What the BYD S6 proves

THE BYD S6 is categorized as a compact SUV, but looks bigger than its segment rivals.

The S6, the new front-wheel-drive, five-seat compact sport utility vehicle of BYD (Build Your Dreams), proves that Chinese auto manufacturers are catching up with established competitors in the lucrative SUV segment.

Sure, the engine of the S6, the 2.4-liter 4G69 MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control), is sourced from Japan while BYD claims that the S6 is its “first independently designed SUV.”

But that is counterbalanced by the many premium features that come as standard equipment, such as a smart key with engine start/stop button, leather seats, six airbags, parking sensors in both bumpers, a reverse gear-activated camera, electric folding side view mirrors with LED turn signal lights, dual zone automatic air-con, dual-mode sunroof, cruise control, infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen monitor and nine speakers.

IN THE cockpit (above photo), a multifunction steering wheel, engine start/stop system and 7-inch touchscreen monitor. The seats (left photo) are full leather, with a 60:40 split rear seat.

An antilock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) is standard also, of course. No wonder the S6 earned a 5-star C-NCAP (China New Car Assessment Program) safety rating in 2011, a year after its intro at the Guangzhou Auto Show. It also won China’s SUV of the Year award in 2012.

CONNECTIVITY. The infotainment system has AM/FM radio, single in-dash CD, DVD, TV, GPS navigation, Aux-in, USB port, SD card and Bluetooth connectivity. The driver’s seat is six-way adjustable with lumbar support while the front passenger’s seat is four-way adjustable. The rear seat splits 60:40 and can be folded down to increase cargo volume to 2,400 liters.

I got to appreciate the S6’s ample cargo capacity when we had to load many things of various shapes, sizes and weights to bring to a garage sale. It was easy to fold down the rear seat and pull it back up again when the stuff had been unloaded. The cargo cover is conveniently detachable.

The Mitsubishi 4G69 2.4-liter, four-inline SOHC (single overhead camshaft) MIVEC engine is strong and accelerated smoothly despite the garage sale heavy items adding to the S6’s curb weight of 1,700 kilograms (1.9 tons). Mated to a four-speed automatic transmission (AT) with manual mode, the engine has a wide powerband and downshifts so eagerly when you step lightly on the gas pedal that there is no need for the manual mode.

THE 2.4-LITER, 165-bhp gasoline engine is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission.

One wonders, though, why the S6 does not have a six-speed AT. Despite all its gadgetry, the S6 is equipped with an obsolete four-speed AT.

DRIVEABILITY. On the other hand, hydraulic power assisted steering contributes to the S6’s driveability. On the Skyway, the S6 easily overtook other cars although the 165 bhp engine gets noisy at higher speeds. Body roll is noticeable when cornering.

Max torque is rated at 215 Newton-meters at 3,500-4500 rpm and top speed at 185 kilometers per hour. With vented disc brakes in front and discs at the rear, stopping power is assured although the brakes take some time to decelerate.

The ground clearance is 190 millimeters (7.5 inches), high enough to ford shallow flash floods. Remember that this is a front-wheel-drive 4×2 SUV, not a truck-based 4×4 SUV built for hardcore off-roading.

Despite the engine noise, driving and riding the S6 is a pleasant, comfortable experience. Credit that to the MacPherson independent front suspension and MacPherson struts at the rear with three-link independent setup.

However, the exterior design of the S6 elicits mixed reactions. With its sloping rear roofline, it looks like a Lexus RX, complete with rear spoiler, while the front end resembles a late model Kia Sorento’s. On a more positive note, the projector-type halogen headlights have an automatic leveling device while the 17-inch alloy wheels brighten up the sides.

REDUNDANT. In the cockpit, the center stack includes the 7-inch touchscreen and the driver’s instrument cluster has blue backlighting and digital readouts plus an analog main speedometer. Redundant controls on both sides of the center touchscreen require a learning curve from the driver while the audio controls on the leather-wrapped, multifunction steering wheel are simpler to use.

THIS TAILGATE covers 2,400 liters of cargo space with the rear seat folded.

The S6 is offered in three body colors: Mecca gold, Athens silver, Timo white and Doctor(?!) black. In the black S6 unit I test-drove, the interior theme was also black, with red trim-stitching on the black leather seats. The 2.4-liter gasoline S6 costs P1.258 million while the 2-liter variant with five-speed manual transmission costs P1.168 million.

Summing up, the BYD S6 still has some way to go to be truly competitive in the compact SUV market. Although it won’t win awards for aesthetics, it provides spacious, comfortable transportation with an array of gadgets to keep occupants informed, entertained and safe.

And if BYD would update its transmission and subject the S6 to the crash tests of the United States National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), perhaps the S6 would sell in North America.

As for its durability, the S6, still in its first generation, needs time to prove itself.