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Roewe Clever
The Roewe Clever is a small city car developed by Roewe, a premium brand under SAIC Motor, one of China's largest automotive groups. The Roewe Clever is aimed at the compact, affordable urban car market and competes with other small cars in the segment, such as the Chery QQ, Great Wall's ORA R1, and other city-focused electric vehicles (EVs). As a part of the Roewe lineup, the Clever brings affordability, efficient mobility, and modern design for urban commuters who prioritize ease of parking, fuel economy, and practicality in crowded city environments.
Type: Coupe
Engine type: EV
Number of doors: 2
Number of seats: 4
1. Overview & Positioning
The Roewe Clever is positioned as an affordable, electric compact car designed primarily for city dwellers and first-time car buyers who need a simple and cost-effective solution for daily transportation. The Clever is part of the shift towards more eco-friendly options for urban commuters, capitalizing on the growing trend of electric mobility in China. It caters to those who need an efficient, easy-to-drive, and easy-to-park car in crowded urban areas.
Although compact, the Roewe Clever delivers modern features and an efficient driving experience for consumers who prioritize economy, environmental sustainability, and convenience.
2. Exterior Design
The Roewe Clever is designed to be compact, simple, and modern, with a design language that reflects its urban, eco-friendly focus. Its size and proportions make it suitable for tight city streets and parking in crowded environments.
Front Design
Compact Grille: The front of the Roewe Clever features a simple, minimalist grille, typical of electric vehicles, with no traditional air intakes for an engine. Instead, it features a closed-off front section with a stylized Roewe badge.
LED Headlights: The car comes equipped with LED headlights, which not only improve visibility but also contribute to the car’s modern and clean look. The light signature is sharp and sleek, giving the car a more contemporary appearance.
Aerodynamic Design: The front bumper is designed with aerodynamics in mind, reducing drag and enhancing the car’s energy efficiency. The smooth lines also help the vehicle maintain a clean, streamlined appearance.
Side Profile
Compact Dimensions: The side profile emphasizes the compactness of the car, making it easy to navigate through tight city streets. The Clever is short and narrow, offering the advantage of better maneuverability and parking in dense urban areas.
Simple Design: The car's body is relatively unadorned, with smooth, flowing lines to create a clean and functional aesthetic. It doesn't feature complex design elements, instead focusing on the practicality and efficiency of a small city car.
Practical Wheel Sizes: The car rides on 14- or 15-inch wheels, which are designed for comfort and efficiency rather than aggressive styling. The wheels are simple, often with a modest, functional design.
Rear Design
Minimalist Tailgate: The rear design is equally minimalist, with a clean tailgate and narrow rear taillights. These taillights are designed using LED technology, adding to the car’s modern, eco-friendly image.
Compact Proportions: The rear is compact and fits within the overall urban-friendly theme of the car. The design is tailored for maximum space efficiency, offering enough storage room while keeping the car’s overall size small.
Dimensions
Length: Around 3,500 mm (137.8 inches) — small enough to be ideal for city environments.
Width: About 1,670 mm (65.7 inches) — making the Clever a narrow vehicle that fits well into tight spaces.
Height: Approximately 1,540 mm (60.6 inches) — offering a compact, upright design.
Wheelbase: Roughly 2,390 mm (94.1 inches) — helping maximize interior space while keeping the car short and easy to maneuver.
The Clever’s compact dimensions make it ideal for city driving, with easy parking and tight turning radius being key selling points.
3. Interior and Comfort
The interior of the Roewe Clever is designed to be functional and efficient. Although compact, the car aims to offer a comfortable driving environment with modern features while maintaining practicality for city dwellers.
Cabin Design
Simple and Functional Layout: The interior is straightforward, with a focus on ease of use and functional design. The dashboard has a clean layout, with essential controls grouped together for convenience.
Minimalist Controls: The interior controls are kept minimal, with a touchscreen infotainment system and easy-to-use physical controls for things like climate settings and media. The design minimizes distractions while driving, with a simple layout that focuses on ease of use.
