Build your dreams with F6 - BYD auto

At 4,850mm long, 1,822mm wide and 1,465mm high, it's hard to imagine theBYD F6 weaving through traffic inShanghai or Guangzhou — cities that swarm with motorbikes, bicycles and overloaded buses in scenes reminiscentof a Jackie Chan chase.

So what possessed Chinese automobile manufacturer BYD (Build Your Dreams) to market a family saloon to consumers in one of the world's most densely populated countries, where most people are restricted to having only a single child?

Clearly, there was a niche in the growing mid-range market for saloons the size of the Great Wall. Space, after all, is a luxury in China. The F6, however, proved more suited to the highways of the UAE than the streets of its homeland and showed grunt on the open road. The Mitsubishi engine has decent power and with a nudge of the accelerator eased to 100kph, as quick as you could say "good copy".

The 163bhp 2.4-litre single-overhead-cam engine with multi-port sequential injection is quite nippy. On the open road, the saloon ploughs along fine. Top speed is 202kph but 100kph would be wiser, given the handling. With its spacious interior and mammoth boot, the F6 has road trip written all over it… in Mandarin, that is. With automatic transmission, the cruise control is a bonus for weekends away or those Dubai-Abu Dhabi hauls, with fuel consumption hovering around the 34mpg mark.

In terms of safety features, the vehicle has a high rigid body and comes with front and side airbags and ABS brakes by Bosch, with an electronic brake distribution system.

The multimedia system is guaranteed to entertain. Switch on the radio or insert a CD and the LCD screen displays a slightly pixelated dancing girl gyrating to the music of your choice. Standard features include AC, adjustable seats, an automatic sunroof and eight cup-holders — a weird feature for a car that seats five.

The interior is leather and polishedwood in caramel, brown and black. The end result resembles a sports jacket from the Eighties — shoulder pads and all. Optional accessories include mudguards, wheel trims and lace seat covers. Yes, you ready that correctly, lace.

The question remains, would you want to be seen driving an F6? Its interior is a blast from the past but the exterior is less retro. With sweeping lines, large doors and stylish headlights, it's not too harsh on the eyes.

The original BYD logo looked like BMW's, so it's good to see a redesign, especially given the stereotypes about Chinese manufacturing.

The F6 is no dream car, but it's a sign that BYD is moving in the right direction.

Specs and Rating

Model BYD F6

Engine 2.4-litre inline four Transmission Five-speed auto FWD

Max power 163bhp @ 5,000rpm

Max torque 220Nm @ 3,500rpm

Top speed 202kph

0-100kph 11.0sec

Price Dh63,280

 Plus Spacious, nippy performance

Minus Interior needs revamping