VIAO Auto BOMA

The VIAO BOMA is the debut all-electric micro car launched by VIAO Auto in 2023, tailored for the entry-level daily commuter segment. Banking on its key selling points of a "Toyota Alphard front face" and a "Kei car space concept", it carries a recommended retail price range of RM39,900 to RM51,900. However, with airbags completely omitted across the entire range, its market reception following the launch has been largely underwhelming.

Model Overview

Positioned as an A00-segment full-electric city runabout, the marque falls under VIAO Auto, a subsidiary of Shandong Hongri Investment (previously an LSEV manufacturer). Key selling propositions include its "Alphard-esque" front fascia, a 5-door 4-seater layout, a generous 2,495 mm wheelbase, and a boot capacity that expands up to 2,000 L with the rear seats folded flat. The 2023 line-up consists of 3 variants: 130km Value Edition (RM39,900), 130km Comfort Edition (RM42,900), and 200km Luxury Edition (RM51,900). Exterior dimensions measure 3,517 × 1,495 × 1,660 mm with a 2,495 mm wheelbase, tipping the scales at a kerb weight of 840–880 kg.

Design Language

The exterior styling remains the BOMA’s most polarising aspect—its front fascia features a massive waterfall grille with chrome embellishments that heavily mimic the Toyota Alphard, prompting netizens to dub it the "Baby Alphard". Down the sides, it sports a boxy silhouette, with blacked-out A-pillars and semi-concealed C-pillars creating a floating-roof illusion, complemented by 15-inch multi-spoke alloy rims.

Inside, the cabin gets a dual-screen setup on higher-spec variants, alongside a two-spoke multi-function steering wheel and a rotary gear selector. Given the cost constraints, hard plastics dominate the dashboard and feel rather basic, though this remains reasonable considering its RM39,900 entry price.

Powertrain and Range

Powering the entire range is a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 30 kW (41 PS) and 84 Nm of torque, achieving a top speed of 100 km/h.

For battery options, the 130km variant is fitted with an 11.9 kWh ternary lithium pack from SK New Energy, whilst the 200km variant gets an 18.5 kWh pack, delivering NEDC-rated ranges of 130 km and 200 km, respectively. DC fast charging is entirely unavailable across the range, with standard AC slow charging taking between 7 to 10 hours.

Underneath, the chassis is suspended by a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam setup, paired with front disc and rear drum brakes alongside a mechanical handbrake.

Equipment and Safety (Critical Drawback)

Safety specification is the BOMA's most glaring weakness: driver and front passenger airbags are absent across the range, with baseline safety limited to ABS with EBD, a tyre pressure monitoring alert, and rear parking sensors. While airbags were introduced for the 2024 facelift, they are totally missing in the initial production batch.

A reverse camera is reserved for mid-to-high-spec variants, whilst cruise control and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) are completely omitted. This puts its equipment levels at a clear disadvantage within the RM30,000 - RM50,000 bracket—where key rivals like the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV at least offer a driver airbag.

Market Performance

While the BOMA secured close to 10,000 export orders from ASEAN markets such as Thailand and Vietnam early on, its domestic sales in China were abysmal. Monthly sales hovered at only a few hundred units following its 2023 debut, slumping further by 2025, with barely a single user review logged on automotive feedback portals such as 12365auto.

Key Factors Behind Sluggish Sales:

1. Safety Compromises: Lacking airbags entirely across a RM30,000 - RM50,000 line-up is inexcusable when the rival Wuling Hongguang MINIEV (from RM32,800) at least provides a handbrake and an airbag

2. Poor Market Timing: The A00 segment shrank dramatically from 1.31 million units in 2022 to 660,000 units in 2023, with top-tier players controlling over 70% of the market share

3. Weak Brand Equity: Parent firm Hongri previously made low-speed electric runabouts, leaving consumers sceptical about its technical know-how and dealership network

4. Lack of DC Fast Charging: Despite offering a 200 km range, the 10-hour AC recharge time makes top-ups remarkably impractical

The Verdict: The VIAO BOMA broke into the micro EV segment relying on the gimmick of "Alphard looks + class-above cabin space", but its overall package is let down by fundamental flaws. The complete absence of airbags across the range is an absolute deal-breaker; compounded by the lack of fast charging and weak brand credibility, it offers little to no value in the RM30,000 - RM50,000 space. Buyers in this price bracket are far better off considering the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV (which at least offers an airbag) or the Geely Panda (which features DC fast charging as standard). The BOMA can only be considered if budget is strictly limited and safety is no priority at all, and buyers must verify if the post-2024 facelift models come fitted with standard airbags.