China's BYD unveils electric hot hatch concept, showroom version coming soon
25/04/2024 07:00
A new Toyota Corolla rival from BYD is due in Chinese showrooms later this year with a circa-$50,000 price – and the promise of a hot-hatch version.
BYD – which is battling with Tesla for the title of the world’s top-selling electric-car manufacturer – has unveiled a concept for a new electric hot hatchback aimed at the MG 4.
The Ocean-M concept previews a high-performance version of an upcoming Toyota Corolla or Hyundai i30-sized hatchback from BYD, due in Chinese showrooms later this year, pending any delays.
It looks to be larger than the current BYD Dolphin, which is marketed as a Corolla and i30 rival, but was designed to challenge smaller Toyota Yaris-sized vehicles – as the Australian model has a longer front end than Chinese versions for greater crash safety, that pushes it into the size class above.
Limited details on the new Ocean-M have been revealed – nor any high-resolution images – however a BYD executive told the crowd at the Beijing motor show where it was unveiled it is due on sale in China between July and September this year.
Prices are due to range from 150,000 to 200,000 yuan ($AU32,000 to $AU42,500) in BYD’s home market.
Based on the Chinese prices of other BYD cars sold in Australia, this could translate to about $45,000 to $55,000 plus on-road costs in Australia.
Underpinning the Ocean-M is believed to be a new dedicated electric-car architecture, which uses BYD’s second-generation ‘Blade’ battery technology announced earlier this month.
The battery is a ‘cell-to-body’ unit, where the cells are mounted directly into the vehicle – and form part of its structure – rather than being packaged into clusters known as ‘modules’, which add weight and complexity.
BYD Ocean-M Concept @BYDGlobal#autochina2024pic.twitter.com/hKOZ2ASqz7
— CarNewsChina.com (@CarNewsChina) April 25, 2024
BYD has promised up to 1000km of driving range from vehicles with its new battery technology – from a 190kWh capacity – but the pack in the Ocean-M is likely to offer a third of that capacity.
Reports suggest the Ocean-M will offer a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, and the sporty styling of the concept – including a carbon-fibre rear spoiler and diffuser – point to a high-performance version with quick acceleration.
More details on the 2024 BYD Ocean-M are due closer to the showroom launch of the production version, which is likely to carry a different name.
The Ocean name indicates it forms part of the nautical-themed BYD model range that includes the Seal, Dolphin, Sea Lion, Seagull and more.
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