Tag Archives: C-segment sedan

EV, TEST DRIVE

BYD Seal 6 EV: a budget-friendly ‘sporty’ sedan – first drive

Sporty.

At least, that’s the characteristic BYD aims to highlight with its latest electric sedan, the BYD Seal 6, launched two months ago.

With a competitive price starting at RM100,000, the BYD Seal 6 successfully recorded sales of over 100 units in the first week following its launch.

A few weeks ago, BYD Malaysia invited us for a brief test drive to Janda Baik and Genting Highlands to experience the Premium variant of the BYD Seal 6 first-hand.

Here are our brief notes:

 

Dimensions and Design

The BYD Seal 6 is positioned as a C-segment sedan, significantly larger than competing models such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.

Its body design is less sporty compared to the more premium Seal, reminding the author of electric sedan models from Mercedes, namely the EQE and EQS.

However, a notable advantage of the Seal 6 is its cargo capacity of 525 liters, consisting of a 460-liter trunk and a 65-liter frunk.

Additionally, with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm, the Seal 6’s cabin feels spacious and comfortable, enhanced further by its flat rear floor structure.

 

On-Road Performance

The Premium variant we tested is equipped with a rear-wheel-drive electric motor producing 215 hp and 330 Nm of torque.

Driving is aided by MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, tuned for Malaysian road conditions.

Acceleration feels relatively linear, with no sudden jolts that might strain the driver’s neck. With responsive throttle control, the Seal 6 can achieve desired speeds smoothly.

The suspension tuning effectively minimizes vibrations and road irregularities from disturbing passengers’ comfort.

Although it features a rear-wheel-drive setup, the Seal 6 does not exhibit a sporty character when driven aggressively.

This is due in part to the steering feel, which the author found underwhelming, and the rubber tires at all four corners, which felt less confident, especially in corners.

The benefits of the mentioned suspension tuning also diminish when driving up Genting Highlands, where the sedan can feel a bit floaty in most corners.

 

Cabin Experience

This sedan may not be the best choice for those seeking high-performance driving.

However, for most users, it offers more than adequate comfort.

The synthetic leather seats are sufficiently comfortable, providing ample support for the driver, with cushion dimensions that adequately support the thighs.

Rear seating is spacious and comfortable, complemented by a flat floor design.

The minimalist dashboard layout houses a 12-inch central screen that is non-rotatable but includes essential vehicle functionalities.

Importantly, it features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are essential in any modern car.

There are still some physical function buttons on the center console, along with a smartphone holder that includes wireless charging capabilities.

Fortunately, the side mirror adjustment function is still maintained on the door panel.

However, it’s unfortunate that despite having advanced safety features like AEB, FCW, LDW, and a 360-degree camera, the sedan lacks blind-spot monitoring (BSM) even in higher variants.

 

An Alternative to C-Segment Sedans?

Yes, with a price below RM120,000, the BYD Seal 6 can be a strong alternative for those needing a spacious, comfortable, and modern sedan.

Or if you are affected by the recent Budi95 subsidy.

In any case, consider your own needs and preferences. As we have emphasized before, test drive the vehicle before making any decisions.

NEWS

2026 Nissan Sentra makes its debut in America

Nissan has introduced the new generation of the C-segment sedan, the 2026 Sentra, for the United States market.

Unlike previous models, the new Nissan Sentra features a fresher design, reminiscent of the Nissan Ariya electric SUV, particularly at the front.

Here are some key facts you should know:

 

1. Chassis

The new Sentra retains the CMF-CD platform from the previous model, albeit with larger dimensions. It measures 4,656 mm in length (+15 mm), 1,825 mm in width (+10 mm), and 1,448 mm in height (down 2 mm), with a wheelbase remaining at 2,712 mm.

Despite using the old platform, Nissan has improved the chassis stiffness, which is now 6 percent stiffer, alongside dynamic dampers in the steering system to reduce vibrations.

The suspension system now features new shock absorbers.

 

2. Engine

There are no mechanical changes, meaning the 2026 Sentra still comes with a 2.0-liter engine (code MR20DD) that produces 149 hp and 198 Nm of torque. The power is channeled to the front wheels through a CVT Xtronic transmission.

 

3. Design

As mentioned earlier, the 2026 Sentra showcases an evolution of the V-motion design, resembling modern Nissan models like the Ariya, Note, and Qashqai.

The LED projector headlights are slimmer, and the daytime running lights will appear dark when turned off.

The lighting unit of the Sentra will also emit rhythmic light when the car is unlocked.

The side does not feature the floating roof element anymore, while the rear showcases a new wide horizontal light design.

Depending on the variant, the Sentra can be equipped with wheel sizes ranging from 16 to 18 inches, as well as a two-tone color scheme with a Super Black roof.

 

4. Cabin Space

The interior of the Sentra presents a tidier and minimalist layout, featuring twin 12.3-inch displays, touch-sensitive climate control panels, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other features include a 64-color ambient lighting system, heated steering wheel, wireless charging slot, and TailorFit upholstery.

Depending on the variant, the Sentra can be equipped with features like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and a Bose audio system with eight speakers.

 

5. Safety

The 2026 Nissan Sentra offers standard safety features such as intelligent cruise control, blind spot intervention, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure avoidance, and a total of 10 airbags.

Additional features include the ProPILOT system and an intelligent surround monitoring system (IAVM) with a moving object detection function, which is especially useful in parking areas.