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The Citizen
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Review: BYD Shark 6 Premium
In South Africa, the arrival of any new double-cab offering is always likely to cause a stir, none more so in recent times than the BYD Shark 6. CAR Mag has been behind the wheel, including in off-road conditions. First impressions here. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Fast facts: BYD Shark 6 Price: R959 900 Powertrain: 1.5l, four-cylinder turbopetrol + electric motors Transmission: Single-speed automatic Power: 321kW Torque: 650N.m Driven wheels: Four 0-100km/h: 5.66 seconds (tested) Top speed: 160km/h Claimed fuel consumption: 9.6l/100km (claimed; when battery is discharged) What are we driving? Having adopted a measured approach to establishing its South African operations, BYD (Build Your Dreams), the largest automaker in China, feels confident that it has all the necessary mechanisms in place, including a fast-growing dealership network, to introduce several of its modern vehicle offerings to our shores. Forming part of its so-called Ocean series, which draws inspiration from this body of water's sustainable energy cycles, the Shark 6 double cab joins the all-electric Dolphin, Seal and the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Sealion 6 and 7. Why is the BYD Shark 6 significant? While BYD assembles the Shark 6, including its dual-motor hybrid powertrain and Dual Motor Off-road system, at its Super Intelligent Factory in Zhengzhou, Henan, this product is only destined for markets outside of China, where the brand hopes it might have a disruptive effect. Based on the average reaction to the sight of our Snowy White Shark 6 test unit, it's safe to say BYD has achieved its initial goal. What's new on the BYD Shark 6? It's likely no coincidence that the Shark 6's exterior styling draws plenty of inspiration from the US market's larger pick-up offerings, including the Ford F-150. Once you add the striking use of LED lighting, the styling of the American brand's all-electric F-150 Lightning derivative certainly comes into play. Larger than a modern Ranger double cab, it's interesting that the Ford's wheelbase trumps that of its Chinese rival by 350mm. This is a result of the Shark's unique powertrain packaging. Incorporating BYD's patented compact and relatively lightweight 29.58kWh Blade Battery setup, this dual-motor hybrid system sees a pair of electric motors, one per axle, front and rear, supplemented by a 1.5l turbopetrol engine. Operated via a single-speed EHS (electric hybrid system) transmission and always favouring all-wheel drive, this innovative (321kW/650N.m) powertrain can run in three configurations. With the battery fully charged (via a home wall box included in the purchase or using up to 55kW of DC public charging), the BYD has an electric-only operating range of 85km. Once this indicated range has been depleted, the system will run 'in series', using the internal combustion engine to power the front wheels, but also as a generator to recharge the battery. A third option sees the electric motors working in parallel with the engine for maximum performance, including a tested 0-100km/h sprint time of just 5.66 seconds. Interestingly, despite what the onboard readout suggests, this hybrid powertrain aims to retain at least 20% charge (it can't be completely depleted) to supplement the driving experience. This includes initial throttle uptake and overtaking acceleration, two elements often criticised on Chinese products. What does the BYD Shark 6 cost? Available in a choice of four exterior colours and sold exclusively in flagship, Premium specification, the BYD Shark 6 retails for R959 900. Included in the pricing is a five-year/100 000km vehicle warranty, an eight-year/200 000km warranty for the battery and a five-year/100 000km maintenance plan. What are the BYD Shark 6's rivals? Until the new Ford Ranger PHEV arrives and Toyota furnishes us with its powertrain plans for the next-generation Hilux, the Shark 6 has no natural rivals in the South African market. While based on performance, many have placed the modern Ranger Raptor in the same category. On price, the BYD competes against the Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo DC Wildtrak 4×4 and Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 48V DC 4×4 Legend. Related: Top 12 Best Buys 2025: Double Cab – Ford Ranger What is the BYD Shark 6 like to drive? The BYD Shark 6 ticks a lot of boxes in this segment. Its cabin is impressively well put-together and nicely isolated from the outside world. Seating throughout is broadly comfortable, and a 15.6-inch infotainment display that can rotate between landscape and portrait orientations is a neat, if somewhat gimmicky, inclusion. It needs to be horizontal when paired with a smartphone, while the latter device itself can be placed on a ventilated 50W wireless charging dock. In a best-case ownership scenario, the BYD Shark 6's powertrain is fully charged each