PETALING JAYA: Price-wise, the Neta V electric SUV from China's Hozon Auto may not have the same shock effect as the BYD Seagull unveiled at Auto Shanghai recently. But Malaysians will certainly be drawn to the compact electric SUV because it is set to be the first battery electric vehicle (BEV) in the country to drop below RM100,000, seen as the psychological threshold for greater EV uptake.
The Neta V is priced at RM99,800 (on-the road without insurance), making it the cheapest electric vehicle (EV) in Malaysia followed by the Ora Good Cat at just under RM140,000. It was launched today during media day on the eve of the May 4-7 Malaysia Autoshow 2023.
The Neta V is available for pre-order now with a RM1,000 booking fee, with deliveries expected to begin in Q3 this year.
The five-seater is designed as a city car though it has enough range to get one from Petaling Jaya to Ipoh but not enough to Johor Baru or Georgetown without a charging stop.
The car is powered by a 38.5kWh CATL ternary lithium battery pack, which provides a range of up to 380km (NEDC cycle, closer to 300km on more realistic WLTP cycle) on a single charge. Its front electric motor produces up to 95kW of power and peak torque of 160Nm, which allows the Neta V to accelerate from 0 to 50kph in 3.9 seconds.
READ MORE: Neta EVs to be assembled in Thailand for S-E Asian market
Top speed is 120kph. The Neta V supports both fast and slow charging, and through battery management system optimisation, charging time can be shortened. DC fast charging from 30-80% takes 30 mins; AC home charging from 0 to 100% requires 8 hours.
The car's interior features a modern, minimalist design and advanced technology, including a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen that supports Android and Apple iPhones. Seats are upholstered in leatherette, with front seats getting 4-way adjustments. Boot volume is 335 litres.
The Neta V comes with a range of safety features such as adaptive cruise control, ABS, EBD, EPB, EHB, and dual airbags.
The EV has a vehicle-to-load function that allows it to charge small electrical devices at 3.3kW during outdoor activities.
The car is 4,070mm long, 1,690mm wide and 1,540mm tall with a 2,420mm wheelbase. It is fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels and has a curb weight of 1,151kg.
The Neta V is packaged with 10 years or up to 200,000km for body warranty, 5 years or up to 150,000km for general part warranty, and 8 years or up to 180,000km, for the battery warranty.
No frunk here.
"We are thrilled to introduce the Neta V to the Malaysian market. The Neta V is not only environmentally friendly but also stylish and packed with advanced features that we believe Malaysian drivers will love," said Hozon New Energy Auto (Overseas Division) vice president Wang Chengjie.
GoAuto Group chief strategy officer Mohd Norazli Mohd Salleh said the Neta V has the potential to create a buzz and excitement in Malaysia.
"With its advanced features, sleek design, and competitive price, we hope to make electric vehicles more accessible to all Malaysians.”
For the first 100 customers who booked the car online during the auto show period, they will receive an attractive RM10,000 rebate.
The Neta V is distributed by Go Auto subsidiary Intro Synergy Sdn Bhd.
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