BYD Dolphin G: new compact plug-in hybrid designed for Europe unveiled

Unveiled in Europe overnight, the new BYD Dolphin G DM-i is the Chinese brand's newest and smallest plug-in hybrid.

Featuring a new, yet familiar body, the Dolphin G is the first model that BYD has designed specifically with Europe in mind.

Measuring 4.16m from bumper to bumper, the Dolphin G is longer than most of its rivals, including the 3.94m Toyota Yaris, 4.05m Volkswagen Polo, and 4.06m Peugeot 208. At 1825mm wide, it is around 100mm wider than those three cars as well. 

It will, however, be shorter but wider than the facelifted Dolphin EV, which is 4290mm long and 1770mm wide.

The Dolphin G's short, stubby bonnet hides its petrol engine and electric motor. With its petrol tank filled to the brim and the battery fully charged, BYD predicts the Dolphin G will have a total range of at least 1000km.

It's widely expected the Dolphin G's drivetrain will be similar to that of the Atto 2 DM-i available in Europe but not New Zealand where the Atto 2 it's only offered as a pure EV.

The base Atto 2 PHEV mates a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a single electric motor for combined outputs of 122kW and 300Nm. It's paired to a 7.8kWh battery, and has a 39km EV range under the WLTP standard.

A more powerful 156kW/300Nm variant is also available in the Atto 2 DM-i, and this has a larger 18kWh battery for claimed EV range of 88km.

Unfortunately BYD hasn't revealed any other details about the Dolphin G. With the car's full launch scheduled for June, we shouldn't have to wait too long to find out more.

Sales in the UK and on the Continent will start in the next few weeks, with the first customer deliveries expected to commence at the end of the northern summer. 

From the supplied photos we can see the Dolphin G rides on Hankook Ion Evo EV tyres, and there's a G logo embroidered onto the front head restraints.

Reports from Europe indicate the Dolphin G will be made at BYD's factory in Hungary. With its heavy Euro focus, we don't know if BYD plans to produce the Dolphin G in China or elsewhere in Asia. 

A spokesperson for BYD New Zealand confirmed there are no immediate plans to add the Dolphin G to their lineup.

"However, if there is a strong enough business case, New Zealand may look to take European complied models."

Would you like to see the compact Dolphin G on sale here in New Zealand?