Dongfeng Box 31.4 kWh

Overview

Dongfeng's new Box 31.4 kWh is poised to shake up the European city car scene. Announced for a 2025 debut, this compact electric hatchback targets budget-conscious buyers with an attractive estimated starting price of €22,400. It’s pitched as an accessible, no-nonsense EV, perfect for urban commuting and daily errands. The Box aims to deliver essential electric mobility with a practical footprint, making it an intriguing option for those looking to switch to electric without breaking the bank. It’s all about straightforward, eco-friendly city driving from its Chinese manufacturing base.

What's New for 2025?

The 2025 Dongfeng Box 31.4 kWh is an entirely new entrant, marking its arrival in the European market. As an "Announced" model with production slated to begin in 2025, everything about it is fresh. This specific 31.4 kWh version represents Dongfeng's push into the affordable EV segment in Europe, bringing a new nameplate and design philosophy. Expect it to land with contemporary features tailored for city driving, offering a fresh alternative to established players. Its introduction focuses on delivering core electric vehicle benefits at a competitive price point from the get-go.

Design & Exterior

The Dongfeng Box sports a cheerful and modern hatchback design, ideal for navigating tight city streets. Its compact dimensions (4020 mm long, approximately 1810 mm wide, and 1570 mm tall, with a 2663 mm wheelbase) give it a nimble appearance. Expect contemporary touches like sleek LED lighting and aerodynamically considered wheel designs, though specific trim details are emerging. The overall look is approachable and functional, aiming for practicality with a dash of youthful appeal, fitting its role as an urban-friendly electric vehicle. It’s designed to be both eye-catching and efficient.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Dongfeng Box 31.4 kWh is expected to offer a surprisingly practical cabin for its class, seating five. The design will likely focus on modern simplicity and durable materials. For your gear, there's a useful 326-litre boot, expanding to a generous 945 litres with the rear seats folded down, contributing to its city-friendly nature. Unfortunately, there's no frunk for extra storage. Infotainment should feature a central touchscreen, hopefully with smartphone connectivity like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping you plugged in on the go. Expect a clean, functional layout.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Box 31.4 kWh is powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) driving the front wheels, delivering a peppy 70 kW (around 94 hp) and 160 Nm of torque. This setup allows for a 0-100 km/h sprint in a city-friendly 12.5 seconds, with a top speed of 140 km/h. Expect a light (curb weight 1251 kg), agile driving experience tailored for urban environments, with instant electric torque making it nippy off the line. Multiple regenerative braking modes are anticipated to help maximise its efficiency.

Range, Battery & Charging

Under the floor, the Dongfeng Box 31.4 kWh packs a 29 kWh usable battery (31.4 kWh nominal), operating on a 400V architecture. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of 196 km, making it a solid city performer, with an efficiency of 6.76 km/kWh. For charging, it features a CCS Type 2 port. AC charging is handled by a standard 3.3 kW on-board unit, meaning a full top-up will take around 9 hours. For quicker pit stops, DC fast charging is supported at up to 77 kW.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While official Euro NCAP safety ratings for the 2025 Dongfeng Box are yet to be announced, it's expected to come equipped with essential safety features to meet European standards. Standard kit will likely include multiple airbags, ABS, and stability control. We anticipate a suite of basic driver-assistance systems such as rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. More advanced features like autonomous emergency braking or lane-keeping assist might be offered, possibly on higher trims or as optional extras, to bolster its safety credentials in this competitive segment.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

For the European market, the Dongfeng Box 31.4 kWh is anticipated to come with a competitive warranty package. This would typically include a general vehicle warranty of at least 3 years/100,000 km and a separate, more extensive warranty for the high-voltage battery, often around 8 years/160,000 km, covering degradation. Details on powertrain coverage and any complimentary maintenance schedules will be confirmed closer to its 2025 launch. As an EV, maintenance should be lower than petrol cars, focusing on tyres, brakes, and coolant checks.