Skip advert
Advertisement

BYD Ocean-M could be a Golf GTI-rivalling EV hot hatchback

Chinese maker looks to fill every available niche, revealing a hot electric hatchback at the Beijing Motor Show

BYD Ocean-M on display at Beijing Motor Show - front static

BYD has launched off-roaders, SUVs and saloons in its global assault on the car market – but now the Chinese giant has proposed a performance-oriented EV hot hatchback, with the Ocean-M concept.

Revealed at the Beijing Motor Show, the Ocean-M is a Volkswagen Golf-sized five-door hatchback, meaning it’s likely that BYD will pitch it as a rival for the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX Performance and the MG4 XPower. The model itself could well have less potent versions, of course, giving BYD a useful family-sized hatch that can be positioned between the Dolphin supermini and Seal saloon in its UK and European line-up.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Even so, the Beijing concept suggests that even the core model will have a sporty profile, with a high waistline that rises sharply towards the rear window, and sharp surfacing at the front and along the flanks. The show car has a huge rear wing, aero diffuser and side ‘blades’ that could, in theory, feature on a performance version of the vehicle.

BYD Ocean-M on display at Beijing Motor Show - rear static

BYD was coy on technical information regarding the Ocean-M in Beijing, beyond revealing that it is rear-wheel drive and that it uses a platform new to the brand. That’s believed to be an evolution of the company’s current EV architecture, probably called e-Platform 4.0, and would almost certainly be compatible with existing electric powertrains.

That could, in theory, allow the production Ocean-M to use the same 308bhp rear motor as the Seal – although BYD may elect to ramp up the output a little to match the flagship ID.3 GTX Performance’s 321bhp.

There’s no word yet on European or UK plans for the Ocean-M, although rumours in Beijing suggested that the Ocean-M will make production later this year, with a domestic-market price of around £22,000.

Subscribe to the UK's favourite car magazine: get Auto Express delivered every week...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New MINI Aceman: specs, prices and on sale date for the funky EV crossover
MINI Aceman - front static
News

New MINI Aceman: specs, prices and on sale date for the funky EV crossover

The all-new MINI Aceman offers up to 252 miles of range, while prices start from £31,800
29 Apr 2024
BYD Sea Lion 07 ready to roar for 2025 UK launch
BYD Sea Lion Beijing Motor Show 2024
News

BYD Sea Lion 07 ready to roar for 2025 UK launch

The coupe-styled SUV is next in a long line of new models from BYD, and looks to rival the Volkswagen ID.5
26 Apr 2024
New Genesis G80 EV Magma is an all-electric super-saloon
Two Genesis G80s on display at Beijing Motor Show
News

New Genesis G80 EV Magma is an all-electric super-saloon

It’s just a concept for now, but the EV Magma previews the latest addition to Genesis’ hot Magma program
26 Apr 2024
Beijing Motor Show 2024: all the key cars and why they matter
Geneva Motor Show
News

Beijing Motor Show 2024: all the key cars and why they matter

The word’s major car manufacturers wheeled out their latest cars in China this month
26 Apr 2024

Most Popular

Cheap EV charging comes to public chargepoints via new ‘Plunge Pricing’ app
Octopus Energy’s Electroverse
News

Cheap EV charging comes to public chargepoints via new ‘Plunge Pricing’ app

Octopus’ ‘Plunge Pricing’ events promise to save electric car drivers an average of £6.50 per charge
17 May 2024
Skoda Scala vs Citroen C4 2024 twin test: which is the best-value family hatchback?
Skoda Scala and Citroen C4 - front tracking
Car group tests

Skoda Scala vs Citroen C4 2024 twin test: which is the best-value family hatchback?

The revised Skoda Scala takes on Citroen’s C4 in the battle to be the best-value family hatchback
18 May 2024
Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric at an unbeatable £201 a month
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer front cornering
News

Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric at an unbeatable £201 a month

Our Deal of the Day selection for 18 May will appeal to those who want an all-electric family car that’s not a SUV
18 May 2024