On September 13th, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) unveiled the specifications for the all-new Wuling Hongguang Mini EV.

This latest facelift of the popular compact vehicle retains its largely unchanged interior layout but features a completely new exterior design.

The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV was originally launched in China in 2020 to great acclaim and record sales. The model is assembled by the SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) joint venture.

According to the MIIT regulatory filing, the new Wuling Hongguang Mini EV measures 3,256 mm in length, 1,510 mm in width, and 1,578 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,190 mm. This is a slight increase compared to the previous model, which measured 2,920 mm in length, 1,493 mm in width, 1,621 mm in height, and had a wheelbase of 1,940 mm.

The new model is slightly larger, although the interior is expected to be largely similar. The major change is the new exterior design. The previous boxy design has been replaced with a smoother, rounded style, similar to that of the Wuling Bingo.

The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is powered by a rear-mounted single electric motor with a maximum output of 30 kW. This is the same electric motor used in last year's top-of-the-line model, now included as standard. It has a top speed of 100 km/h and is equipped with a lithium iron phosphate battery.

The MIIT filings indicate that the new model will offer a choice between a two-tone white roof or a body-coloured roof, two styles of wheel hub covers, and various body colours. The interior layout appears to be unchanged, featuring four seats and a hatchback rear door.

This regulatory filing marks the first time we have seen the new Wuling Hongguang Mini EV. The Mini EV and other models from the SGMW joint venture have been crucial for SAIC as the state-owned company faces slow sales elsewhere.

Currently, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is priced between CNY 32,800 and CNY 99,900 (US$ 4,620 and US$ 14,080), with discounts bringing the entry-level model down to around CNY 25,000. The new model is expected to start around CNY 32,000.

Wuling has released several variants of the Hongguang Mini EV, including a cabriolet version and a more premium Mini EV Macaron variant. However, this is the first time since 2020 that the base model is receiving an update.