Premium Materials: While the Clever is an entry-level electric car, Roewe still uses soft-touch materials on key surfaces, like the dashboard and door panels, to provide a more comfortable feel.
Seating
Front Seats: The seats are designed for comfort with adequate lumbar support and adjustability. The fabric upholstery is durable and easy to clean, making it suitable for daily urban use.
Rear Seats: The rear seats are designed to accommodate two passengers comfortably. Given the small dimensions of the car, the rear seating area is more suited for short trips or city driving, with the limited space a common trade-off in small city cars.
Seating Capacity: The Clever is a 4-seater car, designed for small families, couples, or individuals who occasionally need to transport others.
Cargo Space
The boot capacity of the Roewe Clever is relatively modest due to its compact size. However, it is sufficient for everyday needs, such as groceries, small luggage, or other city essentials. The rear seats can also be folded down to create more storage space when needed.
4. Powertrain and Performance
The Roewe Clever is an electric vehicle (EV), meaning it is powered entirely by electricity, with no traditional internal combustion engine (ICE). This makes it ideal for city use, with zero tailpipe emissions and low operating costs.
Electric Motor and Power
Electric Motor: The Roewe Clever is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) that delivers a maximum output of approximately 61 horsepower (45 kW). This is enough power for a small city car designed for short-distance driving, with a focus on efficiency rather than high performance.
Torque: The electric motor produces around 150 Nm (111 lb-ft) of torque, providing adequate acceleration for city driving. The immediate torque delivery of electric motors makes the car feel responsive and quick in urban environments.
Battery and Range
Battery Capacity: The Roewe Clever is equipped with a 30 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This is a relatively compact battery designed for shorter trips and lower energy consumption, making it ideal for city driving.
Range: The Clever can achieve a range of around 200-250 km (124-155 miles) on a full charge, depending on driving conditions. This range is suitable for daily commuting and urban use, with many users likely charging the car overnight or at work.
Charging: The Roewe Clever can be charged using standard AC charging (at home or at public charging stations). Full charging typically takes around 6-8 hours using a regular socket, or faster if using a DC fast charger. The battery is designed to be both efficient and cost-effective, making it easy to maintain.
Performance
Acceleration: The Roewe Clever is not designed for high-speed performance. It can reach 0-50 km/h (0-31 mph) in approximately 5.5 seconds. Its top speed is limited to around 100-120 km/h (62-75 mph), making it ideal for city driving but not suited for long highway cruises.
Handling: The compact size and lightweight nature of the car give it excellent maneuverability, making it easy to park and navigate through narrow city streets.
Efficiency
The Roewe Clever has an efficient electric drivetrain that provides low energy consumption. Its energy consumption is around 12-14 kWh per 100 km, which is quite efficient for an electric car, especially in urban driving conditions.
5. Technology and Features
The Roewe Clever comes with a selection of modern technologies, although it is a more affordable entry in Roewe’s lineup. It focuses on providing convenience and safety features for city driving.
Infotainment System
Touchscreen Display: The car features a 7-inch or 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and compatibility with smartphones for media playback.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Higher trims may offer integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for seamless smartphone integration and app access.
Voice Control: The system may support basic voice commands to make driving easier without distractions.
Driver Assistance Features
Rear Parking Sensors: Given the car’s compact size, the Clever offers rear parking sensors to assist with parking in tight spaces.
Backup Camera: A rearview camera provides added safety when reversing and maneuvering in tight areas.
Driver Assistance Alerts: The car includes features like tire pressure monitoring, lane departure warning, and speed limit notifications to enhance safety.
6. Pricing and Market Availability
The Roewe Clever is primarily aimed at the Chinese market, where it is available through SAIC Motor's dealerships. The pricing is designed to be highly affordable for city dwellers, with the base model priced around ¥50,000-70,000 (approximately $6,800 - $9,500 USD).
