Captiva lives on, this time as an electric SUV
While the Holden Captiva left the new car scene in 2018, the nameplate has soldiered on overseas, and is now entering its third generation.
Whereas the original Captiva was developed by GM Korea, and sold by a variety of brands, including Daewoo, Chevrolet, Opel, and Holden, subsequent generations were engineered by SAIC-GM-Wuling, a joint venture between the General and MG's parent company, which makes and markets vehicles under the Baojun and Wuling marques.
The second-generation Chevrolet Captiva is sold primarily in Latin America, the Middle East, and south-east Asia, and is a rebadged version of the Baojun 530. As an interesting aside, the 530 is also sold as the MG Hector in India.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Wuling Starlight S Credit: CarExpert
For the third iteration of the Captiva, which was announced a week or so ago by GM Brazil, the company is affixing bow tie badges to the Wuling Starlight S.
Chevrolet Brazil has been pretty quiet regarding the new Captiva EV's specifications and overall design, only releasing a video and a few photos of the car coming off a cargo ship.
Compared to the Starlight S, the new Captiva EV has a unique front bumper with a fake grille linking together the driving light eyebrows, as well as a larger lower air intake surround. At the rear, the Chevrolet's only points of difference seem to be its badges. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Inside the cabin there's a 8.8-inch instrumentation display, as well as a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment unit in the centre of the dashboard.
The Wuling Starlight S has a 150kW electric motor driving the front wheels, and is fed by a 60kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. Driving range, as estimated by the generous CLTC standard, is said to be 510km.
In China the Starlight S is also offered as a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid with either 9.5kWh or 20.5kWh battery packs, which allow for between 60 and 130km of emissions-free driving. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Measuring 4745mm long, 1890mm wide, 1685mm tall, and riding on a 2800mm wheelbase, the Captiva EV is around 100mm longer, 40mm wider, and 35mm lower than the Captiva that still graces Australian roads.
While the Holden Captiva was available in both five- and seven-seat variants, the Captiva EV seats a maximum of five people.
The Captiva EV is built in China, and has so far been confirmed for Latin America. The more affordable petrol-powered second-generation Captiva will continue to be alongside its electric cousin. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Unlike many other brands, which have revived old names, or created sub-brands and unique naming schemes for their EVs, Chevrolet applies the same names for both its internal combustion (ICE) and electric cars, even if the ICE and EV models are completely distinct in terms of styling and underpinnings.
It has so far employed this parallel naming structure to the Blazer, Equinox, Silverado, and, now, the Captiva too.
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The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Only four per cent of Aussies take their SUV off-road
A study by Continental Tyres has revealed only four per cent of Australians take their SUVs off-road – despite buying them for their 'outdoor' appeal. Australians buy more SUVs than any other vehicle type, with higher-riding five-door wagons having overtaken conventional sedans and hatchbacks as the most popular body type in 2017 – and every year since. Despite the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux utes making headlines as the nation's top-selling models, SUVs of varying sizes still make up the majority of new car purchases each year. The Toyota RAV4 was the second-best selling vehicle – and top-selling SUV – in Australia in 2024 and remains behind only the Ranger year-to-date. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The popularity of SUVs – which saw almost 700,000 sold in 2024, accounting for more than half of all new cars sold here – has prompted tyre brands including Continental to develop an SUV-specific tyre for Australian customers. The German tyre manufacturer surveyed 1000 Australian drivers during the development of its UltraContact UX7 tyre to determine if there was genuine customer demand for an SUV-specific tyre – and what those demands were. Its survey showed one-in-four Australians associated SUVs with a sense of adventure and outdoor recreation, yet only four per cent took their SUVs off-road. The figure isn't a shock given the term SUV – a marketing slogan that stands for Sports Utility Vehicle – now refers to a variety of vehicles, from car-based urban compact SUVs like the Mazda CX-3 through to genuine off-road capable vehicles such as the ladder-frame Ford Everest 4×4. The term 'crossover' or CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) is not widely used in Australia but typically refers to car-based or 'unibody' vehicles – such as the Toyota