Electric/hybrid | On the road

BYD Dolphin G DM-i

By Bill McCarthy

Let’s get one thing straight: the B YD Dolphin G isn’t really a supermini. Not in the traditional sense, as it is the first plug-in hybrid to appear in its segment and its bigger.

At 4,160mm long with a 425-litre boot, it’s closer in size to a Volkswagen Golf than a Ford Fiesta. BYD calls it a supermini; I call it plus size. Either way, you’re getting C-segment space for B-segment money.

According to Edvard Mecbergs, automotive Product Manager for the UK, it has been designed to target European buyers, where sharper steering and a more flexible ride are demanded.

That extra room was proven when Edvard, a six-footer, sat comfortably in the back with ample head and legroom. The boot, meanwhile, is huge for this type of model.

Equipment and prices

The range starts at £23,990 for the Active trim and tops out at £29,490 for the Sport. That means even the fully loaded version undercuts rivals, many with none of the Dolphin G’s hybrid tech or equipment list. Four trims are available.

Active keeps things simple: 16-inch alloys, parking sensors, rear-view camera, LED lights, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, auto air conditioning and fabric upholstery. Boost adds the larger battery, a 12.8-inch screen, heated seats and steering wheel, ambient lighting, wireless charging, rear vents, eight-speaker audio and Vehicle-to-Load.

Comfort brings a head-up display, panoramic roof, puddle lights, vegan leather, an electric driver’s seat, a 360° camera, 18-inch alloys and Google integration. Sport adds discreet badging, darker alloys and a two-tone cabin with suede seat panels.

Exterior

The look is very much in the eye of the beholder. I like the ocean-inspired front end with its smart light cluster and adaptive air intakes, complemented by either 16- or 18-inch alloy wheels. The rear, in my view, has a flatter profile, not helped even by the roof spoiler – but for that extra boot room, it’s worth it.

Interior

Inside it feels light and airy, particularly on the models with the panoramic roof. Seats are supportive and comfortable. A 2,610mm wheelbase delivers best-in-class space for five adults and the boot expands to a cavernous 1,225 litres with the rear seats folded.

Central is a 10-inch or 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen. This is supplemented by an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel that sits within the dash. The column-mounted gear selector frees space for dual-level storage, a cupholder and, on most versions, wireless charging.

Previous BYD models frustrated critics (myself included) with rotating screens, clunky software and irritating constant alerts. This has been largely addressed. A driver can now customise which screen stays on display with a single swipe of the screen, with the option of adding from the sub-menus later. It’s a small change that makes a big difference to daily usability.

Hybrid powertrain

The plug-in hybrid setup features a 1.5-litre petrol engine, two electric motors (one drive, one generator), and a choice of two batteries.

The engine mostly acts as a generator, with the electric motor doing the heavy lifting, delivering a quiet, EV-like feeling. In EV mode it runs purely on battery; in HEV mode, intelligent controls switch between five configurations, though it can also be manually controlled.

The motor produces 163PS and 210Nm, giving 0-62mph in a pretty rapid 8.3 seconds. It is largely muted but can become noisy when the pedal is depressed suddenly and does take a second to kick in.

Handling

Some colleagues and I disagreed on handling. I found it sharp, particularly on a very sharp curve on Fish Hill in the Cotswolds that nearly caught me by surprise, but it clung on confidently with the steering responsive and the ride pretty good too.

It’s the kind of car that could aspire to the Ford Fiesta’s handling prowess, if it were still around.

As for the ride, for the most part it never felt unsettled except a couple of times over the potholes plaguing our roads at the moment. Is it genuinely good or just better than I expected from a BYD?

Batteries and range

Two Blade Batteries are offered. Active has a 7.42kWh unit for 24.8 miles of electric range and 633 miles combined. Boost, Comfort and Sport step up to 18.3kWh, extending electric range to 65 miles and combined range to 646 miles while cutting CO2 from 60g/km to 32g/km.

Charging splits accordingly: Active gets a 3.3kW on-board charger, while the rest receive 6.6kW and 39kW DC charging, taking 10-80% in 26 minutes. The larger-battery versions return a claimed 201.7mpg — genuinely impressive at this price.

