Dongfeng introduced the Box, sold as the Nammi 01 in China, as a compact electric hatchback for urban buyers. The model is already on sale in parts of Europe, including Switzerland and Norway.
While a UK launch has not been confirmed, the Box is an example of how Chinese brands are targeting Europe’s affordable EV segment with a competitive range and generous equipment levels.
We recently spent some time with the global-spec model to see what it offers, and even discovered a few of its easter eggs!
Design
The Box is a compact five-door hatchback with clean surfaces and a rounded appearance. The vehicle offers seating for four adults and a spacious cabin for its size.
It has a rounded hatchback design with clean body surfaces and a modern look. Slim LED lighting elements feature at the front and rear, while the upright profile helps maximise cabin space. Buyers can choose between standard and two-tone exterior finishes, with alloy wheels fitted across the range.
Depending on the variant, buyers can choose between standard body colours and a two-tone finish featuring a contrasting roof. Alloy wheels are standard across the range.
Interior
In the international markets, the cabin has a simple layout, and all variants feature a 12-inch central touchscreen infotainment display, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless smartphone charging and multiple driving modes, including Normal, Eco and Sport.
The entry-level variant comes equipped with a four-speaker audio system, while higher-spec grades upgrade to six speakers. Automatic air conditioning is available on selected variants, while all versions include a pollen filtration system.
Other features include automatic parking, a 360-degree panoramic camera, adaptive cruise control, auto hold and a multifunction steering wheel.
Experience in the Box
Walking up to the Dongfeng Box, it immediately gave me small-car, MINI-like vibes. Settling into the front seat was easy, and I liked that the steering wheel did not sit too low, which can be an issue in cars of this size.
With the electrically adjustable driver’s seat set to my usual position, I had more than 10 cm of headroom, and outward visibility was very good for a small hatchback.
That said, the front seat felt one size small for my 6-foot frame. The back support was good, and I could find a comfortable position, but I would have liked a wider seat base, longer under-thigh support and a wider dead pedal.
My UK size 11.5 shoes are larger than average, but I still felt the dead pedal could be bigger.
The front cabin is where the Box impresses. The colours, textures and material combinations give it a lively, premium feel, and the way the dashboard flows into the door cards creates a cocooning effect.
The wireless charging pad, large centre console, storage areas and tactile steering-wheel buttons also add practicality. However, most functions are still screen-based, and the C-Pillar blind spot is wider than usual for a car of this size.
The rear seat is less comfortable for someone my height and dimensions. I had to duck and squeeze in because the rear door aperture is narrow for my frame.
With the front seat set to my position, my knees were almost touching the seatback, only half of my shoes slid under the front seat, and I had about 7-8 cm of headroom.
The flat floor helps, and average adults should manage short city trips, but it is not a comfortable rear seat for a six-footer. The bench does not split, there is no recline function, the fixed headrests could be higher, and I would have liked a rear quarter glass, and a fold out armrest.
Specifications
The Box measures 4,020 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width and 1,570 mm in height. Wheelbase measures 2,663 mm.
A front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor produces 70 kW (95 PS) and 160 Nm of torque. Drive goes to the front wheels, while top speed is rated at 140 km/h (87 mph).
The Box is available with two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs. The E2 variant uses a 32.56 kWh battery pack with 230 km (143 miles) of WLTP range. E3 variants feature a larger 43.89 kWh battery pack and a claimed WLTP range of 310 km (193 miles).
The company says fast charging can replenish the battery to 80% in approximately 30 minutes. AC charging capacity is 3.3 kW for entry-level variants and 6.6 kW for higher-spec versions.
The Box uses a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. Disc brakes are fitted at both ends, while an electronic parking brake comes as standard.
Safety equipment includes an anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, hill-start assist, electronic stability control, brake assist and traction control. The Box scored a disappointing 3-star rating in last year’s EuroNCAP tests, and we expect Dongfeng engineers to beef up safety and address the structural spot-welds in future iterations.
Higher-spec variants add Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) and Highway Driving Assist.
Pricing
Dongfeng has not confirmed a UK launch for the Box, but if it arrives at an expected sub-£22,000 price point, it poses a serious threat to the Citroen e-C3, Hyundai Inster, and entry-level BYD Dolphin.
The Box easily stands out in this class; features like frameless doors, electric tailgate, and a luxury-mimicking cabin give it a premium edge. If Dongfeng can overcome the scrutiny of its recent three-star Euro NCAP safety rating, this stylish hatch has the makings of a disrupt in the affordable EV segment.
Trained as an automobile engineer, I’ve been following the global car market since 2005. Over the past 17 years, I’ve been involved in online automotive analysis and publishing, traveling the world to drive, evaluate, and experience new cars and technologies.
