An SUV variant of the BYD Seal model family has arrived in Ireland to expand the Chinese brand range here, writes Brian Byrne. The Seal U Super Hybrid has a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a starting price of €42,150.
The power unit prioritises electric mode while there is enough charge in the hybrid battery, switching to a hybrid setup on journeys longer than the rated range of 80km on electric-only power. The combined range on a full tank of fuel is in excess of 1,000km. The car is AWD, and offers acceleration to 100km/h in 5.9s.
There are two grades available in the Seal U, which has a high level of standard specification, and can also power household appliances when mains power is out.
BYD is distributed in Ireland by MDL, and there are six main dealers, two in Dublin and one each in Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Wexford.