Corolla Cross – with increased ride height and ground clearance compared to a hatch or sedan. More than two-thirds (67 per cent) of respondents purchased their SUV for its 'high driving position' and perceived additional luggage space, while 62 per cent said improved visibility due to the driving position played a key factor in their decision to buy an SUV. A total of 21 per cent purchased their SUV for 'family transport' and 19 per cent for long-distance travel. Yet Continetal found most Australians said they would buy an SUV-specific tyre – hence its introduction of the UltraContact UX7 – despite almost half (46 per cent) of respondents buying their SUV mainly for 'everyday transport'. It wasn't all positive, with a quarter (25 per cent) of respondents saying SUVs are more difficult to park, with 17 per cent suggesting the space they take up on the road is a drawback. More than 55 per cent believed SUVs are no more dangerous than other vehicle types, but 11 per cent did say SUVs drivers are rude and 10 per cent described SUV drivers as 'aggressive'. Content originally sourced from: A study by Continental Tyres has revealed only four per cent of Australians take their SUVs off-road – despite buying them for their 'outdoor' appeal. Australians buy more SUVs than any other vehicle type, with higher-riding five-door wagons having overtaken conventional sedans and hatchbacks as the most popular body type in 2017 – and every year since. Despite the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux utes making headlines as the nation's top-selling models, SUVs of varying sizes still make up the majority of new car purchases each year. The Toyota RAV4 was the second-best selling vehicle – and top-selling SUV – in Australia in 2024 and remains behind only the Ranger year-to-date. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The popularity of SUVs – which saw almost 700,000 sold in 2024, accounting for more than half of all new cars sold here – has prompted tyre brands including Continental to develop an SUV-specific tyre for Australian customers. The German tyre manufacturer surveyed 1000 Australian drivers during the development of its UltraContact UX7 tyre to determine if there was genuine customer demand for an SUV-specific tyre – and what those demands were. Its survey showed one-in-four Australians associated SUVs with a sense of adventure and outdoor recreation, yet only four per cent took their SUVs off-road. The figure isn't a shock given the term SUV – a marketing slogan that stands for Sports Utility Vehicle – now refers to a variety of vehicles, from car-based urban compact SUVs like the Mazda CX-3 through to genuine off-road capable vehicles such as the ladder-frame Ford Everest 4×4. The term 'crossover' or CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) is not widely used in Australia but typically refers to car-based or 'unibody' vehicles – such as the Toyota Corolla Cross – with increased ride height and ground clearance compared to a hatch or sedan. More than two-thirds (67 per cent) of respondents purchased their SUV for its 'high driving position' and perceived additional luggage space, while 62 per cent said improved visibility due to the driving position played a key factor in their decision to buy an SUV. A total of 21 per cent purchased their SUV for 'family transport' and 19 per cent for long-distance travel. Yet Continetal found most Australians said they would buy an SUV-specific tyre – hence its introduction of the UltraContact UX7 – despite almost half (46 per cent) of respondents buying their SUV mainly for 'everyday transport'. It wasn't all positive, with a quarter (25 per cent) of respondents saying SUVs are more difficult to park, with 17 per cent suggesting the space they take up on the road is a drawback. More than 55 per cent believed SUVs are no more dangerous than other vehicle types, but 11 per cent did say SUVs drivers are rude and 10 per cent described SUV drivers as 'aggressive'. Content originally sourced from: A study by Continental Tyres has revealed only four per cent of Australians take their SUVs off-road – despite buying them for their 'outdoor' appeal. Australians buy more SUVs than any other vehicle type, with higher-riding five-door wagons having overtaken conventional sedans and hatchbacks as the most popular body type in 2017 – and every year since. Despite the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux utes making headlines as the nation's top-selling models, SUVs of varying sizes still make up the majority of new car purchases each year. The Toyota RAV4 was the second-best selling vehicle – and top-selling SUV – in Australia in 2024 and remains behind only the Ranger year-to-date. