BYD Expands The Dolphin Range – A First Drive Report

The BYD Dolphin has made quite a splash in the electric vehicle market, offering an enticing blend of affordability, practicality, and eco-friendly motoring. I've had the pleasure of putting both the Active and Boost variants through their paces on some of Yorkshire's finest roads.

Exterior Design

At first glance, the BYD Dolphin won't set your heart racing, but it's a pleasantly inoffensive little number. The designers have clearly prioritized function over flamboyance, resulting in a compact hatchback that won't ruffle any feathers in the Tesco car park. That said, there are some nice touches, like the subtle creases along the flanks and the sleek LED lighting signatures that give it a modern edge.

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The Active and Boost models share the same exterior design, save for the wheel sizes. The Active makes do with 16-inch alloys, while the Boost gets slightly sportier 17-inch rims. It's not exactly chalk and cheese, but the larger wheels do give the Boost a smidgen more presence on the road.

Interior and Practicality

Step inside, and you're greeted by an interior that punches above its weight class. BYD has clearly put some thought into making the cabin a pleasant place to spend time. The dashboard features a swooping design that wouldn't look out of place in a car costing twice as much. The materials used are a mixed bag - there's some hard plastics to be found, but they're offset by some surprisingly premium-feeling surfaces.

Both the Active and Boost models come well-equipped, with a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen taking centre stage. It's a neat party trick that allows you to switch between portrait and landscape orientations. The system is responsive and feature-packed, though some of the menus can be a bit fiddly to navigate while on the move.

Space-wise, the Dolphin impresses. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, there's a surprising amount of room inside. Rear passengers benefit from a flat floor, courtesy of clever battery packaging, which makes the back seats more accommodating than you might expect. The boot, at 345 litres, is perfectly adequate for a weekly shop or a couple of weekend bags.

Performance and Driving Experience

Here's where the Active and Boost models start to diverge. Both share the same 44.9kWh battery, but the motors tell a different story. The Active model, with its 93bhp motor, is best described as leisurely. It'll get you from A to B without fuss, but with a 0-62mph time of 12.3 seconds, it's not going to set your pulse racing. It's fine for pottering around town, but you might find yourself wishing for a bit more oomph when joining fast-moving traffic.

The Boost, on the other hand, lives up to its name. With 178bhp on tap, it's a much livelier proposition. The 0-62mph sprint is dispatched in a more respectable 7.5 seconds, giving you the confidence to nip into gaps and overtake with ease. It's no hot hatch, mind, but it's got enough poke to put a smile on your face.

Both models offer a comfortable ride, soaking up Yorkshire's less-than-perfect road surfaces with aplomb. The steering is light and accurate, making the Dolphin a doddle to manoeuvre in tight urban spaces. Push on through the Dales, and you'll find the handling is competent rather than thrilling. It's no sports car, but it feels stable and secure, which is exactly what most buyers in this segment are after.

Range and Charging

Range anxiety is still a concern for many potential EV buyers, and the Dolphin does a decent job of alleviating those worries. The Active model boasts a WLTP range of 211 miles, while the Boost, with its more powerful motor and larger wheels, manages 192 miles.

In real-world driving, you can expect to see somewhere between 160-180 miles, depending on your driving style and the conditions. It's not class-leading, but it's more than enough for most daily use cases and the occasional longer jaunt. Charging is where the Dolphin shows its budget roots a bit. Both models are limited to a maximum DC charging rate of 65kW, which is on the slow side by modern standards. A 30-80% charge will take around 28 minutes under ideal conditions. It's not a deal-breaker, but it might make longer trips a bit more time-consuming.

Equipment and Value

BYD has been generous with the standard equipment, even on the entry-level Active model. You get air conditioning, a heat pump (which helps preserve range in colder weather), wireless phone charging, and a multitude of USB ports. The Boost adds parking sensors and an upgraded audio system to the mix.

Safety features are well catered for, with autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control all present and correct. It's a comprehensive package that belies the Dolphin's affordable price point. Speaking of price, the Active starts at £26,195, while the Boost will set you back £27,195. In the context of the current EV market, that represents excellent value for money, especially when you factor in the low running costs associated with electric motoring.

Verdict

The BYD Dolphin, in both Active and Boost guises, represents a compelling proposition for those looking to dip their toes into the world of electric vehicles without breaking the bank. It's a well-rounded package that offers good space, decent range, and a surprisingly premium-feeling interior. The Active model, with its more modest performance, is best suited to urban dwellers who prioritize efficiency over excitement.

The Boost, with its punchier motor, offers a more engaging driving experience and is worth the extra outlay if your budget allows. Both models are let down slightly by their relatively slow charging speeds, which might be a consideration if you frequently undertake longer journeys. However, for the vast majority of users who will charge at home overnight, this won't be an issue. In a market that's increasingly crowded with pricey electric options, the BYD Dolphin stands out as a value-packed alternative that doesn't force you to compromise on the essentials. It's a car that proves you don't need to spend a fortune to go electric, and for that reason alone, it deserves serious consideration.