GLENMARIE: Tan Chong Motor Holding, the official importer of TQ (Trust and Quality) Wuling in Malaysia, has launched its inaugural model - the Bingo EV (electric vehicle).
The little locally-assembled all-electric hatchback is priced on-the-road without insurance at RM67,800 (Pro) and RM72,800 (Max).
The Bingo EV is locally assembled at the company's Tan Chong Plant in Segambut.
Three colour choices are available, consisting of Lavender Purple (Max only), neon Blue and Milky White - all paired with a black roof.
For warranty, it comes with an eight-year or 120,000km for the 31.9kWh or 37.9kWh lithium ferro-phosphate Magic Battery that's accompanied by an IP68 rating.
An eight-year or 160,000km coverage is accorded to the drive motor, while a five-year or 150,000km is provided for the vehicle against manufacturing defects.
The company is providing exclusive benefits under its Fabulous Five Perks for the first 500 bookings.
This includes a RM5,000 cash rebate, which brings the current price down to RM62,800 and RM67,800 for the Pro and Max, respectively.
Owners can also drive it home with low monthly instalments from just RM625 (available via selected financial institutions).
Furthermore, a 7kW home EV charger, a free portable three-pin EV charger and TQ premium solar tinting package are being thrown in.
To seal the deal, new owners can enjoy 17 comprehensive insurance benefits and special EV benefits from selected insurance panels.
Customers can place their bookings at just RM50 via its website: tqwuling.my.
While rolling on 15-inch wheels with 185/60 series tyres, it has a 2,560mm wheelbase and measures 3,950mm (length), 1,708mm (width) and 1,580mm (height).
The front-wheel-driven Bingo EV Pro uses a 31.9kWh battery to squeeze out 333km (CLTC).
The battery is able to accept up to 7kW of AC charging which will take 4.5 hours to fully charge.
Using a 50kW DC charger will drop the charging time to about 35 minutes.
Opting for the longer-range Max with a 37.9kWh battery provides up to 410km of range.
With a larger battery, AC charging will take an additional hour at 5.5 hours.
The battery capacity is the only differentiator between the two variants.
Externally, the Bingo comes fitted with LEDs for the front X-shaped automatic headlights with integrated daytime runners, welcome home lights, rear light clusters and rear fogs.
It boasts frameless wipers, diamond-shaped parametric grille, front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam suspensions, along with front and rear disc brakes at all four corners.
The cabin boasts two-tone glossy ceramic with soft leatherette panel for the interior, which gets perforated leatherette for the seats.
For connectivity, a 10.25-inch TFT touchscreen that powers four speakers provides Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
There's also power windows with anti-pinch for the driver's side, and a 395-litre boot (expandable to 1,240 litres), along with two removable bins.
While the Bingo EV uses a rotary dial for gear selection, four drive modes of Eco+, Eco, Normal, and Sport are available.
A smart-start system with keyless entry is also provided along with cruise control, USB ports, multi-function steering wheel, power adjustable mirrors (with folding function) and a six-way power adjustable driver's seat.
For safety, there are six airbags, anti-lock braking system and electronic stability control.
There's also an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, reverse camera, walkaway auto-lock and unlock, and a tyre-pressure monitoring system.
Further bolstering safety are blind spot warning, low-speed pedestrian alarm, and an impact-sensing automatic door unlock system.
Six dedicated TQ Wuling showrooms are in Peninsular Malaysia, complemented by seven aftersales centres through the Tan Chong service network, with additional outlets already in the pipeline.
Locations for the showrooms include Glenmarie, Jalan Raja Laut, OUG, Melati Utama, Butterworth, and Johor Jaya.
"This launch represents a significant milestone for the Tan Chong Group as we proudly introduce a highly affordable electric vehicle option," said Tan Chong Motor Holdings group CEO Daniel Ho.
"As the first EV to be locally assembled at the Tan Chong plant, the Bingo EV reflects our commitment towards advancing the nation's electric mobility landscape," concluded Ho.
