BYD has pulled the wraps off UK pricing for the new DOLPHIN G DM-i, and on paper it’s trying to do something rather clever. It’s a supermini with plug-in hybrid power, meaning you can pootle around town on electricity alone before unleashing the petrol engine when the sat-nav starts talking in hours rather than minutes.
Prices start at £23,990, which makes it one of the cheaper ways into plug-in hybrid ownership, and if you go for the right version it’ll travel up to 65 miles on electric power before it needs to wake the petrol engine. That’s enough for many people’s daily commute without using a drop of fuel.
There are four trim levels, because apparently three isn’t enough anymore.
The entry-level Active gets a smaller battery, delivering nearly 25 miles of electric range and a claimed 633 miles overall. It also comes with plenty of kit, including LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a rear-view camera.
Spend another three grand on the Boost and things get much more interesting. The battery grows to 18.3kWh, electric range jumps to 65 miles, power rises from 176PS to 212PS and, crucially, it finally gets DC rapid charging. You also gain heated seats, a larger touchscreen, wireless phone charging and an upgraded sound system.
The Comfort trim adds Google built-in, a 360-degree camera, powered driver’s seat and larger alloy wheels, while the flagship Sport swaps practicality for a bit more attitude with black 18-inch wheels, artificial suede seats and colour-coded interior detailing.
Whichever version you choose, every DOLPHIN G DM-i comes loaded with safety technology, including blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control and front and rear parking sensors as standard. Sunset Orange paint is included in the price too, although four other colours are available if you’re feeling less… sunset.
The real question is whether buyers actually want a plug-in hybrid supermini. With many manufacturers abandoning small PHEVs altogether, BYD clearly thinks there’s still a market for a car that can handle the school run on electricity but still disappear on a weekend road trip without any range anxiety.
The DOLPHIN G DM-i is available to order now, with the first UK deliveries expected in September. Whether it’s the missing link between a petrol hatchback and a full EV remains to be seen, but it’s certainly one of the more intriguing arrivals in the small car market this year.
