Just when you thought South Africa’s roads couldn’t handle yet another Chinese EV, Dongfeng throws a new (technically) sub-R500,000 electric SUV into the mix. Dongfeng is just one of the many Chinese car brands entering South Africa, which first saw the Dongfeng Box, Dongfeng 06, and 007 land locally in 2024.
Its latest addition is the Nammi 06, available in two similarly-priced trims, starting with the E1, which boasts a pretty decent 410km range on a single charge. It’s joined by the E3, pushing that claimed range up to an impressive 480km. Both models are “being dispatched to the different [Dongfeng] dealerships” as we speak, and can be picked up for R500,000 and R580,000 respectively. It beats out Geely’s R700k electric SUV, anyway.
It’s worth noting that the claimed range for both the E1 and E3 uses the Chinese Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) system. The more widely accepted standard is the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which will drop those claimed ranges down, likely considerably. Mileage may (literally) vary here.
Getting ‘Nam(mi) flashbacks
Both the Nammi 06 E1 and E3 come equipped with a single front-mounted electric motor, offering a mere 120kW of juice and 230Nm of torque. The battery lodged inside the cheaper E1 is a 44.94kWh cell, supporting DC charging that should get drivers from 30-80% in roughly 30 minutes. The E3 ups that to a 51.87kWh cell, offering DC charging speeds up to 167kW.
The Nammi 06 E1 differs from its R580k sibling with its 17in aluminium alloy rims, LED headlights, folding side mirrors and a 500L boot. Inside sit leatherette seats, facing the multifunction steering wheel and 8.8in dashboard. It’s accompanied by a larger 12.8in infotainment system, a 50W wireless charger, and six speakers. Rear parking cameras and sensors, hill assist, and cruise control round out the E1’s notable specs.
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The E3 keeps all that, and throws in a little more to make that R80,000 feel at least somewhat worth it. 18in alloy rims are the standout, while heated side mirrors keep them fog-free. Also on the list is a panoramic sunroof, coupled with an ambient lighting system that’ll sync to your tunes. The driver’s seat can be both warmed up and cooled down at the press of a button. It’ll even remember how your butt likes it with its memory settings.
Dongfeng currently has four branches dotted around SA. You’ll find those in Boksburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban. Test drives are currently available for all Dongfeng models in South Africa, including the new Nammi 06 E1 and E3. Whether the Nammi 06 will be the breakthrough the company hopes for, only time will tell.