Safety

Every version comes with front and rear parking sensors, Adaptive and Intelligent Cruise Control, lane-keeping and departure assist, cross-traffic alert and brake, blind spot detection, driver monitoring and door opening warning. Comfort and Sport add a 360° camera—useful given the car’s footprint.

Verdict

For a car of this size and price, the Dolphin blends practicality, efficiency and surprising composure. It may not be a traditional supermini, but with C-segment space for B-segment money, that’s exactly the point. That said, the engine’s slightly delayed response and noise under sudden acceleration are a niggle. Strong for the money, but not flawless.

Hyundai i20 1.0 T-GDi 90 PS Tech Line Review: Sensible, Spacious, Surprisingly Well-Equipped

The Hyundai i20 has quietly become one of the most rounded superminis on sale. The Tech Line trim sits near the top of the range, and with the 1.0-litre turbocharged 90 PS petrol engine, it promises low running costs without stripping out equipment. It isn’t a hot hatch—that role belongs to the i20 N—but it is a genuinely likeable everyday car.

Performance and driving

Under the bonnet is a 998cc three-cylinder turbo petrol producing 90 PS and 172 Nm. It drives the front wheels through a six-speed intelligent manual gearbox, which can decouple the engine when coasting to save fuel. The numbers are modest: 0-62mph in about 11.5 seconds and a 112mph top speed. Yet the engine feels eager enough around town, with useful low-down torque and a characterful three-cylinder thrum. The iMT gearbox shifts cleanly, and the light steering makes city driving effortless.

The i20 feels composed on smooth roads, with a tight turning circle and good visibility. The trade-off is a firm ride, especially over potholes, but it rewards with decent body control. Drive modes adjust throttle response and steering weight, while cruise control makes longer journeys relaxed. Official economy is around 47.9mpg, with CO2 emissions of 134g/km, so running costs should be manageable.

Interior and equipment

The Tech Line cabin is a strong point. You get heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and multi-colour ambient lighting, which makes cold mornings far more bearable. The driver’s seat is height-adjustable, and the rear bench splits 60:40. Electric front and rear windows, luggage hooks, and a front cup holder add everyday usability.

The dual-screen setup is the highlight: a 10.25-inch digital supervision instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, Mapcare, live services, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Climate control, windscreen auto-defog, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, cruise control, and drive modes are all standard. Parking is easy thanks to front parking sensors and a rear-view camera, while automatic wipers with a rain sensor, rear seat alert, wireless charging pad, and USB ports front and rear keep life simple. There’s also a smart key with engine start button, immobiliser, and steering wheel remote controls. A temporary mobility kit, privacy glass, and aero wiper blades complete the package. Some plastics are hard to the touch, but the layout is logical and the kit count embarrasses pricier rivals.

Practicality and safety

Boot space is 352 litres, expanding to 1,165 litres with the rear seats folded—among the best in class. Trailer wiring is included, and the 60:40 split makes carrying longer items easy. Rear passengers get a USB-C charging port, and the rear seat alert helps prevent leaving children or pets behind.

The i20 is also well protected. Standard safety kit includes lane keep assist, lane follow assist, intelligent speed limit assist, forward collision avoidance, driver and front passenger airbags, side and curtain airbags, ABS, ISOFIX, and childproof rear door locks. An eCall system adds peace of mind in an emergency.

Verdict

The i20 1.0 T-GDi 90 PS Tech Line isn’t the fastest or most exciting supermini. But it is efficient, practical, and remarkably well equipped. The firm ride and some cheap interior materials are minor flaws in an otherwise sensible package. With a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, it makes a compelling case for buyers who want technology and peace of mind without paying premium prices. It may not set your pulse racing, but it will make everyday driving easy.

FAST FACTS

Hyundai i20 1.0 T-GDi 90 PS Tech Line
Price: from £22,995 (approx)
Mechanical: 90ps, 998cc, 3-cyl turbo petrol, front-wheel drive, 6-speed intelligent manual
Max speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 11.5 seconds
Combined mpg: 47.9
Insurance group: 10E (approx)
CO2 emissions: 134g/km
BiK rating: 30% (approx)
Warranty: 5yrs/unlimited miles

Chinese brands have had remarkable success over the last couple of years, with sales booming and capturing a significant share of the UK market. It’s not hard to see why – they offer low prices, advanced technology (some would argue a little too. advanced), and cheap finance deals

That’s a heady mix for those looking for a motor in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. They are even undercutting Korean brands, which themselves undercut more established brands over the past 20 years.