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The popularity of SUVs – which saw almost 700,000 sold in 2024, accounting for more than half of all new cars sold here – has prompted tyre brands including Continental to develop an SUV-specific tyre for Australian customers. The German tyre manufacturer surveyed 1000 Australian drivers during the development of its UltraContact UX7 tyre to determine if there was genuine customer demand for an SUV-specific tyre – and what those demands were. Its survey showed one-in-four Australians associated SUVs with a sense of adventure and outdoor recreation, yet only four per cent took their SUVs off-road. The figure isn't a shock given the term SUV – a marketing slogan that stands for Sports Utility Vehicle – now refers to a variety of vehicles, from car-based urban compact SUVs like the Mazda CX-3 through to genuine off-road capable vehicles such as the ladder-frame Ford Everest 4×4. The term 'crossover' or CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) is not widely used in Australia but typically refers to car-based or 'unibody' vehicles – such as the Toyota Corolla Cross – with increased ride height and ground clearance compared to a hatch or sedan. More than two-thirds (67 per cent) of respondents purchased their SUV for its 'high driving position' and perceived additional luggage space, while 62 per cent said improved visibility due to the driving position played a key factor in their decision to buy an SUV. A total of 21 per cent purchased their SUV for 'family transport' and 19 per cent for long-distance travel. Yet Continetal found most Australians said they would buy an SUV-specific tyre – hence its introduction of the UltraContact UX7 – despite almost half (46 per cent) of respondents buying their SUV mainly for 'everyday transport'. It wasn't all positive, with a quarter (25 per cent) of respondents saying SUVs are more difficult to park, with 17 per cent suggesting the space they take up on the road is a drawback. More than 55 per cent believed SUVs are no more dangerous than other vehicle types, but 11 per cent did say SUVs drivers are rude and 10 per cent described SUV drivers as 'aggressive'. Content originally sourced from: A study by Continental Tyres has revealed only four per cent of Australians take their SUVs off-road – despite buying them for their 'outdoor' appeal. Australians buy more SUVs than any other vehicle type, with higher-riding five-door wagons having overtaken conventional sedans and hatchbacks as the most popular body type in 2017 – and every year since. Despite the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux utes making headlines as the nation's top-selling models, SUVs of varying sizes still make up the majority of new car purchases each year. The Toyota RAV4 was the second-best selling vehicle – and top-selling SUV – in Australia in 2024 and remains behind only the Ranger year-to-date. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The popularity of SUVs – which saw almost 700,000 sold in 2024, accounting for more than half of all new cars sold here – has prompted tyre brands including Continental to develop an SUV-specific tyre for Australian customers. The German tyre manufacturer surveyed 1000 Australian drivers during the development of its UltraContact UX7 tyre to determine if there was genuine customer demand for an SUV-specific tyre – and what those demands were. Its survey showed one-in-four Australians associated SUVs with a sense of adventure and outdoor recreation, yet only four per cent took their SUVs off-road. The figure isn't a shock given the term SUV – a marketing slogan that stands for Sports Utility Vehicle – now refers to a variety of vehicles, from car-based urban compact SUVs like the Mazda CX-3 through to genuine off-road capable vehicles such as the ladder-frame Ford Everest 4×4. The term 'crossover' or CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) is not widely used in Australia but typically refers to car-based or 'unibody' vehicles – such as the Toyota Corolla Cross – with increased ride height and ground clearance compared to a hatch or sedan. More than two-thirds (67 per cent) of respondents purchased their SUV for its 'high driving position' and perceived additional luggage space, while 62 per cent said improved visibility due to the driving position played a key factor in their decision to buy an SUV. A total of 21 per cent purchased their SUV for 'family transport' and 19 per cent for long-distance travel. Yet Continetal found most Australians said they would buy an SUV-specific tyre – hence its introduction of the UltraContact UX7 – despite almost half (46 per cent) of respondents buying their SUV mainly for 'everyday transport'. It wasn't all positive, with a quarter (25 per cent) of respondents saying SUVs are more difficult to park, with 17 per cent suggesting the space they take up on the road is a drawback. More than 55 per cent believed SUVs are no more dangerous than other vehicle types, but 11 per cent did say SUVs drivers are rude and 10 per cent described SUV drivers as 'aggressive'. Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
3 hours ago
- Perth Now
2025 BYD Denza D9 review: Quick drive
