Venucia V-Online

Model Overview

The Venucia V-Online is a C-segment SUV under Dongfeng Nissan's Venucia brand, first introduced in 2021. Serving as one of the key sales pillars for the marque, the V-Online is available in three powertrain options: petrol, plug-in hybrid (DD-i Super Hybrid), and fully electric. The 2026 petrol version went on sale in July 2025 across 5 variants, with official retail prices ranging from RM99,800 to RM128,800, and limited-time promotional prices between RM69,800 and RM96,800. The 2026 PHEV variant (DD-i Orca) was launched on 13 January 2026 in 3 variants, priced officially from RM129,900 to RM149,900, with early-bird promotional pricing from RM99,900 to RM119,900. Meanwhile, the fully electric EV version is underpinned by the dedicated Vita EV platform, positioned as a mid-sized intelligent electric SUV. Its primary rivals in the segment include the BYD Song Pro DM-i and Geely Galaxy Starship 7.

Design Language

The petrol-powered Venucia V-Online features the brand’s signature V-Galaxy front fascia, dominated by an expansive front grille with triangular mesh elements that reflect Venucia’s design identity. In contrast, the PHEV version (DD-i Orca) adopts a closed-off front grille paired with sleek flowing headlights inspired by orca eyes. The split headlamp setup places the LED daytime running lights up top, while the integrated high/low beams are seamlessly housed within the front bumper air curtains for a distinct visual presence. Along the sides, it sports a two-tone colour scheme accentuated by a sharp character line and rugged black wheel arch mouldings. Round the back, full-width LED tail lights are finished with vertical end accents. Dimension-wise, the petrol version measures 4,562mm long, 1,917mm wide, and 1,625mm (1,629mm) tall, while the PHEV variant measures 4,620mm × 1,917mm × 1,629mm, with both sharing a 2,700mm wheelbase. Its generous 1,917mm width gives it a notable stance and space advantage in its segment. Exterior paint options include Glacier White, Twilight Grey, Moon Shadow Black, and a two-tone Starry Sea Blue/Black finish. The cabin features a dual-screen dashboard layout, retaining a tactile row of physical switches beneath the air vents. The PHEV variant further boasts a 1.7㎡ ultra-wide panoramic glass roof crafted from Low-E glass, effectively blocking out 99.9% of harmful UV rays.

Powertrain and Performance

The petrol version is driven by an A415TD 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, pushing out 140kW (around 190PS) and 260Nm of peak torque. Power is sent to the wheels via a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). It completes the 0-100km/h sprint in an official 8.8 seconds, with a top speed of 200km/h. Its WLTC-rated combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.1L/100km.

The PHEV variant (2026 DD-i Orca) is powered by a dedicated 1.5-litre hybrid petrol engine paired with an electric motor. The combustion engine produces 71kW (around 97PS) and 135Nm of torque, while the electric drive motor churns out 155kW (around 211PS) and 320Nm of torque. This setup is paired with a 21.1kWh battery pack, delivering a CLTC pure electric range of 150km and an overall combined driving range of up to 1,221km. WLTC combined fuel consumption is rated at an ultra-low 1.09L/100km, with a CLTC battery-depleted fuel economy of 4.2L/100km. For DC fast charging, a 30% to 80% state of charge (SoC) takes just 21 minutes. The 0-100km/h sprint is settled in 7.9 seconds.

The fully electric EV version runs a 155kW permanent magnet synchronous motor, offering a CLTC electric range of 510km. It supports 3C DC fast charging, taking only 14 minutes to juice up from 30% to 80%.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the Venucia V-Online rides on MacPherson front independent suspension. The PHEV variant (DD-i Orca) features a multi-link rear independent suspension—a rare high-spec setup in this PHEV segment—bolstered by a full-perimeter subframe. The petrol model also adopts a multi-link independent rear suspension setup. Validated across more than 200 real-world road conditions, the chassis tuning leans towards a sporty dynamic, delivering reassuring body control in corners alongside commendable bump absorption. Steering is handled via an electric power steering (EPS) system. Braking performance is governed by a Bosch One Box integrated brake-by-wire system, featuring ventilated discs at the front, solid discs at the rear, and an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). Wheel and tyre packages come in either 235/60 R18 or 235/55 R19 specifications.

Cockpit and Equipment

Inside the intelligent cabin, the PHEV version (DD-i Orca) is driven by an automotive-grade Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, backed by 16GB of RAM and 128GB of high-speed onboard storage. The twin-screen display incorporates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen. Running on Lighthouse OS 2.0, the infotainment suite supports HUAWEI HiCar and Carlink smartphone screen mirroring, alongside a dedicated Venucia edition of AutoNavi navigation. Voice commands respond in just 450ms, supporting continuous dialogue, full-interface "see-and-say" interaction, dual-zone voice localisation, and dialect recognition. Its NFS seamless smart start system automatically powers up the vehicle the moment the driver takes their seat.

In terms of comfort amenities, the PHEV version comes equipped with zero-gravity cloud-feel seats. Front and rear parking sensors are fitted as standard across the entire petrol range. The vehicle also supports smartphone digital key access for everyday convenience. Luggage capacity for the petrol version stands at a practical 605 litres, expanding up to 1,520 litres with the rear seats folded.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety-wise, the PHEV version (DD-i Orca) is fitted with Venucia’s Luban Battery 2.0, built to stringent thermal and structural safety benchmarks. The pure EV model combines the Luban battery architecture with a 67% high-strength steel body shell, packing 6 airbags and a 540-degree surround-view monitor as standard. For active safety, mid-to-high spec PHEV variants feature Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The EV variant offers an optional Level 2 V-Pilot ADAS suite. The top-spec petrol model (260T Tianwang Pro) gains a built-in dashcam (DVR). Connectivity is powered by the Venucia V-Link Nebula ecosystem, offering live navigation, smart voice control, remote mobile telematics, and a comprehensive suite of multimedia entertainment.

Market Performance and Reception

Market reception for the Venucia V-Online has seen some fluctuations. In 2025, total sales for the petrol version reached around 3,939 units; in December 2025 alone, the petrol variant recorded 348 units, while the PHEV (DD-i) model shifted 388 units. Cumulative PHEV sales between January and June 2025 stood at just 2,490 units, reflecting a 59.81% year-on-year decline. Industry observers noted that while the PHEV variant made history as the first Japanese-backed hybrid to utilise lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, its decision to drop the signature V-shaped DRL light bar for a closed-off nose drew mixed reactions, pointing to a slight disconnect with buyer tastes. On the ownership front, drivers widely praise its commodious cabin courtesy of the wide 1,917mm body, the 2,700mm wheelbase, and solid value-for-money packaging. On the flip side, some interior plastics feel utilitarian, and certain trim finishes leave room for refinement. On the whole, with three versatile powertrain offerings, wide-body proportions, multi-link rear suspension, and a Snapdragon 8155-powered smart cockpit, the Venucia V-Online puts up a distinct proposition in the RM60,000 to RM150,000 C-segment SUV bracket, though room for sales growth remains in this highly contested space.