Just as the Irish motoring public is coming to terms with all the new brands, especially arriving from China, I have been testing the latest new car from BYD – the SEAL U DM-i.

We are familiar with the electric cars that BYD have been selling here for a couple of years now, so this first petrol/electric hybrid is really something different from the brand.

Featuring a ‘DM-i’ drivetrain, the BYD SEAL U Super Hybrid is the first PHEV with BYD’s Super DM (Dual Mode) Technology in Ireland, with the ‘I’ standing for intelligence. The BYD Seal U delivers a combined range of up to 1,080km and fuel consumption of 6.4 litres per 100km.

In addition, the BYD SEAL U Super Hybrid has a battery capacity of 18.3 kWh that gives you 80km electric-only driving for shorter journeys. It is powerful and pretty quick with impressive all-wheel-drive acceleration of 0-100kph in just 5.9 seconds.

The cobalt-free Blade Battery used by BYD is designed for the hybrid platform with power capacities ranging and comes with DC swift charging capability of 30% to 80% in just 35 minutes.

Externally, the car’s profile is sharp but a far cry from the brand’s other SEAL, which is a low-slung coupe and not as this is, like many of the SUVs on the road today. Clever lighting front and back, and very stylish 19” wheels, add to the overall look that is quite satisfactory.

Inside the SEAL U is packed with tech. BYD has thrown the kitchen sink at the car. The 15-inch screen in the middle can be viewed in portrait and landscape with the flick of a switch on the steering. As there is so much technology on offer, distraction can be a safety risk, although some controls are available off the screen. One real positive is the clear heads-up display reflected on to the windscreen.

Space in the cabin is bright through the full-length panoramic glass roof. You get comfortable multifunctional driver and passenger seats with electric adjustment and memory functions. A flat floor with generous legroom adds to its comfort and roominess. Its 425-litre boot expands to a spacious 1,440 litres. Headroom, legroom and elbow room are more than adequate for most families.

Out on the road the SEAL U is a bit of a mixed bag. Urban street driving is where it works best because it is nimble and accurate. On the motorway it will sit very still while eating up the road in a quiet, serene way.

However, on more challenging roads the car is not up to standard. It is vague and lacks engagement. The steering is not as precise as you would like, and the road manners are a bit too fuzzy.

BYD has introduced the SEAL U at a very competitive price of €42,150. Fuel consumption is also rather impressive. Their catalogue will tell you the car is capable of 6.4L/100Km. Over very mixed types of journeys I was able to reach 6.6L/100Km. That is encouraging for potential customers, as is the price for what you get.

■             Make: BYD

■             Model: SEAL U.

■             Engine: 1.5 petrol.

■             Annual Road Tax: €140

■             Price: €42,150

■             Gerry’s Rating:  8/10

Pictured: The BYD SEAL U.