BYD (which stands for Build Your Dreams) has actually been around the Philippines for a while now, yet BYD just recently had its brand launch in the Philippines at the 2014 Manila International Auto Show.
On display was their 3 car model line up, the BYD F5 Suri compact sedan, S6 Crossover SUV, and L3 compact sedan. For some reason, my PC is giving me warnings that BYD’s Philippine website is harmful, therefore, to be safe, some of the features and specifications were gathered from AutoIndustriya’s specifications of each model on sale in the Philippines.
BYD S6
It is the company’s crossover SUV, and interestingly, is one of China’s safest and most well built crossovers, garnering the maximum 5-star rating from the C-NCAP.
There are 2 variants. The high trim model is powered by a 2.4 liter Mitsubishi 4G69 multi-port injection engine, producing 165 hp, and is mated to a 4-Speed INVECS II automatic transmission. The base trim, on the other hand, is powered by BYD’s own 2.0 liter multi-port injection engine, producing 138 hp, and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. As expected, all variants are well equipped, with both the base and high trim variant having a dual-mode sunroof, front and rear disc brakes with ABS and EBD, dual front, side and curtain airbags, parking sensors, reverse camera, leather seats, comfort access key, and a 7-inch touch screen monitor with DVD player and nine speakers for entertainment. The high trim variant gains cruise control.
BYD S6 2.4: P1,158,000
BYD S6 2.0: P928,000
BYD L3
The L3 is BYD’s entry level compact sedan. For its price, it certainly does have very premium features. Power comes courtesy of a 1.5 liter SOHC engine, producing 107 hp, and is mated to either a 5-speed manual for the GLI, or a dual clutch transmission for the GSI.
Both variants are equipped with front and rear disc brakes with ABS and EBD, leather seats, and proximity key with push button start. Features unique to the L3 GSI are the dual front airbags, touch screen DVD multimedia system, and a sunroof. The GLI meanwhile makes do with a CD player, instead of a DVD unit.
BYD L3 GSI: P718,000
BYD L3 GLI: P598,000
BYD F5 Suri
A stand out and a crowd pleaser at BYD’s booth in the 2014 MIAS was the BYD F5 Suri. Of particular to the public’s interest is the remote control feature of the car. Through the remote control, the car can be started, driven at a restricted speed of 2 km/h for up to 10 meters, and even turn on the air conditioning. This remote control feature is a recipient of the Best Leading Science and Technology award at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show.
Powering the BYD F5 Suri is a BYD developed TID engine. It is direct injected and turbocharged, producing 152 hp and 240 Nm of torque, and is mated to a 6-speed dual clutch transmission.
The F5 Suri is one of the safest Chinese cars on sale, with 8 airbags, traction control, Bosch ESP. Other features include a touch screen DVD multimedia system, tire pressure monitoring system, brake priority system, blindspot visibility system, and a back-up camera.
BYD F5 Suri: P1,018,000