CAR REVIEW: Dongfeng Box – Small in Size, Big in Value

Dongfeng Motor? Never heard before.

That’s probably the first thing that pops into your head when you see the name. And honestly, you’re not alone.

Here’s a fun fact to surprise you—Dongfeng Motor is actually one of China’s “Big Four” car manufacturers. Since 1969, they’ve been cranking out cars for brands the likes of Nissan, Honda, and Peugeot. That’s right, this car company has been around longer than you—maybe even longer than your parents!

And with Dongfeng’s rich history and experience, it is not surprising that they have come up with their own line-up of cars. Fresh on our shores since late last year, we now have the Dongfeng Box—or called the Nammi 01 in some other markets. The Dongfeng Box sits firmly in Dongfeng’s budget lineup, and it is not surprising that this little fella happens to be one of the most affordable cars you can buy in Singapore.

But cheap doesn’t always mean cheapskate. As it turns out, this budget car isn’t short on features and punches well above its weight class.

How does it look?

One word: cute.

This car is all youth—like a teenager trying to find its place among all the other fierce and imposing vehicles on the road. And it’s clear who Dongfeng’s target market is: first-time car owners, specifically the younger crowd who want something fun and practical without breaking the bank.

The Dongfeng Box doesn’t try to look aggressive or sporty—because let’s be honest, not every car needs to look like it’s ready to race at a moment’s notice. Instead, it embraces a playful, youthful charm, almost like a Mini Cooper with a modern twist.

Its compact size and rounded edges give it a friendly, approachable vibe, while the clean lines and minimalist design make it look refreshingly contemporary. The front end features a simple yet quirky face, with sleek LED headlights that blend into the grille, giving it a futuristic touch.

And let’s not forget the proportions—it’s small, boxy, and built for the city. Perfect for weaving through Singapore’s tight roads, squeezing into HDB parking lots, and making U-turns without sweating bullets. Some might say it looks a bit toy-like, but hey, who doesn’t love a fun-sized, easy-to-drive car?

What’s on the inside?

Here’s a little 360° view of the interior for your panning pleasure. Take your time—spin it around, admire every angle, and soak in all that compact charm.

Once you’ve had your fill, go on—scroll down and let’s get back to business.

Modern Luxuries in a Budget Car? Really?

The Dongfeng Box may be a budget-friendly electric vehicle (EV), but step inside and you’ll quickly realise—it’s far from basic. In fact, it packs in features you’d typically find in cars costing twice as much.

For starters, the massive 12-inch infotainment screen takes centre stage, giving you a crisp, modern interface for all your media, navigation and controls. The padded quilt panels on the doors and dashboard is another unexpected luxury, making the interior feel far more refined than the usual hard plastic you get in entry-level cars.

Even small details get attention—the glovebox is meticulously designed, showing that Dongfeng didn’t just slap together an interior and call it a day.

Wireless charging? Check. Ambient lighting that you can set to any colour you want? Check too.

There’s even a ventilated driver’s seat—a godsend in Singapore’s heat. Just tap a button on the infotainment screen to turn it on, sending cool breeze right into your back and backside. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function—something almost unheard of in budget cars.

Even the window sliders look refined and atas. Again, absolutely unexpected for an entry level car.

Surprisingly Spacious Inside

Despite its small footprint, the Box comfortably seats five adults—yes, five, not just four with the middle passenger suffering in silence. There’s plenty of legroom for everyone, making it a rare find among compact hatchbacks.

In many small cars, it’s always a tug of war between front and rear passengers for leg space. If the front seats are pushed back, the rear passengers get their knees squashed. But in the Dongfeng Box, that’s not a problem. Even with the front seats fully slid back, rear passengers still get ample legroom to stretch out—no need to sit with knees tucked up like you’re on a budget airline.

Little Car, Big Package

The Dongfeng Box is surprisingly well-equipped with all the latest technology too.

