The Dongfeng Box is an all-electric compact hatchback (classified overseas as a Light Hatchback EV) developed by Dongfeng Motor for the global market, primarily positioned as an urban commuter. It is marketed domestically in China as the "Dongfeng Nammi 01" and unified as the DONGFENG BOX in overseas markets; the export model corresponds to the Nammi 01 rather than the earlier, smaller Dongfeng EV Nano BOX. As a cornerstone of Dongfeng Motor’s global new-energy strategy, the Dongfeng Box has been exported to over 20 countries and regions including the Netherlands, Chile, Belarus, Singapore, and Malaysia, with cumulative exports exceeding 10,000 units as of 2026.
In terms of dimensions, the Dongfeng Box measures 4,030 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, and 1,570 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,660 mm. It features a 5-door, 5-seater hatchback body style, offering a standard boot capacity of 326 litres, expandable to 945 litres with the rear seats folded down. Kerb weight is approximately 1,235 kg depending on the battery configuration. Pricing-wise, the domestic Nammi 01 carries an official retail price range of RM65,700 to RM79,700; in New Zealand, it was introduced with a limited-time promotional starting price of NZD 29,990 (approx. RM120,000) against a standard price of NZD 32,990; while Singapore offers an "Early Turnover Scheme" price starting from HKD 148,000.
The exterior styling of the Dongfeng Box adopts a friendly and chic design language. Up front, it features a closed-off grille flanked by full-width LED daytime running lights and triangular headlamps, while the lower bumper air intake is accented with subtle "fang" garnishes for a playful yet rounded aesthetic. At the rear, distinctive 3D oval LED tail lamps are positioned on both corners, complemented by lower black bumper cladding for a touch of sportiness. In profile, frameless doors, flush pop-out door handles, and an available two-tone body finish give the hatchback a contemporary and premium flair. Selected export markets offer six exterior colour themes, including an Electric Green finish paired with a contrasting white roof.
Inside, the Dongfeng Box mirrors its quirky exterior charm. The cabin takes a "cosy living room" theme, trimmed in dual-tone leatherette upholstery with diamond quilted stitching. The dashboard is headlined by a floating 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with a living-room-inspired interface—tapping the graphic "floor lamp" adjusts ambient lighting, while tapping the "vinyl turntable" launches Bluetooth audio streaming. A sliding drawer-style glovebox adds a clever touch of practicality. Other amenities include 32-colour ambient lighting and a frameless rear-view mirror. Designers have also integrated playful easter eggs across the glasshouse, including a mini car outline on the front windscreen and tropical palm trees with birds on the rear glass.
The Dongfeng Box is powered by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor in a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout. The motor delivers a maximum output of 70 kW (approx. 95 PS) and 160 Nm of peak torque, achieving a top speed of 140 km/h. Drivers can choose between Eco, Normal, and Sport drive modes, along with three levels of regenerative braking (Low, Medium, and High) to tailor deceleration to their preference.
Energy is stored in a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, available in two capacities: a 31.45 kWh standard-range variant and a 42.3 kWh extended-range variant. On the CLTC cycle, the standard version delivers a driving range of 330 km, while the extended-range version provides up to 430 km; the New Zealand-spec export model is rated at 317 km under the WLTP test cycle. Energy consumption is rated as low as 10.6 kWh/100 km.
Charging-wise, the range supports both AC normal charging and DC fast charging. With DC fast charging rated at around 60 kW, a 30% to 80% state of charge (SoC) top-up takes just 30 minutes, while AC charging operates at 6.6 kW. In addition, the Dongfeng Box features a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) power output function, enabling it to power outdoor electrical appliances such as camping equipment.
Underneath, the Dongfeng Box is built on a monocoque chassis featuring MacPherson strut independent front suspension and a torsion beam semi-independent rear suspension. The chassis setup is tuned for ride comfort, soaking up road undulations with commendable compliance without feeling floaty. The front suspension performs remarkably well over road blemishes, standing out among entry-level competitors. However, the rear torsion beam can transmit noticeable jolts into the cabin over rougher road surfaces, mildly affecting rear-seat comfort.
