
| Aesthetics & finish | Stylish design cues, frameless doors. High perceived interior quality for the segment. | May be perceived as appealing to a small niche of buyers. |
| Drive & performance | Smooth, responsive, and linear experience perfect for city commutes. Commendable real-world range (380–400 km urban/mixed). | Harsh rear suspension (torsion beam) sends jolts into the cabin over rough roads. Steering is super-light, numb, and lacks feedback. |
| Value & features | Pricing delivers good value. | "Wireless" phone projection is achieved via a dedicated plug-in adapter, not native software integration. |
| Peace of mind | Standard Level 2 ADAS features (Adaptive Cruise Control, AEB, Lane Keep Assist, Auto Park Assist). | A major, widely publicised ANCAP 3-Star Rating highlights concerns over spot weld failures and potential airbag deployment issues. |
Model range
The DongFeng Box is generally available in two primary model variants, differentiated mainly by battery capacity and specification level, catering to buyers with different budget and range requirements.
The base variant is equipped with a smaller approximately 31.5 kWh battery, providing a CLTC-claimed range of around 330 km. This model typically maintains the standard 70 kW motor but may forgo some high-end features like the full Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite and certain cabin comforts.
The flagship variant (like the E3 or the version initially detailed for South Africa) features a larger 42.3 kWh battery, boosting the CLTC-claimed range to the maximum 430 km. This flagship model is loaded with premium features, including the full Level 2 ADAS suite (Adaptive Cruise Control, AEB), the electric and ventilated driver’s seat, the 540-degree camera system, and often a faster onboard AC charger. Both models share the same 70kW (160Nm) electric motor and 140 km/h top speed.
| Variant key differentiator | Base range | Extended range |
| Battery capacity | approx 31.5kWh | approx 42.3 kWh |
| Claimed range (CLTC) | 330km | 430km |
| Power output | 70kW / 160Nm | 70kW/ 160Nm |
Pricing
E2 (extended range) - R499 800
E3 (extended range) - R519 800
Fast Facts
| Specification | Detail (42.3 kWh Model) |
| Model | DongFeng Box Compact EV |
| Power/Torque | 70kW / 160Nm |
| Battery/Range (Claimed) | 42.3 kWh LFP / Up to 430 km (CLTC/NEDC) |
| Top speed | 140 km/h |
| DC fast charging (30% to 80%) | Approximately 30 minutes (Max rate ~60kW) |
| Boot space | 326 litres (expands to 945 litres) |
| Safety Features | Level 2 ADAS, ANCAP 3-Star Rating |
What is the DongFeng Box?
The DongFeng Box is positioned to redefine the entry-level EV market in South Africa. Confirmed for an expected launch in Early 2025 (following an official launch event late 2024), it is aimed squarely at competitors like the BYD Dolphin, GWM Ora, and Dayun Yuehu S5. It enters the fray with aggressive pricing, here's how it compares with the base model BYD Dolphin, which is a similar price:
Competitor Comparison
| Specification | DongFeng Box E3 430 | BYD Dolphin Dynamic Standard Range |
| Price (Estimated SA) | R519 000 | R539 900 |
| Price Difference | R 20 900 cheaper | |
| Battery Capacity | 42.3 kWh(LFP) | 44.9 kWh (Blade LFP) |
| Claimed Range | 430 km (CLTC) | 340 km (WLTP) |
| Power / Torque | 70kW / 160Nm | 70kW / 180Nm |
| 0-100km/h(claimed) | 12.5 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 140km/h | 150 km/h |
| Body Length | 4 020 mm | 4 290 mm |
| Boot Space | 326 litres | 345 litres |
| Safety Rating | ANCAP 3-Star (Structural concerns) | Euro NCAP 5-Star (Excellent) |
Dealer footprint
Performance and Drive
The 70 kW/160 Nm electric motor is perfectly adequate for the urban environment, delivering a smooth, responsive, and linear power deliver. Many EVs I have driven are unnecessarily fast in term of acceleration, which negatively affects the range since this encourages a heavy right foot, however, the Box is more focussed on range, with gentle acceleration that is not too dissimilar from a small turbocharged internal combustion -powered hatchback like a Volkswagen Polo. While the claimed range is up to 430 km, real-world range is closer to 380–400 km in urban/mixed driving, indicating strong efficiency (around 9.9 kWh/100km).
The driving dynamics present some drawbacks. The rear suspension, which uses a torsion beam setup, is notably more harsh than you may expect, transmitting sharp jolts and ruffles into the cabin when navigating rough road surfaces or speed bumps. Furthermore, the steering is very light and consequently rather numb, lacking the necessary feedback and sharpness for an engaging drive. It is also fixed for reach adjustment, a potential ergonomic issue for some drivers.
Design
The DongFeng Box delivers a surprisingly high-tech and spacious cabin despite its compact dimensions. The interior’s perceived quality is high, featuring soft-touch materials where they matter. Thanks to a long wheelbase and flat floor, legroom is generous. The design highlights—including the cute front-end design and frameless doors—help it stand out.
Safety
The DongFeng Box presents a mixed safety profile, with its ANCAP 3-Star rating being a concern largely due to structural failures in the frontal impact test.
Key drawbacks and concerns
Structural Integrity: During the frontal offset test, multiple spot-welds failed on the A-pillar, compromising the bodyshell's ability to absorb energy. Damage was also noted to the sill and windscreen pillar.
Occupant Protection (Frontal): The driver's head 'bottomed out' on the steering wheel due to insufficient airbag pressure. Structures in the dashboard pose an injury risk to occupants' legs.
Rescue & Extrication: The doors remained locked after the frontal test, potentially hindering first responders' efforts to extricate occupants.
Impact Partner Aggressiveness: The vehicle was revealed to be a somewhat aggressive impact partner in a frontal collision, posing a higher risk to occupants of other vehicles.
Far-Side Protection: Protection for far-side occupants was rated as poor, as the car lacks countermeasures to control occupant excursion or mitigate head-to-head contact in a side impact from the opposite side.
Strengths and positive findings
Side Impact Protection: The vehicle performed well in the side barrier test, scoring maximum points and providing good protection for all critical body areas. Protection was at least adequate in the more severe side pole impact.
Whiplash Protection: Both the front and rear seats demonstrated good protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision.
Post-Crash Safety: The car is equipped with an advanced eCall system to alert emergency services and a system to prevent secondary impacts. DongFeng also confirmed the doors are openable following vehicle submergence.
Practicality and features
This is where the Box excels. Key convenience items include:
A 12.8-inch floating infotainment screen featuring a unique "virtual living room" with a cat avatar.
An electric and ventilated driver’s seat.
A unique one-touch lie-flat "nap" mode.
A 540-degree panoramic camera system.
Wireless phone charging.
A functional drawer-style glovebox.
Practicality is solid, with 326 litres of boot space, expanding to 945 litres with the rear seats folded. The standard safety suite is comprehensive, including Level 2 ADAS systems like Adaptive Cruise Control and AEB. The aforementioned infotainment system does not come with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, however, the brand has fitted something akin to an MMI box for local models, which allow for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and performed reasonably well during my time with the car. As with many modern cars, there is a massive reliance on the screen for many vehicle functions, which may be seen as either a good or a bad thing, depending on user preference.
Verdict
The DongFeng Box is a solid entry into the budget EV segment. It delivers good value and a strong set of features combined with genuine practicality, making it an attractive proposition for urban commuters seeking an efficient, spacious, electric vehicle.It should be on your list of test drives when considering a small EV, as the brand's local footprint continue to expand.
