Would You Fancy A ‘Spicier’ BYD Dolphin Sport EV Hot Hatch?

This is a hotter BYD Dolphin Sport that's heading to Australia in 2024! (Image: BYD Australia website)

Whilst we’ve only just spotted a single unit here recently, the BYD Dolphin electric hatchback has entered the Australian market this week where it now stands as the most affordable EV in said market. Adding to which, the leading Chinese EV maker also announced a much hotter performance version for said market.

Yes, you read that right, a sporty version of the BYD Dolphin is in the works for the Aussies, and BYD intends to deliver them Down Under starting next year. From the teaser images released through BYD’s Australian website, this sporty redux of the compact five-door hatch looks mighty exciting indeed.

Aggressive aerokit features a bright blue accent. It also includes larger and wider 17-inch wheels. (Image: Autocar NZ)

The most notable changes seen in the Sport over its ‘modest’ siblings is its new bodywork and wheels highlighted by a bright blue accent motif. Clearly, the front bumper has been restyled to look angrier, featuring a splitter that leads into new side skirts flanked by flared wheel arches.

At the rear, the sporty and aggressive redux continues with an up-swept rear spoiler assembly mounted on the roof above the rear hatch. This is matched with a rear diffuser that’s dressed with the same bright blue contrasting accent motif.

At the rear, the Dolphin Sport rocks an up-swept spoiler mounted on the roof above the rear hatch. (Image: Autocar NZ)

What’s tasty too are the bigger and wider 17-inch alloy wheels featuring the same bright blue accent finish. These, according to Australian sources online, are also wrapped in “performance tyres”, though no brand name or specific product line were mentioned.

Reports from said sources also indicate that the only colour combination available will be a matte grey exterior combined with a grey and black interior.

On board, the Dolphin Sport is set to get a sole grey and black interior colour combination over its sole matte grey exterior hue. (Image: BYD Australia website)

Of course, these sporty looks aren’t just for show as reports also suggest that this version of the Dolphin will deliver peppier outputs that promises 0-100 KM/H acceleration in less than 7 seconds. However, exact power and performance figures were not revealed by BYD yet.

Considering the Australian-spec BYD Dolphin in Extended Range guise boasts a 150kW (201 HP) and 310 NM output motor, the Sport is expected to best these figures. Said motor will also likely see itself juiced by the same 60 KWH LFP ‘Blade’ battery as primed in the regular Dolphin Extended Range variant.

BYD Dolphin scale model seen during recent opening of new BYD Glenmarie Centre by Sisma Auto.

Moreover, the BYD Dolphin Sport will see a limited release of just 1,000 units in Australia. The Chinese marque has begun accepting orders for which, each tagged at AUS$49,990 (approx. RM156,492), marking a sizable AUS$5,100 (RM 15,966) premium over the range-topping Extended Range variant.

Beyond Australia, it’s unclear if this sporty version of the compact five-door hatch will be offered in other markets just yet. Locally, the Dolphin is set for Malaysian market entry sometime later this year where, similar to Thailand, just one variant is expected featuring a 44.9 KWH battery pack.

Would you folks fancy this sportier iteration of the BYD Dolphin? How much would you pay for one? Hit the comments below – and our social platforms – with your thoughts.