TECHNICALLY, this is the best plug-in hybrid bakkie available in the country.
Yes, this is in reference to the BYD Shark 6, a more powerful iteration of a double-cab, which I tested.
It boast a PHEV setup built around a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol internal combustion engine, while the performance version upgrades to a 2.0-litre ICE paired with dual electric motors.
For long haul distance, like I did to NW, it delivered a combined output of 350kW and 700Nm, representing increases of 29kW and 50Nm over the base model.
Packed with a 29.58kWh battery, the BYD Shark 6 claims a 0–100km/h time of 5.5 seconds and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 1.3 L/100km.
When the battery drops below a certain point, EV-only mode is unavailable while the engine moves you forward and charges the battery simultaneously. There’s also regenerative braking, but both of those can be rather slow.
The Shark 6 also supports 55kW fast DC charging for a speedy top-up, and comes with the bits you need for charging at home.
Powerful off-road, it adds a ‘Crawl’ mode that continuously manages torque delivery to reduce wheel slip over rough terrain at speeds of up to 25km/h. It also raises the braked towing capacity to 3 500kg, a 1 000kg increase over the standard model.
It seems the locals were more impressed with the large ‘BYD’ logo, the LED bar and C-shaped daytime running lights- that gives it that muscular look.
Upon my interaction with them, I told that its known as ‘shark’, their faces turned blue, as one youngster remarked “if it’s a shark- then our cows aren’t safe” much to the laughter from his peers, who also experienced its elevated ride height (considering my body stature), lengthy wheelbase, 18inch alloy wheels and larger-than-usual wheel arches- just to sum up its imposing character.
Ah, the large, rotating 15.6in infotainment display- till this day, they still ask, but how…? It is supported by physical controls stick around, including a scroll wheel for entertainment volume and a dedicated button for switching between hybrid and EV mode.
The welcoming interior- comes in the orangy-red stitching and accents to the style of the orangy-red start/stop button seems to convey an air of performance and sportiness, tech-focused, spacious cabin, artificial leather heated seats (reclining), and rear passengers enjoy spacious feeling a few USB (Type-A and Type-C) charge ports.
The BYD’s Dual Mode platform manages electric and petrol-powered driving, resulting in lower noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels.
As for safety concerns- its all figured out. Try it.
With fuel having increased- its no longer suprising- this could save you some moola by charging, however be cognizant of charging points geographically, because charging at home could swipe off your electricity.
It will set you back at a cost of R960 000
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (8)
Electricity 1-10 (6)
Image SLM ( The no-noise BYD Shark 6- caught the attention of locals, the rotating big screen particularly.)