Steering is managed by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system tuned with a light weighting suitable for effortless city driving. The 2026 model offers three selectable steering weight modes for tailored driver preference. The braking package comprises front and rear ventilated disc brakes, paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold function. It rides on 215/55 R17 tyres. Overall, the chassis tuning is tailored specifically for urban convenience and relaxed commuting.
The Dongfeng Box balances tech connectivity with everyday practicality. The central display integrates navigation, Bluetooth, and multimedia, alongside wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. The infotainment system also incorporates an intelligent voice assistant for hands-free climate and audio adjustments, complemented by a full-digital LCD instrument cluster. Note that in selected export markets, "wireless" smartphone connectivity requires a dedicated USB dongle rather than native software integration.
In terms of convenience features, higher-spec variants come equipped with ventilated and heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a wireless smartphone charger, and a 540-degree panoramic camera system (including a transparent underbody view). The air-conditioning system provides robust cooling performance, though rear passenger air vents are absent. While the rear bench seats three across, space is compact and ideally suited for two adults. Furthermore, the rear bench folds down as a single piece rather than a 60:40 split, and does not lie completely flush with the boot floor.
Safety equipment on the Dongfeng Box has undergone continuous enhancements. The body structure utilises high-strength steel with 980 MPa reinforcements across vital load paths, engineered in strict accordance with international ASIL-D functional safety standards. Notably, the 2026 model received a major safety revision, introducing side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags to boost the airbag count from the previous two to a total of six (dual front, dual front side, and dual curtain airbags). The car secured a 3-star rating in Euro NCAP crash assessments.
For active safety, the Dongfeng Box is equipped with a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Key highlights include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Auto Parking Assist (APA), and a 540-degree surround-view monitor with transparent chassis view. This suite is notably comprehensive for an entry-level EV, offering safety features that punch above its price point.
The Dongfeng Box has posted solid sales figures both in China and internationally. Domestically, the Dongfeng Nammi 01 was launched in September 2024 and quickly became a top seller in the A0-segment EV market, consistently ranking among the top two models in its class. Its predecessor from 2022, the Dongfeng EV Nano BOX (an early compact crossover), garnered over 10,577 bookings within 24 hours of launch, delivering over 3,200 units in its debut month before exceeding 5,000 units the following month.
In export markets, the Dongfeng Box has expanded into New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, Argentina, and Spain. In January 2026, Dongfeng Motor opened dedicated showrooms across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, officially introducing the Box to the New Zealand market as a right-hand-drive EV. In May 2026, Dongfeng held a brand launch in Buenos Aires, Argentina, introducing the Box alongside the MAGE HEV and HUGE HEV. In April 2026, Dongfeng Import and Export Corporation secured fleet orders exceeding 1,000 units in Spain, comprising the Box, Vigo, and MAGE.
In terms of user reception, the Dongfeng Box has garnered positive feedback for its strong value proposition (low purchase and running costs), interior packaging (class-leading wheelbase and boot volume), and segment-exceeding features (Level 2 ADAS, 540-degree camera, wireless charging). On the flip side, criticisms have centred on its three-star ANCAP/Euro NCAP rating (particularly on pre-2026 models fitted with only two airbags), firm rear torsion beam ride over rough roads, minor interior trim fitment details, and the lack of a driver monitoring system.
From a strategic standpoint, the Dongfeng Box serves as a flagship model spearheading Dongfeng Motor's global new-energy expansion. Spanning price points from the domestic RM60,000 tier to the overseas NZD 30,000 bracket, it raises the bar for technology and safety in the entry-level EV segment, offering global car buyers an attractive, easy-to-drive, and accessible electric mobility solution while putting the concept of "tech democratisation" into practice.
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