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 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.
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 state subsidies.
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), who 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 Eastgate Business Park, Little Island.
Additional sales dealerships are set to be announced shortly.
