In China's auto market, most consumers are advocating buying big rather than buying small, as long as the budget can reach the B-class car, even if it is the lowest version, they resolutely do not consider the A-class car. It is precisely because of this concept that the once prosperous A0 class sedan market has gradually declined, and only a few cars are still alive today. Many brands have launched boutique cars, trying to attract users with higher configuration and better driving quality, but in the end, they all ended in dismal sales.
But this situation was broken by BYD Dolphin, small size, but achieved monthly sales of more than 10,000, according to the data of the Association, Dolphin sales reached 12,040 vehicles in April, becoming the best-selling model in the same class. What is the charm of BYD dolphins? Why is it that today, when it is difficult for a boutique car to survive, it can break the law against the trend?
The driving texture breaks the limitations of the level
BYD Dolphin is based on platform e-platform 3.0, equipped with a deeply integrated eight-in-one electric powertrain. The knight version of the drive motor in this test drive has a maximum power of 130 kW, a peak torque of 290 N·m, and a NEDC working range of 401 km. This figure is stronger than the mainstream 1.5T gasoline engine, which is undoubtedly a level of overpower for such a small car in its early 4 meters. In actual driving, the BYD Dolphin Knight Edition can bring a small steel cannon-like acceleration experience when accelerating sharply, and even if it accelerates after 100km/h, it can still feel the abundant power reserve.
In order to adapt to more different use scenarios, Dolphin provides eco and Sport two driving modes, I personally prefer eco mode, Eco mode also has a brisk acceleration sense in daily driving, the electric door is a little more to easily shake off the traffic flow; and Sport mode in the city, especially in traffic jams, is a little too sensitive, more suitable for slightly intense mountain driving. Kinetic energy recovery also provides two modes, standard and large, but even if you switch to the strongest gear, there is no very stiff drag feeling, and the braking force feedback is very linear.
Although it has the power of a small steel cannon, the Dolphin Knight edition does not have the recklessness of a small steel cannon. Its steering is relatively light, while the chassis adjustment is more comfortable, the overall vibration filter performance is very crisp, with obvious toughness, creating a very solid chassis texture. In addition, because the battery is arranged in the chassis, it has a relatively balanced front and rear counterweight, which is not as top-heavy as most small hatchback fuel vehicles, so that the dolphin does not have the common rear axle of small hatchbacks when crossing the hurdle, and the comfort has been qualitatively improved. Even in a larger level of compactness, this chassis texture can fully have the mid-to-high level, while retaining the flexibility and lightness that a small car should have.
BYD Dolphin's sense of luxury also comes from the DiPilot intelligent driver assistance system including adaptive cruise, lane keeping, lane departure warning and other configurations, which opens adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the expressway, with a comfortable chassis and a good cabin tranquility, and that sense of comfort will soon make you forget that this is just a 100,000-level model.
Smart design with a high return rate
The appearance of BYD Dolphin adopts the design concept of "marine aesthetics", which is created by the design team led by BYD Global Design Director Egger, and unlike the design of the Dynasty series, the ocean series where the dolphin is located pursues more dynamic and young and lively, and the overall shape is more rounded. The front face features an enclosed loopback front grille design with a new brand identity, and the DESIGN of the LED headlights connected to the central mesh decorative panels is inspired by the eye of the "dolphin".
The 17-inch two-tone five-width wheels are exclusive to the Knight Edition and feature a unique styling with tire sizes of 205/50 R17.
Dolphin's body length, width and height are 4150, 1770, 1570mm, the overall size is slightly larger than the hatchback small car such as Fit, but its wheelbase has reached 2700mm, which is 170mm longer than the wheelbase of Fit, which is almost the level of mainstream compact cars. The design of the through-line LED strip at the rear of the car is inspired by the posture of the "dolphin" when jumping and rotating, and the rear enveloping shape echoes the front of the car.
Interestingly, BYD dolphins have a fairly high return rate, and more than half of the boys and girls on the road who drive dolphins these days can't help but look twice.
A cockpit that combines design and functionality
Dolphin's interior also completely jumps out of BYD's previous design style, using a large number of "dolphin" design elements, such as blue panels and vortex air outlets near the air conditioner outlet, echoing the design concept of marine aesthetics. At the same time, the large area of blue color used in the interior highlights the youthful atmosphere of the interior.
Although the size is small, the dolphin's configuration is not low at all. The center console is still equipped with BYD family-style 12.8-inch adaptive rotation suspension central control screen, and equipped with DiLink intelligent network system, the new UI design is more intuitive and clear, you can arbitrarily install AutoNavi map, cool music, vibrato, Himalaya and other APP, the addition of voice interaction functions makes the entire operation more convenient.
The roller button design under the center console is very ingenious, which can be operated with functions such as gear, driving mode, and double flash.
The 5-inch full LCD instrument panel is embedded in the steering wheel, the size is not large, but the functions are readily available, in addition to the basic functions such as speed, battery life, and power, you can also switch the travel car computer, acceleration timer and other functions.
The one-piece seat uses a double color block with red stitching, and the surface is also punched to make it look sporty, but in fact the interior padding can provide a good ride comfort, and there is no fatigue after sitting for two hours.
Thanks to the ultra-long wheelbase of 2700mm, the dolphin's rear row has a very good spatial performance, and the use is definitely not just for emergency use.
Write at the end
The reason why the small car of the past is slowly forgotten is because its use and driving are a sense of gap with the compact sedan of a higher level, which makes people feel that it is better to bite the teeth and choose a higher level. The fundamental reason why BYD Dolphin can become the hottest model in the same class is that it completely eliminates this sense of gap, and it completely matches or even exceeds the level of compact cars in terms of space, configuration and driving texture. Not only the compact space, configuration and driving texture, but also the flexibility and ease of a small car, as well as a very good look for young people's tastes, all of which together seem to be difficult to understand why THE BYD Dolphin can sell well.