Late last year, Dongfeng officially launched itself in New Zealand, and ANCAP safety escapades aside, the Box offered a playful/feature rich alternative to the small car status quo. Anyway, they’re back to take a bigger bite out of NZ’s automotive landscape cake with the launch of the all‑electric Vigo and 007, and they invited us to Hampton Down’s racetrack to get a taste.
Now Dongfeng may be a new(ish) badge on Kiwi roads, but the brand’s local launch tagline ‘breaking barriers’ may give you a big insight as to where they’re heading, essentially smart pricing to feature-rich cabins, aerodynamic design, and performance figures that embarrass far more expensive rivals.
Dongfeng Vigo – Compact SUV With Rugged Charm
The Vigo stakes its identity on versatility, space, and a distinctive compact‑SUV profile. Its long wheelbase, stretching to 2.7 metres, (unusually long for a 4.4‑metre vehicle) gives it proportions that balance urban agility with wagon‑like practicality. Distinctive and rugged, with a stance that’s confident without feeling overdone.
The vehicle’s rear is especially noteworthy thanks to its double-split tailgate, capable of supporting 150 kg, which creates an outdoor‑friendly platform, ideal for beach trips or camping setups. Colour choices include a popular green option, plus white as the standard no‑cost shade and several optional paint upgrades at $499.
Then there’s the Dongfeng 007 – Aerodynamic and Futuristic
If the Vigo is about practicality, the 007 is about presence. Dongfeng claims it’s the most aerodynamic vehicle currently for sale in New Zealand, which directly enhances both efficiency and range. Its fastback‑style silhouette, sleek LED lighting, and frameless doors deliver a premium vibe without the premium price tag.
The panoramic roof (almost two square metres of glass) is another stand‑out feature, giving the cabin a light‑filled, modern look. Standard 19‑inch alloy wheels and an automatically actuating grille (which opens when performance demands extra cooling) add to the 007’s tech-forward identity. Colour options include an exclusive “orchid purple” for the all‑wheel‑drive Performance model.
Vigo Cabin – Space, Quietness, and Versatility
Space is where the Vigo truly shines. Dongfeng repeatedly emphasised that 67% of the Vigo’s body length is wheelbase, a number almost unheard of in the compact SUV segment. That translates into exceptional legroom and a roomy cabin feel.
The dashboard is purposely decluttered, with most physical buttons migrating to a large central touchscreen that anchors the interior. The materials aim for quietness and plushness, creating a relaxing driving environment. Premium‑style features such as heated and ventilated seats, electric seating, wireless charging and hidden cupholders (three of them), come standard, rather than as pricey package add‑ons.
The boot is a packaging marvel, offering 340 L standard space, +115 L second tier, +72 L hidden compartment so 500 L total capacity or 1040 L with seats folded. Plus there’s space for a custom-fit air mattress (a must for those of us that are in the doghouse a lot). This triple‑layer system makes the Vigo one of the most practical EVs in its class.
The camping‑friendly attitude continues with Camp Mode, which maintains a comfortable cabin temperature overnight and keeps systems running through smart power management. I may start finding even more ways to annoy the wife.
The 007 Cabin steps things up in terms of Technology-Focused Luxury.
Inside the 007, the cabin design leans into modern minimalism. Like the Vigo, most controls are consolidated into a sizeable central touchscreen, complemented by an 8.8‑inch digital instrument cluster.
Highlights include, ventilated electric seats, 64‑colour ambient lighting, panoramic sound system with 19 speakers and a whisper-quiet cabin, ideal for hands-free calls. There are two interior colour themes available depending on the model, dark for long-range versions and bright upholstery for the Performance variant.
The 007 also incorporates clever safety and convenience features such as a smart dash camera, a 540° surround-view system, and an intelligent door opening warning that prevents swinging the door into oncoming traffic.
