Dongfeng Box 42.3 kWh

Overview

The Dongfeng Box 42.3 kWh is a cheeky new electric hatchback zipping into the European market, promising no-frills EV motoring without breaking the bank. Priced competitively from around €23,400 new, this Chinese-built city slicker aims to be a practical choice for urbanites and first-time EV buyers. Its key highlights are its compact footprint, decent real-world range for its battery size, and straightforward approach to electric mobility. It’s all about getting you from A to B, electrically, with minimal fuss and maximum value. A fresh contender shaking up the affordable EV scene!

What's New for 2025?

As a fresh face on European roads, the 2025 Dongfeng Box 42.3 kWh essentially *is* the newness! Having started production in 2024, this model year sees it establishing its presence. Expect the launch specification to carry through, focusing on delivering its core promise of accessible electric driving. Early adopters will appreciate its modern tech essentials and the fact it's one of the latest designs to hit the market. Any significant updates would likely be minor software tweaks or dealer-fit accessories as it settles into its first full year of sales.

Design & Exterior

The Dongfeng Box boasts a distinctive, well, boxy yet modern hatchback design that’s sure to stand out in the urban jungle. It’s compact and city-friendly, measuring 4020 mm in length and 1570 mm in height, with a generous 2663 mm wheelbase hinting at good interior space for its class. The 42.3 kWh trim features practical styling, likely with efficient LED lighting and smart-looking wheels perfectly suited for its urban warrior persona. Its proportions are all about maximising interior room while keeping it easy to park. A tidy little package!

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the Dongfeng Box 42.3 kWh, you'll find a surprisingly spacious cabin for its size, seating five. The design is functional and modern, with durable materials built for daily life. For your luggage, there's a decent 326-litre boot, expanding to a useful 945 litres with the rear seats folded down – pretty handy! While there's no frunk, the focus is on maximizing main cabin and boot utility. Tech-wise, expect a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen, likely offering essentials like smartphone connectivity to keep you plugged in on the go.

Performance & Driving Experience

Under the bonnet (or rather, floor!), the Dongfeng Box 42.3 kWh packs a 70 kW PMSM electric motor, delivering a respectable 160 Nm of torque to the front wheels. This setup allows for a 0-100 km/h dash in 12.5 seconds and a top speed of 140 km/h – plenty nippy for city driving and capable on the motorway. Expect a comfortable, easy-going driving experience, with that instant EV punch making it great for darting through traffic. Regenerative braking will help eke out extra range, making it an efficient urban companion.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Dongfeng Box 42.3 kWh is equipped with a 40 kWh usable battery, providing a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 264 km – solid for daily commutes and city hops, achieving an efficiency of 6.6 km/kWh. Charging is handled by a standard 6.6 kW AC on-board charger, meaning a full top-up at home will take around 6-7 hours. For quicker boosts, it supports DC fast charging via its CCS Type 2 port at up to 88 kW, zapping the 400V battery from 10-80% in roughly 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While an official Euro NCAP rating for the Dongfeng Box is 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. For driver assistance, look for basics such as a reversing camera or parking sensors, with potential for optional extras like lane departure warning or basic autonomous emergency braking, depending on the final European specification for this budget-friendly EV. Always check the latest local specs!

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

As a new entrant from Dongfeng, expect competitive warranty coverage to build confidence in the European market. This typically includes a vehicle warranty of around 3 to 5 years or a set kilometre limit. Crucially for an EV, the 42.3 kWh battery pack should be covered for about 8 years or 160,000 km against significant degradation. Powertrain components will likely share the main vehicle warranty. Maintenance is generally lower for EVs, focusing on tyres, brakes, and cabin filters, though long-term reliability is still to be proven for this fresh model.