Dongfeng Nammi Box EV: More than just its 'bubble gum' looks

Imagine a sub-compact, hatchback electric vehicle that has a soft, powder blue color.

Then, imagine it with soft lines, a frameless door, a leather-and-stitch interior, and crystal LED lights, with a 17-inch “shooting star” wheel with a recessed door handle.

Inside, visualize a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen that has a default dainty motif that features a cat sitting on a couch by a lampshade and radio that spews cute sayings like “a good listener is a silent flatterer.”

That's what you get from Chinese car giant Dongfeng that feels very "manga," at least in its visuals.

By the looks of it, the Nammi Box EV would suit young women. College or professional types who can afford to escape the daily commuting ordeal—and its P1,238,000 price tag.

But that would be pigeonholing young women, or the car itself, which offers far more than its appearance.

Its motor automatically starts and stops by unlocking and locking the key fob, respectively. Lights automatically turn on at the hint of darkness. It has 360-degree cameras.

It takes some time to get used to the gear selector placed behind the wheel, which was usually reserved for the windshield wiper. It also has the hazard button up by the light switch next to the rearview mirror.

Nammi Box's Driver console.

Ride

This writer took it to Tagaytay one weekend via Skyway and CALAX, where the Nammi Box held its ground against other vehicles making the trip out of town.

Drive was smooth. And because it runs on electricity, which cuts the extra time needed to burn fuel, the response was instantaneous. Maximum torque is 160 newton meters and could run 0-100 kilometers in 12.5 seconds.

Not bad, considering its quick response.

Wasn’t sure, though, if going too fast made it consume more power. Because when we left Quezon City, it still had 94% juice. And by the time we arrived at Royal Parc Hotel just near the rotonda, it dropped to 53 %.

Now there were two charging stations nearby. One at Serin Mall and the other at Robinsons. But topping the charge off at that level may not be the best idea. So, we went back home with all the intention to charge in a nearby mall somewhere.

But to our pleasant surprise, it used up only 21%, taking the same exact way. At around 33%, the level was still way up to earn a visit to the charging station.

Nammi Box’s rather unimposing profile.

The next day, we hiked up to Antipolo. It used up 17% back and forth. Obviously, EV consumption was not an exact science. You just have to plan trips, especially out-of-town sorties, the way you plan them for driving petrol-fed vehicles.

If you use it in and around Metro Manila, my guess is that consumption would be far more manageable and would hardly affect the enjoyment of riding.

—VAL, GMA Integrated News