One of the things about many new-generation EVs is that they’re more than just cars. Having all that electric power on board makes them useful as mobile bases for all kinds of things: work maybe, but also leisure. That’s especially important now that Spring has sprung.
Case in point: the Dongfeng Vigo. This compact-SUV was launched earlier this year under the brand’s “breaking barriers” tagline, the idea being it’s a very affordable way to own an EV. And that it is, at a $39,990 price that achieves parity with many petrol/hybrid rivals; even more so right now, because there’s a special offer running of zero per cent finance or $2000 cashback (your choice).
The basic package is impressive in a conventional-car sense: standard equipment on this budget SUV includes LED lights, six-way power-adjustable seats for driver and front passenger (plus memory, ventilation, heating and welcome function for the driver), climate control with rear-seat outlets, ambient interior lighting, 12.8-inch infotainment screen, adaptive cruise control and 360-degree camera system. It’s the kind of stuff you’d have expected in a luxury model a few years ago.
But cabin space, versatility and vehicle-to-load (V2L) power, where the Vigo can be used to power external devices, is also a big part of the proposition.
The Vigo is only 4.3m long, but 67 per cent of that length is in the wheelbase. The boot is also impressively big for the class, at 500 litres. The top layer is 313 litres, with a second compartment underneath at 115l and yet another cargo area right at the bottom with 72l.
That’s still conventional car stuff, but look at the cabin packaging and the Vigo starts to get quite interesting.
Both front seats recline 175 degrees, which means you can have a proper lie-down; there's even a Nap Mode in the infotainment system, complete with wake-up call. Or fold the rear seats down and you can add a custom mattress that allows you actually sleep in the car. That makes Vigo a dream Spring picnic car.
Because Vigo is an EV, you can also activate Camp Mode, which can maintain 25deg inside the cabin when the car is switched off. Even if it’s locked up and you’ve gone out for a walk on the beach.
Camp Mode allows you keep the V2L port (via an optional adaptor) active to power outdoor equipment. You won’t necessarily need that for your music, because the Vigo can also play audio from the sound system through its external speakers.
The car can provide a place to sit thanks to its split tailgate, which has a lower portion that can support up to 150kg. Or perhaps two people that haven’t enjoyed too many picnic treats.
The basic package is pretty good, but there are a range of accessories available that expand the lifestyle applications considerably. These include a roof rack, roof box, the aforementioned mattress, a boot partition table, boot tent, awning and durable boot mat.
