Wuling Hongguang Mini EV Goes Five-Door: More Space, Same Iconic Charm

The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, a car that has carved out a unique niche in the global mini new energy vehicle market, just got a whole lot more practical. SGMW, the joint venture behind this urban icon, recently rolled out a new five-door version of the Hongguang Mini EV, hitting the market with three trims and an enticing starting price of just 6,200 USD.

This isn’t just another small EV. The Hongguang Mini EV has already achieved legendary status, with cumulative sales exceeding 1.5 million units by January 31st this year. That’s roughly one unit sold every 90 seconds, making it the undisputed leader in its segment. It’s hard to argue with those numbers, and this new five-door model looks set to continue that impressive run.

More Room to Roam

Built on the Tianyu Architecture-S platform, the five-door Hongguang Mini EV stretches out a bit compared to its three-door sibling. It measures 3256mm long, 1510mm wide, and 1578mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2190mm. That translates to more interior space, and a seriously impressive 19 storage compartments dotted throughout the cabin. While the! 2024 Wuling Hongguang Mini EV three-door version measured 3064mm long with a 2010mm wheelbase, this new five-door iteration offers a standard trunk capacity of 123 liters, expandable to a cavernous 745 liters with the rear seats folded down. For a compact city car, that’s a game-changer for daily usability, whether you’re hauling groceries or weekend gear.

Sweet Aesthetics and Smart Tech

Design-wise, the five-door model embraces what Wuling calls “sweet aesthetics.” Think a friendly “smiley” front face and an interior awash in a “caramel cream” color scheme, complete with “cute cat paw” seats. It’s certainly something distinct. You can pick from three exterior colors: bubble green, puffy blue, and sweet coffee, all finished with a seven-coating process for a vibrant look.

Inside, the cabin takes a step up with a 7-inch floating instrument panel and an 8-inch floating central control screen, adding a dash of modern tech to the playful interior. Physical control knobs and air-conditioning outlets remain, as does the comfortable two-spoke steering wheel. Don’t forget the creature comforts either, like Bluetooth, a radio, and two speakers for your tunes.

Effortless Electric Performance and Charging

Under the hood, or rather, at the rear, the Hongguang Mini EV houses an electric motor pumping out a respectable 30 kW (40 hp). This power package is paired with a 16.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack, delivering a CLTC range of 205 km and a top speed of 100 km/h. Perfect for navigating urban landscapes and short commutes without range anxiety weighing you down. Fast charging is available too, taking the battery from 30% to 80% in just 35 minutes, while a full slow charge from 20% to 100% takes a leisurely 4.8 hours. This flexibility in charging options is a significant win for daily practicality.

Connected and Safe for City Living

Beyond just getting you from A to B, this Mini EV offers some clever connected features. You can remotely control various functions via your mobile phone, including checking the vehicle’s condition, locking/unlocking doors, starting the car and even the air conditioner, and scheduling charging. This kind of convenience makes ownership incredibly easy.

Safety hasn’t been overlooked either. It comes equipped with hill start assist, an electronic stability control system, and an anti-braking system, providing peace of mind whether you’re tackling inclines or navigating tricky city traffic. The focus here is on a reliable, functional, and adorable package that makes city driving a joy.