However, doubts remain over uncertain resale values and little data about long-term reliability. Chery is one of the biggest Chinese manufacturers, owning both fast-selling Omoda and Jaecoo, but has also launched vehicles under its own name. And so far, they are proving impressive. Following a drive in the Chery Tiggo 7, this was followed by a test in its flagship model, the Tiggo 9.

What does it offer?

It’s huge, nearly five metres long, and is a full seven-seater plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive. It is packed with equipment, has a range of around 650 miles (WLTP) and undercuts rivals significantly with a price tag of around £43k.

It can also double up as a removal van; when we moved a three-seater settee, the flat loading space swallowed it up. Safety kit includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera, all standard.

Known as the Tiggo 9 CSH (Chery Super Hybrid), it’s stylish and offers a high‑end interior. On the outside, it cuts a bold, imposing figure, with a large chrome grille, slim LED headlights, and sharp creases along the flanks that give it a distinctly premium stance – though the oversized badging does little to hide its Chinese origins. It comes in a single, fully loaded trim called Summit, with everything from heated seats to a panoramic sunroof as standard.

Powertrain

The plug-in hybrid pairs a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with twin electric motors and an automatic transmission. The combination delivers a combined 428 PS and 580 Nm of torque. Floor it, and it races to 62 mph in just 5.4 seconds – though the acceleration is smooth rather than brutal.

Just as impressive is its class-leading 91-mile electric range (WLTP) and a total range of over 650 miles, aided by a 34.46 kWh battery. That battery can rapid-charge from 30–80% in around 18 minutes and also features 6.6 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, letting you power laptops or camping gear.

On the road

It’s a pleasant drive. The car runs in pure EV mode at low speeds, then combines both power sources for strong acceleration. It feels almost EV-like with instant response, and even when the petrol engine kicks in, it remains quiet and refined.

Handling is not its strong point – it is, after all, nearly 16 feet long – and the steering is adequate at best. But keep it in a straight line, and it’s a blast. There are three drive modes – Eco, Normal and Sport – plus Snow, Sand and Off-Road settings for tougher conditions. Not needed during this hot summer test, but good to have in reserve.

Interior & tech

Inside, the standard kit reads like a luxury brand’s options list. There are heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, with the second row also heated and ventilated. Central is a 15.6-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The central screen controls navigation, smartphone connectivity, and infotainment, with a 14-speaker Sony sound system.

My continued criticism of these systems is that they can be overly distracting. Some controls feel less like a quick setting and more like finding a needle in a haystack within a sub-menu of a sub-menu. Some safety assistance features, for instance, seem buried. The constant bing and bongs of the ADAS system also have to be turned down,

Practicality

It’s a genuine seven-seater with a 2+3+2 layout, though the rearmost seats are better suited to children. Boot space varies from 143 litres with all seven seats in use, expanding to 819 litres with the third row folded, and a cavernous 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded flat – enough to swallow furniture with ease.

Chery has a growing dealer network, and the vehicle comes with a 7-year/unlimited-mile vehicle warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for the hybrid battery, plus roadside assistance.

While uncertainties around resale values and long-term durability remain, Chery is making a strong case by offering a huge, tech-laden seven-seat PHEV at a price that seriously undercuts European and Japanese rivals, backed by a warranty package designed to give buyers peace of mind.

Factfile

Chery Tiggo 9 CSH Summit
Price: £ 43,105 OTR
Mechanical: 428 PS, 1.5-litre turbo petrol with twin electric motors and 34.46 kWh battery, driving all four wheels via an auto transmission
Max speed: 115 mph (estimated)
0 to 62 mph: 5.4 sec
Electric range: 91 miles (WLTP)
CO2 emissions: 33 g/km
BiK rating: 8%
Warranty: 7 years/unlimited miles (vehicle), 8 years/100,000 miles (battery)

On the road

Category Archives: Electric/hybrid

New Dolphin supersized supermini makes waves