The Voyah Free (facelift 2023) 318 1.5L (272 Hp) Extended Range is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) SUV produced by the Chinese automotive manufacturer Voyah, beginning in June 2024. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the Free lineup, it bridges the gap between the base models and the higher-performance variants. The Free represents Voyah’s entry into the competitive luxury SUV market, aiming to combine electric efficiency with the range security of a gasoline engine. This particular variant, the 318, is characterized by its extended all-electric range and focus on balanced performance and fuel economy.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Voyah |
| Model | Free |
| Generation | Free (facelift 2023) |
| Type (Engine) | 318 1.5L (272 Hp) Extended Range |
| Start of production | June, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 0.5 l/100 km (470.4 US mpg, 565 UK mpg, 200 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Gross battery capacity | 43 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides (Li-NMC) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range | 318 km (197.6 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption | 20.5 kWh/100 km (32.99 kWh/100 mi, 102 MPGe, 4.9 km/kWh, 3 mi/kWh) |
| Electric motor power | 272 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 410 Nm (302.4 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor location | Rear axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor type | Synchronous |
| System power | 272 Hp |
| System torque | 410 Nm (302.4 lb.-ft.) |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 2500-4000 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft. @ 2500-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | DAM15NTDE |
| Engine displacement | 1499 cm3 (91.47 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, VVT |
| Kerb Weight | 2150 kg (4739.94 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2525 kg (5566.67 lbs.) |
| Max load | 375 kg (826.73 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 560 l (19.78 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1320 l (46.62 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 56 l (14.79 US gal | 12.32 UK gal) |
| Length | 4905 mm (193.11 in.) |
| Width | 1950 mm (76.77 in.) |
| Height | 1645 mm (64.76 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2960 mm (116.54 in.) |
| Front track | 1654 mm (65.12 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1647 mm (64.84 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150-170 mm (5.91 – 6.69 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | One electric motor drives the rear wheels. The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the generator only, with no mechanical connection to the drive. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 1 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 255/45 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Voyah Free 318 utilizes a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system. The core of the powertrain is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine (DAM15NTDE) producing 150 horsepower and 220 Nm (162.26 lb.-ft.) of torque. This engine operates on a Miller cycle for improved efficiency and is paired with a synchronous electric motor mounted on the rear axle, delivering 272 horsepower and 410 Nm (302.4 lb.-ft.) of torque. The engine’s primary function is to act as a generator, charging the 43 kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (Li-NMC) battery pack located under the vehicle floor. The electric motor provides drive to the rear wheels, resulting in a rear-wheel-drive configuration. The single-speed automatic transmission simplifies the power delivery from the electric motor. The engine features direct fuel injection, a turbocharger with intercooling, and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with variable valve timing (VVT) for optimized performance and efficiency.
Driving Characteristics
The Voyah Free 318 offers a refined driving experience, prioritizing comfort and efficiency. In all-electric mode, the vehicle provides near-silent operation and brisk acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in approximately 7.2 seconds. The rear-wheel-drive configuration contributes to balanced handling, although it may not offer the same level of grip as an all-wheel-drive system. When the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine seamlessly kicks in to provide power, acting as a range extender. The transition between electric and gasoline power is generally smooth and unobtrusive. The single-speed transmission provides linear acceleration, but lacks the gear changes found in traditional automatic transmissions. Compared to higher-output Free variants, the 318 offers a more relaxed driving experience, focusing on fuel economy and comfort rather than outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Voyah Free 318 comes standard with a comprehensive suite of features, reflecting its positioning as a mid-range luxury SUV. Standard equipment typically includes leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a large touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, a premium sound system, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Optional extras may include upgraded interior trim materials, a head-up display, and a more powerful audio system. The interior design emphasizes a minimalist aesthetic with high-quality materials and a focus on technology integration.
Chassis & Braking
The Voyah Free 318 features a double wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. Ventilated disc brakes are used on all four wheels, offering ample stopping power. The vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) for enhanced safety. Electric power steering provides precise and responsive steering feel. The suspension is tuned to prioritize ride comfort, but also offers reasonable handling characteristics. The relatively heavy battery pack contributes to a lower center of gravity, improving stability.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Voyah Free 318 has been generally well-received in the Chinese market, where it competes with other luxury PHEV SUVs. Critics have praised its long all-electric range, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. However, some have noted that its styling may not appeal to all tastes. Compared to other Free trims, the 318 offers a more affordable entry point into the Voyah lineup, making it accessible to a wider range of buyers. Its fuel economy is significantly better than that of the gasoline-only models, and its all-electric range provides a convenient alternative to traditional gasoline vehicles.
Legacy
As a relatively new model, the long-term reliability of the Voyah Free 318 remains to be seen. However, Voyah has invested heavily in quality control and is committed to providing a reliable and durable product. The PHEV powertrain is expected to offer good longevity, as the electric motor and battery pack require less maintenance than a traditional internal combustion engine. In the used car market, the Free 318 is likely to appeal to buyers seeking a stylish, efficient, and well-equipped luxury SUV with a long all-electric range. Its combination of electric and gasoline power provides flexibility and peace of mind, making it a practical choice for both city driving and long-distance travel.
