Skip advert
Advertisement

BYD Qin performance hybrid launched

Chinese manufacturer BYD launches the plug-in hybrid Qin in China, with other hybrid models expected in Europe by 2015

This is the new BYD Qin hybrid – pronounced ‘chin’. It’s the latest offering from the Chinese manufacturer and a performance-hybrid intended to target key world markets, with sales set to begin in China first, before branching out to Europe and the rest of the world in 2015 - probably after being rebadged.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s powered by a 151bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is twinned with a 148bhp electric motor. When combined these two power sources produce 291bhp, which means the Qin is capable of hitting 62mph in 5.9 seconds (as fast as the new SEAT Leon Cupra) and continue onto a top speed of 115mph. Fuel consumption is as equally impressive with BYD claiming a return of 177mpg.

• Best new cars for 2014   

The Qin is badged as a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) and can be recharged from a standard household socket. In purely electric mode, it’s able to cover a distance of up to 44 miles – BYD claims this to be almost twice the distance of its other PHEV competitors. Regenerative braking is also used to help further increase the electric range.

Four driving modes are also offered, which can be selected on demand by the driver. V+ECO, EV+SPORT, HEV+ECO and HEV+SPORT all vary power output helping conserve electricity at low speeds and delivering maximum performance for faster motorway driving.

Inside, standard kit includes a 12.1-inch TFT instrument panel, smart key system and a unique remote driving facility, allowing the car to be manoeuvred remotely at very low speed from the outside of the vehicle.

Initial prices in China start from the equivalent of just £19,645 and rise to £21,715, before any EV grant. BYD is also currently developing petrol, hybrid and purely electric models, which will make their way to Europe in early 2015.

• Best new cars for 2014  • Most economical cars 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

MG4 and MGS5 EV prices slashed in reply to Government Electric Car Grant
MG4 - rear

MG4 and MGS5 EV prices slashed in reply to Government Electric Car Grant

In order to boost sales, MG is announcing its own a £1,500 grant for some of its EVs
News
21 Jul 2025
Range Rover's secret mid-size EV: Inside its £500m factory
Halewood factory - Phil with Range Rover outside

Range Rover's secret mid-size EV: Inside its £500m factory

We take an exclusive look inside JLR’s revamped Liverpool site as the brand gears up for EV production
Features
18 Jul 2025
Chinese cars will take over as Britain’s best sellers
Opinion - Omoda 5

Chinese cars will take over as Britain’s best sellers

With a dramatic rise in sales, Mike Rutherford thinks it’s only a matter of time before Chinese cars outsell all other countries in the UK
Opinion
20 Jul 2025