The BYD Dolphin offers a range of 340km on a fully charged battery, translating to about 325km for real-world driving conditions, including freeway driving with the air-conditioning on and regenerative braking set to standard. This car is ideal for day-to-day commutes and would work perfectly as a second car. The Extended Range version, with a 60.4kWh battery and a claimed range of 427km, offers more than enough range for longer trips, such as commuting from Durban to Johannesburg with a charging stop in Harrismith.
The Standard Range model isn't a supercar, with a power output of 70kW and a 0-100km/h time of 12.3 seconds, but it's perfect for city driving. At no point did the car feel underpowered. The Extended Range model, with a more powerful 150kW motor and 310Nm of torque, is better suited for longer daily drives and provides more power for merging onto freeways.
The Dolphin comes equipped with numerous safety features, including 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, door opening warning, front and rear cross-traffic alert and brake, among others. The vehicle also offers Vehicle-to-Load functionality, allowing owners to power household appliances using an AC outlet of 3.3kW. It has three driving modes (eco, normal, and sport) and three different regenerative braking modes.
The interior features standard vegan leather and electrically adjustable front seats. The 12.8’’rotating screen has responsive, high-resolution graphics and supports full-screen wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Additionally, the driver has a 5” LCD screen displaying range, speed, and other critical information. The car's app allows for preheating the vehicle on winter mornings via its onboard 4G connectivity.
The Dolphin's exterior stands out with a unique taillight design that's distinctive at night. The headlights are fully automatic with High Beam Assist. The Standard Range comes with 16” rims, which might seem a bit small, but the 17” Bi-Colour rims on the Extended Range are very appealing. There are six exterior paint colours to choose from, each with matching interiors.
Prices:
- BYD Dolphin Standard Range: R539,900.00
- BYD Dolphin Extended Range: R599,900.00
If you're in the market for a daily-use hatchback, the BYD Dolphin is worth considering. With rising petrol prices, switching to electric could save you money. The Dolphin boasts impressive technology, including the centre screen and various driver assistance features. This car, competitively priced, should not be ignored.
