Key Takeaways 📌
- The BYD Dolphin offers a blend of affordability, functionality, and style.
- It comes with two battery options and four trims, catering to different needs.
- While it excels in interior design and features, it has room for improvement in build quality and boot space.
Introduction 📜
The electric vehicle market is buzzing with options, but the BYD Dolphin stands out for its unique blend of affordability, functionality, and style. In this review, we’ll delve into the nine things we love about this electric hatchback and the five areas where it could improve.
What We Love ❤️
1. Eco-Friendly Blade Battery 🌿
The Dolphin comes with an LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) blade battery that contains no nickel or cobalt, making it eco-friendly and safe. The battery undergoes rigorous safety tests, including a nail penetration test, ensuring a longer lifespan.
2. Funky Interior Design 🎨
The Dolphin’s interior is a feast for the eyes, with no straight lines and a plethora of curves. The dolphin-themed door handles and the unique ability to rotate the central console add a whimsical touch. The vegan leather seats are not only ethical but also incredibly comfortable.
3. Feature-Packed 🎁
Even the base model comes loaded with features like intelligent cockpit systems, app connectivity, 360° cameras, LED lights, and a heat pump. Higher trims offer additional luxuries like a panoramic glass roof and faster AC charging.
4. Vibrant Color Options 🌈
In a world dominated by monochrome cars, the Dolphin offers a refreshing palette of colors like Coral Pink and Maldiv Purple. The top-spec design even comes with tri-color wheels, making it a head-turner.
5. Impressive Warranty 📜
The Dolphin offers an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty on the battery and a 6-year 95,000-mile warranty on the vehicle, providing peace of mind for potential buyers.
6. Spacious Interior 🚗
Despite being a C-segment car, the Dolphin offers ample legroom, making it feel much larger on the inside. The flat floor, thanks to the under-floor battery, eliminates the need for a transmission tunnel, providing more space for rear passengers.
7. Comfortable Seats 💺
The seats are not just visually appealing but also ergonomically designed. They offer excellent support, especially for longer drives, making it a comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers.
8. Smooth Ride 🛣️
The Dolphin handles bumpy roads and potholes with ease, offering a smooth and comfortable ride. This is particularly beneficial for those who live in areas with less-than-ideal road conditions.
9. Quick Acceleration 🚀
The Dolphin offers impressive acceleration, especially in the higher trims. Whether you’re driving in the city or on the highway, the car provides a satisfying push when you step on the accelerator.
What We Don’t Love 😕
1. Excessive Alerts 🚨
The Dolphin comes with a plethora of alerts and warnings, which can become annoying over time. The indicator sound is also not to everyone’s taste.
2. Dashboard Reflections 🌞
The bright dashboard can cause reflections on the windshield, which can be distracting while driving.
3. Inconsistent Build Quality 🛠️
While the car excels in many areas, the build quality is not consistent throughout. Some parts feel cheap and scratchy, which detracts from the overall experience.
4. Small Boot Space 🧳
The spacious interior comes at the cost of boot space, which is just 345 liters. This could be a deal-breaker for those who require ample storage.
5. Tough Competition 🏁
The Dolphin faces stiff competition from cars like the VW ID3, Nissan Leaf, and MG4, especially in terms of pricing.
Conclusion 🎯
The BYD Dolphin is an impressive entry in the electric vehicle market, offering a unique blend of features, comfort, and style. While it has room for improvement, especially in build quality and boot space, it stands as a strong contender in its segment. If you’re in the market for an affordable, feature-packed electric vehicle, the Dolphin deserves a spot on your shortlist.