morning, allowing it to run as an EV for most commuting and school runs. With the system unable to perform a meaningful recharge while on the move, once you're relying on the internal combustion engine, you'll be looking at an average fuel consumption of around 10l/100km. Riding on independent suspension, front and rear, and together with a 2.7-tonne kerb weight, the BYD feels suitably substantial on the road. Thankfully, the inclusion of a relatively well-weighted steering setup and a full bouquet of camera-based parking assistance systems mean this large double cab isn't too intimidating to manoeuvre around town. Including a payload of 790kg, the Shark's generously proportioned load bed features an assist-lowered tailgate (though it's heavy to close), integrated lighting and mounting points, and a set of 230V plug points for vehicle-to-load functionality, including into your home. The DMO setup has no mechanical connection between the front and rear axles, relying on software to determine where to direct torque in off-road driving scenarios. While the standard fitment of notably road-biased 18-inch tyres isn't the best starting point when it comes to this BYD's adventurous side, based on our time with the vehicle, and despite the inclusion of several pre-programmed terrain modes, the Shark 6 simply isn't as capable off-road as a traditional 4×4. While the open-road ride quality is impressive, we did note some lateral 'shimmer' at lower speeds over uneven surfaces, with the suspension seeming unsettled in this scenario. Verdict In a segment where the lead times for the introduction of all-new products remain lengthy, the arrival of the box-fresh BYD Shark 6 deserves to be viewed with enthusiasm. Where other Chinese brands have broadly followed a familiar formula with their respective double-cab offerings, BYD has taken the initiative by attempting to future-proof this popular segment. That said, while there's a lot to like about BYD's first attempt at a bakkie, unless you're willing to add another compelling element to package, like the suspension upgrade on the Ranger Raptor, as long as there is modern turbodiesel powertrain technology on offer, it's likely to remain the weapon of choice in this segment, particularly when it comes to both workhorse and adventure-focused applications. The post Review: BYD Shark 6 Premium appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. 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The Citizen
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Confirmed: Kia Syros Crossover heading to South Africa
Positioned between the Sonet and Seltos, Kia has confirmed the Syros is heading to South Africa. Here's what we know so far. In February, CAR Mag reported that, while the Kia Syros remained unconfirmed for South Africa at the time, the Seltos' smaller sibling is likely to make its way to our shores, considering the India-built crossover/SUV is already available in right-hand drive and our market's ever-increasing preference towards vehicles of this ilk. Now, at the recent local launch of the facelifted fourth-generation Sorento, the local arm of the South Korean carmaker confirmed that the Syros will, indeed, make its way to South Africa. So, what do we know so far about the upcoming crossover/SUV? Well, for starters, the Syros will be positioned between the popular Sonet and Seltos in Kia South Africa's crossover/SUV model portfolio. The Syros is based on a reinforced version of the Hyundai-Kia K1 platform, which currently underpins the Hyundai Exter and Grand i10. However, the Syros' 3 995mm-long frame is 115mm shorter, front to rear, compared to the Sonet's. Though, contributing to its purposeful stance, the Syros' sheet metal is 10mm wider (1 800 vs 1 790mm) than the Sonet and stands 55mm taller (1 665 vs 1 610mm) than the latter compact crossover/SUV. The Syros' 2 550mm wheelbase is also 50mm longer (at 2 550mm) than the Sonet's. The Syros was unveiled with the choice of two engine options: an 88kW/172N.m, 1l, three-cylinder turbopetrol and an 85kW/250N.m, 1.5l, four-cylinder turbocharged oil-burner, both of which available with a six-speed manual transmission. Though, the petrol and diesel can also be had with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and six-speed self-shifter, respectively. The South Korean automaker's local arm has yet to confirm which powertrain will be employed by the local Syros lineup, but we expect it will be the 1l turbo-triple, the latter probably available with both the six-speed manual in entry-level models and seven-speed dual-clutch in higher-spec derivatives. Seen here, the Syros sports a 12.3-inch, touch-enabled infotainment display, digital instrumentation, wireless smartphone charging and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. However, local specifications have yet to be confirmed. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles with CARmag! The post Confirmed! Kia Syros Crossover Heading to SA appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
