2023 Neta V launched in Malaysia – 95 PS, 160 Nm, 380 km EV range; from RM100k; cheapest EV in Malaysia
The Neta V makes its official launch debut in Malaysia today after first being shown back in March this year. Distributed through Intro Synergy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GoAuto Group, the compact electric vehicle (EV) is priced at RM100,000 on-the-road without insurance.
Included with each purchase is a five-year, 150,000-km for general components, while the body is covered by a 10-year, 200,000-km warranty. The high-voltage components such as the battery and onboard charger are covered by an eight-year, 180,000-km warranty. We’re getting the pre-facelift version of the Neta V, which is visually slightly different from the updated model announced in China a few months ago – it also gets a new name (Aya) there.
If you’re curious about the dimensions, the Neta V measures 4,070 mm long, 1,690 mm wide, 1,540 mm tall and has a wheelbase spanning 2,420 mm. For context, the Perodua Myvi is 3,895 mm long, 1,735 mm wide, 1,515 mm tall and its wheelbase is 2,500 mm. The boot space is 335 litres, expandable to 552 litres with the rear seats folded down.
The Neta V is equipped with a CATL-sourced ternary lithium battery with an energy capacity of 38.54 kWh that is good for a range of 380 km following the NEDC standard. The battery powers a front-mounted electric motor rated at 95 PS (94 hp or 70 kW) and 160 Nm, which enables a top speed of 120 km/h and a 0-50 km/h acceleration time of 3.9 seconds.
Both AC (Type 2) and DC (CCS2) charging are supported, the latter taking 30 minutes to get from a 20-80% state of charge at 100 kW. As for AC charging, it maxes out at 6.6 kW, with a full charge taking eight hours.
The Neta V’s kit list includes 16-inch alloys (with 185/55 profile tyres), automatic halogen projector headlamps, LED DRLs, LED taillights, keyless entry and start, leatherette seat upholstery, a 12-inch digital instrument panel, automatic air-conditioning with a HEPA N95 air filter, an electronic parking brake and a reverse camera.
On the infotainment front, there’s a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, with audio playback handled by a six-speaker sound system. Users will also be able to project their phone screen to the large, portrait-format screen should they wish. There’s also a dedicated USB port at the bottom of the rear-view mirror to power a dashcam.
In terms of safety equipment, the Neta V only comes with two airbags and the usual array of passive systems such as ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control and ESC. No active driver assistance systems such autonomous emergency braking and lane keep assist here, but you do get hill start assist, a tyre pressure monitor and passive cruise control.
Neta V buyers are also presented with two package options to complement their purchase. The first is called the EV Starter Package that includes a home charger (inclusive of installation), a vehicle-to-load (V2L) adapter, a powered tailgate, window tint film, an external air purifier, insurance and a body kit, the last of which is claimed to be exclusive to our market (pictured here).
Meanwhile, the second option is an interest-free package of up to seven years, which we’re told is being offered in conjunction with a local bank as a hire purchase scheme. However, this is subject to terms and conditions and only those who are qualified will be able to pick this option. We’re also told that those who do qualify can also add on the first package as a cost option.
For now, the Neta V is arriving as fully-imported (CBU) EV from China, but it will soon be a locally-assembled (CKD) one following Careplus’ announced partnership with GoAuto to set up an assembly plant in Negeri Sembilan. The plan is to start assembling vehicles by the end of 2024,” Careplus executive director and group CEO Lim Kwee Shyan said previously, so it’ll be a while before we get the Neta V in CKD form.
With today’s launch, the Neta V is officially the cheapest EV on sale in Malaysia and meets the government’s requirement that no imported EV with a floor price under RM100,000 can be sold in Malaysia until the end of the current import duty and excise duty exemption period on CBU EVs (December 31, 2025).
The next closest CBU EV to the Neta V in terms of OTR price is the BYD Dolphin, which costs just RM530 more for the base Dynamic Standard Range. Would you pick the Neta V over the Dolphin? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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