NETA V

Model Overview

The NETA V is the third mass-production model under Hozon Auto's NETA brand. Positioned as an entry-level all-electric SUV, it officially debuted on 3 November 2020. The lineup offered four variants with post-subsidy prices ranging from RM59,900 to RM75,900, featuring two NEDC-rated range options of 301 km and 401 km. Marketed as a "trendy smart pure-electric crossover" targeted at younger buyers, the NETA V bridged the market gap between the NETA N01 and the NETA U. Serving as the brand's key volume driver, the NETA V quickly captured market share thanks to its unbeatable value for money, driving NETA Auto to top China's EV startup sales charts in 2022 with an annual volume of 152,000 units. The model line subsequently underwent several iterations, introducing upgraded variants such as the NETA V Pro and eventually transitioning into the renamed NETA AYA series.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the NETA V carries forward the brand's signature design philosophy, adopting a dolphin-inspired, aerodynamic low-drag profile. Up front, it features a fully enclosed front fascia paired with sculpted, irregularly shaped headlamp clusters and sleek daytime running lights for high road presence. A low-slung nose and a geometric ripple-patterned lower intake add visual depth to the front end. Along the sides, a floating roof design, fastback coupe silhouette, pronounced dual character lines, and contrasting red trim accents deliver a youthful, athletic stance. In terms of dimensions, the NETA V measures 4,070 mm in length, 1,690 mm in width, and 1,540 mm in height, with a 2,420 mm wheelbase—classic proportions for a compact electric runabout. The rear is clean and uncluttered, highlighted by bold, three-dimensional "halberd"-shaped tail lamps. Inside, the cabin embraces a minimalist theme anchored by a full-width air vent trim; barring the hazard light switch and steering wheel controls, virtually all functions are integrated into the large central screen, creating an airy and uncluttered cockpit.

Powertrain & Performance

The entire NETA V range is driven by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor paired with a single-speed EV reduction gearbox. Two powertrain configurations are offered: the Standard Range version produces 40 kW (approx. 54 PS) and 110 Nm of torque, whereas the Long Range version puts out 55 kW (approx. 75 PS) and 175 Nm of torque. All four variants are electronically limited to a top speed of 100 km/h. Subsequent releases like the NETA V Pro and Chao 400 bumped output further to 70 kW and 150 Nm. For energy storage, the Standard Range model packs a 31.18 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery delivering an NEDC range of 301 km, while the Long Range version uses a 38.54 kWh ternary lithium (NMC) battery rated at 401 km on the NEDC cycle. On the charging front, DC fast charging from 30% to 80% takes a claimed 30 minutes, with standard AC charging taking roughly 8 hours.

Chassis & Handling

Built on a front-wheel-drive platform, the NETA V rides on a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent setup. The suspension is tuned primarily for comfort; combined with its compact footprint and short wheelbase, the car delivers nimble city manoeuvrability and effortless parking. Steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, while stopping power comes from front ventilated discs and rear solid discs with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), riding on 185/65 R15 tyres. Drive modes include Sport and Standard/Comfort, supported by regenerative braking. The NETA V Pro upgraded to 16-inch alloy wheels as standard alongside an optimised ultrasonic parking sensor layout. Overall, the chassis is set up strictly for urban commuting duties, keeping the kerb weight down to around 1,151 kg.

Cabin & Equipment

The NETA V punched above its price point when it came to in-car tech. Early variants came standard with a 13-inch portrait-oriented floating infotainment touchscreen (1920×1080 resolution) alongside a horizontal 12-inch digital instrument cluster for a clutter-free interface. Standard equipment across the range included satellite navigation, telematics connectivity, OTA updates, and continuous multi-zone voice command recognition. The built-in voice control system supported "9 Wake-up-Free Scenarios," allowing direct commands for air conditioning, navigation, and audio playback without needing a wake-up prompt. Entertainment and smart features included pre-installed Bilibili and TikTok/Douyin video apps, plus Xiaomi Mijia smart home integration capable of controlling over 65 compatible home appliances directly from the car. The NETA V Pro subsequently upgraded to a larger 14.6-inch touchscreen with richer colours and higher resolution, while adding standard wireless smartphone charging and one-touch power windows for all four doors. Seating was trimmed in synthetic leather sport seats, with a single-piece folding rear bench to expand boot capacity.

Safety & Driver Assistance

The NETA V offered comprehensive safety and driver assistance features across its trim levels. Early range-topping models (Long Range Smart Edition) came equipped with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Pedestrian Collision Warning (PCW), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), High Beam Assist (HBA), and Traffic Light Recognition (TLR). On the passive safety front, it featured an in-cabin vital signs monitoring system derived from the NETA U, which tracks cabin carbon dioxide levels to prevent accidental entrapment of children or pets. In November 2021, the NETA V Pro was launched featuring a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) powered by a high-performance processor and 14 precision sensors (1 monocular camera, 1 millimetre-wave radar, and 12 ultrasonic sensors), enabling full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (0–120 km/h), Lane Keeping Assist, Automated Parking Assist, and Remote Parking. The structure uses a high-strength safety cage, while passive safety across the range covers dual front airbags, ABS with EBD/CBC, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Market Performance & Verdict

The NETA V went through a full market lifecycle, soaring from breakout success to a sharp decline. Bookings crossed 5,000 units in its first month, and by 2022, the NETA V accounted for 65% of the brand's total sales with 98,900 units delivered, playing a pivotal role in pushing NETA Auto to the top of China's EV startup rankings with 152,000 total sales. However, as the EV price war escalated—with the BYD Qin PLUS Glory Edition dropping to RM79,800 and the Wuling Bingo entering the RM59,800 to RM83,800 bracket—the NETA V's price-to-performance advantage was swiftly eroded. By January 2025, monthly sales of the NETA V/AYA series crashed to just 189 units, representing a 97.76% year-on-year collapse, leaving nearly 73% of its dealership network semi-operational. From an owner perspective, the car was initially praised for its accessible entry price, generous smart tech, and dependable real-world range; however, limited airbag counts on base trims, unrefined rear torsion beam ride comfort, and occasional infotainment lag were frequently cited shortcomings. In summary, starting out as an "RM50,000-class smart electric car," the NETA V lived a complete journey from the "people's EV champion" to a casualty of price competition. Its trajectory not only serves as a classic single-model case study, but also highlights the broader vulnerability of EV startups in the post-subsidy era—when automotive giants slash prices to fight for volume, budget-focused brands lacking technical moats and solid profit margins face ruthless market elimination.