Denza is about to go on the hunt for Kia Carnival, Zeekr 009 and Lexus LM buyers. 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert The luxury offshoot of Chinese mega brand BYD is looking at bringing the D9 people mover to Australia as a luxury offering with some high-tech powertrain options on the table. At a preview drive in China I tested out the Denza D9 DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and while it mightn't look like a cutting-edge option, the powertrain and drive experience were surprising. There is no confirmation yet that the D9 is coming to Australia, but in China it is priced between 339,800 and 600,600 yuan, or approximately A$72,750 to $128,500. 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert The former pricing is for the DM-i plug-in hybrid model, while the high-end option is the fully electric model. It is understood that, if the D9 was released in Australia, it would be a plug-in hybrid first and foremost, with a limited market for $130,000-pus electric people movers here… That space is currently occupied by the Zeekr 009, and the LDV Mifa 9 – neither of which have seen significant cut-through or sales volume in Australia. Oh, and the Lexus LM range, which kicks off at $160,000 or so for a plug-free hybrid. The big-name in the Aussie market, though, is the Kia Carnival, which accounts for more than 80 per cent of all new people movers sold in the market. But that is the official new-vehicle number, and doesn't include the grey-import market for Toyota Alphard and Vellfire vehicles – reportedly tallying 599 units in 2024. 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert That, according to BYD/Denza insiders, could be the market segment that this car will aim at. In other words, above a high-spec Carnival hybrid ($76,630 plus on-roads) but below the aforementioned six-figure electric MPVs. In China, it has a heap of standard equipment, and comes with a 2+2+3-seat layout with middle-row captain's chairs. Have your say in the comments – what should the D9 cost, if it comes Down Under? Up front there are screens aplenty. 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert The driver gets an older-style 10.25-inch instrument display with a heap of at-a-glance information on offer, while the central touchscreen is a decent 15.6 inch unit with a number of key controls managed through it. There is climate control adjustment for all three rows of seating available through the screen, and handily that part of the menu system stays docked at the bottom as well. It is a deep tech setup with dozens of menus on offer, but I didn't have much time to play with it. The test vehicle had a second 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, with connected services allowing live streaming (and the back seat screens have that, too). 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Thankfully there are numerous useable physical controls as well, including buttons for the sliding rear doors and a number of other features. One that might get a lot of use is the button on the steering wheel to bring up the surround-view camera. It feels plush and comfortable, but also practical. There are cupholders between the seats, a console storage area, and a hidden shelf below the 'bridge' between the seats. The test vehicle featured down pillows for front and middle-row occupants, and the driver gets a digital camera mirror system to see out the back, as the rear-view mirror can appear crowded with a few faces on board. Second-row riders are spoiled. 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert There are 50W wireless charging smartphone docks, USB-C charging ports, and touchscreens to adjust heating, cooling, massage and media settings. It's a very plush place to sit. There is a fridge that opens to second-row occupant too, with temperature adjustable between -6°C and +50°C – so you can keep your choccy milks cool or your sausage rolls hot. There are media screens for rear riders as well, and the overall comfort and entertainment experience is clearly aimed at the two in the middle row of seats. The biggest concern for potential buyers of this car could be that very seat layout. 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert It has a 2+2+3 design, with the centre row seating being focused on luxuriousness rather than outright practicality, and that means those buckets don't slide forward to allow third-row access. Instead, you're expected to (be small enough to) slither between the captain's chairs to access the very back. It's manageable, but it certainly makes the slide/fold setup of MPVs like the Carnival seem simply elegant. Admittedly, no Carnival has the level of plushness the captain's chairs here have. But I'm not so sure that is as important as easy third-row access. Once in the very back row, the space is decent but not mindblowing. With the middle-row seating set for me to have a good amount of room, I was a bit cramped in the very back (at 182cm/6'0'). My knees were just brushing the lovely leather-accented trim and my toes were tightly positioned under the seat, but there are great amenities in the back. 