Astara Philippines officially brings in its new energy vehicle offerings under the JMEV brand, introducing a two-model lineup aimed at the entry-level market. A launch held recently at Blackbird Makati marked the formal entry of the Jiangxi Jiangling Group New Energy Vehicle Company (JMEV) — a joint venture by Groupe Renault, Jiangling Motors Corporation Group, and the China Agricultural Development Construction Fund Corporation — into the nation’s competitive automotive landscape, following a teaser campaign in February and the opening of pre-orders last month.
Leading the charge is the JMEV EV2, an agile four-seater hatchback presented as the ideal urban specialist. With a price tag of PHP668,000, it is available in Aurora White, Future Cyan, and Dynamic Green. Designed for city life, its compact dimensions measure 3,500mm long, 1,646mm wide, and 1,460mm tall, with a 110mm ground clearance. Its powertrain, a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, delivers 34.8 horsepower and 84 Newton-meters of torque to the front wheels, reaching a top speed of 105 km/h. The 15.86-kWh battery provides up to 201 kilometers of range (CLTC), while its exterior is defined by a mix of halogen projector headlamps and LED side turn lamps. Inside, the cabin features grey and black fabric with turquoise accents, centered around a nine-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring and a digital instrument cluster. Standard safety includes an anti-lock braking system with electronic force distribution, hill start assist, and hydraulic brake assist.
For those seeking a little more space and capability, Astara also brought in the JMEV EV3, priced at PHP788,000. It is offered in a distinct color palette of Aurora White, Cherry Blossom Pink, Sky Blue, and Dynamic Green. The EV3 boasts a more powerful electric motor generating 67 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque, pushing its top speed to 115 kph. Its larger 31.15-kWh Ternary Lithium battery with Smart Global Temperature Control extends the emissions-free range significantly to 330 kilometers (CLTC). This model stands slightly larger at 3,720mm long and 1,535mm tall, offering a more spacious trunk of 177 liters. A notable upgrade is its full-LED lighting system, from the projector headlamps to the taillamps. The interior is distinguished by a beige theme and a myriad of amenities, including a 10.1-inch infotainment system with an integrated instrument cluster and an air-conditioning system with automatic climate control, while sharing the same essential safety features as its smaller sibling.