The EV market in China is expanding quicker than in other countries of the world. In April only, the EV makers dispatched around 213,000 zero-emission vehicles and 68,000 plug-in hybrids. With these sales, the plug-in hybrid market has grown to around 29 per cent in China. Re-defining the Chinese EV market is once again the Wuling Mini EV.
A total of 27,181 units were sold in just April this year. The best-seller in the Chinese EV market has 127,542 year-to-date sales against the second best-selling Tesla Model Y with 75,250 sales.
The automaker introduced the Wuling Mini GameBoy Edition earlier this year and has now updated it. It comes in four flavours – Hurricane Phantom, Jungle Traveler, Star Rover, and Party Sweetheart. Every trim level differs from the other in the exterior finish and wheelset design. A recent video review from Wheelsboy, posted on Motor1, gives us a complete overview of this new Wuling Mini Edition.
Exterior Changes
If we say the Wuling Mini EV evolved a great deal since its launch, it won’t be wrong, particularly if we compare the current model with the special edition introduced at the start. We can now see new headlight and taillight designs and updated bumpers and side skirts giving it fairly a sporty appearance. However, the EV’s dimensions and the overall body layout did not change. It still has a tall and narrow structure featuring small 12-inch wheels.
Do not mistake the GameBoy Edition with the Nintendo Game Boy series. This EV has no relationship with Nintendo or its series.
Interior Changes
While we can see, that the automaker has updated its interior but it still gives the same low-quality feel. It is very tight due to its small boxy dimensions but you would now appreciate the Bluetooth connectivity and updated center console. We can also witness the seats sporting new and impressive upholstery but their comfort level could not improve.
Powertrain Changes
Comparing it to previous models, we find the latest Wuling Mini EV more capable on the road with the powertrain changes. The 2022 Wuling Mini generates 15 per cent extra power with a peak output of 41 horsepower (30 kilowatts) and about 75 pound-feet (110 Newton-meters) of torque.
Perhaps one of the best things about the new Wuling Mini EV GameBoy is its bigger battery and more range. It now uses a 26.5-kWh battery pack, which is capable to deliver around 186 miles (300 kilometers) between charges according to the NEDC standard. That said, the Chinese EV still handles the same ordinary way as users experienced in the pre-facelift model.
While you may like the new additions, you might not like the new price. It costs $10,000 against the previous $5,000, which is a significant bump for a few meager updates. We leave it to you to decide if the increased price is worth it or not? Check out the Wheelsboy review here.
Source: Motor1