While many Chinese EV startups come and go, Neta stands out as a promising brand. Operated by Hozon Auto, Neta offers a range of affordable electric and extended-range vehicles (EREVs) that, though not extravagant, appeal to budget-conscious buyers. Their latest model, the Neta S wagon, is catching a lot of attention for its stylish design.
The Neta S wagon is available as either a full electric vehicle (EV) or an extended-range EV (E-REV). It follows a concept similar to the BMW i3, though it lacks some of the i3’s high-end features like a carbon fiber chassis and comes with pickup truck-style doors and very narrow tires.
This new wagon is an extension of the existing Neta S model, which is a fastback sedan comparable in size to the Tesla Model 3. For the wagon version, named the Hunting Edition, Neta has elevated the rear of the fastback to create a practical and attractive station wagon. The result is a sleek and eye-catching design.
The single-motor rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version of the Neta S Hunting is powered by a 268-horsepower motor located at the rear axle. There is also a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) version that adds a 234-horsepower motor at the front. Details on the battery size and driving range are not yet available.
The EREV version of the Neta S Hunting has a unique setup. It includes a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine that only charges the battery, not the wheels. This engine supports a 31.71 kWh or 43.88 kWh battery, with the same 268 horsepower rear motor driving the car. The electric range is estimated at up to 115 miles, according to China’s CLTC cycle. Pricing for the Neta S Hunting Edition hasn’t been announced, but it is expected to be close to the $22,300 base price of the fastback sedan.
