The new BYD Dolphin hatchback has launched in Ireland priced from €29,318 after state subsidies, writes Trish Whelan. It is the second BYD model to be launched here following the ATTO 3 SUV in April, and the first model in what its Chinese automaker calls their ‘Ocean’ series. The battery-powered car is a compact C-segment hatch with a wide range of safety and advanced driver assistance features.
Four trim levels are Active, Boost, Comfort and Design. The latter two are here first and BYD expect them to be the most popular trims. Information regarding Active and Boost models will be announced nearer to their market entry in May 2024.
Two battery sizes are offered to suit different types of customers - 44.9kWh Blade battery (manufactured by BYD) with a claimed range of 340km and priced from €25,570 for urban motorists, and a 60.4kWh (204hp) Blade battery version with a claimed range of 427km ‘for no compromise driving’ and priced from €29,318 to €31,192. Fast charging from 30pc to 80pc takes 29 minutes.
Eye-catching features are its rounded profile and side silhouette resembling what its designers call ‘the graceful lines of a leaping dolphin’. Ditto for interior door handles. Designers have given the Dolphin a two-tone body available in seven colour combinations including black and white colours.
The cabin has good space for five occupants. Front seats have 6-way electric adjustment for the driver and 4-way electric adjustment for the front passenger. Rear seats split 60:40 to allow its 345-litre boot expand to 1,310 litres when both seats are folded flat.
BYD claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7 secs.
Standard items include an in-built heat pump, cutting-edge lighting technology that enhances visibility when driving at night, with High Beam Assist, Adaptive Front Headlights and Follow Me Home lighting as standard.
Dolphin was awarded a maximum five stars for safety from Euro NCAP in October.
BYD will introduce three new models over the next eight months. It will soon be followed by the new BYD SEAL 4-door D-segment saloon model.
BYD cars are distributed in Ireland by Motor Distributors Limited (MDL) on the Naas Road in Dublin. Carl Fagan and Patrick Howlett of BYD in Ireland are pictured at last week's Dolphin launch at The K-Club in Co Kildare.
