Verdict
At RM100,000, the Dongfeng Box costs RM14,100 more than the RM85,900 Honda City Hatchback, but brings electric running, a 42.3-kWh battery with 430 km of range, 70-kW DC charging and 3.6-kW V2L. It is also roomier between the axles at 2,660 mm and has a 326-litre boot. The Honda counters with a 119-hp, 145-Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine, 195 km/h top speed, six airbags and far more versatile rear seating. For a Malaysian buyer with dependable charging, the Box’s equipment is hard to ignore; otherwise, the Honda is the more practical all-rounder.
Pick the Dongfeng Box if you can charge regularly and want 430 km of EV range, a 326-litre boot, 360-degree camera and auto parking.
Pick the Honda City Hatchback if you want to spend RM14,100 less, need six airbags and value its 60:40 ULTRA Seat flexibility.
Key differences
- Price: Dongfeng Box RM100,000; Honda City Hatchback RM85,900.
- Powertrain: Dongfeng Box has one 94-hp, 160-Nm electric motor and 42.3-kWh battery; Honda City Hatchback has a 1,498-cc 119-hp, 145-Nm petrol engine.
- Range/energy storage: Dongfeng Box is rated at 430 km; Honda City Hatchback has a 40-litre fuel tank.
- Charging and V2L: Dongfeng Box supports 6.6-kW AC, 70-kW DC and 3.6-kW V2L; Honda City Hatchback has no charging or V2L figures.
- Safety restraint count: Dongfeng Box has driver and front-passenger airbags; Honda City Hatchback adds front side and curtain airbags.
- Cargo and rear seating: Dongfeng Box has a 326-litre boot with one-piece folding rear seats; Honda City Hatchback has 289 litres and 60:40 split-folding ULTRA…
Box
- 42.3-kWh battery, 430 km range and 70-kW DC charging.
- 326-litre boot and 2,660-mm wheelbase.
- 360-degree camera, auto parking and six front plus six rear parking sensors.
- RM14,100 dearer than the Honda City Hatchback.
- Only two airbags versus the Honda’s driver, passenger, front side and curtain airbags.
- One-piece rear seat lacks the Honda’s 60:40 split-folding ULTRA Seat.
City Hatchback
- RM14,100 lower purchase price and RM90 annual road tax.
- Driver, passenger, front side and curtain airbags.
- 60:40 split-folding ULTRA Seat, steering reach adjustment and full-size spare tyre.
- 289-litre boot is 37 litres smaller than the Dongfeng Box’s.
- No front parking sensors, 360-degree camera or auto parking.
- Five-year manufacturer warranty is two years shorter than the Dongfeng Box’s seven-year cover.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM100,000 | RM85,900✓ |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM50✓ | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Variable Valve Lift |
| Capacity | — | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 119 hp |
| Torque | — | 145 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 73 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.6 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 94 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 160 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 42.3 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 430 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 70 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.6 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | EarthDreams Technology CVT with G-Design Shift |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Honda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 10.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 140 km/h | 195 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,030 mm | 4,350 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm | 1,748 mm |
| Height | 1,570 mm | 1,488 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,660 mm | 2,600 mm |
| Weight | 1,342 kg | 1,149 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 40 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 326 litres✓ | 289 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/55R17 | 185/60R15 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R17 | 185/60R15 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | Full size |
| Factory Tyres | Wanli Harmonic Plus | Continental UltraContact UC6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloys | 15" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloys | 15" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual For Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available On Outer Two Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, Honda Sensing |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | Halogen Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | One-piece Folding | Manual Recline, 60:40 Split Folding, ULTRA Seat |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 USB | 1 Front, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 12.8" Touchscreen | Radio with 4 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Start (Depress Brake Pedal) | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Surround View | — |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 7 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | Limited to the first owner only; 8-year/unlimited mileage battery warranty | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Box & City Hatchback for sale
Box vs City Hatchback FAQ
Is the Dongfeng Box or Honda City Hatchback better?
The Dongfeng Box is better for regular home or destination charging, with 430 km of range, DC charging and V2L. The Honda City Hatchback is better for lower upfront cost, more airbags and flexible ULTRA Seat cargo arrangements.
What is the price difference?
The Dongfeng Box costs RM14,100 more than the Honda City Hatchback.
Can the Dongfeng Box power external appliances?
Yes. Its 3.6-kW V2L function can supply external electrical power, while no V2L capability is specified for the Honda City Hatchback.