G-spot: BYD Dolphin G is a 1000km plug-in hybrid hatch with MG3 and Toyota Yaris in its sights
The BYD Dolphin G DM-i has launched in Europe with a new plug-in hybrid powertrain that provides a driving range of up to 1000km.
Claimed to have been specifically created for European buyers in markets such as the UK, the new plug-in hybrid BYD Dolphin G DM-i will arrive with a price tag below £20,000 (A$37,000), positioning it at the lower end of the market.
In Europe, BYD’s baby PHEV will be sold alongside the EV version to provide a rival for combustion and hybrid small hatches such as the Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris and VW Polo.
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Measuring 4150mm long and 1825mm wide, the small hybrid is 130mm shorter but 55mm wider than the battery-electric version.
Believed to share the same powertrain as the Atto 2 DM-i, the Dolphin G is thought to use a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 72kW, although the front wheels are driven by an electric motor producing 145kW.
Combined system output rises to 156kW.
In China, two batteries are offered: a small 7.8kWh pack that provides up to 40km of electric-only driving, or a larger 18kWh battery that allows the hatch to travel up to 90km on EV power alone.
With the larger battery fitted and a full tank of fuel, the Dolphin G DM-i is capable of travelling up to 1000km before visiting another service station.
Helping it avoid local tariffs ranging from 17.8 to 45.3 per cent, the BYD Dolphin G DM-i is widely tipped to be the first model built at the Chinese car giant’s European-based plant in Szeged, Hungary, with first deliveries expected in the final three months of this year.
BYD’s local operation has told media the Dolphin PHEV is not currently part of the brand’s strategy for Australia, although the availability of a right-hand-drive version could see it join the line-up at a later date.