• LFP Battery for longevity – Battery degradation is one of the biggest concerns for EV owners, but this car uses a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, which lasts longer, degrades slower, and can be charged to a higher percentage without worry.
• 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels – Not just for show, these wheels help with efficiency and handling.
• Built-in TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) – Warns you when your tyre pressure is low. I’ve often seen clueless drivers driving around oblivious that they have a punctured tyre. This will prevent you from being that driver.
• A full suite of safety features – Whether you’re a new driver or just prefer extra peace of mind, this car has a safety package that’s rare at this price:
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Front Collision Warning
  • Brake Force Distribution
  • And the insane 540-degree camera (yes, 540 degrees—not a typo!). Unlike regular 360-degree cameras, this one can also show views above and below the car, giving you unmatched visibility.
• Automated Parking Assist – Parking can be stressful, especially for newer drivers. Luckily, the Dongfeng Box is small and nimble, making it easier to fit into tight spots. But if you still need help? The automated parking system—a feature once exclusive to high-end luxury cars—takes over and does the job for you.

Driving Experience and Comfort – Small but Mighty

For a compact city car, the Dongfeng Box delivers a surprisingly enjoyable drive—easy, nimble, and stress-free, perfect for Singapore’s roads.

Ultra-Nimble Handling

With a turning diameter of less than 11 metres, the Box is an absolute breeze to manoeuvre. Whether you’re squeezing through tight antiqued HDB car parks, making a U-turn on a narrow road, or navigating a crowded shopping mall drop-off, this car makes it effortless.

Peppy Performance for Its Size

Despite being a budget EV, the Box doesn’t feel sluggish. The electric motor is more than powerful enough for a car of this size and weight, delivering zippy acceleration that makes city driving fun. Engage Sports Mode, and the car feels even livelier. I have to confess, I spent most of my time driving in Sports Mode because it’s that good.

Braking – A Small Quirk

One thing to note—I feel that the hydraulic brakes don’t always kick in early enough. In normal braking situations, you might find the car coasting a little further than expected due to its regenerative braking that does not seem to scale up proportionally as you brake harder. The way to get work around this is to press the pedal deeper to engage the hydraulic brakes. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to get used to, especially if you’re accustomed to cars with more immediate braking feedback.

Comfort and Suspension – Surprisingly Composed

The Box’s suspension tuning is a pleasant surprise. It soaks up bumps and road imperfections well without being overly soft or floaty. There’s minimal lateral movement, meaning you won’t feel like you’re swaying around in your seat every time you take a turn.

That said, if you push the car really hard into fast corners, you’ll start to feel the suspension struggling to keep up, and body roll becomes noticeable. But let’s be real—this car isn’t built for tackling the famous Singapore 99 bends, and for normal driving, the suspension does its job admirably.

Ride with me on the Dongfeng Box

Here’s a short driving clip from inside the Dongfeng Box.

Put on your headphones, sit back, and take in the cabin ambiance, the quiet hum of the EV motor, and the way it handles the road. Whether it’s the near-silent acceleration or how well the suspension deals with bumps, this clip gives you a real feel of what it’s like behind the wheel.

Enjoy the ride!

Final Thoughts – More Than Just a Budget EV

The Dongfeng Box may be positioned as an entry-level EV, but it delivers far more than you’d expect. It’s incredibly easy to drive, making it a perfect choice for new or inexperienced drivers, while still offering plenty of modern comforts for those who appreciate the finer details.

For a car in this price range, it punches well above its weight with a feature-packed interior, including a large infotainment screen, ambient lighting, ventilated seats, and even electric seat adjustments with memory—features usually reserved for pricier models.

And let’s not forget the spaciousness—despite its compact exterior, it fits five adults comfortably with plenty of legroom for both front and rear passengers. No more fighting for space like you’re on a budget airline.

Driving-wise, the Box is stress-free and nimble, making tight parking lots and city roads a breeze. It’s zippy enough, handles well, and comes with impressive safety features, including a 540-degree camera and automated parking assist—something you don’t often see in this segment.

So, if you’re looking for an affordable, feature-packed, and practical EV that’s easy to live with, the Dongfeng Box is definitely worth considering. It proves that budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean boring or basic—and for that, it deserves some serious attention.

Key Figures

Battery Capacity	42.3 kWh (LFP)
Range (Measurement standard not stated)	430 km
Torque	160 Nm
Power	70 kW (94bhp)
Boot Space	326 – 945 L
Price (with COE)	S$ 148,888 (Jan 2025)

Book a test drive with Volt Auto (Singapore Authorised Distributor for Dongfeng Motor)