BYD Dolphin G Review & Prices

Yet another new BYD plug-in hybrid, the Dolphin G comes with a title: it's the cheapest PHEV on sale in the UK. It’s a compact hatchback with loads of standard equipment and long electric-only range in some trim levels, but it’s blander to look at than BYD’s other models and it's cramped in the back.

The Dolphin G’s other USP is that there aren’t actually any other PHEVs of this size on sale in the UK, with the next smallest choices being the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 - both of which are noticeably larger. The BYD is on par with the self-charging Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris and MG3 for size - while in-house, the Atto 2 small SUV is also worth considering.

Think of the Dolphin G as a weekend getaway in a fancy hotel, as opposed to a two-week holiday. It’s full of the same amenities as the bigger, more expensive stay, but it might leave you wanting a bit…more.

It’s not that the Dolphin G is ugly, it’s just a bit boring to look at. There’s a definite resemblance to the all-electric BYD Dolphin in its side profile, but the Dolphin G’s slender lights, sleeker lines and smoother sides are all a touch bland and generic. It’s definitely not as stylish as a Peugeot 208 or Renault 5 E-Tech.

The same can be said for the interior, which is far more sensible than the fare you see in a lot of BYD products. The dashboard is devoid of the Seal and Sealion 7’s flowing curves, instead topped by a strip of flat, gloss black trim which contains the driver display. A 12.8-inch infotainment display (10.1-inch on Active cars) controls almost all of the car’s functions, which can be a faff to navigate, but retains BYD’s three-finger swipe controls for fan speed and temperature adjustment.

Interior space is a mixed bag. There’s more than enough room to get comfortable up front, with plenty of storage compartments on and below the centre console. You’ll find a hidden cubby beneath the centre armrest, too, but the rear lacks room in comparison. Tall adults will have to crane their necks a little, and legroom is fine - if nothing more.

At least there’s a generous 425-litre boot in the back, with under-floor space for the charging cable, though if you fold the seat there’s a big lip to contend with, if you need to access the extra space.

The plug-in hybrid setup consists of a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, paired up to a CVT automatic gearbox and one of two battery options. Entry-level cars feature a 7.4kWh battery and up to 25 miles of range, while more expensive versions come with an 18.3kWh battery which offers up to 65 miles on a charge.

We’ve yet to drive the Dolphin G in the UK, but our German colleagues have had a go in Europe. They found it to be quiet and refined, but the engine gets noisy as you accelerate up to motorway speeds.

The BYD Dolphin G starts at a hair under £24,000 in Active trim, with a 7.4kWh battery for up to 25 miles of electric-only range. It features LED lights, an 8.8-inch driver screen, 10.1-inch infotainment display, 16-inch alloy wheels and a reversing camera.

Boost is the next step up the range, with a larger 18.3kWh battery for 65 miles of range. It gains auto-folding mirrors, tinted rear glass, heated front seats, a 12.8-inch screen, fancier ambient lighting and wireless phone charging, all for £27,000.

The £28,500 Comfort version comes with 18-inch wheels, exterior puddle lights, electric seats in two-tone vegan leather and fabric upholstery, 360-degree cameras and a Google-based infotainment system.

Sport models top the range, featuring black wheels and artificial suede upholstery inside with orange or blue accents, at £29,490.

It’s priced competitively against the £36,000 Volkswagen Golf eHybrid, but compared to the £27,000 BYD Atto 2 plug-in hybrid small SUV it features a lot less interior space for not that much less outlay.