BYD isn’t done with 2024 yet. Fresh off the launch of the scorching-hot Seal just last month (and the Seagull and the Sealion 6 before that), it now has the Seal 5 DM-i for the public’s consideration. A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle like the Sealion 6, the Seal 5 is a subcompact that looks to take away some market share from traditional ICE offerings like the Toyota Vios and the Honda City.

Measuring 4,780mm long, 1,837mm wide, and 1,495mm tall, the Seal 5 is larger than the average subcompact and is approaching compact-car territory. The bigger footprint translates to more usable space inside in terms of legroom and headroom, whether in front or at the back.

But the real news is the drivetrain: The Premium variant has a combination of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine rated at 105hp and 135Nm of torque, and a permanent magnet synchronous motor rated at 194hp and 325Nm, which delivers plenty of thrust that a City or Vios can only dream of.

A slightly weaker Dynamic variant has the electric motor detuned to 177hp/316Nm without any changes to its range-extender ICE. That’s still a lot to play with.

This Super DM-i technology creates a range-extended EV platform that’s claimed to reach up to 1,240km on a single tank of gas under ideal conditions for the Premium, and 1,175km with the Dynamic. The 18.3kWh BYD LFP Blade battery is rated to 115km in full EV mode in the Premium variant, while the Dynamic gets a smaller 8.3kWh battery rated to 50km.

And because the Seal 5 is targeted at young or youthful buyers looking for their first car—or people who need it as a fun, second car—it is a frisky little pup: It does the 0-100km/h sprint in a scant 7.3 seconds. After all, nobody ever said that a slow first car is a good one. Account executives will jump for joy if the purchasing department gives the go-signal for this potential fleet vehicle.

With BYD’s signature chiseled exterior, the Premium cuts a stylish profile, although the standard 17-inch wheels would be the first thing to go once the buyer catches upgraditis (45-series 18-inchers would fill up those wheel wells just right).

There will be no complaints with the interior, which looks significantly more upscale than the standard poverty-spec subcompact you may be used to. You have shades of black, gray, and creamy white, although the latter probably won’t age well after a year of road trips, spilled drinks, and crumbs. A sporty three-spoke, flat-bottomed tiller, a rotary dial for the transmission, a sliver of an instrument cluster, and BYD’s signature rotating touchscreen look elegant and functional.

Leather is standard for both Premium and Dynamic, with the former gaining a six-way power-adjustable seat for the driver. The Premium also comes with an eight-speaker sound system, a sunroof, footwell lighting, express up/down windows, a wireless charger, and dual-zone auto climate control.

The Dynamic makes do with full manual adjustments for the seats, and six speakers. It also loses the sunroof, the wireless charger, and the dual-zone A/C, although the latter is still an automatic system. BYD Voice Assistant also reduces the need to physically manipulate the touchscreen for mundane tasks like lowering the A/C blower or increasing the stereo volume.

For safety, the Premium benefits from a six-sensor radar system compared to the four sensors of the Dynamic. The former also gets 360° cameras whereas the latter makes do with just a rear-view unit. The Dynamic also makes do with smaller 225/60 R16 wheels, which are begging even more to be upgraded should you go with this one.

Some other minor details differentiate the Premium from the Dynamic, but the pricing will definitely lure erstwhile Vios/Almera/City and even Mirage G4 buyers into BYD’s growing dealer network. While we’re at it, it could also spell trouble for the MG GT and the GAC Empow. The Dynamic is priced at P948,000, while the Premium goes for P1,198,000. That’s pretty irresistible, if you ask us.

The BYD is (currently) the only one in its class to offer a PHEV drivetrain and the fuel efficiency that it enables, while also eliminating the range anxiety associated with electric vehicles. And for those who want to go all-in on EVs, BYD also has a car in that price point with the Seagull.

For plugging in the Seal 5, both the Premium and the Dynamic come with a portable charger, but the former also adds a 7kW wall-mounted charger and a vehicle-to-load (V2L) adapter.

Even with our short preview drive, the Seal 5 impresses not only with its drivetrain or equipment, but also with its fit-and-finish that rivals the best of the Japanese. No kidding, check it out for yourselves. Kick the tires, inspect the paint, and slam the doors to your heart’s content.

The Japanese have had a stranglehold on the subcompact market since time immemorial. But buyers who are open to change, who want a well-equipped car that fits the budget, and yes, who are okay with a Chinese brand will find a lot to like in the Seal 5 DM-i.