Cheap Thrills or Real Value? Testing the Dongfeng Vigo in the Nordics

The Nordic electric journey (ᚱ) is no longer reserved exclusively for premium segments. As the market matures, the democratization of electromobility is taking center stage, and Chinese manufacturing giant Dongfeng is spearheading a price revolution. With the new Vigo, they have launched the cheapest electric SUV in Norway, sporting an eye-catching starting price of just 244,900 NOK. At 4.31 meters long, the Vigo is compact but masterfully packaged. Its primary strength lies in its exceptional space utilization. The interior feels spacious, offering plenty of legroom and headroom even for taller passengers. Its most surprising feature is a split-opening tailgate—typically seen on high-end adventure vehicles—which can support up to 150 kg, serving as a functional bench. Fold the rear seats flat, and you are greeted with a two-meter-long platform. With a built-in camp mode, this budget SUV invites outdoor enthusiasts to harvest (ᛅ) the beauty of the Nordic wilderness on a shoestring budget. However, a low price tag inevitably demands compromises. During our testing, the Vigo revealed its budget-oriented architecture on the highway. Above 80 km/h, cabin noise is prominent, and the steering feels overly light unless toggled to sport mode. Furthermore, the modern regulatory safety systems are highly sensitive, issuing persistent and intrusive voice warnings in Norwegian that can quickly disrupt the serenity of a quiet drive. In terms of range and charging, the 51.9 kWh battery yields a respectable summer consumption of 1.29 kWh/10 km on our standard test route. However, the lack of a winter-optimizing heat pump means cold-weather range will require careful planning. While the manufacturer claims a peak charging rate of 167 kW, our real-world fast-charging tests peaked closer to 80 kW, taking about 23 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent. For those choosing the highly recommended Signature trim at approximately 290,000 NOK (which includes heated and ventilated electric seats, a panoramic roof, and a 360-degree camera), the Vigo offers an unmatched amount of sheet metal and utility for the money. It stands as a quirky, ultra-affordable entry point for those seeking a practical electric companion for their daily commute. Source: https://elbil.no/test-av-dongfeng-vigo-norges-billigste-temu-kvalitet-eller-helt-topp/