BYD Dolphin vs Vauxhall Corsa Electric: A Comprehensive Comparison
The automotive landscape is witnessing a significant shift with the emergence of Chinese electric vehicles, and the BYD Dolphin is at the forefront of this change. Priced competitively with small hatchbacks, the Dolphin offers the space and standard features typically found in larger, more expensive cars. To assess its impact, Carwow’s expert reviews team compared the BYD Dolphin with the UK’s popular Vauxhall Corsa Electric.
Interior, Practicality, and Technology
Upon examining the interiors, it becomes apparent that the two cars are designed with different philosophies. The Vauxhall Corsa Electric’s interior is dull and drab, while the BYD Dolphin boasts a futuristic design, complete with a rotating infotainment screen that gives it a ‘spaceship’ feel. Although neither car is particularly luxurious, the Dolphin’s design edge makes it more appealing. The Corsa Electric, however, has better seats – they are more comfortable and feature retro-style stripy centers as standard.
In terms of practicality, the BYD Dolphin surpasses the Vauxhall Corsa Electric. It offers significantly more interior space, comfortably accommodating four adults, whereas the Corsa Electric’s rear legroom is particularly tight, especially behind a tall driver. The Dolphin’s boot is also about 100 liters larger than the Corsa’s, making it a more practical choice for those needing space.
Driving Experience and Electric Range
Both vehicles provide a similar driving experience, but with some notable differences. The Corsa Electric edges out the Dolphin in terms of comfort and is slightly more enjoyable on country roads, though neither can be described as fun to drive. The Dolphin handles rough roads less gracefully, while the Corsa Electric does a better job of absorbing bumps in urban environments. On motorways, they are more evenly matched, effectively insulating occupants from wind and road noise.
The 201hp BYD Dolphin outperforms the 136hp Corsa Electric, offering greater confidence when accelerating or overtaking. For the Corsa Electric, opting for the more powerful version with the larger battery (priced a couple of thousand pounds extra) yields a claimed 246-mile range. In real-world tests, it achieved 4.4mi/kWh efficiency, translating to over 220 miles of range. The Dolphin, with its larger battery, offers 265 miles of range and can achieve 4.0mi/kWh, resulting in over 240 miles of real-world range.
Prices and Verdict
The BYD Dolphin is available in two trim levels: Comfort and Design. The Design trim adds features like privacy glass, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a wireless phone charger to the well-equipped Comfort model. All Dolphins come standard with heated, electrically adjustable seats, 360-degree cameras, and three ISOFIX child seat anchor points, starting from just over £30,000.
In contrast, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric starts at nearly £29,000 in its base Yes trim, featuring manual seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear parking sensors. To get all available standard features, one must opt for the Corsa Ultimate at £34,445, which still doesn’t match the Dolphin’s level of equipment.
The BYD Dolphin also offers a more comprehensive warranty – six years or 93,750 miles, compared to the Corsa Electric’s three years or 60,000 miles (with unlimited mileage in the first year for the Corsa).
In conclusion, the BYD Dolphin presents better value for money than the Vauxhall Corsa Electric. It is more practical, better equipped, and easier to live with, making it an attractive option for those willing to overlook its generic looks. As Chinese cars become increasingly popular in the UK, the BYD Dolphin is a significant player in the electric vehicle market, challenging established models like the Vauxhall Corsa Electric.
