New Dongfeng models to provide an EV breakthrough for Kiwis
Details of the first three Dongfeng models to go on sale in New Zealand have been released a week ahead of the official launch of the new marque.
Promising to provide an EV breakthrough moment for Kiwis by redefining expectations of value when it comes to sustainable motoring, the new brand brings a range of advanced and engaging vehicles all at a level of affordability previously limited to only ICE vehicles.
The initial three model fully electric lineup consists of a small five-door hatch, a compact SUV and an eye-catching sports-performance sedan. Offering distinct personality and capability, the new models are named Box, Vigo and 007, delivering urban versatility, everyday practicality and strong performance.
All models feature the very latest ‘Dongfeng Mach Power,’ a revolutionary advancement that combines ten essential functions into one powerful system. This groundbreaking 10-in-1 technology elevates the driving experience by seamlessly integrating performance, efficiency, safety, and connectivity.
These zero-emission vehicles will be available at Armstrong’s retail stores in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, with additional locations as well as further low-emission models to be added over time.
“Dongfeng offers an affordable entry into the world of electrification with vehicles that provide a rewarding daily driving experience. Their character shines through a range of innovative features that bring a smile back to motoring and we are thrilled to be able to introduce these great vehicles from one of China’s largest auto-manufacturers so that more Kiwis can join the electric journey,” said Simon Rutherford, CEO, Armstrong’s Distribution Limited.
“Dongfeng is an internationally renowned and respected name in making electric and low emission vehicles accessible for more people and has an established reputation and presence in more than 100 countries already.
“It is exciting that Kiwi motorists will now benefit from Dongfeng’s expertise when it comes to highly equipped, innovative technology and advanced ADAS features. The brand’s tagline is ‘Drive Your Dreams’ and these attainably priced new models will help enhance accessibility to ownership for Kiwi families who want to embrace the benefits of electrification.”
Headlining the arrival of the new marque is its smallest new model offering, the Dongfeng Box.
“Dongfeng is redefining value expectations with breakthrough EV technology and a rewarding driving experience all while reducing the costs of access to such capabilities in New Zealand,” said Arek Zywot, General Manager Dongfeng New Zealand.
“This is evident across the new model portfolio, starting with the Box. The Box is renowned for its innovative styling, versatile space, intelligent technology and outstanding value. It is smartly designed for efficiency and ease of use, as well as being smooth and responsive to drive. It only takes one drive in the Box to be impressed. It is a remarkable new model setting new benchmarks for daily fun and will be available at an equally impressive price.”
“It is exciting that Kiwi motorists will now benefit from Dongfeng’s expertise when it comes to highly equipped, innovative technology and advanced ADAS features. The brand’s tagline is ‘Drive Your Dreams’ and these attainably priced new models will help enhance accessibility to ownership for Kiwi families who want to embrace the benefits of electrification.”Key elements of its design include frameless doors, a ‘floating’ two-tone roof, hidden door handles and LED headlamps. All the features contribute to a bold look which reflects style and individuality, which can be further expressed through a choice of six different exterior styles and three interior trims.
The interior of the Box is just as innovative, the standard five-seat layout offering versatility as it can be adapted with the loading capacity expanded to 945-litres, enabling the transportation of large or unusual shaped items.
Soft-touch materials abound throughout the cabin, emphasising its premium aspirations, which are further enhanced by a diamond-pattern dashboard trim and complemented with 32-colour ambient lighting options.
The undoubted appeal of the Box is that its compact size makes it the ideal urban vehicle, its 2663mm long wheelbase making it easy to manoeuvre into small car park spaces and buildings.
To aid and assist such operations, the Box features a 540-degree surround-view camera system and intelligent parking assist. Furthermore, it also offers Level Two Intelligent Driving Assistance, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and emergency braking functionality.
Underlining its urban focus, the Box delivers a commuter-friendly range of 317km sing the WLTP drive cycle and supports fast-charging capability of 30% to 80% in 30-minutes.
The next new model in the range is the Dongfeng Vigo, a unique proposition which delivers on the promise of practicality, technology and lifestyle-orientated features combined with enhanced spaciousness.
Getting out and about in the great outdoors is one of the many highlights of the Vigo. It features a two-section tailgate which doubles as a seat – or table – as well as a flat-fold 2000mm bed, making it perfect for overnight adventures. Vehicle to load functionality ensures an array of portable electrical devices can also come along for the trip, taking household creature-comforts from microwaves, hairdryers through to toasters, to places they have never been or operated in before.
Storage options also abound in Vigo and consist of a 500-litre rear boot, 72-litre hidden compartment as well as a 49-litre front trunk.
The Vigo is also built on the Quantum Architecture 3 platform and its 51kWh battery delivers 120Kw of power and provides 340km WLTP of range. The advanced 3C fast-charging system can add 114km of range in just five minutes.
Technology is at the forefront of the consideration list, with the intelligent cabin featuring a 12.8-inch High-Definition screen with Apple Carplay and an 8.8-inch LCD cluster.
With regards to new and innovative safety systems, of particular appeal is the 540-degree panoramic imaging and transparent chassis view, which provides for multiple camera views and enhances visibility all around the vehicle.
The third new model will delight sports-car enthusiasts, who will be impressed by the dynamism on offer courtesy of the elegant and electric Dongfeng 007, available in All-Wheel Drive ‘Performance’ and Rear-Wheel Drive ‘Long Range.’
An undoubted highlight of the low-slung coupe is its supercar level of acceleration. Powered by Dongfeng’s Quantum Architecture 3 and Mach-E electric technology, the 007 Performance AWD model reaches a peak power of 400kW, covering off the 0-100km/h sprint in a blistering time of just 3.9-seconds. The all-round experience is further amplified thanks to race-tuned handling, 50:50 axle balance, low centre of gravity and five-link suspension.
The sleek fastback coupe silhouette features frameless doors, hidden handles and an electric tailgate. An interactive LED light show welcomes the driver every time the car is unlocked, with animations, charging signals and music-synced displays.
Premium appointments include a 19-speaker theatre-grade panoramic audio system while a 15.6-inch touchscreen delivers fast and intuitive engagement with the vehicle, and 32 intelligent sensors ensure next level driving assistance and safety.
An exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.209 contributes to all-round efficiency, delivering up to 520km WLTP in the Long-Range version and, when it comes time to recharge, is capable of ultra-fast charging from 30-80% in just 26-minutes.
Innovative ‘Four-dimensional battery safety’ is also a feature of the 007, consisting of fire, puncture and impact resistance, all supported by constant thermal monitoring. The battery itself has been tested to exceed 3,500 cycles.
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Pricing for the new Dongfeng portfolio will be released in the coming week and will coincide with the reveal of additional information about the new model range.
In the meantime, people who would like to be at the forefront of the new detail release are able to register their interest.