Venucia V-Online DD-i Super Hybrid

Model Overview

The Venucia V-Online DD-i Super Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) compact SUV launched on 8 July 2023 by Dongfeng Nissan's Venucia marque. As the brand's first model powered by DD-i Super Hybrid technology, it is developed from the petrol-powered Venucia V-Online and positioned as a "tech-forward EV-feel SUV". At its initial launch for the 2023 model year, a total of 4 variant trims were introduced, with official retail prices ranging from RM118,900 to RM149,900. The model has since received several updates, including the "Orca" edition in 2025. On 13 January 2026, the 2026 Venucia V-Online DD-i Orca officially debuted with 3 variants, priced between RM129,900 and RM149,900, alongside limited-time promotional pricing of RM99,900 to RM119,900. The new SUV is marketed as a "Triple Good" PHEV offering "great driving dynamics, exceptional fuel economy, and solid build quality". Its core segment rivals include fellow PHEV SUVs such as the BYD Song Pro DM-i and Geely Galaxy Starship 7.

Design Language

The 2026 Venucia V-Online DD-i Orca adopts the brand's latest "V-UP" design philosophy. Up front, it sports a closed-off fascia that drops the previous full-width V-shaped LED light strip, giving it a much cleaner, electrified look. The front end integrates the Venucia badge flanked by split-type LED headlamps, with slim LED daytime running lights (DRLs) sitting on top and the main high/low beam units integrated into the bumper's side air curtains. The side profile features clean, taut lines, with subtly flared wheel arches and sharp character lines enhancing its muscular stance; it comes equipped with newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels and conventional mechanical door handles. At the rear, a full-width LED tail light bar is complemented by vertical side accents, a split roof spoiler, and a distinctive V-shaped high-mount stop lamp. In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 4,620 mm in length, 1,917 mm in width, and 1,629 mm in height, with a 2,700 mm wheelbase. Exterior paint options include Glacier White, Dusk Grey, Moonshadow Black, and a dual-tone Starry Ocean Blue with a black roof.

Inside, the cabin features a classic T-shaped dashboard layout with a clean, minimalist aesthetic. A prominent 24-inch dual-screen setup combines a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen. Gear selection is operated via an electronic toggle switch, with essential physical buttons retained on the centre console for easy access. The cabin layout is well-organised and highly functional.

Powertrain & Performance

The 2026 Venucia V-Online DD-i Orca receives a significant powertrain update, switching to a dedicated PHEV system comprising a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated hybrid engine and a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The petrol engine produces 71 kW (approx. 97 PS) and 135 Nm of torque, while the electric motor delivers 155 kW (approx. 211 PS) and 320 Nm of torque. Power is managed by an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds. For comparison, the outgoing 2025 model utilised a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine (123 kW / 167 PS, 230 Nm) paired with a 150 kW electric motor.

For electric driving range, all 2026 variants come standard with a 21.1 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack. This delivers a pure EV range of 150 km (CLTC) and a total combined range of up to 1,221 km (CLTC). On the charging front, DC fast charging takes just 21 minutes from 30% to 80% SoC, while AC regular charging (10% to 100%) takes approximately 6.33 hours. Rated fuel consumption stands at an impressive 1.09 L/100 km (WLTC combined) and 4.2 L/100 km in depleted-battery charge-sustaining mode (CLTC). Top speed is rated at 170 km/h, and it runs on RON 92 petrol.

Chassis & Handling

Under the skin, the Venucia V-Online DD-i Super Hybrid rides on front MacPherson struts and a rear five-link independent suspension. The rear multi-link setup paired with a full-perimeter subframe is a standout configuration rarely found in this class of PHEV SUVs. The chassis setup was calibrated across over 200 road scenarios to achieve a fine balance between cornering stability and road vibration absorption, delivering "precise turn-in, composed lane changes, and confident high-speed cruising without float". Stopping power is handled by a Bosch One-Box brake-by-wire system that provides linear, comfortable pedal modulation and effectively curtails nose dive under braking. In dynamic moose tests, the vehicle exhibits solid body composure with good rear-end tracking. The drivetrain is configured as front-engine, front-wheel drive (FWD), with a minimum turning radius of 5.7 metres.

Cabin & Features

On the tech and cabin front, the 2026 Venucia V-Online DD-i Orca is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 automotive-grade chipset, coupled with 16GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The infotainment system runs on Beacon OS 2.0 with integrated DeepSeek AI large language model capability. It supports an AI voice assistant, custom Venucia Gaode navigation, multi-screen connectivity, as well as Huawei HiCar and CarLink smartphone integration. The voice command system boasts a snappy 450 ms response time and supports continuous conversation, full-scenario "say-what-you-see" interaction, dual-zone voice pickup, and dialect recognition. The NFS seamless smart-start system automatically powers up the vehicle the moment the driver is seated. The centre console also houses a 50W wireless smartphone charging pad. All variants feature a 5-seater configuration, offering a standard boot capacity of 605 litres, expandable up to 1,520 litres with the rear seats folded.

Safety & Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS)

In terms of safety, the 2026 Venucia V-Online DD-i Orca is equipped with the Venucia Luban Battery 2.0. The battery pack has undergone 5 stringent safety validation tests, including full-pack nail penetration without fire or explosion, vibration durability at 1.4 times the national standard, crush resistance at 1.2 times the standard, a 5-metre drop test without explosion, and IPX9K high-temperature, high-pressure water jet tests. The pack employs a high-strength steel honeycomb enclosure with dual independent BLOCK compartment chambers to delay and isolate inter-cell thermal runaway. Built to Dongfeng Nissan's global manufacturing standards, key components are supplied by tier-one brands like Bosch and Valeo, having undergone 761,800 km of real-world endurance testing and 720,000 km of test-bench validation.

For driver assistance, the 2026 Venucia V-Online DD-i Orca comes with the Venucia V-Pilot Level 2 ADAS suite. Core features include Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). The SUV also offers a 540° surround-view camera system (with a transparent chassis view) and remote-controlled parking assist. Do note that the Level 2 ADAS suite is not standard across the range and is exclusive to mid- and top-spec variants.

Market Performance & Review

Since its market debut, the sales performance of the Venucia V-Online DD-i Super Hybrid has trailed expectations. Total annual sales in 2024 stood at approximately 9,300 units, with December 2024 monthly volume registering between 241 and 432 units; December 2025 saw 388 units delivered; and total deliveries from January to June 2025 reached just 2,490 units, marking a 59.81% year-on-year decline. Market analysts point out that while it was among the first Japanese-backed hybrid offerings to utilise LFP battery tech, the controversial closed-off nose design that dropped the signature V-shaped DRL bar highlighted a mismatch between styling choices and mainstream buyer preferences. On the user feedback front, owners consistently praise its ultra-low running costs, with pure EV daily commuting costing just a few sen per kilometre (around RM0.06/km); however, some owners have noted lacklustre seat bolstering and noticeable cabin noise at highway speeds, with isolated reports of check-engine warnings and powertrain derating issues. Overall, leveraging strong selling points like the DD-i Super Hybrid powertrain, 150 km pure EV range, 1,221 km combined range, independent five-link rear suspension, and a Snapdragon 8155-powered smart cabin, the Venucia V-Online DD-i Super Hybrid delivers distinctive value in the RM100,000 to RM150,000 PHEV compact SUV segment; however, facing headwinds from brand recognition, intense market rivalry, and mixed product sentiment, there remains substantial headroom for its market recovery.