BYD Dolphin: A Potential Rival to the Toyota Corolla

author: FutureCar Staff    

The BYD Dolphin, priced at less than AU$40,000 and with a range of 410 km, is not only competing with its fellow triplets (the MG 4 and the ORA Cat) but also with similarly sized ICE cars. However, due to limited availability, we were unable to test drive the model on display in Brisbane, Queensland. Despite that, the sales people have reported significant interest and many pre-orders, with deliveries expected in late September.

The Dolphin was launched on June 22 at Sea World on the Gold Coast, with Queensland Minister for Transport Mark Bailey emphasizing that the government is offering a $6,000 rebate on the purchase price. This means that a Dolphin can be purchased for $34,000, which is cheaper than an entry level Toyota Corolla hybrid (HEV) priced at $34,980.

Comparing the Dolphin and the Toyota Corolla Hatchback, the Dolphin is slightly smaller in terms of length and width. Both cars can accommodate five passengers, and the Dolphin provides ample headroom for taller individuals. The Dolphin offers 345 L of boot space, which can be expanded to 1310 L with the seats folded down.

In terms of acceleration, both cars have similar performance, with the Dolphin claiming a zero to 100 km/h time of 12.3 seconds, comparable to the Toyota HEV's quoted time of 12 seconds.

While the Dolphin and the Toyota HEV seem similar in size, price, and agility, there are still reasons to choose the Toyota HEV. Toyota has a strong reputation, extensive dealership support, and a large advertising budget. Additionally, the Dolphin's color options may not appeal to everyone, as it comes in muted, understated shades.

BYD is gaining recognition, particularly for its Blade battery technology. The partnership with Eagers has also addressed early delivery and servicing issues. Furthermore, not having to pay for petrol is a significant advantage. The BYD V2L feature is another unique offering that the Corolla cannot compete with. Both cars have various tech features, but a detailed comparison is beyond the scope of this article.

Considering the current price parity, it is important to note that government incentives may expire by the end of the year. As seen in the UK, as rebates run out, carmakers often reduce prices, leading to increased competition.

The Dolphin is equipped with a 45kW Blade battery that can produce 70 kW/180 Nm of torque. It includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, an in-built maps app, and wireless phone charging. The car's infotainment system features a 12.8-inch touchscreen. Other features include a panoramic moonroof, voice recognition, and heated seats.

EVDirect CEO Luke Todd predicts that BYD will have three models on the Australian market within 12 months, with a production capability of 9,000 vehicles per month. This would position BYD as the second-largest vehicle seller in Australia, doubling the penetration of EVs in the country to almost 20%.

BYD has already made an impact with the Atto 3, which was the second highest selling EV in Australia in July. The Dolphin is expected to have an even greater impact and dominate the smaller car market. The BYD Seal electric sedan is currently being tested in Australia and is likely to be released in the new year. There are also rumors of a BYD ute and another SUV to be launched in 2024.

The ute is expected to be initially delivered as a plug-in hybrid, with a BEV version to follow. BYD's experience in producing quality batteries makes it a strong contender to provide Australia with a BEV ute.

Back at the showroom, the Dolphin's interior features wraparound seats and simplified controls compared to the Atto 3. Quirky features include a dolphin flipper shaped door handle, roller controls on the dash, and circular air vents reminiscent of the 1960s. The car comes with a trickle charger and BYD dragon scales. Overall, it offers a zippy driving experience for urban areas.

The salespeople report receiving 5-10 inquiries per day, with some people showing immediate interest and others conducting research before placing an order. Kevin Gillam from the BYD Dolphin Australia Facebook page praises the Dolphin's fit, finish, and build quality, comparing it favorably to the Corolla. He highlights the Dolphin's extensive list of standard features, including the ability to warm the car and seats on a winter's day, automatically park mirrors, and receive OTA updates to the operating system.

Price is now the key factor in car purchases, as issues such as choice, range, and power have been addressed. With the Dolphin offering a fully electric BEV at a comparable price to a hybrid Corolla, the shift towards electric vehicles is becoming more appealing.

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FutureCar Staff