THE factory tour might have been the main agenda, but everyone on the trip knew the day would end at SAIC-GM-Wuling’s (SGMW’s) proving ground.
After the last group photo, our buses swung off the plant roads into the 25km test track, where four Wuling models awaited the Malaysian media.
They were the Binguo, already confirmed as TQ Wuling’s first model for Malaysia, plus the Starlight (Xingguang) 730 MPV, the Starlight 560 SUV and the Yangguang electric cargo van.
The Binguo, to be known as Bingo EV in Malaysia, will spearhead the brand’s push as a locally assembled model at Tan Chong’s Segambut plant in Kuala Lumpur, while the other three remained under study.
The Binguo, 730 and Yangguang are already on sale in Indonesia as the BinguoEV, Darion and Mitra EV respectively.
The 560, offered in 5- and 7-seat configurations, is scheduled to launch in China by the end of 2025.
With the limited time available, we had a go in the Binguo and the 730.
In the metal, the Binguo looks more substantial than its cute photos suggest, the rounded body sitting on short overhangs with a reassuring stance.
The cabin carries a soft retro theme but feels modern in key areas, with twin screens, a simple dash and decent materials.
Four adults could fit in without awkward contact, and the deep boot looks like it could swallow bulky bags more easily than expected of a small hatchback.
Out on the mixed surface loop, the electric hatchback behaves exactly like the city EV Wuling intended it to be.
Light, accurate steering makes tight turns and lane changes easy, and the instant response from the motor gives it enough urge to squirt between barriers and through a banking stretch.
One clear limitation shows up on the longer straights: this small-battery variant is capped at an indicated 105kph and simply will not go any faster, underlining its city-focused brief rather than long-distance intent.
Over rougher surfaces, the suspension shows a firm edge but does not tip into harshness, helped by well-padded seats that take the sting out of sharper hits.
Wind and motor noise stay subdued at the speeds we manage, so the overall impression is of a small EV that feels solid and liveable.
Switching to the Starlight 730 shifts the focus from city runabout to family hauler.
The Starlight series is offered in petrol, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric vehicle variants.
The one we took was the plug-in hybrid.
The MPV’s footprint is sizeable and the body sides are cleanly drawn, with big glass areas and powered sliding doors that open wide for easy access.
Inside, the 2+2+3 seating layout gives the second row generous captain’s seats.
The third row stays usable for adults, and a relatively low floor and folding seat mechanism let it transform into a large, flatish load area when you need the space.
From the driver’s seat, the view out is commanding and the dashboard is clean and logical, with enough physical controls that you can adjust key functions without digging through menus.
On the move, the 730 leans clearly towards comfort rather than any attempt at sportiness.
The PHEV powertrain blends its 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor in a smooth, unobtrusive way, so the MPV gathers speed without much strain or noise on the straights and meandering tarmac.
It pulls away quietly in EV mode and feels relaxed at typical family car speeds, which suits its people mover role.
On poor surfaces the long wheelbase and compliant suspension give it a settled, slightly plush gait, with road noise and suspension thumps kept low even in the rear rows.
After the short stints in the Binguo and 730 on SGMW’s test track, the takeaway was clear enough.
The Binguo that is already locked in for Malaysia feels every inch the urban EV it is meant to be.
It combines friendly design with usable space and a calm, assured feel on the road, though its modest top speed will keep it close to home.
The 730 comes across as a roomy, comfort-focused plug-in hybrid that could sit naturally in the mid-size people-mover set if TQ Wuling decides to green light it alongside the 560 and the Yangguang.
