2008 BYD F6

The F6 is the
first mid-high segment car from BYD. It is a mid-sized sedan slightly smaller
that the current Camry or Altima. The new model went into production in July
2007 and has since been quite a hit in China’s domestic market. The car
was introduced in the UAE recently and aims to challenge convention in the
market.

The F6 is
4,850mm long and has a generous 2,740mm wheelbase. The front end looks a bit
heavy with its bold grill and Audi-inspired cluster headlamps. From the styling
point, it’s one of the better looking and well-balanced Chinese-made cars. Flared
mudguards, a short rear end and wide doors give it a sort of good looking
impression – from a Chinese viewpoint!

Inside, the car
is quite upmarket with an 8-way adjustable driver seat, sharp Optitron type
instrumentation, tilt and telescope multi-function steering wheel, heat proof
glass, power windows and cruise control. Leather interior with polished wood
trims looks good with everything seemingly well put together.

Active and
passive safety is supported by a crash energy absorbing structure, ABS with
EBD, front dual airbags, seat side airbags, extra protective beams in doors.

Two Mitsubishi
sourced powertrains are offered: 138hp 2.0-litre DOHC with multi-port
sequential injection mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and 162hp 2.4-litre SOHC
MIVEC also with multi-port sequential injection mated to an automatic gearbox with
Tiptronic function. The MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic
Control system) offers strong torque performance at low revs.

Design wise, BYD
is certainly trying to take the brand more upmarket and aim to a crowd who may be
swayed from buying smaller cars for something bigger at similar or slightly
more price levels.

Technical Specifications

Price Range

Starts from UAE Dirhams N/A*

* Prices are indicative and may vary at the time of
purchase. All prices are ex-Dubai showrooms. Please check with your local
dealer for current prices and offers.

Competition

Chevrolet  Optra
Hyundai Elatra
Toyota Corolla
Nissan Sunny
Honda Civic