Chinese manufacturer BYD has revealed a new performance-based hybrid saloon destined for the Chinese market and has announced that a revised version, albeit with a different name, will go on sale in Europe next year.
The BYD Qin (pronounced 'Chin') is powered by a 152bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to electric motors which produce 148bhp, giving a total power output of 291bhp and 353lb-ft of torque. As a result, 0-62mph takes just 5.9 seconds; however, top speed is slightly less impressive at 115mph.
BYD claims that the car can be driven in all-electric mode for up to 44 miles and can return a combined fuel economy figure of 177mpg.
The Qin can be recharged from any conventional household power socket and the car also generates recharging power under deceleration, either by means of engine braking or via the foot brake. This typically contributes around 12.5 to 3kWh every 62 miles.
Four driving modes can be selected: EV+ECO, EV+SPORT, HEV+ECO and HEV+SPORT, and all cars come with a 12.1-inch TFT instrument panel, smart key system and a system which allows the car to be driven remotely at low speeds from outside the vehicle.
The BYD will cost the equivalent of between £19,645 to £21,715 when it goes on sale in China, excluding any EV subsidies. It remains to be seen how expensive the car will be when it comes to Europe.
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