Conclusion
The Roewe Clever is a compact, affordable electric car that focuses on eco-friendly urban mobility. With its small size, low running costs, and efficient powertrain, it’s ideal for those seeking an easy-to-drive, zero-emission vehicle for daily commuting. The Clever’s design, modern features, and compact footprint make it a great option for city dwellers who prioritize affordability and efficiency without compromising on essential technology and comfort.
The Roewe Clever is positioned as an affordable, electric compact car designed primarily for city dwellers and first-time car buyers who need a simple and cost-effective solution for daily transportation. The Clever is part of the shift towards more eco-friendly options for urban commuters, capitalizing on the growing trend of electric mobility in China. It caters to those who need an efficient, easy-to-drive, and easy-to-park car in crowded urban areas.
Although compact, the Roewe Clever delivers modern features and an efficient driving experience for consumers who prioritize economy, environmental sustainability, and convenience.
2. Exterior Design
The Roewe Clever is designed to be compact, simple, and modern, with a design language that reflects its urban, eco-friendly focus. Its size and proportions make it suitable for tight city streets and parking in crowded environments.
Front Design
Compact Grille: The front of the Roewe Clever features a simple, minimalist grille, typical of electric vehicles, with no traditional air intakes for an engine. Instead, it features a closed-off front section with a stylized Roewe badge.
LED Headlights: The car comes equipped with LED headlights, which not only improve visibility but also contribute to the car’s modern and clean look. The light signature is sharp and sleek, giving the car a more contemporary appearance.
Aerodynamic Design: The front bumper is designed with aerodynamics in mind, reducing drag and enhancing the car’s energy efficiency. The smooth lines also help the vehicle maintain a clean, streamlined appearance.
Side Profile
Compact Dimensions: The side profile emphasizes the compactness of the car, making it easy to navigate through tight city streets. The Clever is short and narrow, offering the advantage of better maneuverability and parking in dense urban areas.
Simple Design: The car's body is relatively unadorned, with smooth, flowing lines to create a clean and functional aesthetic. It doesn't feature complex design elements, instead focusing on the practicality and efficiency of a small city car.
Practical Wheel Sizes: The car rides on 14- or 15-inch wheels, which are designed for comfort and efficiency rather than aggressive styling. The wheels are simple, often with a modest, functional design.
Rear Design
Minimalist Tailgate: The rear design is equally minimalist, with a clean tailgate and narrow rear taillights. These taillights are designed using LED technology, adding to the car’s modern, eco-friendly image.
Compact Proportions: The rear is compact and fits within the overall urban-friendly theme of the car. The design is tailored for maximum space efficiency, offering enough storage room while keeping the car’s overall size small.
Dimensions
Length: Around 3,500 mm (137.8 inches) — small enough to be ideal for city environments.
Width: About 1,670 mm (65.7 inches) — making the Clever a narrow vehicle that fits well into tight spaces.
Height: Approximately 1,540 mm (60.6 inches) — offering a compact, upright design.
Wheelbase: Roughly 2,390 mm (94.1 inches) — helping maximize interior space while keeping the car short and easy to maneuver.
The Clever’s compact dimensions make it ideal for city driving, with easy parking and tight turning radius being key selling points.
3. Interior and Comfort
The interior of the Roewe Clever is designed to be functional and efficient. Although compact, the car aims to offer a comfortable driving environment with modern features while maintaining practicality for city dwellers.
Cabin Design
Simple and Functional Layout: The interior is straightforward, with a focus on ease of use and functional design. The dashboard has a clean layout, with essential controls grouped together for convenience.
Minimalist Controls: The interior controls are kept minimal, with a touchscreen infotainment system and easy-to-use physical controls for things like climate settings and media. The design minimizes distractions while driving, with a simple layout that focuses on ease of use.
Premium Materials: While the Clever is an entry-level electric car, Roewe still uses soft-touch materials on key surfaces, like the dashboard and door panels, to provide a more comfortable feel.
Seating
Front Seats: The seats are designed for comfort with adequate lumbar support and adjustability. The fabric upholstery is durable and easy to clean, making it suitable for daily urban use.
