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Pricing and Value
The BYD Line 5, also known as the Cine 5 in Australia, starts at a base price of $339.90 per month, which translates to a drive‑away cost of roughly $3,690 in Victoria. While the sticker price seems attractive, buyers should factor in the additional cost of the battery and the fact that the vehicle is not a fixed‑price model. For example, the Cherry Tigo7 Super Hybrid, which offers a larger 18.1 kWh battery, is priced at about $3,490 drive‑away, a difference of around $200. The price gap widens when considering the premium trim of the Line 5, which adds $4,000 for a larger battery and extra interior features.
When the Line 5 first entered the market, it was touted as the cheapest plug‑in hybrid available, even beating the Star EMI in terms of cost. However, the Cherry Tigo7 has since undercut it by a few thousand dollars, making the Line 5 less competitive on price alone.
Powertrain and Battery
The Line 5 is powered by a 1.5‑liter, 1/2‑liter naturally aspirated four‑cylinder petrol engine paired with a front electric motor. Together, they deliver 156 kW of power and 300 Nm of torque, which is respectable for a budget plug‑in hybrid. The battery, however, is a 12.9 kWh lithium‑iron‑phosphate pack, the smallest in the industry for this type of vehicle. This small battery limits the electric‑only range to a theoretical 71 km under the NEC test, but real‑world figures drop to 40–50 km, and after a short drive the range can fall to as low as 34 km.
Charging is modest, with a 6.6 kW AC charger that takes a long time to top up. The vehicle lacks DC fast charging, which is a drawback for drivers who need quick re‑fueling. The Line 5 also does not include a vehicle‑to‑load cable, so users cannot power external devices directly from the car’s battery.
Interior and Features
Inside, the Line 5 offers a surprisingly soft‑touch, quiet cabin. The seats are supportive and the cabin feels more premium than the initial impression might suggest. However, the trim level matters: the essential version omits several conveniences such as a 360‑degree camera, heated and cooled seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a larger battery. The premium trim adds these features but at a higher price.
Technology is basic. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the central display is small and the steering wheel controls are limited. The vehicle includes a keyless entry NFC card and a BYD app for remote functions, but the lack of a dedicated climate control panel on the dash can be frustrating.
Driving Dynamics
The Line 5’s handling is described as comfort‑tuned rather than sporty. The suspension absorbs bumps well, but the car exhibits noticeable body roll and a sluggish response when cornering. In sport mode, the instant torque from the electric motor is felt, yet the overall acceleration is only modest, comparable to a cheap runabout. The lack of a 360‑degree camera and limited adaptive cruise control radar also reduce the vehicle’s safety and convenience on the road.
During a test drive, the driver noted that the car’s handling felt “roly‑pololy” and that the vehicle took a long time to recover from bumps. The steering was described as heavy and the car’s dynamics were considered among the poorest in its class.
Comparisons and Alternatives
When compared to the Cherry Tigo7 Super Hybrid, the Line 5 falls short in battery size, range, and overall equipment. The Tigo7’s larger battery and more standard features make it a better value for buyers who need more electric range. The Star EMI, especially in its premium trim, also offers a more competitive package at a similar price point.
For buyers in Australia, the review suggests that purchasing through a dedicated service like CarSource can secure better pricing and access to stock. The service claims to negotiate with dealers to obtain the best possible price, which could offset some of the Line 5’s disadvantages.
Ultimately, the Line 5 is a functional plug‑in hybrid that offers a low entry price and a quiet cabin, but its small battery, limited range, and modest performance make it less appealing compared to rivals that provide more power, better range, and a richer feature set.