Words: Richard Edwards
Published 8 March 2026
Dongfeng has slashed the price of its Box city EV as part of a 2025 model year clearance, with demonstrator units available from $24,990 drive away and new cars from $26,990 plus on-road costs.
The new pricing represents a significant reduction from the Box’s $32,990 RRP and undercuts the $29,990 promotional price it launched with in November last year. Dongfeng is also offering 0% interest finance over 36 months with no deposit on new units through its Heartland Bank partnership.
The clearance runs from 1 March to 31 May 2026, or until stock is exhausted.
At $24,990 drive away, the Box reaffirms its position as the cheapest new EV in New Zealand, undercutting the BYD Atto 1 and coming in below a base Suzuki Swift.
Equipment belies the price
In earlier testing, NZ Autocar found the Box comfortable, efficient, well-packaged and surprisingly refined over 600km of driving. The ADAS suite impressed for the segment, the claimed 317km WLTP range proved honest in real-world use and the specification is difficult to match at any comparable price.
Standard equipment includes a heated and ventilated driver’s seat with electric adjustment and memory, leatherette upholstery, 32-colour ambient lighting, a 12-inch infotainment display and Level 2 driver assistance. At 1,345kg it is light by EV standards, with quick, accurate steering and a composed ride around town.
Wireless CarPlay integration remains clunky and Android Auto requires a $390 dongle accessory.
Safety concerns remain
The Box’s well-documented safety specification has not changed. The New Zealand car has just two airbags, leading NZTA to deem it “unrated” on its Rightcar website, a situation Armstrong’s Distribution CEO Simon Rutherford has publicly acknowledged.
The clearance of 2025 model year stock raises the question of whether an updated Box is on the horizon. Dongfeng has not confirmed a 2026 model year update, but clearing current inventory at this level of discount suggests one may be coming. An updated specification would be timely given the safety issues that have followed the car since launch.
The Dongfeng Box is available from dealers in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Cars at the new pricing are listed on AutoTrader now.
