BYD Seagull vs. VinFast VF 3, Jetour Ice Cream

Just recently, BYD Cars Philippines launched the Seagull — an electric compact hatchback that is set to help the Ayala-led brand in the country democratize electric vehicles (EV).

Its arrival is met with a warm welcome from other models looking to get a slice of the category dedicated to small electric cars. So, we check out how the BYD Seagull fares against the competition, in the form of fellow newcomer VinFast VF 3 and a car others consider to be a segment staple, the Jetour Ice Cream.

To start off, here are the specifications of the BYD Seagull compact EV.

BYD Seagull

Exterior

Outside, the BYD Seagull wears sporty and aggressive lines, potentially attracting a wide range of potential would-be owners.

Its front fascia is equipped with sharp-looking LED projector-type and LED daytime running lights (DRL) headlamps. Below is a grille with horizontal slats. Angles that serve as indentations on the car’s cheeks further emphasize its character.

To its sides are strong bodylines, which complement its blacked-out wheel arches, door claddings (with “Blade Battery” markings), and pillars. Its side mirrors — which also have an NFC sensor and power adjust features — also sport black accents while a similar dark-colored trim on the rear-end of its flanks makes the roof seem like it is floating.

It rides on a set of 16-inch wheels with a geometric design shod in 175/55 series tires.

At the back, the BYD Seagull sports a roof-integrated spoiler with an LED high-mount stop lamp. Below it is a decent-sized rear glass (which helps during parking or when checking out vehicles or objects behind the car), a pair of striking LED taillamps connected by a long horizontal light bar, and a pair of rear fog lamps.

Few chrome trims can also be seen on the car by way of the “BYD” emblems, front and back; the “EV” badge, and the “Seagull” nameplate.

The BYD Seagull is available in three colors, which can be seen below:

• Apricity White
• Sprout Green
• Delan Black

Interior

Inside, those looking to drive home the BYD Seagull will be delighted to find leather seats. The front seating has been designed to look like bucket-type seats, which not only create a sporty ambiance inside the cabin but provide ample cushioning and bolstering.

The driver is face with a multi-functional leather steering wheel with controls for some of the car’s available features. The three-spoke wheel also has chrome accents and the BYD logo is slapped in the middle.

Past it is a seven-inch LCD instrument cluster that displays relevant driving information, which we have listed below:

• Estimated range
• Battery level
• Speed
• Driving mode
• Selected gear
• Trip computer

Sitting at the center of the dashboard is a 10.1-inch infotainment system loaded with technological amenities one does not easily find on a sub-P1-million car. Listed below are some of its features:

• Wireless Apple Carplay
• Wireless Android Auto
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Voice assistant
• Over-the-air updates

On that note, the rotating infotainment display with gesture controls gives both the driver and the front passenger access to helpful applications such as navigation, radio, and music streaming. And while we are on the topic of automotive audio, the BYD Seagull gets two speakers with two tweeters to deliver a decent onboard auditory experience.

Occupants sitting at the back are provided with a bench-type seat with similar leather upholstery as the ones used on the front seats.

Other notable features include a wireless charging dock, push start button, beverage holders, and charging ports.

Electric powertrain

Propulsion comes from an electric powertrain comprised of a permanent magnet synchronous motor paired with a 30 kilowatt-hour (kWh) BYD Blade battery.

In unison, the said setup delivers some 73 horsepower (hp) and 135 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque to the front wheel. Per the local wing of the Chinese EV maker, it sends the BYD Seagull from a standstill to 50 kilometers per hour in under five seconds.

Range-wise, the compact electric car can offer drivers up to 300 kilometers (km) of emissions-free transportation. The battery can be juiced up using both AC and DC charging systems, which gives owners freedom and convenience when recharging their vehicles.

Safety

When it comes to safety, the BYD Seagull also comes with a host of features that can help owners get peace of mind while on the road. Below are the technologies one can expect from the compact electric car:

• Traction control system
• Electronic stability control
• Anti-lock braking system
• Hydraulic brake assist
• Vehicle dynamic control
• Controlled deceleration for parking
• Comfortable stop
• Coordinated regenerative braking system
• Hill-tart hold control
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Electronic anti-theft system

Variants, pricing

The BYD Seagull is offered in a single GLX variant and is offered at an introductory price of P898,000.

VinFast VF 3

Also launched not too long ago, the VinFast VF 3 is a viable option for those who want a city car with an attitude. Unlike the aforementioned BYD Seagull with looks that lean on the sporty side, this Vietnamese EV boasts boxy proportions that make it look like a rough and rugged mini off-roader.

