Yet another new car manufacturer has
emerged out of China and this is its first vehicle, the Lingbao Box. It is
understood that the Lingbao brand forms part of Jiangsu Jimai New Energy
Vehicle Industry company and with the all-electric Box, it decided not to
launch an expensive and luxurious crossover like so many other Chinese
companies. Instead, it developed a small four-door electric hatchback that
looks like the offspring of a Mini and a Daewoo Matiz. It also closely
resembles the Honda N-One.
At the front, the Lingbao Box features a
faux grille and a set of simple round headlights and can be optioned with
horizontal LED daytime running lights at the base of the front bumper. It all
looks rather unassuming and very ‘boxy’, so the name is appropriate.
The rear-end is just as simple as the
front and includes round taillights and not much else. It’s also worth
mentioning that the car is fitted with wheels and tires so small they look like
they’ve been taken off a toy car.
Inside, things are very simple but there
does appear to be some technology. Most notably, there is a large tablet-like
infotainment screen sitting in the dashboard as well as a vertical gear
shifter. The Lingbao Box also sports analog gauges and a three-spoke steering
wheel.
It is understood the Box is powered by a
single electric motor delivering 61 hp and 150 Nm of torque that
drives the front wheels. Providing the motor with juice is a compact 18 kWh
battery pack that’s reportedly good for 150 km of range.
Pricing details aren’t yet known but it is
understood the car will launch in the Chinese market later this quarter.
