Road tested By Hugh Maguire.
This is BYD’s first SUV and I have to start this review by telling you its rather impressive! BYD are really gaining traction in the Irish market with a winning combination of well built, well specified cars at competitive prices. The European manufacturers are understandably worried as this trend is also reflected across Europe.
To date the BYD range has been solely EV’s but realising that EV’s are not proving as popular as had been anticipated BYD quickly changed course and now have an all new BYD Seal U PHEV. The unique feature here is that unlike many plug-in hybrids this BYD uses the engine to re charge the battery thus always keeping some electric range even when you don’t plug in. In other words the electric motor and battery are primary power while the 1.5 litre petrol is secondary. I started this review with the car showing a super range of 1050 km. Lets see how it performed.
So how does it look?
The new Seal U is a stylish SUV. I was not the only person who thought it looked quite like a Porsche Cayenne. The sleek lines, two tone alloys shod with Continental tyres and the clever light design give this SUV a stylish appeal. I really liked its design.
What’s it like inside?
Press the touch sensitive door handle and if the “key” is on your person the door unlocks to reveal a smart interior.
The dash layout includes a huge 15.6 inch central screen which rotates at the push of a steering wheel mounted button to be either landscape or portrait……. A neat but practical party trick while a smaller screen in front of the driver displays the usual details. There is also an excellent HUD which is one of the best I have seen of late. The one piece electrically adjustable heated front seats look and feel vey comfortable and the centre console boasts a neat crystal style drive selector, dual wireless chargers and a few user friendly buttons for many functions though sadly they put climate control through the touchscreen.
The fit and feel of everything is really outstanding. The quilted upholstery (faux leather) looks luxurious. There is also a full tinted glass panoramic roof. Its really roomy, and is superbly equipped as standard. Really there are no extras needed, its all there from multiple cameras, dual wireless charging, blind spot detection, that pano roof, heated seats, multi choice ambient lighting and so on. Its very impressive! Accomadation is very good and a decent sized boot completes the package.
What’s under the bonnet?
BYD’s own developed highly efficient 1.5 litre petrol, and and electric motor powered by an 18.3 kWh battery. From a full battery up to 70km range is claimed, I got 61km which is excellent. However the really clever thing here is that the engine acts as a generator constantly recharging the battery thus you are really never at zero electric range. On some trips up 30km of range was put back in the battery without plugging in. No wonder BYD call it a “Super Hybrid”. Without doubt this is the most efficient PHEV I have ever tested. I returned a fuel consumption of 6.1 litres per 100k and it will do the claimed 1,000km range between charging and refuels. Excellent!
How does it drive?
I liked the way it drove. Its quiet and very refined and handling is really good. The damping on poor roads is just about right. Sure its not a sporty drive but even when pushed on twisty country roads it acquits itself very well. In town it feels easy to park, helped by the surround view cameras while on the motorway its endearingly comfortable.
Hugh’s Verdict.
A really efficient hybrid like the BYD Seal U Super Hybrid is really the way forward. No range anxiety, very frugal, lovely style and build quality. What’s not to like? Oh and it makes rivals look pricey at this specification level. Prices start at a whisker over €42,800 for the Boost model tested. This new BYD SUV is really a very fine package. Put it on your shortlist.