With the arrival here of their all-new, four-door BYD DOLPHIN SURF hatchback, global NEV maker BYD, and their Irish distributor, Motor Distributors Limited, have once again broken the price-to-value barrier and given motorists yet another reason to reflect on the many benefits of affordable EV ownership.
Attractively priced from €17,985, it arrives on the market here with international recognition, having been voted ‘World Urban Car of the Year’ at this year’s World Car of the Year Awards. In addition, the BYD DOLPHIN SURF has just been awarded a five-star safety rating in the latest round of tests by Euro NCAP.
A compact, all-electric, 4-door, 4-seater vehicle, the BYD DOLPHIN SURF is designed and built to satisfy the needs of motorists in search of a car that is affordable, climate friendly, economical to own, and within a ‘value’ package that is attractive, well-priced, and practical.
Available here in three model variants: Active, Boost and Comfort, prices – inclusive of grants and subsidies – for the BYD DOLPHIN SURF begin from €17,985 for the entry-level Active model increasing to €22,230 for the mid-range Boost model to €24,113 for the Comfort version.
With its sporty good looks, aerodynamic lines, and fun-loving personality, BYD DOLPHIN SURF is ‘on trend’ for a variety of reasons, all of which chime with what some see is a Europe-wide movement towards more compact, more eco-friendly, and more economical-to-run car ownership.
Described as ‘a breath of fresh air in eye-catching colours’, it is styled in BYD’s familiar ‘Ocean’ design language and fitted with a spacious and practical interior equipped with BYD’s trademark array of standard specifications and all-inclusive features.
Built on BYD’s own e-Platform 3.0 chassis and powered by their acclaimed cobalt-free lithium-ion Blade Battery – proven in all BYD models sold here to date – the BYD DOLPHIN SURF wants for nothing when it comes to open-road driving and performance.
Powered by a choice of battery packs: 30kWh (Active), 43.2kWh (Boost), and 115kWh (Comfort), with 0-100kms/h acceleration speeds from a low 9.1secs to 12.1secs depending on model choice, it has a driving range quoted at 322kms WLTP. Also quoted is a 10% – 80% charging speed of 30mins – designed to comfortably support daily urban commutes, while the ability to top up at DC rapid stations means the DOLPHIN SURF can easily take on longer journeys when required.
Equipped to support active lifestyles, the BYD DOLPHIN SURF Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology allows devices to be powered by the car’s own battery, at up to 3.3kW, allowing everything from a coffee machine to an electric grill to be used on location.
Bonnet-to-boot, fitments include driver assistance and other passenger comfort, infotainment, connectivity, and high-tech aids that include intuitive voice control, via a ‘Hi BYD’ command, that allows motorists access to many key functions without taking their hands off the steering wheel. A smartphone sensor on the side mirror unlocks the vehicle via Near Field Communication (NFC) keyless entry, whilst the BYD application on a smartphone can cool or warm the cabin in advance.
In the provision of storage, boot capacity, and interior spaciousness, it is described by BYD as ‘comparable with cars from the class above it’, notably so in rear knee and head space areas. Standard boot capacity is 308 litres, extendable to 1,037 litres when rear seats are folded, and further enhanced by a total of 20 storage areas dotted throughout the vehicle – from front seat cup-holders to a storage area beneath the boot floor, ideal for keeping charging cables out of the main load space.
Measuring 3,990mm long, 1,720mm wide, 1,590mm tall, with a 2,500mm wheelbase, its dimensions and agile handling make it an appealing choice for urban motorists faced with the challenges of narrow city streets and tight parking spaces.Its wide body contour, deep windscreen, and short, angled bonnet combine with 15” and 16” wheels to give it a dynamic appearance, taller than one might expect.
Interior elements include two dash-mounted displays: one that delivers key information to the driver, the other a large rotatable multimedia infotainment touchscreen. Noteworthy also are two-tone treatments that bring added style to the visual effect.
Integrated daytime-running lights have clean, crisp lines. At the rear, a roof spoiler improves airflow and aerodynamic efficiency. A full-width tail-light bar gives a widened visual effect while, within its length, interior spaciousness is described by BYD as ‘exceptional for its class’.
The cabin is built for everyday life, with front sports seats, designed for comfort and support, available with electric adjustment and heating, depending on trim level. Split rear seats which fold to increase boot capacity – have ample leg and headroom for adults. A generously-opening, roof-to-floor rear door allows for easy loading and access. All models have ISOFIX anchor points, front and rear.
Seeing the growing interest in cars that are low cost, electric powered, inexpensive to operate, and are noise and emissions-free and easy to park – with four-person space and four-doors access – BYD could be said to have offered the market what they themselves believe is ‘an unbeatable price-to-value proposition’.
Praising the manufacturer on their ability to ‘read the needs of an international motoring public’, BYD national sales manager, Vicky Reilly said: “In the little more than two years since our first vehicle was sold here, the brand has grown to see BYD become Ireland’s top selling electric make and model in the month of August this year”.
“Also within the period, our range offering has expanded to six models, and our main dealer network has grown to 11 outlets, with advanced discussions underway to expand the BYD network, and new dealer appointments due to be announced in the coming weeks,” Ms. Reilly said.
As with all BYD models, a six-years manufacturer’s warranty and an eight years battery and electric motor warranty applies to all DOLPHIN SURF models. For more information visit: www.bydauto.ie
