- Dongfeng has updated the Box for 2026 with the small EV now getting 6 airbags.
- The Box initially launched with only two airbags, the lowest count of any passenger car on sale in NZ.
- The Box has also been updated with integrated Apple CarPlay, while a new paint colour has been added.
Dongfeng has announced an updated version of the Box EV for 2026 that introduces a revised safety package. This update follows significant criticism of the previous model, which was labelled "unrated" for safety by both the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and ANCAP.
The primary change for the MY26 model is the inclusion of six airbags as standard equipment, up from the two found in the initial version. The new configuration includes front driver and passenger airbags, two front side airbags, and two head-rear curtain airbags. Previously, the NZTA had specifically assigned the Box an "unrated" status on its Rightcar website because it offered a lower level of crash protection than expected for a 2025 vehicle.
The original New Zealand specification differed from the left-hand-drive model sold in Europe, which received a three-star Euro NCAP rating. While the European version included side and curtain airbags, advanced driver monitoring, and emergency assistance technology, the first New Zealand imports lacked these features. At the time, it was the only new passenger car sold in the country - excluding commercial vehicles - with only two airbags as standard.
However, despite the addition of airbags, structural concerns identified in European testing may still be relevant. The Euro NCAP report noted that multiple spot welds on the A-pillar failed during crash tests, and currently there is no word on whether or not this has been addressed.
While the addition of four more airbags brings the Box closer to European spec, it still doesn't take it all the way, with the Euro model also having the additional driver monitoring systems and eCall system to get it to three-star status.
Aside from the increased airbag count, the Box now also gets integrated Apple CarPlay and three variable steering profiles to enhance the driving experience, while a new Electric Green paint option with a contrasting white roof has been added to the six available exterior styles.
"As part of the new MY26 upgrades, we have been able to negotiate extra stock and also accelerate supply from Dongfeng. This means there will be a greater number of new Box available even sooner for Kiwi motorists," said Simon Rutherford, CEO of Armstrong’s Distribution Limited.
“When we first announced Dongfeng was coming to New Zealand, we said we wanted to challenge and then exceed expectations. That also means continual development and enhancement, which is what we’re demonstrating again with the new MY26 Box. In partnership with Dongfeng, we’re continuing to break barriers to EV ownership.”
The MY26 Box is currently available for a pre-order launch price of $29,990 plus on-road costs until the end of May, after which the price will increase to $32,990.