Dongfeng is growing its range in Europe and has just launched a compelling new entry-level EV to face off against the Citroen ë-C3 and other affordable electric models. It’s named the Nammi Box and will initially be available in Switzerland, where prices will kick off from CHF 21,990 (€ 23,000/US$ 25,500). The Nammi Box is underpinned by the carmaker’s S3 platform and driven by a compact 42.3 kWh battery pack. This battery drives a single electric motor with 94 hp. Dongfeng sells the Nammi Box with a smaller 31.5 kWh battery in China but has not mentioned bringing this pack to the Old Continent. There’s no information available about how quickly the battery can be charged, but Dongfeng has confirmed the car has a WLTP range of 311 km.
Visually, the EV has a compelling look
that could appeal to style-conscious European buyers. The front end sports a
simple lower grille section and a pair of split headlights connected with a
thin LED light bar. It has door handles that sit flush with the body and deploy
when needed, sports frameless windows, and can be ordered with a contrasting
white roof.
The interior looks to be well-appointed,
considering the car’s starting price. Positioned ahead of the driver is a
two-tone leather steering wheel and a small screen displaying important vehicle
details. Like pretty much all new cars nowadays, a large infotainment screen is
positioned in the center of the dashboard, while sitting below it are a pair of
sleek metal air vents. We’re particularly fond of the white quilted leather
stretching across the door panels and the lower half of the dashboard, and we
think it adds some luxury to the cabin.
A floating center console with plenty of
storage space and a single wireless phone charger enhance the cabin’s
practicality. Initially, Nammi Box models sold in Switzerland will be imported
from China. However, Dongfeng is in advanced talks with the Italian government
to open a factory in the country. If it does so, it could build the Nammi Box
there and avoid pricey EU import tariffs.
