Experience the Xiaohu FEV Long-range Version:an Ideal City Commuter

Many may not be familiar with the name Xiaohu Automobile, but this brand is a collaboration among Dongfeng Motor Corporation, Zhengzhou Nissan, and Beijing Hongrui Automobile. The Xiaohu FEV is an A00-class new energy car designed primarily for family use, introducing the concept of FEV (Family Electric Vehicle).

Currently, the Xiaohu FEV offers two models: the three-door two-seater (FOR-Two) and the five-door four-seater (FOR-Four), with official prices starting at 38,900 RMB. It is evident that the Xiaohu FEV is positioned directly against competitors like the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV. What advantages does the Xiaohu FEV bring compared to the MINIEV? Recently, I had the opportunity to experience the Xiaohu FEV FOR-Four long-range version, which is priced at 52,900 RMB.

In terms of aesthetics, the front design of the Xiaohu FEV embraces a charming, playful look that is popular among its peers. The closed front grille stands out, while the headlights, named "Tiger Eye Lights," are treated with a smoky finish and connected by sleek black trim, enhancing the horizontal visual width of the face. The logo, composed of three "V" shapes, adds a trendy and cute touch.

The lower bumper features a three-section design, with decorative air ducts on either side and an oval air intake in the center that showcases a honeycomb structure. This subtle detail infuses the vehicle with a sporty vibe, reflecting its intention as a new energy car.

From the side profile, a smooth roofline gives a rounded look, complete with the ever-so-popular shark fin. The continuous waistline adds depth to the car's silhouette, while the stylish four-spoke low-drag wheels enhance the overall aesthetic. Notably, this model boasts a four-door configuration, which is uncommon in its class, emphasizing its spacious orientation.

At the rear, the tail lights are designed in rounded rectangles, officially referred to as "Ruby Tail Lights," ensuring high visibility. The tailgate has a simplistic style without excessive lines, while the license plate frame sits on the lower bumper, adding depth to the rear design. Furthermore, fog lights on both sides boost its modern flair.

Dimensions for the Xiaohu FEV FOR-Four long-range version measure 3,380mm in length, 1,499mm in width, and 1,610mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,440mm, categorizing it as a micro pure electric vehicle. Importantly, the SUV's ground clearance reaches 150mm, providing excellent off-road capability among its competitors.

Inside, the Xiaohu FEV embraces simplicity, featuring a three-spoke steering wheel, a dual-screen layout, and a rotary electronic gear shifter, which cleverly avoids conflicts between the driver and passenger leg space.

Both the instrument panel and central control screen measure 7 inches. While the display quality is adequate, it meets everyday needs, boasting features like reverse imaging, radio, Bluetooth calling, and smartphone connectivity. The front seats have an integrated sporty design, offering soft seat cushions but slightly firmer backrests, ensuring ergonomic comfort.

One of the Xiaohu FEV's standout features is its rear legroom. The flat central tunnel means ample leg space for a 1.7m tall passenger in the rear, providing nearly two fists’ worth of extra room. This space optimization makes it suitable for a family of four, and the rear seats fold down for a cargo capacity of up to 1,320 liters.

In terms of safety, the Xiaohu FEV FOR-Four long-range version offers essential features such as tire pressure monitoring, ABS braking, and braking force distribution. Additional functionalities like parking sensors, rearview cameras, hill-start assist, and foldable rear seats are also included, alongside manual air conditioning.

The powertrain of the Xiaohu FEV FOR-Four long-range version includes a 34 kW rear-mounted motor, delivering a peak torque of 102 Nm. Coupled with a 16.5 kWh battery pack, the vehicle boasts an NEDC-rated pure electric range of 205 km, making it an effective choice for urban commuting.

During the test drive, the Xiaohu FEV FOR-Four left a lasting impression with its broad visibility. Both front and rear views offer satisfying sightlines, with minimal blind spots at the A-pillars, making it a driver-friendly electric vehicle.

Acceleration isn't the primary focus in this vehicle segment; however, maintaining the accelerator allows speeds to effortlessly reach 80 km/h. For safety reasons, I kept speeds primarily between 40 km/h and 60 km/h. Overall, the Xiaohu FEV FOR-Four's performance is adequate, handling garage exits and climbing over bridges with ease. The brake pedal offers a slightly stiff feel, which might require some adjustment for first-time drivers