Chinese brand BYD has confirmed it is “assessing” the new Dolphin G – a model that would stand as the local market’s only PHEV hatchback – for South Africa…
- BYD Auto considering Dolphin G for Mzansi
- SA market currently has no PHEV hatchbacks
- Could it arrive as SA’s most affordable PHEV?
BYD Auto South Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that it is “assessing” the new Dolphin G DM-i for the local market, suggesting there might be a place in Mzansi for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) hatchback.
SA’s new-vehicle market currently features precisely zero PHEV hatches, with Chinese crossovers dominating the lower end of the broader plug-in hybrid market. Should the Dolphin G receive the green light, it could potentially launch as the country’s most affordable PHEV – a crown currently held by BYD’s Atto 2 Comfort DM-i (R449 900).
Mark Handley, BYD Auto South Africa’s Director of Commercial Operations, told Cars.co.za that he had “certainly noticed the Dolphin G that has been launched in quite a few markets in Europe”.
“It has a couple of battery options and a couple of trim options,” Handley told us, referencing the 2 battery capacities available in Europe and adding that the vehicle has “lots of electric range and lots of total range”.
“Is it a hatchback? Yes, but it’s a very cool hatchback. We know that the hatchback segment remains pretty big in South Africa, despite South Africans’ love for SUVs. So, we’re definitely looking at it. We’re assessing the Dolphin G and who knows? Maybe watch this space,” he suggested.
Revealed for Europe in June 2026, the Dolphin G DM-i measures 4 160 mm from front to back, making it some 130 mm shorter than the fully electric Dolphin Extended Range that is already marketed here in South Africa (or 170 mm shorter than the Atto 2 DM-i and 86 mm longer than the Volkswagen Polo hatch).
On the Old Continent, the Dolphin G’s powertrain comprises a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine (70 kW/120 Nm), a front-mounted electric motor and a choice of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs.
Using the WLTP standard, the 7.42 kWh battery pack offers around 45 km of all-electric range and about 1 020 km of total range. Meanwhile, higher-spec (though heavier) derivatives equipped with the 18.3 kWh battery pack boost those figures to 105 km and around 1 040 km, respectively.
In Europe, the base variant with the 7.42 kWh battery pack has peak system outputs of 129 kW and 210 Nm, while the 18.3 kWh derivatives boast maximum power of 156 kW (with peak twisting force interestingly unchanged at 210 Nm).
BYD says the Dolphin G DM-i’s electric motor drives the front wheels “in most situations”, though there are various instances in which the petrol engine – which otherwise acts largely as a generator – can also do so.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the BYD Dolphin G DM-i coming to South Africa?
A: BYD Auto South Africa is currently assessing the Dolphin G DM-i for local release, according to Cars.co.za.
Q: What powertrain and battery options does the BYD Dolphin G DM-i offer?
A: In Europe, the Dolphin G features a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with an electric motor. It offers two LFP Blade Battery options: a 7.42 kWh pack (129 kW, 45 km EV range, ~1 020 km total range) and an 18.3 kWh pack (156 kW, 105 km EV range, ~1 040 km total range).
Q: How big is the BYD Dolphin G compared to other BYD models in SA?
A: Measuring 4 160 mm long, the Dolphin G DM-i is 130 mm shorter than the fully electric Dolphin Extended Range hatchback and 170 mm shorter than the Atto 2 DM-i compact crossover. Despite its compact footprint, it offers a practical 425-litre boot capacity.
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