BYD will soon add a new city car called the Seagull to its line-up, according to details published by China’s ministry of industry and information technology (MIIT). The upcoming electric vehicle will be part of the carmaker’s Ocean series, which includes the Dolphin, Seal, Destroyer 05 and Frigate 07.
According to CarNewsChina, the Seagull
will go on sale this year and is said to be priced between 60,000 and 100,000
yuan. The five-door hatchback carries four seats and
will be the smallest Ocean vehicle, measuring in at 3,780 mm long, 1,715 mm
wide and 1,540 mm tall, with a wheelbase that spans 2,500 mm. For context, the
Dolphin is 345 mm longer, 55 mm wider and is 30 mm taller. Based on the MIIT
images, the Seagull will feature angular headlamps (LEDs are optional), black
plastic cladding, a roof spoiler and taillights that are designed similar to
the BYD D1 small MPV. Wheel sizes range from 15 to 16 inches, and the kerb
weight is listed as between 1,160 to 1,240 kg.
Spyshots reported by the publication also
reveal an interior that is lightly inspired by the Dolphin, with two displays
on the dashboard, a dual-tier centre console that accommodates two cupholders
and a wireless charging pad, and a three-spoke steering wheel with a protruding
airbag module.
As for the powertrain, the Seagull will
use a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery made by FinDreams, which is a
company under BYD. The battery is said to have an unverified energy capacity of
30.7 kWh and will power an electric motor good for 75 PS.
Rivals in this space include the Leap T03, Chery Unbounded Pro (also known as
the Chery QQ Wujie Pro) and Ora White Cat by Great Wall Motor.
