PT Neta Auto Indonesia recently invited Mobil123’s editorial team to experience their latest crossover, the Neta X. During the test drive session, PT Neta Auto Indonesia allowed the media personnel to explore urban routes using the Neta X towards PIK 2.
This electric car comes with a range of advanced innovations and futuristic designs. Neta also focuses on providing comfort for both the driver and passengers. In this test drive session, we were able to further explore the stop-and-go capability and the comfort of the second-row seats.
The NETA Arista Tebet dealership in South Jakarta was chosen as the starting point for the media test drive activity towards PIK 2 in the northern coast of Jakarta. As a newcomer, Neta X strives to impress Indonesian electric car consumers with various features and comfort.
We were quite impressed while driving this Chinese electric car, especially with its premium built quality and spacious cabin. Without further ado, here is our impression of driving the Neta X in the test drive session.
Testing the Performance and Features of Neta X, Its ADAS System is Protective
In the previous test drive, PT Neta Auto Indonesia grouped two individuals in one car. This way, the two of us could explore the various driving technologies provided by the Neta X.
We had the opportunity to drive the Neta X from the PIK 2 area to the Neta Arista Tebet dealership. On the way back, we explored handling to maneuver in the empty streets of the PIK 2 area and lane changes on the Inner City Toll Road.
The Neta X has four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and the unique One Pedal mode. In the One Pedal mode, the car moves like a bumper car because you only need to press the gas pedal. To reduce speed or stop, you just need to release the gas pedal. Although it is named One Pedal mode, the brake pedal can still be operated normally so the driver does not need to be anxious in sudden braking conditions.
For normal driving conditions in traffic jams, we used the comfort mode which produced smooth acceleration yet remained powerful. It was not difficult to reach 100 km/h quickly on the toll road.
With a fairly large posture, it was not difficult to drive the Neta X in Jakarta’s typical traffic density. The electric seat in the driver’s seat can be used to adjust the seating height for better visibility while driving.
Very Responsive Braking System
The unit we used for the test drive was a pre-production car, which means that the specifications and features have been adjusted for mass production units to be assembled in Indonesia.
One thing we liked about the Neta X was its very responsive brakes. We felt that the brakes were more responsive compared to other electric cars we had driven before. Initially, I had to adapt to the braking style to avoid jerky movements. However, after driving a few kilometers, we understood the right braking style to brake smoothly. The responsive brakes made the driver not need to exert much effort when braking.
Moreover, the Neta X also has regenerative braking technology up to three levels. We used level 2, which provided gentle engine braking with relatively quick deceleration. The sensation was similar to driving a conventional CVT automatic car.
Similar to most electric cars, the Neta X uses auto-hold feature to help the driver when needing to stop for a while. The driver just needs to fully press the brake pedal until the car stops, and the auto-hold will hold the wheels from moving even on slopes. The car can move forward again when the driver presses the gas pedal.
Protective ADAS Technology, Keeping the Driver Orderly
The Neta X is equipped with second-tier ADAS technology through the installation of 11 High Precision sensors including features such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Changing Assist (LCA with BSD), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Lane Keep Assist (LKA), which provide maximum protection while driving.
For those who are not used to it, the ADAS system may feel stiff and protective. For example, when we tried to change lanes but with a slightly close distance from the car behind (cutting in), the ADAS system would prevent the car from changing lanes immediately until a safe distance from the car behind is ensured.
Furthermore, the Lane Keep Assist feature works quite aggressively to keep the car in the middle of the lane. The Lane Keep function works best when the car is traveling above 40 km/h.
If you feel disturbed, the Lane Keeping Assist feature can be turned off or only used to give warnings so that it can be more adaptive to Jakarta’s dense traffic conditions that sometimes require the driver to cross the lane markings.
Being a Passenger in Neta X, Pampered Like Riding in a Sedan
It is not an exaggeration to measure the comfort of the Neta X and compare it to sedans. The Neta X has a spacious cabin with premium leather and alcantara materials.
On the front passenger seat, it has precise electric adjustments that are practical for ergonomic seating positions. Apart from sitting in the front, we also took the time to sit in the back seat of the Neta X as a passenger.
We found the legroom in the second row to be spacious and the legs could rest halfway reclined when sitting. The legs also had ample room to move from side to side. Additionally, the backrest shape in the second row has a relatively reclined angle, providing a relaxed atmosphere for passengers. This seating design clearly makes the body less tired during long journeys.
To provide a wide visibility impression, the Neta X’s roof already features a panoramic sunroof. Yes, the glass panel on the roof can be opened for those who enjoy fresh air during the journey.
Comfortable Suspension in Empty Cabin Conditions
Another aspect we appreciated about the Neta X was its soft suspension like a sedan. Despite being a Crossover, the Neta X has a very comfortable suspension, even when driven alone.
During the test drive session, we only had two people in the car with minimal belongings. With the cabin being relatively empty, the suspension could handle speed bumps, speed traps, and bumpy roads very well without causing discomfort.
As a result, this affected the handling which became slightly sway when the car was driven at high speeds while cornering. But the sway was quite normal and still stable for maneuvering.
(YS)