Rear Seats: The rear seats are designed to accommodate two passengers comfortably. Given the small dimensions of the car, the rear seating area is more suited for short trips or city driving, with the limited space a common trade-off in small city cars.
Seating Capacity: The Clever is a 4-seater car, designed for small families, couples, or individuals who occasionally need to transport others.
Cargo Space
The boot capacity of the Roewe Clever is relatively modest due to its compact size. However, it is sufficient for everyday needs, such as groceries, small luggage, or other city essentials. The rear seats can also be folded down to create more storage space when needed.
4. Powertrain and Performance
The Roewe Clever is an electric vehicle (EV), meaning it is powered entirely by electricity, with no traditional internal combustion engine (ICE). This makes it ideal for city use, with zero tailpipe emissions and low operating costs.
Electric Motor and Power
Electric Motor: The Roewe Clever is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) that delivers a maximum output of approximately 61 horsepower (45 kW). This is enough power for a small city car designed for short-distance driving, with a focus on efficiency rather than high performance.
Torque: The electric motor produces around 150 Nm (111 lb-ft) of torque, providing adequate acceleration for city driving. The immediate torque delivery of electric motors makes the car feel responsive and quick in urban environments.
Battery and Range
Battery Capacity: The Roewe Clever is equipped with a 30 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This is a relatively compact battery designed for shorter trips and lower energy consumption, making it ideal for city driving.
Range: The Clever can achieve a range of around 200-250 km (124-155 miles) on a full charge, depending on driving conditions. This range is suitable for daily commuting and urban use, with many users likely charging the car overnight or at work.
Charging: The Roewe Clever can be charged using standard AC charging (at home or at public charging stations). Full charging typically takes around 6-8 hours using a regular socket, or faster if using a DC fast charger. The battery is designed to be both efficient and cost-effective, making it easy to maintain.
Performance
Acceleration: The Roewe Clever is not designed for high-speed performance. It can reach 0-50 km/h (0-31 mph) in approximately 5.5 seconds. Its top speed is limited to around 100-120 km/h (62-75 mph), making it ideal for city driving but not suited for long highway cruises.
Handling: The compact size and lightweight nature of the car give it excellent maneuverability, making it easy to park and navigate through narrow city streets.
Efficiency
The Roewe Clever has an efficient electric drivetrain that provides low energy consumption. Its energy consumption is around 12-14 kWh per 100 km, which is quite efficient for an electric car, especially in urban driving conditions.
5. Technology and Features
The Roewe Clever comes with a selection of modern technologies, although it is a more affordable entry in Roewe’s lineup. It focuses on providing convenience and safety features for city driving.
Infotainment System
Touchscreen Display: The car features a 7-inch or 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and compatibility with smartphones for media playback.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Higher trims may offer integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for seamless smartphone integration and app access.
Voice Control: The system may support basic voice commands to make driving easier without distractions.
Driver Assistance Features
Rear Parking Sensors: Given the car’s compact size, the Clever offers rear parking sensors to assist with parking in tight spaces.
Backup Camera: A rearview camera provides added safety when reversing and maneuvering in tight areas.
Driver Assistance Alerts: The car includes features like tire pressure monitoring, lane departure warning, and speed limit notifications to enhance safety.
6. Pricing and Market Availability
The Roewe Clever is primarily aimed at the Chinese market, where it is available through SAIC Motor's dealerships. The pricing is designed to be highly affordable for city dwellers, with the base model priced around ¥50,000-70,000 (approximately $6,800 - $9,500 USD).
Conclusion
The Roewe Clever is a compact, affordable electric car that focuses on eco-friendly urban mobility. With its small size, low running costs, and efficient powertrain, it’s ideal for those seeking an easy-to-drive, zero-emission vehicle for daily commuting. The Clever’s design, modern features, and compact footprint make it a great option for city dwellers who prioritize affordability and efficiency without compromising on essential technology and comfort.
