Wuling Mini Hongguang EV best-seller gets a major glow-up

One of China's most popular electric cars, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, is getting a refresh. Leaked documents from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) reveal a brand new exterior design that ditches the boxy look for a smoother, more rounded aesthetic.

The current Mini EV, with its sharp edges and utilitarian design, has been a best-seller in China since its 2020 launch. It even managed to outsell the Tesla Model Y at one point. Sales have cooled off recently, prompting the SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) joint venture to give the Mini EV a fresh look.

The new model is slightly larger than its predecessor, measuring 128.2 inches in length, 59.4 inches in width, and 62.1 inches in height, with a wheelbase 0 inches. This makes it 13.2 inches longer with extra 11.4 inches added to the wheelbase. The increased length will allow for a five-door version of the Mini EV. While the interior layout is expected to remain largely unchanged, the extra space will likely translate to a much roomier cabin for the four occupants.

The new Mini EV retains the same 30 kW electric motor that powered last year's top-of-the-line model with a top speed of 62 mph. The lithium iron phosphate battery capacity is not confirmed, though. The previous model came with three different battery sizes, with the largest one offering 26 kWh capacity and a substantial range of 174 miles (CLTC).

The exterior design is where the new Mini EV truly shines. Gone are the sharp edges and boxy silhouette, replaced by a smoother, more rounded design reminiscent of the Wuling Bingo. The MIIT documents also indicate that the new Mini EV will offer a two-tone finish with a white or black roof option, two styles of wheel hub covers, and a variety of body colors, allowing for greater personalization.

In 2023, Wuling sold 237,863 units of the Hongguang Mini EV, a significant drop from the 404,823 units sold in 2022. This decline can be attributed to several factors, including increased competition from other affordable EVs and a shift in consumer preferences towards larger, more feature-rich vehicles.

Via