We shut off our protection of the 2024 Bangkok Worldwide Motor Present (BIMS) with a automotive that’s on the lookout for some type of redemption. That is the Neta V-II, a closely revised model of the Neta V that was launched in Malaysia again in October.
The V sells fairly effectively in Thailand, however in Malaysia with its RM100,000 value ground for fully-imported EVs, the Chinese language electrical hatchback is discovering itself to be a little bit of a tough promote. Sure, it’s the most cost effective of its kind within the nation, however when a way more substantial and well-equipped BYD Dolphin is barely just a few hundred ringgit extra, you possibly can see why it hasn’t flown off the showroom ground. I imply, when was the final time you noticed one?
Consider the V-II, then, as an try and redress the steadiness considerably, giving the V a extra refined design and including a great deal of package that ought to’ve include the automotive within the first place. The reasonably bulbous form stays – as does a lot of the entrance finish, upswept window line and black D-pillars – however the brand new entrance bumper with a bigger “starlight” grille and (pretend) nook air inlets give the automotive a extra centered look.
However the greatest adjustments might be discovered on the rear, the place the gawky inverted L-shaped taillights have given method to way more agreeable full-width items, sitting above a cleaner rear bumper with slimmer reflectors. Chrome accents across the decrease perimeter full the outside revisions.
There are fewer visible updates on the within, which remains to be blocky wanting and options the headline 14.6-inch portrait touchscreen, a slimline 12-inch instrument show and a floating centre console. You do, nevertheless, get a slew of recent features, together with the addition of Apple CarPlay (no Android Auto, sadly) and a Qi wi-fi charger. However maybe the largest enchancment is the inclusion of peak adjustment for the entrance seats, addressing a key grievance of the outgoing mannequin. The steering column remains to be fastened, nevertheless.
One other space the place the V-II will get a considerable improve is by way of security. You get loads of driver assists on the high-spec Good variant the place there beforehand was none, together with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise management with cease and go, a entrance departure alert and computerized excessive beam. You continue to solely get two airbags, nevertheless, so crash security nonetheless isn’t this automotive’s sturdy go well with.
There wasn’t something significantly improper with how the Neta V truly drove, so the mechanicals have been left effectively alone. The V-II continues to be powered by a single entrance motor that produces 95 PS (70 kW) and 150 Nm of torque, and regardless of a barely smaller 36.1 kWh battery, the vary has truly elevated barely to 382 km, nonetheless on the lenient NEDC cycle.
The place the V-II nonetheless has a bonus over its quick competitors is in charging. It could possibly settle for as much as 100 kW of DC quick charging, topping up the battery from 30 to 80% in half-hour; AC charging, in the meantime, takes eight hours for a full cost utilizing a 6.6 kW wallbox. The V-II can also be notable in that it contains a vehicle-to-load operate at as much as 3.3 kW.
Regardless of the redesign and added package, the beginning value has been retained at 549,000 baht (RM71,200) for the bottom Lite model, rising as much as 569,000 baht (RM73,800) for the Good. Will the Neta V-II come to Malaysia quickly? We actually hope so, and the beginning of CKD native meeting within the first quarter of subsequent 12 months looks as if an ideal alternative to introduce it, permitting it to be priced beneath RM100,000 for the primary time.
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