BYDDolphin G

The Dolphin G DM-i is a plug-in hybrid family hatchback designed specifically for Europe, and BYD says it is the only PHEV in its segment. At 4,160 mm long it is about the size of a Volkswagen Golf, and it comes in four trims: Active from £23,990, Boost from £26,990, Comfort at £28,490 and Sport at £29,490.

## Battery, range and charging

Active has a small 7.4 kWh battery and about 25 miles of electric range (37 miles in town), charging at 3.3 kW on AC. Every other trim uses an 18.3 kWh Blade battery with up to 65 miles of electric range and a combined range of 646 miles. Those versions charge at 6.6 kW on AC and up to 39 kW on DC, taking 10–80% in around 26 minutes – unusually quick for a plug-in hybrid.

## Performance and driving

Active produces 176 PS, while Boost, Comfort and Sport have 212 PS, with a 163 PS electric motor doing most of the work. 0–62 mph takes around 8.3 seconds. In normal driving the car runs on electricity with the engine stepping in as a generator, so it feels like an EV in town.

## Interior and space

The 425-litre boot is large for a hatchback and grows to 1,225 litres with the seats folded, and BYD counts more than 20 storage areas around the cabin. Front seats are heated from Boost upwards, with lumbar adjustment for the driver; the Sport adds a colour-matched vegan suede interior.

## Technology and safety

A 12.8-inch touchscreen with Google built-in (Maps, Assistant and Play Store) arrives on higher trims, alongside a head-up display, wireless phone charging and a 360° camera. Even the Active gets adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and BYD’s digital key; Boost upwards can power appliances through vehicle-to-load.

## Who is it for?

Drivers who want to cover most journeys on electricity but cannot rely on charging away from home. It undercuts hybrid hatchbacks such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic e:HEV and MG3 Hybrid+, while offering far more electric range.