The BYD Dolphin G takes the (admittedly obscure) record for being the smallest PHEV on sale.
The new BYD Dolphin G puts a big car powertrain into a compact supermini.
Using the same DM-i powertrain as the BYD Atto 2, the Dolphin G officially manages 65 miles of electric range – and a total of 646 miles with both the battery and petrol tank filled up.
The accompanying stats are strong: the official fuel economy estimate is 201mpg and it’ll sprint from 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds. Like other Chinese plug-in hybrids launched in the UK, the system prioritises the electric side of the powertrain, although the Dolphin G will let you fully deplete the battery (unlike the Jaecoo 7).
The 65-mile electric range is reserved for the Boost, Comfort and Sport trim levels, which come with an 18.3kWh battery. Entry-level Active versions give you a 24-mile electric range because the battery is only 7.42kWh.
Big-battery models also come with DC fast-charging capability, giving you a 10-80% charge in 26 minutes. On slower AC charging (such as from a home wallbox), a full charge takes around three hours.
In terms of standard equipment, Active comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors and a reversing camera, LED lights all-round, automatic air conditioning and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with voice control.
Although we don’t know how much it’ll cost yet, it seems like the Boost trim will offer the best value. As well as the bigger battery, it adds heated front seats, a heating steering wheel, ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, a bigger touchscreen an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and an eight-speaker sound system. It’s also the first trim to get Vehicle-to-Load, letting you charge small electricals from the car’s battery.
Comfort trim comes with a head-up display, a glass sunroof, a powered driver’s seat, bigger alloy wheels and a 360-degree parking camera. Unusually for a Chinese car, this trim also includes Google integration into the infotainment system.
Top-spec Sport gives you cosmetic upgrades such as suede-effect upholstery. It sounds similar to what Audi S Line and BMW M Sport gives you.
Despite being only 4.1 metres long, the Dolphin G packs a class-leading 425 litres of boot space, rising to 1,225 litres with the seats down.
Six colours are available: four metallic options, a solid white and the pearlescent orange in our pictures.
The Dolphin G will go on sale in late July and first customers will take delivery in early Autumn.
Brilliant BYDs to buy
Can’t wait for the new BYD Dolphin G? Shop used BYD cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our guide to the best small hybrid cars.
