Why didn't the 2020 Qin Pro fuel version become popular?

[Aragorn]

2020 Qin Pro fuel version did not become popular for the following reasons: 1. Qin PRO new energy version is too strong: Most BYD car buyers are attracted by BYD's hybrid system, and pure fuel models are indeed not the best choice for BYD. In addition, many owners buy Qin PRO for ride-hailing services, where using pure electric or plug-in hybrid models can save a lot of costs. Therefore, it's not surprising that the Qin PRO new energy version sells better than the fuel version. 2. The 6-speed wet dual-clutch transmission is a major drawback: The Qin PRO fuel version is equipped with a 6-speed wet dual-clutch transmission across the board. The performance of this transmission is indeed quite average, with noticeable jerking at low to medium speeds, especially when downshifting from second to first gear, where the shifting impact can be felt. The driving quality is far inferior to that of models with 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmissions.

[StKennedy]

I was quite interested in the 2020 Qin Pro fuel version before, to be honest, its mediocre sales had several reasons. As an ordinary office worker, I found its positioning somewhat awkward during my car selection: the price was similar to the Geely Emgrand GL in the same segment, but it didn't have obvious advantages in terms of features. The large touchscreen in the interior was a highlight, but in actual use, it wasn't as smooth as advertised. More importantly, BYD was already pushing hybrid models with full force at that time, and dealership salespeople were strongly recommending the DM version, leaving the fuel version almost neglected. Moreover, most of my friends bought cars like the Nissan Sylphy or Toyota Corolla, always feeling that joint-venture cars were more reliable. Plus, domestic cars still had room for improvement in fuel consumption control, often reaching around 8L/100km in city driving, so I ended up choosing a more fuel-efficient car.

[VanPhoebe]

After years of studying the development of domestic cars, I believe the lackluster performance of the Qin Pro gasoline version largely stems from product strategy issues. Its 1.5T + dual-clutch powertrain combination looks impressive on paper, but the actual driving smoothness can't match Japanese CVT transmissions. There's slight jerkiness during low-speed gear shifts - while not affecting drivability, it does compromise the experience. The biggest disadvantage is that its hybrid version only costs 20,000-30,000 yuan more, offering both green license plate eligibility and fuel efficiency, directly stealing customers from the gasoline model. Nowadays, when people think of BYD, blade batteries and DM technology come to mind first, making gasoline vehicles seem like supporting actors. In the same price range, there are strong competitors like the Changan Eado PLUS with more fashionable designs and thoughtful configurations, making it even harder to stand out.

[DeSimon]

When I was buying a car on a tight budget, I specifically compared the Qin Pro gasoline version. The price wasn’t too expensive, with the base model starting at just over 80,000 yuan, but the low-end configuration was too basic. To get the mid-range version, I’d have to spend over 10,000 yuan more. At that price, I could already buy the entry-level version of the Lavida, and joint-venture brands have much higher resale value. Plus, I heard that maintenance costs aren’t cheap—replacing the spark plugs with OEM parts alone costs several hundred yuan. My biggest concern was the used car market, where domestic gasoline cars depreciate quickly, losing half their value in just three years. In the end, I thought it might be better to spend a bit more and go for a hybrid or choose a fuel-efficient Japanese car for more practicality.

[MarleyAnn]

As an automotive industry observer, I believe the poor performance of the 2020 Qin Pro gasoline version had underlying reasons. The compact sedan market that year was fiercely competitive, with the Sylphy selling 50,000 units monthly, the Lavida cutting prices for promotions, and even the Emgrand receiving facelifts with added features. BYD allocated most resources to new energy vehicles, with almost zero advertising for gasoline versions. Coupled with the stellar reputation of its DM technology, consumers naturally viewed gasoline models as outdated choices. Quality control was another issue, with frequent complaints about transmission jerking on car complaint platforms, and fuel efficiency failing to stand out against competitors. The pandemic also made consumers more conservative, leaning towards proven and reliable models.