Poised to make big waves on the Irish market when it arrives here in September is the five-seat, all-electric BYD Dolphin C-segment hatchback.
Like the recently introduced BYD Atto 3 SUV, the Dolphin comes to Ireland with attractive pricing, a long list of standard features and the latest battery electric technology.
The first model in BYD’s ‘Ocean’ series, the Dolphin is built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 chassis – which, amongst other advantages, contributes to its interior spaciousness
Also, like the Atto 3, it is powered by BYD’s own-manufactured 60.4 kWh cobalt-free, lithium iron phosphate ‘Blade’ battery which claims to deliver a 427km (WLTP ) range with an ultra-fast 30 to 80 per cent charging time of 29 minutes.
Four trim levels - ‘Active’, ‘Boost’, ‘Comfort’, ‘Design’ will be available in Ireland. The first models to be sold here will be the Comfort and Design models (60.4kWh ) priced from €27,818 (Pre-July orders ) and €29,318 (Post-July orders ) after the state subsidies have been taken into account.
The Active and Boost models with a 44.9 kWh blade battery will be available in Q1 2024.
Other features of the Dolphin include a panoramic sunroof with sunshade available on top-of-the range models, 20 interior storage spaces, and a 3.3kW external discharge unit to power-up a laptop or mobile phone and other external devices.
Rear passenger legroom is also said to be spacious, with seat backs that split 60:40 to expand boot space from 345-litres to 1,310-litres.
BYD’s distributor in Ireland is Motor Distributors Limited (MDL ), whose spokesperson said: “The BYD Dolphin is an exciting new addition to the growing BYD model range in Ireland, and a delightful addition alongside the new Atto 3.
“Especially noteworthy is the exceptionally keen price level at which the Dolphin will be introduced – evidence of the value-for-money proposition that BYD’s Dolphin and Atto 3 SUV represent.”
Initially, the BYD Dolphin will be available through dealerships in Dublin and Cork cities – BYD North Dublin, Navan Road; BYD South Dublin, Deansgrange and BYD Cork, Little Island. Additional sales dealerships are set to be announced very soon.
