It’s been coming for some time now, however the Dongfeng Field has lastly appeared in Malaysia for its official preview. The funds electrical hatchback, known as the Nammi 01 in China, is making its world premiere in right-hand-drive type right here forward of its launch slated in October.
The Field is being introduced in by Central Auto Distributors (CADB), a subsidiary of the Malay Car Importers and Merchants Affiliation of Malaysia (Pekema). The latter, a conglomerate of parallel importers, has already signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NexV Manufacturing for CKD native meeting, though it’s understood the preliminary vehicles shall be CBU fully-imported models.
The automobiles you see listed here are pre-production prototypes, so the finishes and fitted gear will not be consultant of the finalised variations. That mentioned, CADB is planning on promoting simply the range-topping mannequin (the blue and purple models seen right here) – internally known as the E3 – fairly than the lower-end E2 (represented by the lime inexperienced unit) that’s solely getting used for testing.
Each are powered by a single electrical motor on the entrance that produces 95 PS (70 kW) and 160 Nm of torque, enabling a high velocity of 140 km/h. Towards its most important rival, the BYD Dolphin Dynamic Normal Vary, the Field has the identical quantity of energy however barely much less torque (-20 Nm).
The variations between the E2 and E3 fashions lie within the capacities of their lithium iron phosphate batteries. The bottom mannequin has a minuscule 31.45 kWh pack that even on the wildly optimistic CLTC cycle can solely muster 330 km of vary. It’s a very good job we’re solely getting the E3 with the bigger 42.3 kWh battery, faring barely higher with a variety of 430 km – 10 km farther than the Dolphin Dynamic Normal Vary.
Dongfeng has not disclosed the utmost DC charging enter for the Field, merely saying that charging the battery from 30 to 80% takes round half-hour. That’s the identical for each the E2 and E3, suggesting that the latter can help a better wattage to compensate for the bigger capability. That is true of the AC charging enter, quoted at simply 3.3 kW for the E2 and 6.6 kW for the E3.
Design-wise, the Field’s cutesy rounded aesthetic carries hints of the sensible #1, notably by way of the wraparound windscreen design and distinctive C-pillar cutout – each giving the automobile an in-vogue “floating roof” look. Nonetheless, these quantity to a mere tip of the hat to the unique fairly than being a full-on copy (Chery, I’m taking a look at you), and we should always level out that the inclusion of a number of the sensible’s “premium” options, reminiscent of flush pop-out door handles and frameless home windows, is unprecedented on this section.
The remainder of the design is fairly easy, however neat touches such because the three-dimensional LED head- and taillights and full-width entrance gentle bar assist raise the Field’s barebones look. The E3 rides on 17-inch two-tone five-spoke alloy wheels which can be a step up from the E2’s steelies with aerodynamic covers (nonetheless 17s, thoughts).
The Field’s robust first impression continues on the within, with a contemporary design and a surprisingly beneficiant use of quilted fake leather-based. Notable options embrace ornamental straps forward of the entrance passenger and a floating centre console that homes a Qi wi-fi charger, an armrest storage field and extra open storage beneath. There’s even a drawer rather than a standard glovebox, though customers might balk on the paucity of obtainable house.
As for the tech on board, the Field has a positively tiny five-inch digital instrument cluster, though the infotainment touchscreen is generously sized at 12.8 inches throughout (sound acquainted?). The interface is pretty fundamental (there’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto as but), however the dwelling room-style house display with its cat avatar (you’ll be able to faucet on it to get it to stretch) and customisable inspirational quote is very distinctive.
Different options embrace automated air-con, a frameless rear-view mirror, a 360-degree digicam system with a transparency operate, 32-colour ambient lighting, six audio system and proximity locking and unlocking (accompanied by very loud activation sounds that may fortunately be turned off). No powered seats right here, in fact, however apparently, each entrance seats have top adjustment, though the two-spoke steering wheel nonetheless solely adjusts for rake, not attain.
Security-wise, the E3 comes with a wide range of driver help options, reminiscent of autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise management, lane centring help, visitors signal recognition and park help. Sadly, the Field is obtainable with simply two airbags throughout the vary.
No pricing info (finalised or estimated) has been offered simply but, however anticipate the Field to be priced within the ballpark of the Dolphin Dynamic Normal Vary and Neta V, all hovering across the RM100,000 ground worth for CBU EVs. Except for the this automobile (and its CKD plans), CADB additionally goals to herald an additional three electrical fashions. The corporate has not recognized these EVs, however maybe we will hope for fashions from Dongfeng’s extra upmarket Voyah model.
GALLERY: Dongfeng Field E2 in Malaysia
GALLERY: Dongfeng Field E3 in Malaysia
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