Infotainment and Tech
Both models lean heavily into screen‑based control systems. With large central touchscreens, Apple CarPlay as standard ($400+ Optional Android Auto), wireless charging pads, comprehensive ADAS suites and over-the-air software functionality. The Vigo includes a 3D 360° camera view for tight environments, and the 007 goes further with its 540° system plus performance‑oriented drive mode interfaces.
In both vehicles, Dongfeng’s UI approach aims to match the clean ‘all‑in‑one screen’ trends set by Tesla and BYD, minimal buttons, streamlined layouts, and graphics that prioritise simplicity.
Powertrain, Range, and Charging
The Vigo offers a balanced package – 120 kW power/ 230 Nm torque, a 52 kWh LFP battery claiming 340 km WLTP range, and fast DC charging with competitive speeds. The use of LFP chemistry improves longevity and stability, important for long-term ownership.
However, The 007 is where Dongfeng flexes its engineering muscle. There are two variants on offer, Long Range (RWD) boasting 520 km WLTP, High efficiency thanks to low drag coefficient. The Performance (AWD) comes with Dual motors and a thrilling 3.9 seconds 0–100 km/h. Complete with sharper throttle and dynamic cooling adjustments. That does affect the range though, down to ~395 km WLTP range.
Both models use Dongfeng’s “NMC E” technology, optimizing thermal management by recovering heat for cabin warming to maximize efficiency. Charging performance is fast, with the brand emphasising its “fast charging 3C” capability in both the Vigo and 007 lines.
Driving Impressions
With Hampton Downs and the surrounding Waikato roads at our disposal we did get to sample both models on track and field, well in theory. Unfortunately, time was relatively limited meaning that my time ‘out on the road’ was limited to just the Vigo, sacrificing the 007 stint for more time with both on the track – yeah I know you’d do the same thing.
Anyway, the Vigo on the road was as expected in many ways, it’s a smooth ride with a quiet cabin experience. It’s stable too thanks to the long wheelbase. Easy visibility and manoeuvrability, so strong practicality for daily family use. The Vigo isn’t pitched as a performance machine, it’s about comfort, utility, and lifestyle flexibility and it goes about its business well. Personally, I found the seating position a bit high and the seatbelt latch a bit too close to the centre console, but that’s just me.
On the racetrack, well, let’s just say that it conducted itself ok through the exercises (slalom, sprint, and elk test) but felt a bit slo-mo after the 007.
So what about the 007? Well, both surprisingly impressive and exciting. I shattered the quoted 0-100 time of 3.8seconds, recording 3.24 seconds (the best of the day I wish to point out). I had to accelerate at the end of the elk test because it handled it too well and aside from physics coming into play, the slalom was just tyre-squealing fun.
Basically the 007 offers strong straight-line performance, quiet cabin even at speed, confident handling with low centre of gravity and excellent high-speed stability thanks to aerodynamics.
We were given the added thrill of a hot lap with the AWD model piloted by a racing driver who I conceded was a better driver than me, again, it was a VERY exciting drive but a heavy sedan on eco tyres at road pressures did underscore its limitations – in fairness, most of us will NEVER drive this car to those limits.
Perhaps the most disruptive part of these EVs is the pricing. The Vigo starts from $37,990 + ORC (launch offer), which is exceptional value when compared to existing compact EV SUVs. What’s more, there are accessories aplenty to make it your own.
As for the 007, the Long Range is $54,990 + ORC, while the 007 Performance is $59,990 + ORC. There isn’t a temporary launch discount for the 007 because Dongfeng already deems them “so well priced”.
Both models include a 6‑year vehicle warranty, 8‑year / 200,000 km battery warranty and 6 years roadside assistance. Very competitive, and aligned with leading EV manufacturers.
Tarmac Takeaway
Dongfeng’s Vigo and 007 bring a level of value and ambition that will undoubtedly shake up New Zealand’s EV market. The Vigo offers outstanding practicality, thoughtful design, and family‑friendly features at a very sharp price. And although Sedans are not en vogue right now, the 007, blends futuristic styling with legitimate performance credentials and long-range touring capability.
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