Dongfeng Vigo: The Perfect Picnic-SUV?
Is the Dongfeng Vigo the ideal electric SUV for your next picnic adventure?
The Dongfeng Vigo is the latest addition to New Zealand's electric vehicle (EV) market, and it's making waves with its unique features and competitive pricing. This compact SUV is designed to cater to the largest new-vehicle segment in the country, offering a blend of luxury and practicality. But is it the perfect picnic-SUV? Let's dive in and explore.
A Balancing Act
The Vigo is a pure-electric SUV with a 52kWh LFP battery, a single 120kW/230Nm motor driving the front wheels, and a WLTP range of 340km. It boasts an impressive peak charging rate of 167kW. While it belongs to a small segment in the new-vehicle market, it aims to balance this by offering a luxurious standard-equipment list for a budget small-SUV.
Luxurious Features
The Vigo comes equipped with LED lights, 6-way power-adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger, climate control with rear-seat outlets, ambient interior lighting, a 12.8-inch infotainment screen, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. These features make it a standout in its class.
Cabin Space and Versatility
Dongfeng emphasizes the cabin space and cargo-area versatility of the Vigo. With a length of 4.3m, the Vigo has a generous wheelbase, providing ample accommodation for both front and rear passengers. The flat floor in the back makes it even more welcoming for picnics and camping.
The boot is also impressively large, offering 500 litres of space. However, it's divided into multiple compartments, with the top layer providing 313l, a second compartment underneath at 115l, and a final cargo area at the bottom with 72l. The novel split tailgate allows for easy access and supports 150kg, making it perfect for picnics.
Picnic-Ready Features
The Vigo is equipped with features that make it ideal for picnics. You can play music from your Android phone via the external speaker, and the Camp Mode maintains a comfortable 25°C inside even when the vehicle is off and locked. This mode provides a continuous power supply and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability via an optional $440 adaptor for the charge port.
Safety Concerns
While the Vigo hasn't been ANCAP tested, it carries 5-star approval from New Zealand's VSRR. Dongfeng emphasizes the Vigo's 5-star Vehicle Safety Risk Rating (VSRR), which is a significant safety feature.
Pricing and Launch Offer
The Vigo is priced at $39,990 for the single model, with a launch offer applying a $2k discount until the end of April, making it available for $37,990. This pricing strategy aims to offer parity with ICE models without compromising on equipment.
Quick and Calming
The Vigo is quick enough, accelerating from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds. However, it's also designed to be a calming machine around town, with the electric motor calibrated for a gentle takeoff. This makes it suitable for driving away from traffic lights with brio without feeling silly.
Town Car Characteristics
While the Vigo is quick, it's more of a town car. The steering is super-light, and the chassis doesn't handle tight turns on rural roads well, leading to understeer. The suspension also lacks control on bumpy roads, which is to be expected for a vehicle designed for urban driving and maximum ride comfort.
Conclusion
The Dongfeng Vigo is a compelling electric SUV that offers a blend of luxury, practicality, and picnic-ready features. While it may not be the perfect vehicle for every driver, it's an excellent option for those seeking an affordable, feature-rich compact SUV. With its launch offer and complementary accessories, the Vigo is definitely worth considering for your next picnic adventure.
What do you think? Is the Dongfeng Vigo the perfect picnic-SUV for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
