BYD Dolphin G Brings Plug-in Hybrid Supermini to Israel at a Lower Price

BYD has unveiled the Dolphin G, a plug-in hybrid supermini that it says will arrive in Israel in the coming months. The expected starting price is just above 120,000 shekels, and the car will compete with the MG3 Hybrid, Toyota Yaris Hybrid, Skoda Fabia and Seat Ibiza. The writer says the model could help revive a shrinking supermini segment.

The Dolphin G is closely related to the BYD Atto 2 plug-in hybrid, but it is smaller and aimed specifically at Europe. BYD adds the letter G, short for “Genius.” Compared with the all-electric Dolphin, the plug-in hybrid has a different exterior and a completely different cabin layout. It is 13 cm shorter, has an 8 cm shorter wheelbase, is 4.5 cm wider, and offers a more sporty look.

Inside, the car gets an 8.8-inch digital cluster and a 12.8-inch central screen, or a 10.1-inch screen in the lower trim. There are four trim levels, with the top versions adding a head-up display, power driver’s seat, rear air vents, a fixed panoramic roof with shade, and V2L charging. Safety equipment is extensive, though the reviewer notes that some alerts are irritating. Rear space is tight, but the 425-liter trunk is larger than that of the electric Dolphin and larger than any other supermini in the market.

The powertrain combines a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 95 hp and an electric motor with 163 hp. Total output is 212 hp with the 18.3 kWh battery and 176 hp with the 7.4 kWh battery, with both versions reaching 0 to 100 km/h in about 8.4 seconds. BYD claims 105 km of electric range with the large battery and 40 km with the small one, plus fuel consumption of 23.8 km/l and 22.2 km/l respectively. Ride comfort is only moderate because the rear uses a torsion beam axle, but cabin noise isolation is strong. BYD says the car has a 6-year or 150,000 km warranty, an 8-year or 250,000 km battery warranty, and the battery and electric motor are covered for 8 years or 150,000 km.