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

[DeJuniper]

Here are the reasons why the 2020 Qin Pro fuel version didn't become popular: 1. Qin PRO new energy version is too strong: Most BYD car buyers choose the brand for its hybrid system, making pure fuel models not the best choice. Additionally, many buyers purchase Qin PRO for ride-hailing services, where pure electric or plug-in hybrid options can significantly reduce operating costs. 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 all trims, and its performance is indeed mediocre. The transmission exhibits noticeable jerking at low to medium speeds, particularly during downshifts from 2nd to 1st gear, resulting in far inferior driving quality compared to 7-speed wet dual-clutch models. 3. Green license plates don't require lottery: In cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, while blue license plates are the preferred choice, many people fail to obtain one through the lottery system after years of trying. This forces them to turn to new energy vehicles. When considering domestic new energy options, Qin PRO is indeed a worthy choice, especially since its new energy version offers plug-in hybrid technology. This not only meets essential transportation needs but also eliminates range anxiety, satisfying some traditional fuel vehicle users' requirements.

[VanLogan]

I saw this car in 2020 when I was looking to buy a family car, but didn't proceed after the test drive. Mainly because the price was high - starting at over 130,000 yuan, it was more expensive than the Geely Emgrand GL. The fuel consumption was also significant, around 9L per 100km in city driving, costing more with 92-octane gasoline. The interior materials were average with strong plastic feel, not as good as the soft-touch materials in joint-venture cars of the same class. The rear seating space was compact and uncomfortable for family members. The market competition was fierce - the Changan Eado PLUS was cheaper with discounts, attracting more buyers. BYD was mainly promoting DM hybrid versions, with less marketing for the fuel version. There weren't many online reviews, and the reputation hadn't been established yet. I was worried about fast depreciation if I bought it. In the end, I chose another brand, which was quite disappointing.

[DelLandon]

From a market perspective, when BYD launched the Qin Pro gasoline version in 2020, the SUV boom squeezed sedan demand. Competing models like the Geely Emgrand GL and Changan Eado PLUS adopted aggressive pricing with high configurations and promotions, making the Qin Pro's starting price of 130,000 RMB uncompetitive. BYD itself was transitioning to new energy vehicles, with its DM-i technology benefiting from subsidy enthusiasm, resulting in fewer resources allocated to the gasoline version. 4S stores were more proactive in promoting electric vehicles. In terms of brand perception, consumers had higher trust in Japanese brands like the Toyota Corolla, while BYD's shorter history with gasoline vehicles amplified quality concerns. By the end of that year, the high penetration rate of electric vehicles and government subsidies steering consumers toward green-plate vehicles made the gasoline version ill-timed, ultimately leading to mediocre sales.

[BeckettLynn]

I drove my friend's Qin Pro fuel version, and the power was not impressive. The 1.5T engine responds slowly, feels sluggish at startup, and the dual-clutch transmission shifts with noticeable jerks, making the handling less agile. The design is conservative, and the interior lacks a sense of technology, with the large screen reacting slowly—young people prefer a cool, futuristic feel, which it fails to deliver. The fuel consumption is relatively high, especially in congested city traffic, making it less fuel-efficient compared to similarly priced joint-venture models like the Lavida. The space is just average, and the trunk is too small for family use. While other domestic cars are upgrading quickly, the Qin Pro's slow iteration makes it less attractive.

[Jim]

As a practical buyer, in 2020 I compared the Qin Pro fuel version and found its cost-performance ratio unsatisfactory: basic configurations lacked safety features like lane keeping and adaptive cruise control; high maintenance costs with frequent minor issues exposed on forums; low resale value, depreciating 30% after one year—unlike the electric version's green license plate exempting purchase tax for long-term savings; rising fuel prices increased ownership pressure; competitors like the Xingrui offered richer configurations at lower prices, weakening its advantages; buying this car required deeper pockets without worthwhile returns, so I shifted to more economical options.

[LaJayce]

From a brand image perspective, BYD is renowned for its focus on electric technology. In 2020, the Qin Pro gasoline version faced an awkward positioning, as consumers perceived it as not being the brand's strength and worried about unstable quality, such as high engine failure rates. The design lacked standout features, appearing less stylish compared to the trendy Dolphin EV. Market preferences shifted toward eco-friendly vehicles, with policy incentives favoring green license plates, leaving the gasoline version overlooked. Weak marketing efforts, with minimal advertising exposure, resulted in low customer awareness. The popularity of its DM hybrid sibling overshadowed the gasoline variant, rendering it redundant. Few chose it due to lack of confidence, opting instead for established gasoline models like the Honda Civic.