The Xiaohu FEV is an all-electric microcar jointly developed by Dongfeng Motor and Beijing Hongrui Technology. Introduced in late 2021, it primarily targeted the urban runabout market for families in lower-tier cities. Key selling points included its practical 5-door, 4-seater layout, a 205 km range, and clearance pricing below RM30,000. However, hampered by weak brand equity and significant equipment disparity across variants, it recorded just 493 registrations throughout 2024 and has largely faded from the market.
Positioned as an A00-segment pure electric city car, the brand sits under Xiaohu Auto (a collaboration involving Dongfeng Motor, Zhengzhou Nissan, and Beijing Hongrui Technology). Headline features include a practical 5-door, 4-seater layout, a generous 2,440 mm wheelbase, a rear-motor rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup, and an optional panoramic glass roof. The 2022 line-up was offered in both 3-door 2-seater and 5-door 4-seater body styles, with the 5-door variant measuring 3,380 × 1,499 × 1,665 mm alongside a 2,440 mm wheelbase. Originally launched with a retail price range of RM41,900 to RM55,900, the model entered stock clearance mode in 2024, with pre-registered units packaged from as low as RM24,800 apiece. Key segment rivals include the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV, Chery QQ Ice Cream, and Changan Lumin.
The Xiaohu FEV adopts a rounded, cutesy design language aligned with mainstream electric microcars in the market. Up front, a full-width black trim bar links the headlamp clusters, complementing the black accents on the upper and lower aprons for a clean, contemporary fascia. Profile highlights include an optional dual-tone paint scheme and four-leaf clover-inspired wheel covers, with a crisp character line running from the headlamps to the taillights to enhance visual cohesion. At the rear, it features smoked split taillamp units, while the rear windscreen blends flush into the black C-pillar garnish.
The cabin follows a minimalist theme, heavily finished in hard plastics to keep costs in check. Higher-spec variants receive a dual-screen cockpit (a 7-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 7-inch central infotainment touchscreen), featuring smartphone screen mirroring and Bluetooth telephony. Base variants make do with basic USB ports and omit the central screen entirely. Gear selection is handled via an electronic rotary dial—with push-button selectors on higher trims—paired with a standard polyurethane steering wheel.
The entire range is powered by a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, available in two output tunes:
| Motor Output | Max Power | Peak Torque | Variant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Output | 30 kW (41 PS) | 90 Nm | Standard Range |
| High Output | 34 kW (46 PS) | 102 Nm | Long Range |
All variants feature a rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive configuration, with a rated top speed of 100 km/h.
Battery capacities vary across the range: earlier units used 11.8 kWh to 16.5 kWh packs offering between 120 km and 215 km of NEDC-rated range. The 2022 Long Range variant packs a 16.5 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery (using Do-Fluoride New Energy cells), delivering an NEDC range of 205 km. The battery is backed by an 8-year or 120,000 km warranty. Crucially, DC fast charging is absent across the range, and official AC charging durations remain unspecified. Rated energy consumption stands at approximately 9.1 kWh/100 km.
Suspension duties are handled by front MacPherson struts paired with a rear five-link non-independent suspension setup (certain base variants utilise a three-link layout). The rear-wheel-drive layout is a rarity in this microcar segment, offering noticeable benefits in hill-climbing traction and overall manoeuvrability. In theory, the rear five-link non-independent setup delivers superior ride compliance over a conventional rigid axle.
Braking is managed by front discs and rear drums paired with a mechanical handbrake, riding on 155/65 R13 tyres. It features Electric Power Steering (EPS) and boasts a minimum ground clearance of 150 mm, providing better obstacle clearance than most segment competitors.
Two selectable drive modes are available—Sport and Eco—with Hill Start Assist and regenerative braking fitted as standard across the line-up.
Seats are trimmed in synthetic leather (fabric upholstery on select entry variants), with a one-piece folding rear bench to expand cargo room. Flagship variants add practical touches such as rear cupholders and a multifunction steering wheel.
On the convenience front, standard kit includes manual air conditioning, power windows (mid-to-high trims), central locking, and keyless entry via a remote key. High-spec trims gain power-adjustable wing mirrors and a driver-side vanity mirror. Two USB ports and a 2-speaker audio system come standard across all variants.
When it comes to safety equipment, airbags are strictly reserved for high-spec variants (priced above RM40,000), leaving entry- and mid-tier models without any airbag protection. Specifically, only range-topping trims such as the Guai Guai Hu and Pi Li Hu feature dual front airbags as standard.
Active safety across the line-up includes ABS with EBD, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), seatbelt reminders, and rear ISOFIX child-seat anchors (mid-to-high trims). Notably, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is completely absent across the board. For parking assistance, rear parking sensors and a reverse camera are standard, though cruise control and Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are not offered.
The Xiaohu FEV struggled with lacklustre sales figures throughout its lifecycle: registering 1,568 units in 2021, 4,408 units in 2022, 979 units in 2023, and shrinking to just 493 units in 2024 (with a dismal 36 units recorded in May). Key factors behind its poor market reception include low brand presence (as a new marque with limited dealership footprint), severe spec compromises (no airbags or infotainment screen on lower tiers), missing the initial EV microcar boom, and the inability to rival established segment leaders like Wuling on price alone.
The line-up remains frozen at the 2022 model year, having received no updates across 2023–2024, marking an effective end to production. From late 2024, dealers resorted to bulk stock clearances priced at RM24,800 per unit. Owner feedback highlights the practical 5-door 4-seater cabin, RWD dynamics, and dependable 205 km range as strong points, though cramped rear legroom and sluggish hill-climbing power remain common grievances.
In summary, the Xiaohu FEV represents an underwhelming proposition that pairs decent mechanical hardware with poor equipment balance and weak brand backing. The combination of a 5-door 4-seater layout, five-link rear suspension, and a 2,440 mm wheelbase is commendable at this price point. However, glaring omissions—such as zero airbags on lower trims, a complete lack of DC fast charging, and inadequate aftersales support—sealed its fate against the dominant Wuling Hongguang MINIEV. With production now defunct and existing stock being cleared out, it is not recommended as a new car buy. Buyers considering a heavily discounted pre-registered clearance unit (around RM24,800) must contend with several compromises: no fast charging, no ESP, no airbags on base trims, bare-bones aftersales support, and strictly urban, short-distance utility. In this price bracket, mainstream options such as the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV (from RM44,800 with fast charging and dual airbags) or the Bestune Pony (from RM36,900 with a 222 km range) remain far more sensible picks.
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