China’s emerging dominance in the automotive industry is making waves in the UK and across Europe. One remarkable contender from this Chinese powerhouse is the BYD Dolphin, an electric five-seater family hatchback poised to rival Volkswagen’s ID.3. With electric cars typically priced above £40,000, the Dolphin offers a refreshing option starting at just £25,490.
BYD, an acronym for ‘Build Your Dreams,’ may sound cheesy, but the company is a serious player. Starting as a battery manufacturer, the Chinese conglomerate has now ventured into car production, surpassing Tesla as the world’s largest electric car-maker by producing 1.8 million vehicles last year.
The BYD Dolphin boasts four front-wheel drive models. The entry-level Active, priced from £25,490, features a 44.9kWh battery and a 70kW (95hp) electric motor, offering an estimated range of 211 miles. The Boost model, starting at £26,490, shares the same battery but comes with a more powerful 130kW (176hp) motor, 17-inch wheels, and a range of about 192 miles. Both models are set to arrive early next year. Currently available are the Comfort (£29,490) and Design (£30,999) models, which come equipped with a more powerful 60.4kWh battery and a 150kW (204hp) electric motor combination. These models offer a spirited 0 to 62mph acceleration of 7 seconds and a top speed of 99mph, with a range of 265 miles — sufficient for a journey from London to Middlesbrough. The Design model includes features such as a glass roof, rear privacy glass, and wireless smartphone charging. Monthly deals starting from £299, with a £3,000 deposit, are also available.
The performance of the BYD Dolphin is unexpectedly impressive. Even in wet conditions during a September monsoon, it maintained stability and agility on country lanes while remaining silent and emissions-free. Drivers can choose from four driving modes: Sport, Normal, Economy, and Snow.
Inside, the car offers a clean dashboard design, a versatile rotary control screen that can be positioned horizontally or vertically, and a user-friendly control bar that allows for seamless driving and reversing. The boot provides 345 litres of space, expanding to 1,310 litres with the rear seats folded.
The BYD Dolphin incorporates various features to enhance efficiency and comfort. An integrated heat pump helps warm the car batteries during winter, increasing efficiency by up to 15%. Additionally, the car serves as a ‘vehicle to load,’ providing the ability to charge external devices as a ‘mobile power station.’ Safety features include 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, rear collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert and braking, lane departure prevention, and emergency lane-keeping assist.
China’s presence in the UK automotive market extends beyond BYD. Other Chinese car-makers and brands, such as Great Wall (with its Ora Funky Cat), Nio, Chery, Geely, Zeekr, and Omoda, are also starting to make their mark. These join well-known electric car brands that are now Chinese-owned, including MG, Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, and London black cab makers LEVC.
The Omoda 5 family SUV is another Chinese import heading to the UK. With its powerful 187bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and top 5-star EuroNCAP crash-test rating, the Omoda 5 is set to go on sale in March 2024. The Comfort variant is expected to start at £24,000, while the Noble trim will be priced from £27,000. Safety features include 360-degree exterior cameras, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking.
The automotive industry is on the brink of an electric revolution, and the major Electrified 2023 conference, organized by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), aims to set the course for this future. Alison Jones, vice president of Stellantis (which includes Peugeot, Citroen, Vauxhall, Jeep, and Alfa Romeo), will deliver a keynote speech at the conference. Peugeot recently unveiled its third-generation e-3008 electric SUV crossover, set to be available for purchase early next year at a starting price of £35,000. The e-3008 offers a range of up to 435 miles and will be available in two trim levels and three electric powertrains.
As Chinese car brands continue to gain traction in the UK and European markets, it may be time for an updated version of the beloved ‘I-Spy’ car books. With new players on the scene, the automotive landscape is becoming an exciting and diverse terrain.
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