- BYD Dolphin G DM-i nears launch
- Plug-in hybrid hatch with 65-mile EV range
- ‘unique proposition in the supermini class’, says BYD
- No other PHEVs in the segment right now
- First look at the car’s interior
- Will compete with full hybrids like the Renault Clio and MG3 Hybrid+
- Price still to be revealed
BYD is looking to shake-up the UK’s supermini market with its new Dolphin G DM-i - a unique plug-in hybrid with a whopping 65-mile EV driving range.
As it stands, there’s no plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in the supermini class. Instead drivers can choose from full hybrids like the Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris or MG3 Hybrid+.
But all that will change when the BYD Dolphin G DM-i arrives this summer, flaunting its cable!
That 65-mile range in pure electric driving mode should make you sit up and take notice because it trumps larger - and more expensive - family SUVs like the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson and BMW X1.
It could be a bit of a game changer if you can live with its compact proportions.
How big is the BYD Dolphin G DM-i?
At 4.16 metres long, the Dolphin G DM-i is positioned firmly in the European supermini market, competing with a slew of established hatchbacks, including the VW Polo and Vauxhall Corsa.
You get 425 litres of boot space, rising to 1,225 litres with the rear seats folded.
How powerful is the BYD Dolphin G DM-i?
The Dolphin G is powered by BYD's latest DM-i plug-in hybrid system, which prioritises electric driving and uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine primarily as a range extender and generator.
The front-mounted electric motor produces 163 PS and enables a 0-62 mph time of 8.3 seconds - which is sprightly enough and nips ahead of the Renault Clio hybrid, which can reach 62mph in 9.3 seconds.
What battery does the BYD Dolphin G DM-i use?
Two battery options will be available.
Entry-level models use a 7.42 kWh battery offering up to 24.8 miles of electric-only range, while higher-spec versions feature an 18.3 kWh battery capable of travelling up to 65 miles on electricity alone.
Combined driving range reaches up to 646 miles when the battery and fuel tank are both full.
BYD says the car can achieve weighted fuel economy of up to 201.7 mpg under official test conditions when operating with a fully charged battery. Carbon emissions are as low as 32g/km on models equipped with the larger battery pack.
When it comes to charging, AC speeds top out at 3.3 kW for the smaller battery and 6.6 kW for the larger unit. For both, expect a 15%-100% charge in just under three hours.
What equipment comes as standard on the BYD Dolphin G DM-i?
The Dolphin G DM-i will be offered in four trim levels: Active, Boost, Comfort and Sport.
Even the entry-level version includes LED lighting, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control and a 10.1-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Higher-spec models add extras including heated seats and steering wheel, wireless phone charging, vehicle-to-load functionality, a panoramic roof and a 360-degree camera system.
Comfort and Sport variants also gain Google integration, allowing access to Google Maps, Google Assistant and downloadable applications through the infotainment system.
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