The electric proposals of local manufacturers have undoubtedly dominated the 2020 Beijing Auto Show. From production models like the interesting ORA Good Cat GT to prototypes like the promising Great Wall Futurist Concept, the Chinese pageant was all a declaration of intent by the indigenous industry.
Among all the concept cars presented at the event, one of the ones that most caught the public’s attention was the Neta Eureka 03. A production model that will have the arduous task of competing against the Tesla Model 3, the best-selling electric car on the planet. Will the umpteenth Tesla killer remain in borage water, or a solid proposal for the future?
With an estimated range of 497 miles under the NEDC homologation cycle (currently the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD sold in China achieves 415 miles NEDC), the Eureka 03 seems an interesting vehicle from a technical point of view, something supported by its outstanding acceleration (0 to 100 km/h in just 4 seconds).
The Asian model is slightly larger than the American one; However, its 4.80 meters long still place it in the D segment, to which not only the Tesla Model 3 belongs, but also the Polestar 2 and the future BMW i4. Unlike these models, Neta’s proposal stands out for a risky and innovative design that will not leave anyone indifferent.
While its T-shaped headlamps are somewhat reminiscent of the Volvo and Polestar ‘Thor’s hammer’, on the Eureka 03, they converge almost to the front badge, giving it a modern and aggressive look. The sideline is somewhat more conservative, with a relatively long hood for a 100% electric model. However, the “fastback” roof drop gives it a sportier look.
The rear features a small spoiler, some pilots that replicate the T-shape of the front optics (only in this case they do join the boot lid), and a diffuser in charge of improving the car’s aerodynamics. According to Chinese media, the production version of the Neta Eureka 03 will hit the market in 2022.