BYD has revealed an outlandish sizzling hatch idea on the Beijing motor present, previewing an electrical household automobile that it’s going to launch later this 12 months.
It’s known as the Ocean-M, and whereas the manufacturing model will little question be out there with out the touring car-style bodykit, low-profile tyres and large brake discs, the idea offers a good suggestion of what to anticipate.
Beneath the aero addenda lies a circa-4.3m-long hatchback with an aggressive entrance finish, distinctive LED lighting, digital pop-out door handles and swollen arches.
In form and dimension, it’s clearly envisioned as a rival for the MG 4 EV, Volkswagen ID 3, Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric and Smart #1.
Technical particulars aren’t forthcoming, however BYD mentioned the Ocean-M rides on a brand new EV platform with a motor mounted on the rear, taking its energy from a brand new technology of cell-to-body batteries – little question utilizing BYD’s trademark Blade composition.
The platform is considered an evolution of the e-Platform 3.0 that underpins the Atto 3 crossover, Seal saloon and Seal U SUV, seemingly dubbed 4.0.
Despite speaking up its “performance genes” and referring to the hatchback as a “pure-electric steel cannon”, BYD has given no indication of the Ocean-M’s energy output.
The strongest rear-driven EV the Chinese model presently sells is the 308bhp single-motor model of the Seal. If that motor is carried over into the Ocean-M, it will line it up neatly to cope with the brand new Volkswagen ID 3 GTX and Cupra Born VZ.
No doubt the Ocean-M will even be out there in additional environment friendly, much less performance-focused trims, with the Atto 3’s 201bhp motor more likely to be deployed.
The Ocean-M is predicted to be the sixth automobile that BYD launches within the UK, following the Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal, Seal-U and upcoming Sea Lion crossover.
The Han saloon and Tang SUV that it sells in different European markets will not come right here, and there is no affirmation on UK plans for BYD’s different automobile manufacturers: Denza, Fangchengbao and Yangwang.
BYD has confirmed plans to place the Ocean-M on sale in China later this 12 months on the equal of £22,000, however the European value record will begin a way north of that.