Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“BYD’s smallest, cheapest offering still manages to score big on space and value. It’s far from the last word in involvement but then, none of its rivals can claim to be much fun either. And away from epic B-roads, customers should find plenty of appeal in the Dolphin’s packaging, bigger battery range, in-car tech and solid build quality. It’s a really impressive compact EV, at an attractive price.”
Author: John McIlroy
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Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“With competitive prices, reasonable range and a comfortable ride, it’s definitely a viable option for many, but it falls short in too many areas to be considered a class leader.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“BYD says it wants people to buy its cars because they love the style and individuality, rather than because they’re cheap. As it stands, however, the Dolphin lacks the polish – in its multimedia, its chassis, and some of its interior materials – to really impress.”
Author: Illya Verpraet
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Dolphin’s biggest incentive will be its price point. It has a sticker price similar to a basic MG4, while offering considerably more range and equipment as well as being considerably cheaper than the likes of a Vauxhall Corsa Electric or Volkswagen ID.3.”
Author: Pete Tullin
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Dolphin confirms that BYD is a manufacturer worth taking seriously. It’s comfortable, handles tidily enough, has an attractive interior and comes packed full of equipment.”
Author: Alan Taylor-Jones
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“Don’t be dissuaded by its low list price or the unknown name – BYD is a big brand in its home country and the Dolphin is a talented all-rounder. There’s space for four, a good range, plenty of equipment and an agreeable driving experience.”
Author: Richard Ingram
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Dolphin is a well-priced, well-equipped and practical electric hatchback, although you don’t get auto wipers and some of the interior materials aren’t quite as soft-touch as they look.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BYD Dolphin may be one of the cheapest electric cars on sale, but it delivers in many areas – making it something of an EV bargain.”
Author: Richard Ingram
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The ride quality appears to be well resolved while its low centre of gravity allows it to switch directions keenly and cleanly. On the downside, the steering offers little in the way of feedback and feels rather artificial.”
Author: Mike Askew
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BYD Dolphin is cheap by electric car standards, but doesn’t feel it. It’s thoroughly well resolved, combining laudable interior comfort, space and build quality with impressive performance and a respectable range. There’s very little not to like.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.2 / 10
“The Dolphin’s spacious interior is a huge highlight, providing more space for passengers than many cars from the class above. We also like the interesting design and appealing materials inside, while the ride is more comfortable than many rivals. Given the bargain pricing, it’s well worth considering.”
Author: Tom Wiltshire
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 5 / 10
“There are things that some owners will absolutely adore, though, from the cutesy naming to the flamboyant colour schemes and dolphin-fin door handles.”
Author: Will Dron
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 4 / 10
“The Chinese firm launches its new, small EV, complete with a weird marine-themed name. The price might be right, but there’s lots that isn’t.”
Author: Andrew English
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 4 / 10
“The BYD Dolphin simply feels unfinished. The dampers and springs need to actually work together to do more than just jellify potholes, and the steering needs a slug of optimism that it might actually turn the car when you want it to.”
Author: Tom Ford
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“On the face of it, the Dolphin looks like a decent alternative to the MG4 – it costs slightly less, has comparable range, is spacious and has a better interior. That said, it’s not quite as capable on a twisty road as the MG, with softer suspension that doesn’t have the same control as the firmer rival.”
Author: Dan Jones
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