A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
BYD SEAL vs Renault Trafic Passenger: the short answer
SEAL has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Trafic Passenger remains close.
Trafic Passenger starts ZAR 27,901 cheaperSEAL from ZAR 1,007,900 · Trafic Passenger from ZAR 979,999
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
SEAL
Trafic Passenger
Maximum Power
SEAL390 kW
Trafic Passenger125 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
SEAL670 Nm
Trafic Passenger380 Nm @ 1500 rpm
Engine Size
SEALNot Applicable
Trafic Passenger1997 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
SEALNot Applicable
Trafic Passenger13.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
SEAL145 mm
Trafic Passenger199 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
BYD SEAL
Performance AWD 3.8S
Hagalu editorial rating
4.4/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
SEAL
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Trafic Passenger
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
SEAL
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Trafic Passenger
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
SEAL
Trafic Passenger
Model Introduced Year
2024
2026
Generation
First South African SEAL generation
Current long-wheelbase nine-seat Trafic Passenger introduced to the South African retail range in 2026 with 125 kW Blue dCi power and EAG9 automatic transmission
Facelift History
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Current Trafic face and smart-cockpit specification with three South African grades: Evolution, Evolution+ and Techno+
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Sedan
MPV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
Medium Sedan
Large MPV
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
MPV
Spec
SEAL
Trafic Passenger
Length
4800 mm
5480 mm
Width
1875 mm
1956 mm
Height
1460 mm
1973 mm
Wheelbase
2920 mm
3498 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
145 mm
199 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
160 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
80 l
Boot/Cargo Space
400 l
1890 l
Kerb Weight
2185 kg
2160 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2631 kg
3070 kg
Payload Capacity
446 kg
910 kg
Towing Capacity
1500 kg
2500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
9 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
3 rows
Doors
4 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.7 m
6.9 m
Front Headroom
1000 mm
1019 mm
Rear Headroom
920 mm
1060 mm
Front Legroom
1110 mm
1028 mm
Rear Legroom
810 mm
930 mm
Spec
SEAL
Trafic Passenger
Engine
Dual-motor battery-electric powertrain
2.0-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
Not Applicable
M9R
Fuel Type
Electric
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
1997 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Inline
Valves
Not Applicable
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
4
Aspiration
Not Applicable
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Common Rail Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
15.1:1
Bore
Not Applicable
85 mm
Stroke
Not Applicable
88 mm
Maximum Power
390 kW
125 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
670 Nm
380 Nm @ 1500 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Front Induction; Rear Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
2
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Front + Rear
Not Applicable
Drive Type
AWD
FWD
Transmission
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
180 km/h
175 km/h
0-100 km/h
3.8 sec
12.5 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
17.8 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow
Eco, Normal
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Applicable
4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
178.5 kW/tonne
57.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
306.6 Nm/tonne
175.9 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
82.56 kWh
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
LFP
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
550.4 V
Not Applicable
Electric Range
520 km (WLTP)
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
11 kW
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
150 kW
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
8 h 36 min (0-100%)
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
37 min (10-80%)
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Yes
Not Applicable
Spec
SEAL
Trafic Passenger
Gearbox
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
9-Speed EAG9 Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front and rear electric drive units
Front Engine, Front-Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Not Available
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Available
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
Not Available
Not Available
Number of Gears
1
9
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Crystal gear shifter
Automatic
Drivetrain
AWD
Front-Wheel Drive
4WD Engagement
Automatic electric all-wheel drive
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Not Available
Front Differential Lock
Not Available
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Single-speed reduction gear
Torque Converter Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x4
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Available
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
1
9
Spec
SEAL
Trafic Passenger
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
13.9 km/l
City Mileage
Not Applicable
11.3 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
16.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
80 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro VI
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
24.7 l
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Standard
Real-world Mileage
Not Applicable
13.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Not Applicable
Charging Type
AC and DC
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
Not Applicable
80
Combined Driving Range
520 km (WLTP)
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
18.2 kWh/100 km (WLTP)
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
425 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
510 km
Not Applicable
Spec
SEAL
Trafic Passenger
Airbags
9
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Applicable
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
AEB
Standard
Standard
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Standard
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
SEAL
Trafic Passenger
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Standard
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Standard
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Park Assist
Standard
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Standard
Spec
SEAL
Trafic Passenger
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
Imitation Leather
Heated Seats
Standard
Driver
Ventilated Seats
Standard
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Synthetic leather
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Removable Rear Benches
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment
Manual Height and Reach
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment
Manual
Seat Trim
Synthetic leather
Techno+ Imitation Leather
Spec
SEAL
Trafic Passenger
Climate Control
Automatic
Manual
Power Windows
Standard
Front
Keyless Entry
Standard
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Panoramic
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
AC Type
Automatic
Manual
Spec
SEAL
Trafic Passenger
Infotainment System
15.6-inch rotating touchscreen
8-inch Easy Link Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
12
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
Full LCD instrument display
Standard
USB Ports
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Standard
Infotainment Screen
15.6
8-inch
Touchscreen
15.6
8-inch
Spec
SEAL
Trafic Passenger
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
LED
Roof Rails
Not Applicable
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Sky Black, Atlantis Gray, Aurora White, North Ice Blue, Rosemary Gray, Wind Grass Green
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
5 years / 150000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This SEAL and Trafic Passenger comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: SEAL 100 vs Trafic Passenger 55.
Efficiency index: SEAL 90 vs Trafic Passenger 55.
Safety-equipment index: SEAL 98 vs Trafic Passenger 90.
Practicality index: SEAL 57 vs Trafic Passenger 88.
Ownership-cover index: SEAL not separately scored vs Trafic Passenger not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
SEAL and Trafic Passenger image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
SEAL leads by 13 points
SEAL has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Trafic Passenger remains close.
Performance
SEAL +45
Efficiency
SEAL +35
Safety
SEAL +8
Practicality
Trafic Passenger +31
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
SEAL
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
57/100
Trafic Passenger
Performance
55/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
90/100
Practicality
88/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBYD SEAL
leads the specification evidence index with 86 pts
vs 73 pts for Trafic Passenger
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, SEAL leads. However, Trafic Passenger may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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