Wuling has revealed new photos of its tiny
electric vehicle and its official name. Those who are up to speed with Wuling’s
lineup probably saw this coming: it’s called the Hongguang Mini EV. That’s
because the Hongguang name is also used on Wuling’s MPVs.
The official photos only showed the
exterior of the diminutive EV but now the Chinese brand has revealed new shots
that give us a first peek inside the cabin as well. Wuling has also released
the dimensions of the car and they’re definitely not consistent with our idea
of how big a four-seat vehicle can be. You see, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is
only 2,917-mm long, 1,493-mm wide and 1,621-mm high. The wheelbase is said to measure 1,940 mm.
Despite that, it somehow offers four seats
and Wuling goes as far as describing the interior as “surprisingly roomy”. The
carmaker says it took inspiration from Japan’s kei cars which are small on the
outside yet quite spacious inside. The photos reveal “the trick” Wuling applied
and that’s placing the rear bench seat where the cargo compartment would have
been. Basically, this means the Mini EV can either transport four passengers
and no luggage or two passengers plus luggage.
That’s because the rear bench seat can
fold flat to create more than 740 liters of cargo space – when
loaded up to the roof. According to the Chinese carmaker, that’s enough room to
accommodate two 26-inch suitcases or a baby stroller. The Wuling Hongguang Mini
EV also offers 12 storage compartments, including cup holders.
The interior of Wuling’s
first EV adopts a rather minimalist and functional approach. The dashboard
features a digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel as well as climate
control and audio switches further to the right. There is no center console,
with the selector dial for the transmission being placed between the front
seats.
Wuling did not reveal information about
the Mini EV’s powertrain but Carnewschina claims it packs a 27 HP electric
motor fed by a 13.82 kWh battery. While the top speed of only 100 km/h legally allows it to drive on the highway, most owners will probable never
venture beyond city limits. Wuling will launch the boxy Hongguang Mini EV on the
Chinese market in the third-quarter of 2020.