BYD Seal U

yagan

I can see this selling very well in Ireland, but I wonder what the other models BYD will be introducing next will be?

Anyone have any clues?

MojoMaker

Saloons are useless to a large part of the population though. While SUV may not be the right answer, few enough manufacturers design proper liftback models or estates which might cross the divide and satisft the versatility requirements without needing a tall boxy outline.

Exiled Rebel

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122707286#Comment_122707286

Saloons were just fine pre-noughties and would suit the vast majority of people's needs. Same could be said with today's saloons.

I remember when my parents bought a second hand Volvo 740 in early 1990s, a huge step up from the corolla bangers they had prior which also did the job. A family of 5 could have fitted in the boot, a bloody marvellous car.

dodzy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122707286#Comment_122707286

Regarding the 'saloons being useless' bit…….. What are you basing that assessment on exactly ?

ForestFire

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122707637#Comment_122707637

I won't go near a saloon ever again...and it's quite simple...

Yes you can fit loads in the boot, but the opening to get stuff in is terrible, even prams, kids bikes etc., moving household stuff...

They seem to be designed for the Mafia, perfect opening for a body bag and then roll tem into the back to disappear 😋

I mean it's easily fixed with a lift back, or I'm sticking with estates for now, but SUV are a consideration.

Oh sorry there is a second reason, on most at least, no rear wiper!

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122707711#Comment_122707711

So essentially they are fine for anyone without young kids, or for families with two cars. Pretty sure that covers a lot of the population

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122707074#Comment_122707074

We have a saloon but also an estate. Estate is a must have for a lot of outdoor activities, with the entire family.

Fecking hate the SUV blight. There was never a need for them and they often have a smaller usable boot then even a saloon, never mind an estate

Red Silurian

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122707711#Comment_122707711

I remember my uncle had a Toyota Avensis petrol, looked the exact same as any other Avensis until you opened the boot and it was a liftback. Agreed we need more of those, and more estates!

Mad_Lad

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122706852#Comment_122706852

Ah sure a lot of people wouldn't be arsed cutting up sticks for the fire now-a-days or doing gardening etc, people are gone bone lazy but plugging in a car is quite a quick and painless task lol.

Mad_Lad

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122707400#Comment_122707400

We manage fine in the Cee'd and it's not an SUV, granted we have the outlander if needed but we don't really needed it but herself wanted the SUV of course lol.

Estates and salloons are more practical in many cases.

A lot of so called SUV just have very large body kits, larger wheels and sit taller and sold for thousands more, car companies laughing all the way to the bank. An estate car would probably have a decent bit more room than many of the so called SUV today.

Foreign Sports

Had a test drive in the seal u plug in today as the missus is looking to change next year.

The boost model (2wd) with 18Kwh battery.

Unfortunately, the battery wasn't charged so we were limited to driving in HEV mode.

A few thoughts..

Pros

• Imposing enough on the outside and quite a long and high SUV.
• The boot didn't seem as small as the numbers would suggest (425 liters or something like that).
• Very premium feeling inside with everything you could think of and more as standard (heated / cooled seats, hud, 360 cameras, electric pano roof, Infinity sound system etc etc.).
• Very solid on the road with 235 19s (think they were Michelins).
• Very quiet inside when driving normally.

Cons

• Ride was a bit wallowy (had expected it but was a bit floaty - some may appreciate and some may not).
• Panoramic roof was rattling a bit and was noticeable as the rest of the cabin was quiet.
• Engine was a bit gutless when the throttle was applied (non-turbo Atkinson engine I believe which is used as more of a generator for the battery but can of course be used in parallel).
• Seats looked nice but were a bit unsupportive (headrest fixed so if you are very tall, they might dig into your shoulders / neck a bit.)

Overall, it's a decent package and certainly worth checking out for those in the market.

It comes across as very good value for money. Think it was around €43900.

Also included is 2 free services for that price too.

Apparently there will be a comfort model coming out sometime next year which will have a bigger battery (around 24Kwh for >100km electric range) to compete with the MG HS Phev.

Ranleth

Comfort option is now available with a very good EV range of 125kms

Great option for anyone that doesn't want to switch to full EV