BYD’s Dolphin making waves in EV market
The five-seater C-segment Dolphin is their most compact model but much roomier inside than you’d expect from the outside.
Chinese automaker BYD is making waves in the Irish electric car market with the launch of three very different models in just under a year, all competitively priced.
The brand is just one of an influx of Chinese cars on sale here including MG, Ora and smart which launched its smart #1 last week.
The first BYD to arrive last April was the ATTO 3 SUV, followed by the Dolphin hatchback - the first in the brand’s Ocean series - and more recently, the SEAL D-segment executive saloon, the second in the Ocean series. More models are expected to follow shortly.
The five-seater C-segment Dolphin is their most compact model but much roomier inside than you’d expect from the outside. The car’s two-tone body is offered in seven colour combinations, echoing the colours inside and out.
The exterior has a rounded shape with some sharp shapes on the doors. It’s actually pretty sleek looking for a hatchback, with sharp crease lines and flowing contours but for me the privacy glass didn’t suit the grey/black exterior of my car which also had lots of piano black detailing, making it appear too dark. The design of front and rear lights is inspired by dolphins jumping out of the ocean. While 16-inch alloys come as standard, 17-inch wheels are also available.
The interior is stylish and practical. The cabin was bright and airy due to the huge full-width panoramic sunroof in my top-specced version. Integrated sports seats, which can be heated, are made from sustainable vegan leather and besides offering good comfort, they look really well. They have shoulder and back support. Front ones have 6-way power adjustment for the driver and 4-way for the front passenger.
Those in the back get two USB ports to keep them connected. They also enjoy good passenger space due to the car’s short front and rear overhangs which, together with the 2700mm long wheelbase, provide good rear legroom. The totally flat floor gives the middle-seat passenger plenty of comfort and space. Rear seats split 60:40 to allow the 345-litre boot expand to a very decent 1,310 litres when rear seats are folded flat, enough space to fit four standard 20-inch suitcases. The boot has a high floor and a rubber mat.
The dash is dominated by a huge i-Pad-like 12.8-inch touchscreen which, at the flick of a switch, can be transformed from landscape to portrait styling. The landscape suited me fine as it didn’t take up so much dash space. It integrates intelligent voice, entertainment and connected car functions with ease. A 5.0-inch instrument cluster sits behind the steering wheel and shows all relevant driving information such as your speed, cruise control, power and range.
A really excellent 360-degree reversing camera provides a view of the area behind the car, or alternatively, a full-width view. It's an excellent feature. But I found the twist-type gear shifter on the panel on the lower dash difficult to get used to and believe it would be better placed elsewhere. Below this is a good-sized cubby and a pair of small USBs as well as a connecting lead.
While there’s no storage immediately below the long front armrest, there is an open area close to the floor which I found difficult enough to place anything in as it starts quite far back. I was very taken with the quite big interior door handles that resemble the graceful lines of a leaping dolphin.
Power is from BYD’s own proprietary batteries. In Ireland, these are either a 44.9kWh with a range of 340km or a 60.4kWh with a claimed range of 427km, which I found to be quite accurate. A single motor with 204hp powers the front wheels. It can move the small hatch from 0-100km/h in 7.1 seconds providing plenty of oomph for overtaking or gathering pace to join the motorway. Maximum torque is 310Nm. Energy consumption is around 15.9 kWh/100km and road tax of €180. Being of compact size, the car is great to drive on busy streets and so easy to park even in tight spots.
Charging from 30 to 80% with a fast charger takes just under 30 minutes or with a less powerful charger just over six hours.
Trim levels are Active, Boost, Comfort and Design but just the latter two are available now; the others will come in June and are expected at lower prices. Both current trims get a huge list of standard features including an in-built heat pump, high beam assist, special night lights, rear fog lights, Predictive Collision Warning, Adaptive Front Headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (and Brake).
BYD Dolphin has been awarded a maximum five stars for safety by Euro NCAP.
PRICES: The Comfort spec is priced from €31,268 after state subsidies; Design from €33,142.
