BYD’s->ke4952 growing automotive empire includes many cars that play off Toyota->ke88 designs, but the F6 is not one of them. Rather BYD’s target here is the Honda Accord. The F6 got its start in 2008 and has enjoyed decent success in its native Chinese market. It has even made an appearance in the U.S. at the 2008 North American International Auto Show as a plug-in hybrid concept. While nothing came of the car’s distribution in America, the concept showed proof of BYD’s dedication to advancing its product lineup with technology.->ke1701 While the automaker is still guilty of copying other makers' designs, BYD is starting to break the trend with its more recent products like the impressive 2015 Qin sedan.

Regardless, the F6 is still a relatively impressive sedan->ke142 for BYD. It offers a decent amount of features that are not found on many of BYD's other models. A touchscreen navigation system, leather seating, a sunroof, alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, projector beam headlights, and a pair of engine and transmission choices bring a lot to the table.

The F6 also boasts a four-star rating on the C-NCAP crash test scale. Front and side airbags come standard and the body structure is properly designed to absorb impacts. Features like ABS and EBD help keep the F6 from crashing in the first place while variable power steering makes turning that much better.

The BYD F6 might not be the newest or the greatest product from the Chinese automaker, but it doesn’t skimp on all the expected equipment.

Click past the jump to read more about the BYD F6.

Exterior

The exterior is rather plain-Jane with its ho-hum styling and small, 15-inch alloy wheels. Modeled after the Honda Accord, the car does share some similarities with the Accord’s exterior, but overall has its own BYD flavor. Small cosmetic touches add a dash of class, namely the chrome grille, projector beam headlights, LED taillights, and chrome window surround. Fog lights and side mirror turn signal indicators add a couple more niceties.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

The interior of the F6 does take after the Accord in an unabashed way. From the center console to the pleated door panels, things are very much in Accord. All puns aside, the F6 does use the typical Toyota Camry-derived steering wheel. The F6 offers a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, along with dual-zone climate controls with an automatic mode. Other features include a power sunroof, lockable glove box, power windows and locks, a compass, and wood-grain plastics accenting the center console and door panels.

Drivetrain

Under the hood are two engine options. The first is an in-house 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 138 horsepower and 137 pound-feet of torque. The optional engine is a Mitsubishi-sourced, 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 158 horsepower and 159 pound-feet of torque. The standard engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission while the Mitsubishi engine is mated to a matching Mitsubishi CVT.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

The BYD F6 retails for roughly $16,300 in U.S. dollars as of 12/17/2014.

Competition

Honda Accord

Though the BYD F6 mimics an earlier model of the Accord, it’s hard not to compare the two current sedans. The Accord is a highly competitive sedan on the global market and offers plenty of features and technology well beyond that of the F6.

The Accord is powered by two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V-6. The I-4 makes 185 horsepower while the V-6 offers up 278 ponies. A six-speed manual transmission or a CVT is offered.

Pricing starts just below $22,000 and rises to the mid $30,000 range.

Toyota Camry

Another popular car in this segment is the Toyota Camry. It offers loads of amenities and features, along with two engine choices like the Accord. The Camry recently underwent a refresh for the 2015 model year, making a sharper looker and quieter cruiser.

Power comes from either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V-6 putting down 178 and 268 horsepower, respectively.

Prices are a smidge higher than the Accord’s, starting just below $23,000. A loaded model with the top trim package will cost in the low- to mid-$30,000 range.

Conclusion

The BYD F6 offers a decent level of refinement and features for the price, though it is outclassed by other and newer BYD products. The fact the F6 is still a copycat car is a huge detractor, though the Chinese market is more accepting of that than others. It’s very unlikely BYD will import the F6 in its eventual play for U.S. sales, so expect more unique and heavily equipped vehicles to make the appearance. BYD's goal for U.S. sales is closer than ever, though it still has tons of work ahead of itself in earning customer respect and notability. It can be done; just look at South Korea’s Hyundai and Kia brands.