KATHMANDU: Choosing a car is not only about its design or features. For most buyers, it is a major financial decision. This makes it important to understand what a vehicle offers before making a purchase.
Nepal’s EV market is seeing the arrival of new brands and models. However, not every product will suit every buyer or the country’s road conditions. Buyers therefore need to compare products carefully before making a decision.
Two new electric hatchbacks, the Chery Q and Proton eMAS 5, have entered the Nepali market. Both models offer modern designs, strong feature lists and rear-wheel-drive layouts. They also compete closely in terms of pricing.
Both cars are positioned in the Rs 3 million to Rs 4 million price range. They offer good power, stable handling and confident cornering. This makes them direct competitors in Nepal’s growing EV market.
Where does each model stand out?
The biggest advantage of the Chery Q is its price. The regular price is Rs 3.449 million for the Comfort variant and Rs 3.599 million for the Premium variant. During the NAIMA and NADA auto shows, the two variants were offered at Rs 3.099 million and Rs 3.299 million, respectively.
Both variants use the same 41.3 kWh battery and a 90 kW electric motor. The car offers a claimed range of around 300 km on a single charge.
The Chery Q also has a strong feature package. It gets 175 mm of ground clearance, a 540-degree surround-view camera and a 15.6-inch touchscreen. It also comes with several ADAS features.
The Q offers 375 liters of boot space. Folding the rear seats increases the storage capacity up to 1,450 liters. This makes it a practical option for family use.
The Proton eMAS 5, meanwhile, focuses more on driving dynamics and practicality. Its Premium variant uses a 40.16 kWh CATL LFP battery. It gets an 85 kW electric motor with a peak torque output of 150 Nm. The model has a claimed WLTP range of 325 km.
The eMAS 5 offers 375 liters of boot space, along with a 70-liter trunk. It also has 28 liters of under-seat storage and 20 liters of storage below the center console.
The model comes with a multi-link rear suspension, 360-degree camera, G-Trac traction control and vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality. The Premium variant also gets an 85 kW 11-in-1 electric motor.
Jagadamba Motors sells the eMAS 5 in Nepal in Prime and Premium variants. The Prime is priced at Rs 3.299 million, while the Premium costs Rs 3.699 million.
Chery for price, eMAS 5 for driving
Both models benefit from their rear-wheel-drive layouts. They offer good cornering ability and stability on the road.
For Nepal, however, price and everyday practicality are important factors. In this regard, the Chery Q appears to offer strong value for money, particularly for buyers looking for a feature-rich EV at a lower price.
The Proton eMAS 5 Premium is more appealing to buyers who place greater importance on driving dynamics, suspension setup, storage and a more premium experience.
Its multi-link rear suspension, combined with rear-wheel drive, can be an advantage on Nepal’s hilly and winding roads.
Ultimately, the Chery Q is the most attractive choice for buyers prioritizing price and value. The Proton eMAS 5 is better suited to those who want stronger driving dynamics, additional practicality and a more premium experience.
