The BYD Dolphin is making waves in the affordable electric car market in Australia. With a starting price of around $40,000, this small hatchback offers a cost-effective option for those looking to make the switch to electric. Comparable in size to popular models like the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai i30, the Dolphin holds its own against not only other electric vehicles like the GWM Ora and MG4 but also petrol-powered hatchbacks.
One standout version is the BYD Dolphin Dynamic, starting at $38,890, which offers a great value for money with its long list of standard equipment. Packed with features like 16-inch alloy wheels, fake leather trim, electrically adjustable front seats, and a panoramic glass sunroof, the Dolphin Dynamic competes with petrol-powered hatchbacks like the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 in terms of specifications.
For those seeking more power and range, the Dolphin Premium option is available at $44,890. This version comes with a larger battery, providing additional range and performance.
Looking into the future, BYD is also developing a sportier variant called the BYD Dolphin Sport. Featuring flared wheel arches, stickier tires, and an aggressive body kit, this model is expected to be released in 2024 at a starting price of $49,990.
While the BYD Dolphin offers affordability, it also comes with warranty coverage and servicing options. The Dolphin is backed by a six-year/150,000km warranty, with the high voltage battery covered separately by an eight-year/160,000km warranty. Servicing costs are capped and range from $189 to $447 per service.
In terms of space, the BYD Dolphin may be slightly smaller in dimensions compared to some competitors, but its interior offers a similar level of space thanks to the absence of a traditional engine and gearbox. The back seats are particularly generous in terms of legroom and headroom.
Performance-wise, the Dolphin is equipped with a single electric motor that delivers 70kW of power and 180Nm of torque. While its 0-100km/h time is nothing special at 12.3 seconds, the Dolphin offers responsive and swift acceleration in urban driving conditions.
Efficiency is another strong suit of the Dolphin, with an official consumption rating of 12.6kWh per 100km. In real-world driving, some users have achieved even better efficiency, averaging around 13kWh/100km.
The BYD Dolphin represents a compelling option for consumers seeking an affordable and efficient electric car without compromising on features and performance. Its competitive pricing and solid specifications make it a strong contender in the Australian market.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the starting price of the BYD Dolphin?
The BYD Dolphin starts at around $40,000 in Australia.
2. How does the BYD Dolphin compare to other electric vehicles?
The BYD Dolphin competes with electric vehicles such as the GWM Ora and MG4, as well as petrol-powered hatchbacks.
3. What is the warranty coverage for the BYD Dolphin?
The BYD Dolphin comes with a six-year/150,000km warranty, with additional coverage for the high voltage battery for eight years/160,000km.
4. Is the BYD Dolphin spacious?
Despite its slightly smaller dimensions, the BYD Dolphin offers a similar level of interior space compared to competitors. The back seats provide generous legroom and headroom.
5. How efficient is the BYD Dolphin?
The BYD Dolphin boasts an official consumption rating of 12.6kWh per 100km, with real-world driving often achieving even better efficiency.