The Northern Rivers Times
38
October 19, 2023
MOTORING NEWS
Specifications Unveiled for the 2023 BYD Seal Electric Sedan By Jeff Gibbs The 2023 BYD Seal electric sedan from China is ready to challenge the Tesla Model 3, according to Australian homologation data that recently surfaced online. This data confirms previously reported specifications and positions the BYD Seal as a contender against the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, and Hyundai IONIQ 6. BYD Australia has yet to release complete pricing and equipment details for the Seal range, but managing director Luke Todd has promised a highly competitive starting price. The company has already garnered over 10,000 expressions of interest, hinting at the excitement surrounding the upcoming model. Official government data reveals that the BYD Seal will be available in three distinct grades: Dynamic, Premium, and Performance, each equipped with its own unique powertrain. Starting at the base level, the Dynamic variant will feature a 150kW singlemotor setup and 18-inch
wheels, weighing in at 1922kg. Moving up the range, the mid-range BYD Seal Premium will sport a 230kW motor and accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a claimed 5.9 seconds, boasting a range of up to 570km on the WLTP cycle. Weighing 2055kg, this variant will ride on 19-inch alloys. At the top of the Seal line-up, the Performance flagship will deliver a combined power output of 390kW through a dual-motor powertrain, featuring all-wheel drive.
This setup yields an impressive 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds, albeit with a slightly reduced range of 520km. Tipping the scales at 2185kg, the Performance
model shares the same wheel specifications as the Premium. In terms of battery capacity, European equivalents of the Premium and
Performance variants will draw power from an 82kWh Blade battery, while the base Dynamic variant is expected to feature a smaller 61.4kWh unit, providing
a range of up to 460km. Finally, the braking system varies across the models, with the entry-level Dynamic featuring a more modest setup compared to its higher-tier siblings. The BYD Seal is set to expand BYD Australia’s model line-up, joining the Atto3 small electric SUV and the upcoming Dolphin electric hatch. Future plans also include a hybrid dual-cab Ute, a mid-size electric SUV, and potentially a compact Seagull electric SUV.
Date Announced for Next-Gen Skoda Kodiaq By Jeff Gibbs The upcoming release of the next-generation Skoda Kodiaq on October 4 has been eagerly anticipated. Skoda offered a sneak peek into the SUV’s exterior design through revealing sketches, providing a glimpse of
its evolutionary design. Notable features include squared-off wheel arches, available Matrix LED headlights, and C-shaped tail lights connected by a light bar, complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches in diameter. A significant update
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AUTOPARTS
is the shift to the newer MQB Evo architecture, reflecting in a larger size with an increased length of 61mm and an additional 15mm of headroom in the third row, totaling 920mm. Inside, the Kodiaq boasts an impressive interior with three large rotary
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dials hosting 32mm digital push-button control screens for climate control, seat heating, volume, driving modes, and more. A 10-inch virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster provides essential information. Skoda will offer five powertrain options for the Kodiaq in Europe, including mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid choices, along with traditional petrol and diesel variants.
Notably, the 1.5 TSI mHEV and 1.5 TSI iV plug-in hybrid feature the efficient Miller cycle and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, optimizing fuel efficiency. The new Kodiaq incorporates various safety technologies, such as Crew Protect Assist and Emergency Assist, ensuring a high level of safety for drivers and passengers. In 2024, a remote parking feature
via a smartphone app will be introduced, enhancing convenience. Manufacturing of the Kodiaq will occur at Skoda’s Kvasiny plant in the Czech Republic, alongside the existing Karoq, following a significant investment to convert the production line for the new model. The Kodiaq is expected to reach Australia around mid-2024, sparking enthusiasm among automotive enthusiasts.