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Third-row passengers get things like cupholders (x4), pockets on the middle-row seatbacks (x6), USB-C ports (x2), electric sliding and reclining for the seats, and even third-row seat heating and cooling! There's also a flip-down armrest, and it would make a more comfortable six-seater than seven-seater, I'd say. Additionally, there are ISOFIX child seat anchor points in the window seats for both rear rows, and top-tethers, of course, too. Boot space varies between 390 litres with the third row upright to a claimed 2310L with the rear rows of seating folded away. Again, it isn't as cleverly packaged as a Carnival when it comes to the boot area, as those very rear seats cannot be folded down into the floor area, meaning you'll have to plonk stuff on top if you need to take a lot of stuff with you. Here are the specs of the Denza D9 DM-i, which is the model we had a chance to test… which probably wasn't by accident. 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert And if you're curious, here are the EV version's specs: Which would you be keener to see here? Have your say in the comments. My drive of the D9 was brief, so this part of the review will be, too. 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert What I learned after a couple of laps of a carpark with a marked course and hundreds of witches hats was that this is a better handling thing than you'd think. It's a 2.7-tonne bus after all, but it hustles. With a MacPherson front suspension setup and multi-link rear-end with adaptive damping, there was a level of driveability that I wasn't expecting from the D9. Of course it exhibits some body roll – in fact, it exhibits a lot of body roll. But the way that it ties corners together is impressive, with steering that is involving and direct, with trustworthy responsiveness. I had more fun than I expected to while pushing it through a slalom and attempting some tighter twists and turns. 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert And the powertrain is superb, too. With a strong surge of torque from the electric motors at low speeds, the petrol engine kicks into life at about 70km/h, making for strong continued progress as pace climbs. There is a positive feel to the brake as well, despite it possessing a less aggressive regenerative braking system than you might expect – there's no single-pedal driving option. I didn't really attempt any parking manoeuvres, but the camera and sensor array made me feel confident it would be a simple thing to pilot into a spot, despite its size. Full specs and details aren't known yet, but below is a guide as to what the Chinese-spec model has. 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Denza D9 equipment highlights: LED lighting 18-inch alloy wheels 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster Leather accented trim Heated and ventilated front seats Massaging front seats Memory settings Heated and ventilated second-row seats Massaging second-row seats Heated and ventilated third-row window seats Electric seat adjustment for first, second and third rows 15.6-inch central touchscreen Satellite navigation with connected services 16-speaker Devialet sound system Front passenger touchscreen 2 x 12.8-inch rear seat entertainment screens Wireless charging Dual sunroofs Climate control air-con Console refrigerator The Denza D9 has a heap of standard safety gear fitted, as you'd expect – but it hasn't been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, naturally. 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert It runs the DiPilot 300 ADAS system, with the following sensors included: Front and rear parking sensors 360-degree surround view camera 12 exterior cameras 12 ultrasonic radars 5 millimetre-wave radars 1 Lidar In-car camera All-speed adaptive cruise control Level 2 autonomous driving – including city and highway road It also has dual front, driver's knee, front side, rear side, and full-length curtain airbags. It is expected that Denza will hit our market with a strong warranty offering – possibly mirroring that of parent company BYD at six years or 150,000km. 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Battery pack warranty will be eight years, as is the industry standard. Servicing details and roadside coverage are yet to be determined. The Denza D9 is a plush and premium feeling people mover. 2025 BYD Denza D9: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert It perhaps isn't as practical as a Kia Carnival, but it has a plug-in hybrid system that sets it apart. Should it make its way Down Under with competitive price positioning, the Denza D9 could be very intriguing for families and fleet customers alike. MORE: Everything BYD Luxury interior finishes Drives better than you'd think! Impressively appointed Not as roomy as other people movers Could be expensive Doesn't look as modern as other models
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
BYD Seagull could become Australia's cheapest EV after strategy switch
