On January 6, the five-door Wuling Hongguang Mini EV opened for pre-reservation, accompanied by a range of enticing incentives. What’s more significant is the emergence of new details about this vehicle, which, for some reason, is referred to as a four-door in China. One thing is clear: the second-generation Mini EV, especially in its five-door guise, is a far more practical and user-friendly car compared to its first-generation predecessor.
The second-generation Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is available in both three-door and five-door versions, and it has grown considerably in size compared to the first generation. Both the 3-door and 5-door models share the same dimensions: 3256 mm in length, 1510 mm in width, and 1578 mm in height. The wheelbase measures 2190 mm, and the minimum turning radius is a mere 4.5 meters.
The first-generation car had a rather boxy appearance. In contrast, the second generation sports a much more curvaceous design, with a rounded front face and a closed front grille, giving it a more modern and aesthetically pleasing look.
One of the most glaring issues with the first-generation car was the near-nonexistent trunk space. This meant that if you needed to carry any items, you had to fold down one or both of the rear seats. However, the new five-door version addresses this problem with a trunk space of 123 liters, providing enough room for a decent amount of shopping. When the rear seats are folded down, the storage capacity expands significantly to 745 liters. Additionally, the car is equipped with 19 storage compartments scattered throughout the interior, offering convenient storage solutions for various items.
Buyers are presented with a choice of three so-called “fantasy Haute Couture” colors: Bubble Green, Puffed Blue, and Sweet Coffee. These colors are achieved through a meticulous 7-coat process, ensuring a high-quality and durable finish. Inside, the car features what Wuling calls a burnt cream interior color, creating an ambiance reminiscent of a delicious crème brûlée.
The overall level of sophistication of this vehicle has been significantly enhanced. Inside the cabin, you’ll find an electronic parking brake with an auto hold function, adding convenience and ease of use. There’s also an 8-inch floating infotainment screen that comes with useful features such as a reversing camera and rear reversing radar, making parking and maneuvering a breeze. Moreover, the car is equipped with non-inductive entry and locking systems, as well as intelligent power on and off functionality, adding a touch of modernity and convenience.
Wuling has also developed a mobile app for the car, which offers a range of features. Owners can check the vehicle’s status, remotely control the door locks, start the vehicle, and even remotely start the air conditioner. Additionally, they can schedule charging, all of which are a far cry from the basic nature of the first-generation car.
In terms of safety, the first-generation Mini EV gradually improved from having no airbags to one, and then two airbags. It seems that the second-generation Mini EV will come with two airbags right from the start. The car features a ring-shaped cage body, and the proportion of high-strength steel used in its construction reaches an impressive 67%. It also comes equipped with an ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system, enhancing the vehicle’s stability and safety on the road.
The second-generation Mini EV is powered by Wuling’s self-developed Shenlian battery, which boasts a multifunctional integrated structure and non-igniting cell technology. The 16.2 kWh battery pack provides the car with a range of 205 km, measured according to the CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle). With fast charging capabilities, the battery can be charged from 30% to 80% state of charge (SoC) in just 35 minutes.
The vehicle rides on the new Tianyu S platform and is powered by a TZ155XZ230 electric motor, delivering a maximum output of 30 kW. The top speed of the car is limited to 100 km/h, making it suitable for urban and suburban driving.
