On September 13th, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) unveiled the specs for the all-new Wuling Hongguang Mini EV. This new facelift of the popular compact vehicle features a largely unchanged internal layout, but a brand new exterior design.
The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV was originally launched in China in 2020 to great fanfare and record sales. The model is assembled by the SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) joint venture.
New Wuling Hongguang Mini EV details
Per the MIIT regulatory filing, we now know that the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV measures 3256 mm in length, 1510mm in width, and 1578 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2190mm. This is compared to the smaller old version that has measurements of 2920/1493/1621 mm with a wheelbase of 1940 mm.
The new model is slightly bigger, though the interior is expected to be largely similar. The drastic change with the new model is the new exterior design. Gone is the simple boxy design from the past. The redesigned model features a smooth rounded design, similar to the Wuling Bingo.
The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is powered by a rear-mounted single electric motor with a maximum output of 30 kW. This is the same electric motor that powers last year’s top-of-the-line model, which is now being included as standard. It has a top speed of 100 km/h and is equipped with a lithium iron phosphate battery.
The MIIT filings show that the new model will offer a two-tone white roof or body colored roof, two styles of wheel hub covers, and different body colors. The interior layout looks to be the same with four seats and a hatchback rear door.
This regulatory filing is the first time we have gotten a look at the new Wuling Hongguang Mini EV. The Mini EV model and other models part of the SGMW joint venture has been the saving grace for SAIC as the state-owned company sees slow sales elsewhere. Currently, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is priced between 32,800 and 99,900 yuan (4,600 USD – 14,000 USD), and with discounts entry-level model can go as low as around 25,000 yuan (3,500 USD). The new model is expected to be start around 32,000 yuan (4,500 USD).
The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV broke 1 million units in early 2023 and sold 237,863 units last year. Though this is a drop from the 404,823 units sold in 2022 and the 395,451 units sold in 2021. Wuling has released a slew of Hongguang Mini EV variants, including a cabriolet version and a more premium Mini EV Macaron variant, but this is the first time since 2020 the base model is getting an update.
