BYD S6

Inside the cabin, the new BYD S6 is packed with features which give a feel of a sedan. It sports a clean and elegant dashboard along with silver inserts at the centre console, air vents, steering wheel and door panels. Not only ornamental features are given but the plush cabin has ample amount of space to accommodate a max of five passengers including the driver. The company has bestowed it with features like push start/stop button, cruise control, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, multi-function steering wheel and six-way adjustable driver seat with lumbar support for convenience and comfort. A major highlight of the cabin is the large 7-inch infotainment system, which serves as a basis for navigation and media. The audio system comes with the AUX and USB connectivity and also allows the user to connect his/her mobile phone via Bluetooth.

On the outside, the SUV looks powerful, aggressive and sporty yet a sense of elegance and sophistication still exists, all thanks to its designers who have managed to create such a remarkable road machine. At the front, it adheres a honeycomb-style grille, crystal headlamps, sleek fog lamps and well-contoured hood. Its side profile renders the lovely sloping roofline and the roof rails, which grant the SUV a sleek yet sporty appeal. It also adorns electronically operated ORVMs with camera and LED welcome as well as turning lights. Further, enhancing its sporty character are the 17-inch alloy wheels with tires measuring 225/65 R17 tires to complement them. Overall exterior dimensions of this drive measure to 4810mm x 1855mm x 1680mm (LxWxH) and a wheelbase of 2720mm. It features a ground clearance of 190mm which is pretty decent for an SUV.

Under the hood, it is available in two engine options, both designed under the brand’s Intake Variable Technique system, which is potent to yield out a remarkable intake efficiency. Two engines choice available include, 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre capacities. The former is good enough to pump out a max power of 138 hp at 6000 rpm alongside a peak torque of 186 Nm at 4500 rpm. This engine is mingled with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The bigger engine being mated to a 6-speed automatic DCT gearbox can churn out a max power of 165 hp at 6000 rpm with a peak torque of 235 Nm at 4000 rpm. Talking about its fuel economy, it can deliver a fuel economy of 7.7 Kms per litre.

Considered amongst the safest SUV's from the fleet of BYD, the S6 is packed with a range of safety features including six airbags, three-point seatbelts for all the passengers, front as well as the rear. Adding to the list are the Anti-Lock Braking System with EBD (Electronic Braking Distribution) for a controlled drive every time. The rear view system and a total of six proximity sensors alert the driver to drive and park it cautiously and conveniently. There are two sensors equipped at the front while the rear end gets a total of four sensors indicating the danger at crucial times. The car is built inside a cage-like structure, which further enhances the safety aspect by absorbing the impact energy about a hit. It is further packed with all-round disc brakes - front gets the ventilated disc while the rear is equipped with the solid disc.

Verdict

Loaded with supreme features, technology as well as safety, this Chinese mid-sized SUV holds the potential to compete against the big names of the automotive market not only in its hometown but also in different markets of the world including the Philippines.