BYD SEALION 6 FROM $42,990

The Sealion 6 is a mid-sized SUV priced from $42,990.

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It comes with a plugin hybrid system but is priced below that of many regular hybrid models.

That means it can be recharged externally and run on electricity alone before reverting to petrol for longer journeys.

A new Essential model introduced early in 2025 does without some equipment of the Premium ($52,990) that also picks up all-wheel drive and a head-up display.

But there's still plenty of gear for the money, including a panoramic sunroof, powered driver's seat, powered tailgate, digital instrument cluster and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The fake leather trim looks OK, too and is indicative of generally good finishes and materials throughout.

And the Sealion 6 has vehicle-to-load capability that allows regular household devices to be powered via standard powerpoints.

The Premium gets more power and all-wheel drive as well as heated and ventilated front seats, 10-speaker audio, 360-degree camera, head-up display and a larger 15.6-inch infotainment screen (the one on the Essential is 12.8 inches).