Neta V

The Neta V remains one of the most affordable electric SUVs in Malaysia, priced from around RM 99,800 OTR, with a 38.54 kWh LFP battery, a 380 km claimed range, DC fast charging and a big-screen cabin that punches above its price.

However, the big and unavoidable news is about the brand, not the car: Neta's parent company, Hozon Auto, has formally commenced bankruptcy reorganisation proceedings. This raises serious questions about future parts supply, software support, after-sales service and how warranties will be honoured. For Malaysian buyers, the Neta V is still a capable and cheap EV, but the brand's situation is a critical factor to weigh up - so confirm the current support and spares position with the local distributor before purchase.

The Neta V is tuned for the city. Its 38.54 kWh LFP battery gives a claimed 380 km of range - realistically around 300 to 330 km in everyday driving - which comfortably covers commuting and errands. A single front-mounted motor makes 95 PS and 160 Nm and drives the front wheels, with a top speed of 120 km/h and a 0-100 km/h time of around 12 to 13 seconds (estimated).

This is a relaxed city SUV rather than a quick one, but the instant torque makes it easy and responsive in traffic. Its real appeal is low running costs and the fact that, unlike many cars at this price, it supports DC fast charging - so longer trips are more practical than with an AC-only city EV.

The Neta V comes with a reasonable safety kit for its price, including multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, traction control, a tyre pressure monitor, hill start assist, ISOFIX anchors and a reverse camera with sensors. However, it does not have an independent crash-test rating published for the Malaysian market (such as ASEAN NCAP), so there is no star score to quote. As with any budget EV, judge it on its equipment and intended city use, and note that future safety-related software support depends on the brand's situation.

Charging is a strong point for the price. The Neta V uses a CCS2 port and supports DC fast charging, taking the battery from 20 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes - useful for longer journeys and a step up from AC-only city EVs. A full 0 to 100 percent AC home charge takes around 8 hours, ideal overnight. Because the battery is modest (38.54 kWh) and the car is efficient, charging costs are low. Just keep an eye on the brand's situation, as charging-related software and app support could be affected over time.

The Neta V comes with an 8-year or 180,000 km high-voltage battery warranty, which is generous on paper. The important caveat is that Neta's parent company is in bankruptcy reorganisation, so the practical question is how warranties, parts and service will be honoured going forward. Before buying, get clear, written confirmation from the local Malaysian distributor about exactly how the battery and vehicle warranty, spares and after-sales support will be handled.

As a car, the Neta V is genuinely good value - an affordable, well-equipped electric SUV with DC fast charging and a long claimed range, all for around RM 100,000. But you cannot judge it as a car alone: Neta's parent company is in bankruptcy reorganisation, which puts a serious question mark over parts, support and resale. If you want the cheapest electric SUV and can accept that brand risk after getting clear answers on support, it can still make sense as a city runabout. If you want long-term certainty, a more established brand is the safer buy. Go in with eyes open.

Against the BYD Dolphin and BYD Atto 3, the Neta V is cheaper but gives up range, refinement and - crucially - brand stability, as BYD is financially strong and well-supported in Malaysia. Versus the MG4, the Neta V is more affordable but the MG has a stronger dealer and parts network. Compared with city EVs like the Wuling-class models, the Neta V offers more space and DC fast charging. In short: the Neta V wins on price and equipment, but rivals win decisively on brand security and after-sales confidence - which, given Neta's situation, matters more than usual here.

Buy the Neta V only if you want the cheapest possible electric SUV, your driving is mostly city and suburban, and - most importantly - you have got clear, written answers from the local distributor about how parts, service and the warranty will be supported given Neta's bankruptcy reorganisation. Avoid it if you want long-term peace of mind, plan to keep the car many years, are worried about resale value, or cannot confirm reliable after-sales support. For risk-tolerant, budget-focused city buyers it can work; for everyone else, a financially stable brand like BYD or MG is the safer choice.

On paper, running costs are very low. With Malaysian electricity cheap and the car efficient (around 12 kWh per 100 km), charging costs a fraction of petrol, and EV maintenance is minimal. However, ownership cost is not just about energy here: the brand's bankruptcy reorganisation could affect parts prices and availability, service access and - significantly - resale value, which may fall faster than for an established brand. Factor in this brand risk alongside the low energy and maintenance costs when judging the true cost of ownership.

Malaysia has strongly supported EVs, with import and excise duty exemptions for electric vehicles and road-tax incentives that helped keep cars like the Neta V affordable. EV road-tax exemptions applied through 2025, with a new, much lower EV road-tax structure introduced from 2026. These incentives reduce the cost of going electric. Always confirm the current EV road tax, duty rules and any remaining incentives, as the policy is being updated - and remember that tax savings do not offset the brand-support risk you should also weigh up.

Like all EVs, the Neta V needs little routine maintenance - no engine oil, no spark plugs, no clutch and no exhaust, and regenerative braking reduces brake wear. Normal upkeep is tyres, brake fluid, cabin filter, coolant checks and software. The catch, again, is the brand: with Neta in bankruptcy reorganisation, the availability and cost of spare parts and the continuity of authorised service are uncertain. Keep the car well within warranty terms, confirm parts availability with the distributor, and budget for the possibility that servicing could become harder over time.