Dongfeng Box vs GWM Ora 03
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The GWM Ora 03 wins on money kept: 54% retained after three years vs 47%, worth about R 126 638 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Box | Ora 03 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 459 000 | R 629 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 8 023/m | R 11 010/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 68% | 73% |
| Retained after 3 years | 47% | 54% |
| Value after 3 years | R 214 300 | R 340 938 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 244 700 | R 288 962 |
| Value after 5 years | R 144 623 | R 244 592 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Chinese (established) |
Dongfeng Box →
Dongfeng's first SA passenger model went on sale in November 2025 from R459,000, making it one of the cheapest EVs in the country. The Box is a small electric hatch with battery options rated at 330km or 430km of range. A single Pretoria dealership currently sells and services it, which limits appeal outside Gauteng.
Known for: affordable electric city car
GWM Ora 03 →
GWM's retro-styled electric hatch went on sale in late 2023 and has sold in tiny numbers, with fewer than 100 units registered in its first three years. Launch pricing near R687k has been discounted to move stock. GWM plans to reboot the Ora line locally with the cheaper Ora 5, so the 03's future is uncertain.
Known for: retro styling and very slow sales
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Dongfeng Box or the GWM Ora 03?
The GWM Ora 03. It keeps about 54% of its price after three years against 47% for the Dongfeng Box, a gap of 7 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Dongfeng Box loses about R 244 700 over three years and the GWM Ora 03 loses about R 288 962. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Dongfeng Box runs about R 8 023 per month and the GWM Ora 03 about R 11 010, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.