The compact Chinese electric car Dongfeng Nammi Box has come under scrutiny after performing poorly in Euro NCAP’s latest crash safety tests, managing just three out of five stars — a disappointing result compared to rivals like the Renault 5 and BYD Dolphin, which earned four and five stars, respectively.
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Test data showed that the Nammi Box struggled in the 50 km/h partial frontal impact test, where structural welds failed under pressure, raising concerns about cabin deformation and reduced passenger protection. Engineers also found that the driver’s airbag didn’t inflate strongly enough, allowing the head to strike the steering wheel, while the automatic door-opening system stopped working after impact, potentially slowing rescue efforts.
Euro NCAP further noted that the car lacks a system to prevent front passengers from colliding with each other during side impacts — a feature now common in most small electric cars sold in Europe.
Overall, the Nammi Box scored 69% for adult occupant protection and 67% for pedestrian safety, well below the segment average. Euro NCAP commented that the failure of key weld points was especially concerning, warning that such structural weaknesses could lead to more serious injuries in higher-speed crashes.
The Dongfeng model wasn’t the only one to receive a three-star result — the Volkswagen T-Cross earned the same rating — but the comparison underscores how far apart the best and worst performers have become.
At the top end of the scale, cars like the Audi Q3, Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Golf, and even Chinese-made models such as the Chery Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 achieved five stars after airbag and safety system upgrades.
The results highlight the growing divide between Chinese automakers that are rapidly improving to meet Europe’s tough safety standards — and those, like Dongfeng, that still have work to do to catch up.