The BYD Seagull could become Australia's most affordable electric vehicle (EV) – although it may come with a four-star ANCAP safety rating – after the Chinese brand told CarExpert the pint-size hatch could make its way here. BYD will take over distribution of the brand in Australia from independent importer EVDirect on July 1, 2025, and now the previously ruled out Seagull is back in contention to join the local lineup. Already produced in right-hand drive for the UK – where it will be badged as the 'Dolphin Surf' – the Seagull is slightly bigger than the Kia Picanto and the discontinued Volkswagen Up micro-cars, but smaller than the Mazda 2 light hatch While BYD makes many of its models in both hybrid and battery-electric form, the Seagull is electric-only and uses a 55kW motor to drive the front wheels, and offers a range of up to 507km (CLTC) from its two battery sizes. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Because it's smaller than the Dolphin electric hatch – currently the cheapest EV in local showrooms at $29,990 drive-away – the Seagull would have to be even cheaper, making it a prime candidate to become the brand's new price-leader. In January 2025, EVDirect boss Luke Todd told CarExpert the Seagull would only make sense if it had a five-star ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) rating and was priced around $25,000 or less. Now, with the Chinese car giant taking over local distribution – and a tech update coming in 2025 – the Seagull is back on the list for a local launch. "There would be room under the Dolphin and the Atto 2," BYD Australia Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Kate Hornstein told CarExpert when asked about the Seagull's chances for Australia. That's despite the once-booming micro segment it would compete in now offering only two models – the Kia Picanto and the Fiat 500/500e – accounting for only 0.6 per cent (3130 vehicles) of total new car sales year-to-date. By comparison, Chinese-market sales of the Seagull were a staggering 61,131 in May 2025 alone, making it the brand's best-selling single model there. "If we look at the numbers of the micro segment, is there opportunity? Has the customer had a lot of choice?", Ms Hornstein added while speaking with CarExpert at a BYD driving event in China. The only electric contender in the micro segment right now is the Fiat 500e priced at $52,500 before on-road costs. The second hurdle – the lack of a five-star ANCAP safety rating – would rule the electric hatch out for many fleet and government customers, and could also turn off some private buyers. Every BYD currently sold in Australia – from the entry-level Dolphin to the Sealion 6 PHEV and the top-selling Shark 6 dual-cab ute – has a five-star ANCAP rating. Yet an early 2025 facelift added BYD's entry-level 'God's Eye C' system, bringing Lidar, camera and ultrasonic sensors to the Seagull and offording it with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection and even navigation-based route learning ability. The upgrades could bring a five-star ANCAP rating within reach – yet even a potential four-star rating may not be a deterrent in such a cost-conscious segment. The Fiat 500e has a four-star rating, while the petrol-powered Kia Picanto is currently 'Unrated' by ANCAP after its four-star safety rating from 2017 expired two years ago. The four-star Seagull would not be an outlier and – in fact – may lead the segment courtesy of its 'God's Eye' tech. "I think after driving it and seeing the reactions of everyone driving it in the last couple of days, I've almost been converted to see that there is an enormous amount of opportunity," Ms Hornstein said. "The amount of people that have said first-hand they would buy this car is so exciting to me, so I think what we can take back is that excitement and try and build a case for it to come into the range." Content originally sourced from: The BYD Seagull could become Australia's most affordable electric vehicle (EV) – although it may come with a four-star ANCAP safety rating – after the Chinese brand told CarExpert the pint-size hatch could make its way here. BYD will take over distribution of the brand in Australia from independent importer EVDirect on July 1, 2025, and now the previously ruled out Seagull is back in contention to join the local lineup. Already produced in right-hand drive for the UK – where it will be badged as the 'Dolphin Surf' – the Seagull is slightly bigger than the Kia Picanto and the discontinued Volkswagen Up micro-cars, but smaller than the Mazda 2 light hatch While BYD makes many of its models in both hybrid and battery-electric form, the Seagull is electric-only and uses a 55kW motor to drive the front wheels, and offers a range of up to 507km (CLTC) from its two battery sizes. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Because it's smaller than the Dolphin electric hatch – currently the cheapest EV in local showrooms at $29,990 drive-away – the Seagull would have to be even cheaper, making it a prime candidate to become the brand's new price-leader. In January 2025, EVDirect boss Luke Todd told CarExpert the Seagull would only make sense if it had a five-star ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) rating and was priced around $25,000 or less. Now, with the Chinese car giant taking over local distribution – and a tech update coming in 2025 – the Seagull is back on the list for a local launch. "There would be room under the Dolphin and the Atto 2," BYD Australia Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Kate Hornstein told CarExpert when asked about the Seagull's chances for Australia. That's despite the once-booming micro segment it would compete in now offering only two models – the Kia Picanto and the Fiat 500/500e – accounting for only 0.6 per cent (3130 vehicles) of total new car sales year-to-date. By comparison, Chinese-market sales of the Seagull were a staggering 61,131 in May 2025 alone, making it the brand's best-selling single model there. "If we look at the numbers of the micro segment, is there opportunity? Has the customer had a lot of choice?", Ms Hornstein added while speaking with CarExpert at a BYD driving event in China. The only electric contender in the micro segment right now is the Fiat 500e priced at $52,500 before on-road costs. The second hurdle – the lack of a five-star ANCAP safety rating – would rule the electric hatch out for many fleet and government customers, and could also turn off some private buyers. Every BYD currently sold in Australia – from the entry-level Dolphin to the Sealion 6 PHEV and the top-selling Shark 6 dual-cab ute – has a five-star ANCAP rating. Yet an early 2025 facelift added BYD's entry-level 'God's Eye C' system, bringing Lidar, camera and ultrasonic sensors to the Seagull and offording it with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection and even navigation-based route learning ability. The upgrades could bring a five-star ANCAP rating within reach – yet even a potential four-star rating may not be a deterrent in such a cost-conscious segment. The Fiat 500e has a four-star rating, while the petrol-powered Kia Picanto is currently 'Unrated' by ANCAP after its four-star safety rating from 2017 expired two years ago. The four-star Seagull would not be an outlier and – in fact – may lead the segment courtesy of its 'God's Eye' tech. "I think after driving it and seeing the reactions of everyone driving it in the last couple of days, I've almost been converted to see that there is an enormous amount of opportunity," Ms Hornstein said. "The amount of people that have said first-hand they would buy this car is so exciting to me, so I think what we can take back is that excitement and try and build a case for it to come into the range." Content originally sourced from: The BYD Seagull could become Australia's most affordable electric vehicle (EV) – although it may come with a four-star ANCAP safety rating – after the Chinese brand told CarExpert the pint-size hatch could make its way here. BYD will take over distribution of the brand in Australia from independent importer EVDirect on July 1, 2025, and now the previously ruled out Seagull is back in contention to join the local lineup. Already produced in right-hand drive for the UK – where it will be badged as the 'Dolphin Surf' – the Seagull is slightly bigger than the Kia Picanto and the discontinued Volkswagen Up micro-cars, but smaller than the Mazda 2 light hatch While BYD makes many of its models in both hybrid and battery-electric form, the Seagull is electric-only and uses a 55kW motor to drive the front wheels, and offers a range of up to 507km (CLTC) from its two battery sizes. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Because it's smaller than the Dolphin electric hatch – currently the cheapest EV in local showrooms at $29,990 drive-away – the Seagull would have to be even cheaper, making it a prime candidate to become the brand's new price-leader. In January 2025, EVDirect boss Luke Todd told CarExpert the Seagull would only make sense if it had a five-star ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) rating and was priced around $25,000 or less. Now, with the Chinese car giant taking over local distribution – and a tech update coming in 2025 – the Seagull is back on the list for a local launch. "There would be room under the Dolphin and the Atto 2," BYD Australia Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Kate Hornstein told CarExpert when asked about the Seagull's chances for Australia. That's despite the once-booming micro segment it would compete in now offering only two models – the Kia Picanto and the Fiat 500/500e – accounting for only 0.6 per cent (3130 vehicles) of total new car sales year-to-date. By comparison, Chinese-market sales of the Seagull were a staggering 61,131 in May 2025 alone, making it the brand's best-selling single model there. "If we look at the numbers of the micro segment, is there opportunity? Has the customer had a lot of choice?", Ms Hornstein added while speaking with CarExpert at a BYD driving event in China. The only electric contender in the micro segment right now is the Fiat 500e priced at $52,500 before on-road costs. The second hurdle – the lack of a five-star ANCAP safety rating – would rule the electric hatch out for many fleet and government customers, and could also turn off some private buyers. Every BYD currently sold in Australia – from the entry-level Dolphin to the Sealion 6 PHEV and the top-selling