Debuting in 2022, the BYD Atto 3 has been a runaway success since touching down in New Zealand. Now, the brand have launched their second EV locally. Meet the Dolphin, it’s the first model from the BYD Ocean series and adopts the “Ocean Aesthetics” design language.
The new C-segment hatchback offers style, practicality, electric efficiency and high levels of standard equipment. Four colours are available for both variants, these include Sand white, Urban grey, Coral Pink and Maldive Purple. While the extended range receives two-tone colours. Ski White, Surf Blue and Coral Pink are paired with an urban grey roof while Atlantis Grey is paired with a black roof.
The interior is designed with smooth, expansive curves to remind occupants of ocean waves. More storage space is found thanks to lack of physical buttons but the car still allows for an innovative human-machine interaction.
Vegan leather seats are heated and six way adjustable for the driver with the front passenger also getting heated and four way adjustment for their seat. Boot space is 345 litres with all seats up and expands to 1,310 litres with the rear seats folded. A large panoramic sunroof completes the interior look.
A WLTP range of 340kms headlines the standard model car, this comes courtesy of a 45kWhr battery while the extended variant receives a 60kWh battery which is good for 427kms of range. With an 80kW DC charger, the 30% – 80% top-up can be completed in 29 minutes.
The technological highlight of this car is arguably BYD’s Blade Battery. Using Lithium Iron-Phosphate, these batteries are house in a safe structure made for EVs, helping it to pass the Nail Penetration Test. VTOL is also standard where the car can produce a 3.3kW external discharge that can power everything from tools to consumer electronics.
Safety is also paramount for the Dolphin with the car getting seven airbags as standard plus Forward Collision Warning, Driver Fatigue Monitoring, Autonomous Emergency Braking and Emergency Lane Keep Assist to name a few. Adaptive Front Headlights with Follow Me Home are standard too.
Pricing for the standard Dolphin is from $49,990 + ORC with the extended range car priced at $55,990 + ORC. Both models receive the government clean car rebate of $7,015. A 6-year/150,000km warranty covers the car as well.
Want one? Get your BYD Dolphin from Ebbett BYD.
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Words by Matthew D’Souza, pictures courtesy of BYD Media NZ.
