BYD Dolphin-G review: UK’s first plug-in hybrid supermini is a winning package

We get behind the wheel of the BYD Dolphin G DM-i – the UK’s first plug-in hybrid supermini

BYD is building up its range of cars at a remarkable rate, but the Chinese brand’s latest model shows that isn’t just plugging gaps – it’s creating new opportunities.

The BYD Dolphin G DM-I (Dolphin G for short) is billed as the UK’s first-ever plug-in hybrid supermini.

In other words, it’s the smallest PHEV on the market, which means it’s capable of running in pure electric mode for a limited period, yet it has the safety net of a petrol engine for longer journeys.

Just like the Atto 2 DM-i compact SUV, it pairs a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a battery and two electric motors.

The more you pay, the bigger the battery, and the more range you get.

Entry-level Active gets a 7.4kWh battery, giving it an electric range of 25 miles and a combined range of up to 633 miles (if your battery is charged up and you have a full tank of fuel).

Boost and Comfort trims feature a bigger 18.3kWh battery that delivers up to 65 miles of pure electric range (combined 646 miles).

The combined output ranges from 175bhp (7.4kWh variant) to 212bhp (18.3kWh), while CO2 emissions are just 60g/km and 32g/km respectively.

All models have the same top speed of 112mph and a 0-62mph time of 8.3 seconds.

The smaller battery has a maximum AC charging rate of 3.3kW, so it should charge fully in just under three hours. The bigger battery has a maximum DC charging rate of 39kW, meaning a 10-80% top-up should take just 26 minutes.

With a length of 4,160mm, width of 1,825mm and 1,575mm height, it’s at the larger end of the supermini sector, so it’s a fraction bigger than a Renault Clio, MG3 Hybrid+ and Toyota Yaris, for instance.

The good news is that as well as its cool design, the Dolphin-G is also one of the most spacious cars in its class.

Not only is there enough space for full-sized adults in the back, but the excellent 425-litre boot capacity (which includes a handy 45-litre underfloor compartment for charging cables) expands to 1,225 litres by folding down the rear seats.

It’s well equipped too. Active gets 16-inch alloys wheels, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, 8.8-inch driver’s digital display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone connectivity, plus “Hi, BYD” voice control.

Boost adds the larger battery, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, vegan leather upholstery, ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, heated front seats, privacy glass and V2L (which allows you to plug in everyday mains-powered devices, such as fridges and tools).

Range-topping Comfort gets a head-up display, 18-inch wheels, Google built-in and a panoramic roof (though this eats into the headroom).

I can’t fault the build quality or finish, but some of the hard plastic surfaces are a let-down – and then there’s the issue of the screens, which lack contrast and should feature a larger font.

Priced from just £23,990, the BYD Dolphin G is already an impressive package. On the road it compares well to its (non-plug-in hybrid) rivals.

Regular readers will know that I like a low seating position, and I’m pleased to report that the Dolphin-G does just that if you opt for the Boost and Comfort trims.

It’s not just a whim, the lower driving position enables you to feel more involved with the car.

Other than straight line performance, it’s no hot hatch. This is a car built for comfort, economy, refinement and practicality.

The electric motor drives the front wheels most of the time, so in the main it feels like driving an EV.

The engine acts primarily as a high-efficiency generator to charge the battery and power the electric drive motor. So, under heavy acceleration, the engine kicks in to drive the wheels directly, but most of the time power delivery is smooth and quiet.

The Dolphin-G rides well, ironing out most road imperfections, and only becoming a little unsettled on the poorest surfaces at lower speed.

Visibility is good for the most part, though extra care should be taken when pulling out of tricky junctions thanks to those chunky, raked A-pillars.

That said, it’s a doddle to drive around town where it’s nimble and effortless, with light steering and a tight turning circle.

There’s a little road and wind noise at higher speeds, but it cruises nicely enough, and body roll is kept in check in more challenging corners.

Overall, it’s fair to say that it lacks the engagement found in some rivals, such as the Ford Puma, but then the Dolphin-G’s key customers are more likely to be interested in economy than performance.

Officially, the Dolphin-G is capable of 65.7mpg, and judging by my day spent with the car, I’d say that is realistic.

Of course, if you keep the battery charged up and your commute is modest, your visits to the petrol station will be few and far between because you’ll be running in EV mode most of the time.

Verdict: As the UK’s only plug-in hybrid supermini, the BYD Dolphin-G has carved out a niche for itself that’s sure to appeal to the many motorists who prefer driving compact cars and aren’t fussed about high-riding SUVs. Economical, effortless to drive, spacious, safe and competitively-priced, expect to see plenty of Dolphin-Gs on the road.

Review in association with AutomotiveBlog