Set to be launched in Malaysia later this year, the Hozon Neta V is set to be one of the cheapest electric vehicles (EVs) here, undercutting established models like the BYD Atto 3 and Hyundai Kona Electric.
But before the cheap EV arrives here, let’s take a look and see what reviewers have to say.
According to our colleagues over at Autofun Thailand, the design emphasizes aerodynamics, but with a 5-door concept.
Although not named after a dolphin (BYD Dolphin), the car’s design is inspired by the dolphin’s aerodynamic features, with rounded lines around the body, a 5-door body style to enhance usability.
Also Read: First sub-RM 100k EV in Malaysia? BYD Dolphin, up to 405 km range, 177 PS
For the Thai market, the Neta V gets the full LED treatment, including for the projector headlights, daytime running lights, and fog lights. Like any other modern-day EV, the interior is simple but functional, featuring a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment display.
Power for the Neta V comes from a single electric motor that does 95 PS and 150 Nm, juiced by a 38.5 kWh battery pack. It can return a range of up to 384 km under the NEDC test cycle.
According to Hozon, the Neta V can sprint from 0 to 50 km/h in 3.9 seconds, while the century sprint is completed in a leisurely 14.17 seconds. Top speed is rated at 124 km/h.
Yes, the Neta V’s top speed is just marginally higher than our national highway speeds, considerably lower than rivals like the BYD Atto 3 (160 km/h) and Hyundai Kona Electric (155 km/h).
Our colleagues over at Autofun Thailand also added that the suspension is tuned on the softer side, which is ideal for city driving, but less so for long-distance, highway cruising. They also noted that the suspension feels a tad bit bouncy at times. The sidewalls of the stock tyres are on the firmer side, which Autofun Thailand said should be swapped out for better comfort.
Also Read: Your budget EV wish granted? Neta V teased for Malaysia, 384 km NEDC range, only RM 68k in Thailand
Meanwhile over in China, reviewers from Yiche noted that the Neta V is surprisingly agile, given its short wheelbase and low centre of gravity.
That said, at speeds above 70 km/h, Yiche noted that the NVH gets louder. However, it is worth mentioning that the Neta V feels stable and planted when cruising at a speed of 90 km/h.
Yiche also pushed the Neta V till the battery was flat, returning 323.8 km, or 80.7 percent of the claimed range. That’s sufficient for a family’s weekly usage, and only requiring a charge once a week.
Autohome also reviewed the Neta V and they went on to elaborate on the interior, saying that the build quality and materials used to construct the cabin of the little EV feel cheap. Being an entry-level EV, there’s no soft touch materials on the dashboard, only hard plastics.
The Neta V, as mentioned earlier, has a digital instrument cluster. That said, according to Autohome, while the digital instrument cluster makes it easy for the driver to read, but its fixed layout means the information it can display is rather limited, especially when compared to a fully-digital cluster.
Moreoever, Autohome also touched on the portrait-style infotainment display. While it looks decent at a glance, diving into the menus reveal that the icons and user interface (UI) is rather dated, prompting Autohome to state that “youngers buyers don’t like the visual effect of “retro Android phones”.
All-in-all, reviewers suggest that the Neta V is a decent choice for someone that wants to try an EV without spending too much money, though it’s not without its shortcomings.
Also Read: Hozon confirms EV plans for Malaysia, Neta V launched in Thailand at RM 68k, does 384 km
Source: The Hozon Neta V could be Malaysia’s cheapest EV and here’s what Chinese and Thai reviewers say