Verdict
The Dongfeng Box costs RM100,000 to the Mazda 2 Hatchback’s RM103,670, so this is a narrow RM3,670 decision rather than a budget-versus-premium split. The Box brings a 42.3 kWh battery, 430 km EV range, 326-litre boot and 2,660 mm wheelbase, plus autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control. The Mazda counters with a 114 hp 1.5-litre petrol engine, 5.3 L/100 km rated economy and a 245 kg lighter kerb weight. Choose charging convenience over petrol familiarity, not on price alone.
Pick the Dongfeng Box if home or workplace charging suits your routine and you want 430 km of EV range, a 326-litre boot and more active safety kit.
Pick the Mazda 2 Hatchback if you prefer petrol refuelling, a 114 hp engine, 5.3 L/100 km rated economy and a lighter 1,097 kg hatchback.
Key differences
- Price: Dongfeng Box RM100,000; Mazda 2 Hatchback RM103,670.
- Powertrain: Dongfeng Box 94 hp/160 Nm electric motor; Mazda 2 Hatchback 114 hp/149 Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine.
- Kerb weight: Dongfeng Box 1,342 kg; Mazda 2 Hatchback 1,097 kg.
- Boot space: Dongfeng Box 326 litres; Mazda 2 Hatchback 220 litres.
- Wheelbase: Dongfeng Box 2,660 mm; Mazda 2 Hatchback 2,570 mm.
- Annual road tax: Dongfeng Box RM50; Mazda 2 Hatchback RM90.
Box
- 42.3 kWh battery with 430 km EV range
- 326-litre boot, 106 litres larger
- Autonomous braking, lane-keeping steering correction and adaptive cruise control
- 94 hp versus the Mazda’s 114 hp
- 1,342 kg versus the Mazda’s 1,097 kg
- Tyre repair kit instead of a space-saver spare
2 Hatchback
- 114 hp petrol engine and 5.3 L/100 km rated economy
- 245 kg lighter than the Dongfeng Box
- 60:40 split-folding rear seats and space-saver spare tyre
- 220-litre boot versus the Box’s 326 litres
- No autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist or adaptive cruise control
- Five-year/100,000 km warranty versus seven-year unlimited-mileage vehicle coverage
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM100,000✓ | RM103,670 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM50✓ | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,496 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 114 hp |
| Torque | — | 149 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 74.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 14 |
| 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 | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | SkyActiv-Drive |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Mazda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | — | 5.3 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 140 km/h✓ | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,030 mm | 4,065 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm | 1,695 mm |
| Height | 1,570 mm | 1,495 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,660 mm | 2,570 mm |
| Weight | 1,342 kg | 1,097 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 44 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 326 litres✓ | 220 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/55R17 | 185/60R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R17 | 185/60R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Wanli Harmonic Plus | Dunlop Enasave EC300+ |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloys | 16" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloys | 16" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | G-Vectoring Control Plus |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 4 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger | Driver and Passenger |
| 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 for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Driver and front passenger only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Normal Bulb |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | One-piece Folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 USB | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front |
| Audio | 12.8" Touchscreen | 7.0" Touchscreen Mazda Connect Infotainment System with Commander Control Knob, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Start (Depress Brake Pedal) | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | — |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Surround View | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 7 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | Limited to the first owner only; 8-year/unlimited mileage battery warranty | 5-year/100,000 km Free Service |
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 & 2 Hatchback for sale
Box vs 2 Hatchback FAQ
Is the Dongfeng Box or Mazda 2 Hatchback better?
The Dongfeng Box is the better-equipped choice for EV buyers, with 430 km range, a larger 326-litre boot and driver-assistance features. The Mazda 2 Hatchback suits buyers who need petrol refuelling, lower weight and 114 hp.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda 2 Hatchback costs RM3,670 more than the Dongfeng Box. That gap is small, so charging access and the Box’s EV-specific equipment matter more than the purchase price difference.
Which has the larger boot?
The Dongfeng Box has the larger boot at 326 litres, compared with 220 litres in the Mazda 2 Hatchback. The Mazda does have a 60:40 split-folding rear seat, while the Box has a one-piece folding rear seat.