Verdict
The RM40,900 gap is enormous, but the Dongfeng Box answers with 330 km of range against 225 km, plus a stronger 94 hp/160 Nm motor versus 77 hp/130 Nm. It also gets adaptive cruise control and auto parking. The Proton eMas 5 is the more rational Malaysian city hatchback: its 375-litre boot beats 326 litres, it has a 53 kW DC charging figure, rear air vents and substantially fuller airbag coverage. Choose the Box only if its extra 105 km range matters more than the saving.
Pick the Dongfeng Box if you need the longer 330 km range, 94 hp/160 Nm output and driver aids including adaptive cruise control and auto parking.
Pick the Proton eMas 5 if you want to save RM40,900 while gaining a 375-litre boot, 53 kW DC charging and more comprehensive passive safety equipment.
Key differences
- Price: Dongfeng Box RM100,700; Proton eMas 5 RM59,800.
- EV range: Dongfeng Box 330 km; Proton eMas 5 225 km.
- Motor output: Dongfeng Box 94 hp and 160 Nm; Proton eMas 5 77 hp and 130 Nm.
- DC charging: Dongfeng Box —; Proton eMas 5 53 kW.
- Boot space: Dongfeng Box 326 litres; Proton eMas 5 375 litres.
- Airbags: Dongfeng Box driver and front passenger; Proton eMas 5 driver, passenger, front side and front/rear curtain airbags.
Box
- 330 km EV range
- 94 hp and 160 Nm motor
- Adaptive cruise control and auto parking
- Costs RM40,900 more
- No DC charging rate is listed
- Only driver and front-passenger airbags
eMas 5
- RM59,800 price
- 375-litre boot and 60:40 split-folding rear seat
- 53 kW DC charging and front/rear curtain airbags
- 225 km range is 105 km shorter
- 77 hp and 130 Nm trail the Box
- No adaptive cruise control or auto parking
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM100,700 | RM59,800✓ |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 94 hp✓ | 77 hp |
| Motor Torque | 160 Nm✓ | 130 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 31.45 kWh✓ | 30.12 kWh |
| EV Range | 330 km✓ | 225 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | 6.6 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 53 kW |
| V2L | 3.6 kW | 3.3 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Top Speed | 140 km/h✓ | 125 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,020 mm | 4,135 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm | 1,805 mm |
| Height | 1,570 mm | 1,580 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm | 2,650 mm |
| Weight | 1,342 kg | 1,230 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 326 litres | 375 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/55R17 | 205/65R15 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R17 | 205/65R15 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Wanli Harmonic Plus | Linglong Comfort Master |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Steel Wheels | 15" Steel |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Steel Wheels | 15" Steel |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear 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 |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available On Outer Two Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Warning Only |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | Halogen Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| 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 | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 USB | 2 USB Front, 1 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front |
| Audio | 12.8" Touchscreen | 14.6" Touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Start (Depress Brake Pedal) | Keyless Entry (Depress Brake Pedal) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 6 years | 6 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/unlimited mileage Battery Warranty | 8-Year/160,000 km BEV and Components Warranty, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM50 | RM30✓ |
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 & eMas 5 for sale
Box vs eMas 5 FAQ
Is the Dongfeng Box or Proton eMas 5 better?
The Proton eMas 5 is the better buy for most buyers because it costs far less, has a larger boot, specified 53 kW DC charging and more airbags. The Dongfeng Box is better for longer trips, with 330 km range and 94 hp.
What is the price difference?
The Dongfeng Box costs RM100,700 and the Proton eMas 5 costs RM59,800, so the difference is RM40,900 in favour of the Proton.
Which one is better for charging and long-distance use?
The Dongfeng Box has the longer 330 km range, 105 km more than the Proton eMas 5. However, the eMas 5 lists 53 kW DC charging, while no DC charging rate is listed for the Box.