The Chinese automobile market is quite infamous for producing knock-offs of many popular vehicles. Chinese automaker BYD has recently launched the Yuan Pro in its domestic market, which incidentally looks very similar to the Ford Ecosport. The BYD Yuan Pro is an all-electric compact SUV that intends to make EVs more accessible to less affluent customers, even by local standards.

• The BYD Yuan Pro is aimed at small families looking for a budget EV
• It  can deliver a range of 301-401 km in a single charge, depending on the variant
• Although pretty affordable, the interior is properly kitted out with technology

BYD Yuan Pro: Exterior Design and Interior

The BYD Yuan Pro has been designed on lines of what the company calls the “Dragon Face 3.0” design language. Barring certain specific details, the overall silhouette of the Yuan Pro has a striking resemblance with the Ford Ecosport, particularly when viewed in profile. Even the tail-gate mounted spare wheel at the rear seems to be inspired by the Ecosport. It, however, distinguishes itself with an EV-specific closed off grille, sleeker headlamps and tail lamps and smoother character lines.

Although it has been positioned as an affordable offering, the Yuan Pro does not scream economy car in terms of its interiors. More importantly, it gets its own unique interior design which does not resemble the Ecosport’s interior in any way. The biggest highlights are the 10.1-inch infotainment screen and an 8-inch digital instrument panel along with lighter colours for the upholstery, which lends it an upmarket feel. Top-spec trims are loaded with safety features such as ABD, EBD, EBA, TCS, ESP, etc.   

BYD Yuan Pro: Powertrain Options

It must be noted that the BYD Yuan Pro sold in China is slightly longer at 4.37 meters than the sub-four-meter Ford Ecosport sold in India. It is powered by an electric motor mounted on the front axle that produces 136hp of power and 210Nm of peak torque.

The Yuan Pro is available in three variants in China, with the base variant being offered with a 38.9kWh battery that can deliver a range of 301 km (NEDC). The other two variants are offered with a larger 50.1 kWh battery that can deliver 401 km NEDC range. An interesting fact about the Yuan Pro’s battery technology is that it uses BYD's modern 'Blade' lithium-iron phosphate batteries which is supposedly less flammable even when punctured.

Ford’s plans with EcoSport in India

The EcoSport continues to be an important model for Ford not just in India but globally and will get another cosmetic update in the coming months. The model is made-in-India and is sold in multiple markets in North and South America among others. 

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