The Dongfeng Vigo: A City SUV with a Twist
The Dongfeng Vigo is a compact electric SUV that has been making waves in the New Zealand market. With a starting price of $37,990 (until April 2026), it's an attractive proposition for those seeking an affordable EV with a unique twist. But is it a game-changer, or just a bit of a niche offering? Let's dive in and explore.
A Stylish, Spacious Interior
One of the Vigo's standout features is its interior. The cabin is spacious and well-designed, offering a surprising amount of room for a compact SUV. The long wheelbase and flat EV floor contribute to a generous amount of head and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The interior is also packed with clever features, such as the reclinable front seats, which allow for a proper lie-down, and the Nap Mode in the infotainment system. For those who want to take it a step further, a custom mattress can be added for sleeping in the car, along with Camp Mode to keep the power on.
The cabin is also well-appointed with high-quality materials and textures, and the infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use. However, there are a few quirks, such as the inability to manually select radio frequencies and the lack of embedded navigation, which may be frustrating for some. The wireless Apple CarPlay is standard, but Android Auto is an optional extra, which may be a deal-breaker for some.
A Soft and Calming Ride
The Vigo's ride quality is one of its standout features. The suspension is soft and comfortable, making it a pleasure to drive around town. The steering is also light and easy to manage, which adds to the overall calming experience. However, the Vigo is not suited for high-speed driving or cornering, as the suspension and chassis are not designed for such tasks. The adaptive cruise control also has its limitations, and the lane-keep assist can be frustrating on the motorway.
A City SUV with Picnic Capability
The Vigo is a city SUV through and through, but it has some unique features that make it stand out. The split tailgate provides a 150kg platform for sitting on during family picnics or kids' sports days, and the external speaker allows for playing comedy noises or personal music. The boot capacity is also impressive, offering up to 500 litres of space, split between three levels.
A Likeable Car with Some Caveats
Overall, the Dongfeng Vigo is a likeable car with a unique blend of budget price and high equipment levels. It's a great option for those seeking an affordable EV with a spacious and clever interior. However, it's not without its caveats. The chassis and suspension are not suited for high-speed driving or cornering, and the lane-keep assist can be frustrating on the motorway. The Vigo is a city SUV with picnic capability, not a high-speed machine.
Competitive Pricing and Features
The Vigo's pricing is competitive, with a launch offer of $37,990 until April 2026, followed by a full retail price of $39,990. The car comes with a 6-year/200,000km warranty and 8-year/200,000km traction battery warranty, along with 6 years of roadside assist. The service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
Conclusion
The Dongfeng Vigo is a unique and likeable electric SUV that offers a blend of budget price and high equipment levels. It's a great option for those seeking an affordable EV with a spacious and clever interior, but it's not without its caveats. The chassis and suspension are not suited for high-speed driving or cornering, and the lane-keep assist can be frustrating on the motorway. Overall, the Vigo is a city SUV with picnic capability, not a high-speed machine.
