Wuling Starlight

Upon entering the Wuling Starlight, you will be greeted by a luxurious-looking cabin with an abundance of soft-touch materials all around. The front row is a nice place to be in thanks to faux-leather wrapped supreme comfort seats that provide great cushioning and support even on longer trips out of town. There is generous room at the front and a decent cargo space at the back. However, its second row seating is a bit cramped for three large and tall passengers due to a low headroom and limited legroom. 

Upfront, a 15.6-inch LED touchscreen infotainment serves as the dashboard’s centerpiece. Its infotainment offers Bluetooth and a 4G network connection for everyone on board. Sadly, it doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It is linked to a 6-speaker audio system, which provides great acoustics around the vehicle. Aside from these, drivers are also given a high-tech cockpit, which consists of an 8.8-inch full LCD instrument panel, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, and a premium-looking electronic knob shift.

In terms of added functionality, it comes with two USB Type-C ports at the front and another two at the rear. The car’s interior features can also be controlled via a mobile app remote function. Overall, for its price, the Wuling Starlight’s cabin delivers top-notch comfort and impressive functionality.

The Wuling Starlight features a smart, hypermodern design that exudes both elegance and confidence on the road. It has a sleek dynamic facade that is illuminated by sharp-looking LED headlights along with LED DRLs. For a more premium touch, it gets a chrome front bumper. On the sides, it has a classy futuristic silhouette accentuated by sharp character lines and chrome window trims. It is given electrically-adjustable mirrors that automatically fold when the car locks. Additionally, this EV runs on dynamic-looking 18-inch wheels with a star-shaped spoke.

Meanwhile, it has a very expensive-looking back end enhanced by a sharp, futuristic tail light bar. Its rear has a European luxury vibe to it, catching the attention of the drivers behind it. The Wuling Starlight measures 4,835 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,515 mm in height. It has a 2,800 mm wheelbase.

The Wuling Starlight utilizes a McPherson independent suspension at the front, while a Multi-Link independent suspension at the rear. This suspension delivers a soft, comfortable cruising experience for everyone on board. It is agile to maneuver and has decent absorption of bumps and uneven concrete pavements. 

However, since this suspension system is tuned more for comfort than performance, there are times when you and your passengers will feel a floaty feeling when hitting turns or corners at high speeds. But, overall, this EV offers a stable and very plush riding experience on the road.

The Wuling Starlight runs on a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor that generates a maximum power output of 136 PS and a maximum torque of 310 Nm. Its electric motor is powered by a 54.5 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery pack that delivers a CLTC pure electric cruising range of up to 510 km and offers a fast charging time of 30% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes. This EV runs on a single-speed fixed gear ratio gearbox and utilizes a front-wheel drivetrain. 

In the city, this EV sedan delivers great efficiency even when passing through traffic at low speeds, making it a practical driver for your daily commute within the Metro. On the highway, it has an impressively responsive power delivery, allowing you to overtake slower vehicles with precision. Its electric powertrain also delivers a nice pull at high speeds. However, its NVH suppression system could still be improved in the future. Aside from these, since it offers a great driving range, it is capable of taking on weekend out-of-town trips, which is very impressive for an EV under the 1.5M mark.

Safety is not an issue for the Wuling Starlight. It is equipped with several active safety features that support its braking setup such as an anti-lock braking system, braking force distribution, brake assist, traction control, and vehicle stability control among others. It also comes with 360-degree panoramic images, front and rear parking radars, an energy recovery system, hill start assist, and three driving modes: Sports, Economy, and Standard/Comfortable. It utilizes ventilated discs for front braking, while regular discs for rear braking.

The Wuling Starlight offers a compelling choice for consumers seeking an affordable all-electric vehicle that combines a sleek, premium design with advanced features. It is a practical yet exciting option for budget-oriented consumers and spirited drivers alike. That said, I believe that it deserves more attention from the people.