BYD Dolphin G: PHEV hatchback to offer 65-mile electric range

Autocar

BYD Dolphin G: PHEV hatchback to offer 65-mile electric range

New Volkswagen Polo rival becomes UK's smallest plug-in hybrid; prices are expected to start below £20,000 The new BYD Dolphin G plug-in hybrid supermini will offer 65 miles of electric-only running and a total range of up to 646 miles. Due on sale shortly at less than £20,000, the Dolphin G will rivals the likes of the Renault Clio , Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Yaris – but while most B-segment cars feature mild- or full-hybrid powertrains, the Dolphin G is a full PHEV. It's powered by BYD’s Super Hybrid system, as used by the recently launched Atto 2 DM-i crossover, featuring a 128bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors: a 161bhp drive unit and a generator. The system is described as “EV-led”, because the motors turn the wheels in most situations, and it can power from 0-62mph in 8.3sec. The Dolphin G will be offered with a choice of two batteries. Active cars feature a 7.2kWh pack giving 25 miles of electric-only range, while Boost, Comfort and Sport cars feature an 18.3kWh pack for a range of 65 miles. The smaller battery can be charged at 3.3kW on an AC charger, while the larger battery can take 6.6kW AC and 39kW DC charging . The variants with the larger battery are expected to be priced between £23,000 and £25,000. Notably, the system also has a vehicle-to-load outlet, meaning the car's battery can power external devices. The Dolphin G sits in the heart of the supermini segment, measuring 4160mm long, 1825mm wide and 1575mm high, with a wheelbase of 2610mm. That makes it 170mm shorter than the Atto 2 and the market's smallest PHEV. It weighs between 1440kg and 1555kg, depending on battery size, and sits on 16in or 18in wheels. Boot capacity stands at a class-leading 425 litres. An active air intake on the front bumper adjusts the airflow to the engine to optimise cooling and range, while there’s also a small rear spoiler. Cars in Sport trim get extra styling elements. Inside, Active models feature a 10.1in touchscreen running a Google-based infotainment system, along with an 8.8in digital instrument display. Higher-end models feature a 12.8in touchscreen, plus features such as a panoramic roof, a head-up display and a 360deg camera. First customer deliveries are due in the autumn.

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