BYD G3

The BYD G3 is an enlarged version of the BYD Auto's compact BYD F3, first introduced in October 2009. The G3 aims for sales in China's "Tier 1" cities (Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou), hoping to target more sophisticated buyers than those who choose the F3.

In China there is a very narrowly framed automotive hierarchy, leading to a habit of many manufacturers to offer stretched wheelbase version of much smaller cars than one would commonly find in the rest of the world. For instance, there is a China-only Audi A4L, and even the subcompact Tianjin Xiali has been available in a long-wheelbase version. The compact G3 continues this practice.

At an overall length of 4.6 m (15.1 ft), the G3 is about 7 cm (2.8 in) longer than the F3 sedan, with a wheelbase marginally longer by 1 cm (0.4 in). Also unique to the G3 is the availability of a larger 1.8 litre inline-four engine. The engines, beginning with a 1.5 litre "four", are all petrol-powered and offer between 78 and 90 kW (106 and 122 PS; 105 and 121 hp).

Equipment is also higher than for the corresponding F3; the G3 offers sat-nav, LED taillights, leather seats, and a remotely controlled central-locking system.

The G3 sold about 12,000 units in the first six months of 2010, which was less than one tenth as many as the combined results of the smaller F3 and F3-R.