Terrible Adorability

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【Summary】The Wuling Mini EV Cabrio, the world's cheapest convertible electric vehicle, is described as being as terrible as it is adorable. Despite its lack of speed, comfort, and overall quality, there is something charming about it that overshadows its downfalls. The Chinese-market vehicle costs around $14,000 and features a basic interior with physical controls and limited storage space. The ride is said to be terrible, but it still attracts attention and is considered fun and silly.

FutureCar Staff Nov 05, 2023 10:17 PM PT

Pugs are known for their adorable and lovable nature, despite not being the best at being dogs. Similarly, the Wuling Mini EV Cabrio is like the pug of the automotive world - not great at being a car, but easy to love.

In the Chinese market, the Wuling Mini EV Cabrio is priced at around $14,000, making it significantly cheaper than the Mazda MX-5 if it were available in the U.S. For that price, you get a fully electric convertible with a power-folding roof, but not much else. A recent video from Wheelsboy explores the Wuling Mini and highlights its charm despite its shortcomings as a car.

Beneath its cute, boxy design, the Wuling Mini EV Cabrio houses a 26.5 kWh battery pack that powers a single, rear-mounted electric motor. With 40 horsepower and 81 lb-ft of torque, it may be small and not well-equipped, but it's also incredibly slow.

Comfort is not a strong suit for the Wuling Mini. The interior is basic, featuring physical controls for climate and a handbrake. The radio looks outdated, and instead of a trunk, the rear cargo area is accessed by folding the seats down and unzipping a cover. Despite its lack of creature comforts, driving the Wuling is more about the overall experience.

Unfortunately, the experience is not great either. The ride is said to be terrible, with small wheels and bicycle-like tires. The steering is vague, and the interior lacks sound insulation. However, despite these drawbacks, there is still something fun and silly about the Wuling that captures attention. It seems to attract more attention than most sports cars, drawing people in.

So why is the Wuling Mini EV Cabrio so charming, despite being objectively bad at everything a car should do? It's hard to pinpoint, but there is an intangible delight about it that makes one eager to drive it.