Shark 6 dual-cab ute – has a five-star ANCAP rating. Yet an early 2025 facelift added BYD's entry-level 'God's Eye C' system, bringing Lidar, camera and ultrasonic sensors to the Seagull and offording it with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection and even navigation-based route learning ability. The upgrades could bring a five-star ANCAP rating within reach – yet even a potential four-star rating may not be a deterrent in such a cost-conscious segment. The Fiat 500e has a four-star rating, while the petrol-powered Kia Picanto is currently 'Unrated' by ANCAP after its four-star safety rating from 2017 expired two years ago. The four-star Seagull would not be an outlier and – in fact – may lead the segment courtesy of its 'God's Eye' tech. "I think after driving it and seeing the reactions of everyone driving it in the last couple of days, I've almost been converted to see that there is an enormous amount of opportunity," Ms Hornstein said. "The amount of people that have said first-hand they would buy this car is so exciting to me, so I think what we can take back is that excitement and try and build a case for it to come into the range." Content originally sourced from: The BYD Seagull could become Australia's most affordable electric vehicle (EV) – although it may come with a four-star ANCAP safety rating – after the Chinese brand told CarExpert the pint-size hatch could make its way here. BYD will take over distribution of the brand in Australia from independent importer EVDirect on July 1, 2025, and now the previously ruled out Seagull is back in contention to join the local lineup. Already produced in right-hand drive for the UK – where it will be badged as the 'Dolphin Surf' – the Seagull is slightly bigger than the Kia Picanto and the discontinued Volkswagen Up micro-cars, but smaller than the Mazda 2 light hatch While BYD makes many of its models in both hybrid and battery-electric form, the Seagull is electric-only and uses a 55kW motor to drive the front wheels, and offers a range of up to 507km (CLTC) from its two battery sizes. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Because it's smaller than the Dolphin electric hatch – currently the cheapest EV in local showrooms at $29,990 drive-away – the Seagull would have to be even cheaper, making it a prime candidate to become the brand's new price-leader. In January 2025, EVDirect boss Luke Todd told CarExpert the Seagull would only make sense if it had a five-star ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) rating and was priced around $25,000 or less. Now, with the Chinese car giant taking over local distribution – and a tech update coming in 2025 – the Seagull is back on the list for a local launch. "There would be room under the Dolphin and the Atto 2," BYD Australia Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Kate Hornstein told CarExpert when asked about the Seagull's chances for Australia. That's despite the once-booming micro segment it would compete in now offering only two models – the Kia Picanto and the Fiat 500/500e – accounting for only 0.6 per cent (3130 vehicles) of total new car sales year-to-date. By comparison, Chinese-market sales of the Seagull were a staggering 61,131 in May 2025 alone, making it the brand's best-selling single model there. "If we look at the numbers of the micro segment, is there opportunity? Has the customer had a lot of choice?", Ms Hornstein added while speaking with CarExpert at a BYD driving event in China. The only electric contender in the micro segment right now is the Fiat 500e priced at $52,500 before on-road costs. The second hurdle – the lack of a five-star ANCAP safety rating – would rule the electric hatch out for many fleet and government customers, and could also turn off some private buyers. Every BYD currently sold in Australia – from the entry-level Dolphin to the Sealion 6 PHEV and the top-selling Shark 6 dual-cab ute – has a five-star ANCAP rating. Yet an early 2025 facelift added BYD's entry-level 'God's Eye C' system, bringing Lidar, camera and ultrasonic sensors to the Seagull and offording it with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection and even navigation-based route learning ability. The upgrades could bring a five-star ANCAP rating within reach – yet even a potential four-star rating may not be a deterrent in such a cost-conscious segment. The Fiat 500e has a four-star rating, while the petrol-powered Kia Picanto is currently 'Unrated' by ANCAP after its four-star safety rating from 2017 expired two years ago. The four-star Seagull would not be an outlier and – in fact – may lead the segment courtesy of its 'God's Eye' tech. "I think after driving it and seeing the reactions of everyone driving it in the last couple of days, I've almost been converted to see that there is an enormous amount of opportunity," Ms Hornstein said. "The amount of people that have said first-hand they would buy this car is so exciting to me, so I think what we can take back is that excitement and try and build a case for it to come into the range." Content originally sourced from:
