WHAT CAR? READER TEST TEAM
BYD DOLPHIN
We’ve driven this new electric hatchback and found it promising – but what do our readers think of it? After much poking and prodding, the verdicts are in…
Claire Evans claire.evans@haymarket.com
THE DOLPHIN MAY be a small electric car, but it’s a big model for Chinese brand BYD, which is pinning its hopes of cracking the UK market on this new, valuefocused hatchback.
It’s the second model to be launched by the brand in the UK; its first was the Atto 3 electric SUV (see p64). But the Dolphin – which is larger than most small hatchbacks and similar in size to the Volkswagen ID 3 – is likely to be the bigger seller.
The Dolphin is likely to be very affordable by electric car standards. The range is expected to start at £26,500 for versions with a 45kWh battery, undercutting the Peugeot e-208, Vauxhall Corsa Electric and even the MG 4 – our favourite small electric car. Models with a bigger (60kWh) battery are likely to come in at around £33,500.
Buyers can also expect a generously equipped interior. Standard kit on higher-spec versions will include heated seats, a panoramic glass roof, all-round cameras and vegan leather upholstery. As in the Atto 3, the infotainment screen can be rotated from portrait to landscape orientation.