NETA AYA

Model Overview

The NETA AYA is an all-electric A-segment SUV under NETA Auto. Serving as the facelifted successor to the NETA V, it was officially launched on 3 August 2023. The three letters in its moniker represent "Active" (a vibrant lifestyle), "Young" (a youthful, individualistic outlook), and "Amazing" (the pursuit of everyday delightful surprises). The EV debuted with four variants—318 Lite, 318, 401 Lite, and 401—with original launch guide prices ranging from RM73,800 to RM88,800. In February 2024, NETA Auto announced an across-the-board price reduction of RM8,000, making it even more accessible. Measuring 4,070 mm in length, 1,690 mm in width, and 1,540 mm in height with a 2,420 mm wheelbase, this 5-door, 5-seater EV is positioned as a spacious, smart A0-segment pure electric SUV, competing directly against rivals like the BYD Seagull and Wuling Binguo.

Design Language

The NETA AYA carries forward the brand’s signature "Self, Confidence, Presence" design language whilst introducing "Cosmos"-inspired styling elements for the first time. Up front, it features a closed-off fascia paired with a lower "Starlight" grille comprising 48 rhythmic starlight accents, complemented by "Galaxy" chrome garnishes and sharp LED headlamps on either side for a clean, sleek, and highly recognisable look. In profile, a fastback low-drag silhouette is accentuated by blacked-out A- and B-pillars to deliver a floating-roof aesthetic, paired with full-length waistlines that trace the dynamic flow of air across the body. At the rear, 3D full-width "Meteor" LED tail lamps echo the front lighting signature, while a blacked-out lower bumper apron adds visual depth. Five exterior colours are offered: Half-Sugar Milk Tea, Baby Blue, Cloud White, Clear Sky Grey, and Laurel Green, with a dual-tone black floating roof optional for the first two shades; the cabin can be had in Optical White, Mist Blue-White, or Classic Black.

Powertrain and Performance

The NETA AYA is powered exclusively by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, available in 40 kW and 70 kW tunes. The 40 kW version delivers 54 PS and 110 Nm of torque, completing the 0-50 km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds, whereas the 70 kW version puts out 95 PS and 150 Nm, hitting 0-50 km/h in 4.1 seconds. Top speed for both powertrain options is rated at 101 km/h. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs are standard across the range; the 318 km range variant is fitted with an approximately 33.9 kWh battery with cells sourced from Guangxi Ningfu and SVOLT, while the 401 km variant delivers an NEDC-rated range of 401 km. DC fast charging comes standard across all variants, juicing the battery from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes, with a 5-minute top-up providing around 30 km of range. The 401 km model also features a 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) reverse power supply, acting as a mobile power bank for outdoor use.

Chassis and Handling

Built on a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout, the NETA AYA rides on front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension—a common chassis setup in the A0-segment EV category. Steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, while stopping power is provided by front and rear solid disc brakes with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). For rolling stock, the 318 km variants come with 185/65 R15 tyres, while the 401 km variants are upgraded to 185/55 R16 rubber. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill Start Assist come standard, with the chassis tuned predominantly for comfort to ensure a smooth, pliant ride and composed stability during daily urban commutes.

Cabin and Features

Inside, all NETA AYA variants feature a 14.6-inch high-definition portrait infotainment touchscreen with a 1,920×1,080 resolution, accompanied by a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The smart cockpit is powered by an octa-core 7 nm automotive-grade MT8675 chipset with 8 GB RAM and 64 GB storage, offering a 40% boost in computing power over its predecessor and matching the performance tier of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155. The onboard system integrates the NETA AI voice assistant with a wake-up time of under 400 ms and execution speed under 1.5 seconds, supporting visible-to-speak functionality, continuous dialogue, dual-zone voice localisation for driver and front passenger, and one-shot direct commands. Over-the-air (OTA) updates, 4G telematics, and smartphone app remote control are fully supported. Creature comforts include a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel (with a red 12 o'clock marker), column-mounted electronic gear selector, digital rear-view mirror, auto rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats, wireless smartphone charger, one-touch power windows all round, and an N95-grade cabin air filter. Boot capacity starts at 335 litres and expands to 588 litres with the rear bench folded flat.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

In terms of passive safety, the NETA AYA comes standard with dual front airbags, rear ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Its unibody cage construction employs high-strength steel in critical zones to maximise collision energy absorption. Standard active safety equipment includes ABS with EBD, Auto Brake Hold, Hill Start Assist, a reverse camera, and rear parking sensors. Higher-spec variants also feature cruise control as standard.

For advanced safety, the NETA AYA offers an optional Level 2 ADAS suite comprising 1 millimetre-wave radar, 1 high-perception camera, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. This unlocks 16 driver assistance functions, including Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Pedestrian Collision Warning (PCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Auto Parking Assist (APA), Remote Parking Assist (RPA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and Traffic Light Recognition (TLR).

Market Performance and Evaluation

In China, the NETA AYA has faced a continuous sales slump. Monthly figures stood at 2,484 units in September 2024, sliding to 2,002 units in October, dropping sharply to 545 units in November, and falling to just 195 units in December, taking full-year cumulative sales to around 22,959 units. The slowdown was primarily driven by disrupted brand recognition following the model renaming, alongside fierce competition from rival compact EVs like the BYD Seagull and Wuling Binguo.

Conversely, the NETA AYA has maintained solid momentum in overseas markets. It has consistently ranked among the top-selling new energy vehicles across Southeast Asian markets like Thailand, where deliveries hit 50,095 units in 2023. In May 2024, the NETA AYA was launched in Myanmar; in August, NETA Auto expanded into Brazil; in December, an Indonesian EV mobility outfit ordered an initial fleet of 50 units; and in January 2025, the model officially made its Singapore debut. In industry reviews, crash testing agencies noted certain shortcomings in its active safety performance, with the model scoring just 28.55 points in the ASEAN NCAP assessment and missing out on a safety star rating. Overall, as a direct replacement for the NETA V, the NETA AYA carved out a distinct edge in the entry-level EV market thanks to its segment-above tech features and practical five-seater cabin, though it continues to face an uphill task in a fiercely competitive domestic arena.