If you happen to’re seeking to make the swap to an electrical automobile, this Chinese language hatchback is your most cost-effective possibility.

Costs for the brand new BYD Dolphin begin at about $40,000 drive-away for the Dynamic mannequin and leap to $46,000 for the extra highly effective, longer vary Premium variant.

It’s a pointy value that undercuts its foremost rival, the MG4, by a mere $700 and the GWM Ora by about $2500.

On paper, the Dolphin Dynamic doesn’t take advantage of compelling case. Its single electrical motor sends simply 70kW and 180Nm to the entrance wheels, whereas the 44.9kWh battery delivers a driving vary of simply 340km.

The Premium model ups the ante with 150kW and 310Nm, in addition to 427km of vary courtesy of a bigger 60.5kWh battery.

The Premium additionally has sooner charging functionality (80kW versus 60kW), which signifies that its bigger battery takes the identical quantity to cost. Each automobiles can replenish their batteries from 10 to 80 per cent in about half-hour.

For metropolis dwellers on a price range, the most cost effective Dolphin must be greater than ample.

It’s additionally effectively outfitted for the value, with security tech that rivals can’t match.

The Dolphin is an unassuming hatchback that blends into the group with compact proportions and conservative appears. The bottom model’s 16-inch alloy-wheels and the Premium’s 17-inch wheels add a little bit of pop, as do some funky paint choices corresponding to Coral Pink and Maldive Purple.

Step inside and also you’re greeted by a extra toned down cabin in comparison with the funky BYD Atto 3.

All variants have heated faux-leather seats which might be electronically adjustable for each the motive force and entrance seat passenger. A panoramic sunroof offers the cabin an ethereal really feel.

A giant 12.8-inch central display screen can rotate between panorama and portrait view and is suitable with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Satnav is customary, as is a six-speaker stereo, wi-fi system charger and 4 USB ports throughout each rows.

A small driver instrument show is hooked up to the steering wheel and gives all the mandatory info corresponding to pace, distance to empty and vitality utilization.

You possibly can’t have every part in a $40,000 EV, although, and you’ll inform the place BYD has lower prices.

The cabin finishes and supplies look premium at first, however on nearer inspection, there’s loads of arduous plastic.

There are many storage choices within the centre console and there are fundamental local weather management buttons within the sprint however extra detailed controls should be accessed by the centre display screen, which may be fiddly.

The driving force’s imaginative and prescient to the fitting is compromised by a large wedged-shaped pillar, too.

One space BYD hasn’t skimped on is security.

There’s a large number of lively driver aids, together with a sophisticated youngster detection system that may set off the automotive alarm and activate the airconditioning if a baby is left in a automotive unattended.

It additionally has a tool to interrupt the window and slash your seatbelt in case the automotive is submerged in water.

On the street, the most cost effective Dolphin is uninspiring.

It feels sluggish off the mark, taking a leisurely 12.3 seconds to achieve 100km/h. Not like different EVs, there’s no instantaneous surge if you put your foot down.

Against this, the Premium variant reaches 100km/h in seven seconds flat.

Dynamic variants additionally swap out extra subtle multi-link rear suspension for a less expensive torsion beam set-up.

This implies drivers are much less cushioned towards bumps and it turns into unsettled when hitting mid-corner corrugations.

The Ling Lengthy EcoMaster tyres don’t encourage confidence both, as they will wrestle for traction.

However these shortcomings are unlikely to fret the Dolphin’s goal market, which is in search of low cost, clear city transport.

The Dolphin excels within the lower and thrust of metropolis commuting, the place acceleration and cornering skill play second fiddle to effectivity and mod-cons within the cabin. Its compact dimensions make it a cinch to navigate tight streets and underground automotive parks.

It’s quiet too, with minimal street noise filtering into the cabin at decrease speeds.

The automotive’s 340km claimed vary appeared correct after our take a look at loop that took in a spread of driving circumstances.

BYD covers the Dolphin with a six-year/150,000km guarantee and capped value servicing prices $1384 over 5 years.

VERDICT 3.5/5

Australia’s most cost-effective electrical automotive isn’t nice enjoyable to drive, however it’s extra generously outfitted than its rivals.

BYD DOLPHIN DYNAMIC

PRICE: About $40,000 drive-away

MOTOR: Single electrical motor, 70kW and 180Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING: Six years/150,000km, $1384 over 5 years

SAFETY: Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep help, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert with auto braking, youngster occupant warning, submerged automotive escape package

RANGE: 340km

SPARE: Restore package

LUGGAGE: 345 litres