Exterior

At the front, the VinFast VF 3 dons halogen headlamps. These are set on a horizontally oriented grille with chrome trims and the carmaker’s logo in the middle. Under which is a large bumper.

The flanks of the VinFast VF 3 get sport utility vehicle-like appointments befitting its style and design. These include blacked-out wheel arches that seem to be connected to the aforementioned front bumper, black side sill garnishes, and blacked-out pillars with similarly-colored accents extending to the rear to give the appearance of a floating roof.

Also found here are black side mirrors and black door handles. They pair well with the VinFast VF 3’s black 16-inch wheels wrapped in 175/75 radial tires.

Its rear end also offers drivers a decent-sized glass, halogen taillamps, a manual tailgate, and a bumper that mimics the design found at the front.

It is offered in a variety of colors, which we have listed:

• Summer Yellow
• Iris Berry
• Rose Pink
• Zenith Grey
• Electric Blue
• Crimson Red
• Aquatic Azure
• Infinity Blanc
• Urban Mint

Interior

Inside the cabin, the VinFastr VF 3 has modern minimalist vibes.

Facing the driver is a flat-bottom steering (made with hardwearing plastic). Its dashboard (also made with hard plastics) gets a 10-inch display linked to a two-speaker sound system. Also found here are silver-colored air conditioning vents.

The seats of the VinFast VF 3 are covered in fabric but offer decent bolstering and support. It also has an air conditioning system with cabin filtration and an electronic parking brake.

Electric powertrain

Powering the VionFast VF 3 is a single electric motor set onto the rear wheel axle. This gives the chunky-looking mini EV approximately 43 horses with 110 Nm. The motor is supported by an 18.64 kWh battery that delivers an estimated driving range of 215 km.

Safety

The VinFast VF 3 comes with enough features to help one stay safe on the road. Below are the technologies that come standard with the said nameplate:

• Anti-lock braking
• Brake assist
• Traction control
• Hill-strat assist control
• Speed-sensitive door locks
• Seatbelts
• Airbags

Variants, pricing

Like its rival, the VinFast VF 3 also comes in a single trim. Until September 30, it is priced at P745,000. Those who will take up the carmaker’s battery subscription program can purchase the vehicle at P645,000 until the end of September 2024.

Jetour Ice Cream

Those in the market for a cute and friendly-looking compact EV could find what they are looking for in the Ice Cream EV from Jetour.

Exterior

Outside, the Jetour Ice Cream sports halogen headlamps with integrated LED DRLs and turn signals. The short hood gets the carmaker’s logo and is fitted with a lower grille with narrow vertical slats.

The side profile of the adorable EV comes with body-colored door handles and side mirrors, as well as blacked-out pillars. The side fenders also get repeaters.

The Jetour Ice Cream rides on 12-inch wheels equipped with 145/70 series rubber.

At the back, the Jetour Ice Cream comes with a large flat glass with an integrated spoiler and a high-mount stop lamp. It also has two halogen lamps that somewhat copy the design of the headlights. A pair of fog lamps can also be seen on the car’s rear end.

The Jetour Ice Cream is available in four colors:

• Matcha
• Strawberry
• Vanilla
• Blueberry

Interior

The cabin of the Jetour Ice Cream echoes the same cute theme found outside.

The driver is given a D-shaped steering wheel with multi-functional controls. Past it is a colored LCD instrument panel accompanied by a digital infotainment screen.

Jetour gave the Ice Cream seats — which can accommodate up to four occupants — that are covered in fabric.

Electric powertrain

Sending the Jetour Ice Cream forward is a PMSM fitted at the rear wheel. It generates a little over 26 hp with 85 Nm of pulling power. Energy comes from a 13.9 kWh battery, which in turn offers up to 170 km of range, making it a good choice for those who only travel short distances within the confines of the metro.

Safety

Jetour gave the Ice Cream a good mix of safety features. We have listed them below:

• Airbags
• Seatbelts
• Anti-lock braking system
• Speed-sensing door locks
• Pedestrian reminder system
• Tire pressure alarm
• Rear reversing radar
• Reversing camera
• Ramp assist

Variants, pricing

The Jetour Ice Cream comes in a sole variant aptly named Sundaes. It is priced at P699,000.

Quick summary

Here is a quick summary of the EVs and their respective prices in this comparison article:

Model	BYD Seagull	VinFast VF 3	Jetour Ice Cream
Variant	GLX	VF 3	Sundaes
Pricing	P898,000	P745,000	P699,000

 

Also read:

BYD Seagull formally enters PH EV market, starting price at P898k

VinFast PH introduces VF 3

Here's what's inside the Jetour Ice Cream