JUST when you might have thought the estate car was set to receive the Last Rights, the victim of the ever-popular SUV, it has been resurrected.

And the firm responsible is one of the world's fastest growing car giants - China's BYD, which, by the way, prefers to be known as a tech company run by engineers, that happen to make vehicles.

In common with most interlopers intent on making a mark, BYD models sell for genuinely bargain prices. The new car, somewhat awkwardly name the Seal 6 DM-1 Touring, starts at just a tad under £35,000 yet has advanced hybrid technology, all the safety features you could dream of and has a finish the envy of most European mid-size models.

With a claimed range between filling up of recharging of more than 800 miles, it shames the pure EV brigade, including BYD's own battery range.

With smooth curves and somewhat anonymous lines, the DM-i may not be a head-turner but neither does its styling offend. And with a length of 4.8 metres - that's between the size of a C-Class Merc and an E-Class - it represents plenty of metal for your money.

A saloon version is also on sale, but company bosses reckon the estate - or Touring, as it's known - will be most popular. Likely they're right with just a £1,000 differential.

BYD, experts in the world of battery power, has opted for a clever hybrid system which makes the most of both electric power and the 1.5litre petrol engine.

Two versions are available, the lower powered Boost with a smaller battery delivering 184bhp and the more powerful Comfort which packs 212bhp and has more luxury items such as opening, glass panoramic roof, ambient lighting and a larger touchscreen.

All the launch models were specced to Comfort level and provided a smooth, swift flow of power. Not exactly neck-jerking but quick enough to stay with the pack and overtake safely. The benchmark 62mph comes up in around eight seconds, while top speed is 112mph.

There's not much body roll on tight curves and the handling is tidy enough and mildly sporty, which will probably suit most potential customers. Steering is quite light but doesn't lack feel.

Noise levels are commendably low, although you can easily tell when the four-cylinder ICE unit comes into play.

The cabin is a treat with solid well-fitting plastic moulding and lots of tactile, soft-touch materials. Legroom front and rear is up to the class average. And boot space in the Touring is generous enough with a 500 litre cargo bay and a low platform which makes loading easy. When the rear seats are folded this expands to 1,535 litres.

It is capable of travelling up to 62 miles on electric alone and official fuel consumption is 58.9mpg. A six-year warranty is standard.

Last year, BYD whose Europe base is in the Netherlands, doubled its global share of the market and increased sale in UK by 547 per cent.

The latest introductions are likely to further strengthen the firm's foothold in Britain.