BYD Dolphin hatchback - Practicality & boot space

​Sitting below the BYD Atto 3 (a Nissan Qashqai-rivalling electric SUV) the BYD Dolphin is pitched somewhere between a Ford Fiesta and a Ford Focus in terms of size. However, inside it’s bigger than both of those cars – longer, even, than a Volkswagen ID.3.

The driver and passenger do feel a little cocooned up front in the BYD thanks to the high centre console, but there’s enough space to stretch out. We’d like a bit more adjustability for the driving position; the seat moves up and down, but the seat base is very flat and lacks thigh support. Furthermore, the instrument cluster is attached to the steering column and sits at a slightly jaunty angle. Annoying for some, perhaps.

There are plenty of useful cubbies and in the back, legroom is generous. The completely flat floor means you can fit three across the back for short hops, but doors don’t open all that wide, which may be an issue if you regularly have to load children into the rear.

Boot space

Depending on how you view the BYD Dolphin will determine whether you consider this a practical supermini or a compromised family car. If the former, then the 345-litre boot is pretty generous for a car in this class – especially given the price. However, it’s down on the larger MG4, which claims 363 litres with the rear seats in place. Even that isn’t particularly well regarded against the competition; a Volkswagen ID.3 gets 385 litres, while a Kia Niro EV boasts 475 litres of carrying capacity.

Fold the BYD’s seats flat and there’s 1,310 litres to play with, however – a figure not to be scoffed at in the supermini and small-car class. Its boxier shape means that on paper, the BYD is bigger than the MG in this respect. The BYD doesn’t get any storage under the bonnet, though, so you’ll need to store the charging cables alongside your luggage.