Verdict
The Dongfeng Box is the stronger Malaysian buy on paper at RM100,000 against the Renault Zoe’s RM165,000. It travels 430 km to the Zoe’s 395 km despite a smaller 42.3-kWh battery, DC-charges at 70 kW versus 50 kW, and adds 3.6-kW V2L. The Zoe counters with 108 hp and 225 Nm, up from 94 hp and 160 Nm, plus much faster 22-kW AC charging. But the RM65,000 gap is hard to justify when the Box also brings AEB, a 360-degree camera and a seven-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
Pick the Dongfeng Box if you want lower entry cost, 430 km range, faster 70-kW DC charging and more active safety equipment.
Pick the Renault Zoe if 22-kW AC charging, the stronger 108-hp motor and a slightly larger 338-litre boot matter more than the RM65,000 saving.
Key differences
- Price: Dongfeng Box RM100,000; Renault Zoe RM165,000.
- Motor output: Dongfeng Box 94 hp and 160 Nm; Renault Zoe 108 hp and 225 Nm.
- Battery and range: Dongfeng Box 42.3 kWh and 430 km; Renault Zoe 52.0 kWh and 395 km.
- Charging: Dongfeng Box 6.6-kW AC and 70-kW DC; Renault Zoe 22-kW AC and 50-kW DC.
- Dimensions and mass: Dongfeng Box has a 2,660-mm wheelbase and weighs 1,342 kg; Renault Zoe has a 2,588-mm wheelbase and weighs 1,502 kg.
- Boot space: Dongfeng Box 326 litres; Renault Zoe 338 litres.
Box
- 430 km EV range and 70-kW DC charging
- AEB, 360-degree camera and auto parking
- Seven-year unlimited-mileage warranty; 3.6-kW V2L
- 6.6-kW AC charging is far slower than the Zoe’s 22 kW
- Less motor output at 94 hp and 160 Nm
- Two airbags versus the Zoe’s four
Zoe
- 108 hp and 225 Nm motor output
- 22-kW AC charging capability
- 338-litre boot and 60:40 split-folding rear seats
- RM65,000 more expensive
- 395 km range and 50-kW DC charging trail the Box
- No listed AEB, reverse camera or front parking sensors
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM100,000✓ | RM165,000 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM50 | RM50 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 400V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 94 hp | 108 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 160 Nm | 225 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 42.3 kWh | 52.0 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 430 km✓ | 395 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | 22.0 kW✓ |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 70 kW✓ | 50.0 kW |
| V2L | 3.6 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Gears | — | 1 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Renault |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Top Speed | 140 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,030 mm | 4,087 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm | 1,787 mm |
| Height | 1,570 mm | 1,562 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,660 mm | 2,588 mm |
| Weight | 1,342 kg | 1,502 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 326 litres | 338 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/55R17 | 195/55R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R17 | 195/55R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Wanli Harmonic Plus | Continental ContiEcoContact 5 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | France (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloys | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloys | 16" 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 |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| 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 front passenger seat, two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| 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-conditioning |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 USB | 1 Front, 2 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front |
| Audio | 12.8" Touchscreen | 7" Touchscreen Easy Link with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 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 Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| 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 | — |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 7 years✓ | 3 years |
| Warranty Notes | Limited to the first owner only; 8-year/unlimited mileage battery warranty | 5 Years/100,000 km Warranty for Traction Battery and Electric Drivetrain |
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 & Zoe for sale
Box vs Zoe FAQ
Is the Dongfeng Box or Renault Zoe better?
The Dongfeng Box is the better buy for most Malaysian drivers: it costs far less, claims 430 km range, DC-charges at 70 kW and has AEB plus a 360-degree camera. Choose the Zoe chiefly for its 22-kW AC charging and stronger motor.
What is the price difference?
The Renault Zoe costs RM65,000 more than the Dongfeng Box: RM165,000 versus RM100,000.
Which car charges faster?
The Renault Zoe is much faster on AC charging at 22 kW versus 6.6 kW. The Dongfeng Box is faster on DC charging at 70 kW versus 50 kW, and it also has 3.6-kW vehicle-to-load capability.