BYD Dolphin G
New from £23,875 / £328 p/m
Is the BYD Dolphin G Hatchback a good car?
Read our expert review
Words by: Autotrader
"BYD’s rapid expansion into every affordable sector of the market continues apace with the Dolphin G DM-I, which again sounds like an exhibit in a sea-life centre but in fact a small hatchback taking on familiar names like the Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Yaris, Vauxhall Corsa and Renault Clio. Its party piece is that it’s the only plug-in hybrid (PHEV) of this size, other than BYD’s own Atto 2 DM-icrossover, that is. Apparently, the ‘G’ stands for ‘genius’, but is this five-door BYD really operating at that sort of exalted level of ability?
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Green Rating
BYD has gone big on ‘New Energy Vehicles’ (NEVs) – a catch-all phrase for fully electric and plug-in hybrids – and its self-built ‘Blade’ batteries put it a step ahead of the competition allowing it to scale production of zero- and low-emission vehicles at a rapid pace. However, while its technology speaks for itself, and at corporate level it talks a good talk, BYD was very light on specifics when it answered our sustainability questionnaire. We’d love to know more about its use of recycled materials and its targets to reduce water usage. Meanwhile, the compact size and 65-mile all-electric range of the Dolphin G DM-i help to limit the car’s environmental impact – though this does rely on you plugging it in rather than using the petrol engine to recharge the battery. The Dolphin G DM-i is also manufactured in Hungary rather than China which is a further boost to its environmental creds.
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Running costs for a BYD Dolphin G
There are hybrid hatchbacks operating in the same class as the BYD Dolphin G DM-i, the difference being you can’t plug them in to top up their battery packs. On all but the base-spec Dolphin G this means you can go up to 65 miles on electric power alone, while one outrageous WLTP economy figure promises something of the order of 200mpg or more. The reality is going to be more like 50-65mpg, unless the car is plugged in every night. Which still isn’t bad, but also not miles in advance of some of non-PHEV competitors and something to think about if you don’t have a home wallbox. A strong level of aftersales back-up, courtesy of a six-year warranty does add considerable purchase appeal to the BYD, though. <br><br>
Reliability of a BYD Dolphin G
Although BYD is a relatively new name for British buyers the DM-i tech in its cars has been in service a long time in other markets. Indeed, the firm lays claim to making the world’s first mass-produced PHEV way back in 2008. So far as it’s possible to tell no BYD DM-i sold here has been particularly problematic, so there’s no reason to suspect that the Dolphin G would buck that trend. And you’ve always got the generous warranty to fall back on, should the worst happen. <br><br>
Safety for a BYD Dolphin G
As yet, the Dolphin G DM-i hasn’t been submitted for the usual testing with independent safety body Euro NCAP, but every other BYD put through the assessment has picked up the full five-star rating. The company is also proud to say the Dolphin G has a level of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) some rivals only offer as options or on more expensive trim levels. By that measure at least it should be one of the safest cars in its class. <br><br>
How comfortable is the BYD Dolphin G
Although the BYD Dolphin G DM-i is reasonably comfortable if the road surfaces are acceptable and driving speeds are higher, the PHEV can struggle on lumpier road surfaces. It particularly struggles around town under such circumstances, especially on the larger 18-inch alloy wheels of the upmarket Comfort and Sport models. Also, the front seats feel a touch firm and not so supportive over longer distances, which is a shame. By way of recompense, there’s a big boot in the Dolphin G in comparison to similar cars, although rear-passenger space is only average. <br><br>
Features of the BYD Dolphin G
As you’d expect of an up-and-coming challenger from a fledgling brand, the BYD Dolphin G offers a lot of equipment for not a lot of money. Even entry-level Active versions have radar cruise control along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but most folk will want at least the Boost for toys like heated seats and a heated steering wheel, the larger 12.8-inch infotainment screen, synthetic leather and wireless smartphone charging. This also adds the bigger battery pack for longer electric range, plus faster charging capabilities on the public network. Comfort grade really loads in the luxuries, including a head-up display, Google Built-In software and a panoramic roof, while from Sport is mainly about styling flourishes and the option of some gaudy two-tone interior colour schemes. <br><br>
Power for a BYD Dolphin G
The combined power output of the BYD Dolphin G DM-i is higher than most comparable rivals in this sector, and enough for a 0-62mph time of just 8.3 seconds. Curiously, this petrol-electric runaround doesn’t feel anywhere near that lusty in reality, given it can take a veritable age for both 1.5-litre engine and electric motor to fully engage. The petrol part of this set-up is also noisy in such circumstances so for all the on-paper adavantages over rivals the Dolphin G doesn’t feel as satisfying to drive as you might hope. <br><br>
Lease deals
These deals are based on terms of 8,000 miles, for a 36 month lease with a 6 months initial payment.
£446.80
Monthly payment
£2,680.78
Initial payment
£489.19
Monthly payment
£2,935.14
Initial payment
£509.62
Monthly payment
£3,057.71
Initial payment
£530.90
Monthly payment
£3,185.38
Initial payment
Standard equipment
Expect the following equipment on your BYD Dolphin G Hatchback. This may vary between trim levels.
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BYD Dolphin G DM-i (2026 – ) review
Latest new arrival from BYD is a compact hatchback with full plug-in hybrid power
Your questions answered
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