Electric small car

Electric family car

Hybrid family car

Electric small SUV

Hybrid small SUV

Electric family SUV

Hybrid family SUV

Electric 7-seater

Hybrid 7-seater

Electric estate

Hybrid estate

Electric executive car

Hybrid executive car

Electric luxury car

Electric performance car

Readers' choice

Category winners

Electric Car Awards 2024

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test </li> <li>Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points </li> <li>Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few </li> <li>As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored</li></ul>

We define an electric car as one that runs purely on battery power and has no tailpipe to puff out nasty chemicals.

The best of the breed offer sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test cycle.

Electric

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Low running costs compared with solely petrol or diesel equivalents</li> <li>Very low official CO2 emissions to benefit company car drivers</li> <li>The same usability as a regular car</li> <li>Smooth transition between electric and engine power</li> <li>Small practicality compromise over conventional models</li></ul>

Not so long ago, hybrids were the preserve of Hollywood stars, environmentally conscious 'early adopters' and the odd&nbsp;minicab driver looking to save a bit of money on fuel.

Since the collapse in demand for diesel, however, they have become&nbsp;much more popular, and it's easy to see why, with&nbsp;low tax bills and&nbsp;impressive MPG figures&nbsp;just a couple of the perks they offer.

There are two types of hybrid: 'self-charging'&nbsp;models, which mix petrol&nbsp;and electric power in an effort to maximise&nbsp;efficiency, and&nbsp;plug-in hybrids that can travel many miles purely on electricity before their engines need to cut in. This category is for the former type of cars.

Hybrid

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Usefully long electric-only range</li> <li>Exceedingly frugal</li> <li>Cheap company car tax rates</li> <li>Smooth switching between electric and petrol power</li></ul>

If you're not ready to commit to a fully electric vehicle&nbsp;but have the capacity to charge your car at home or at work, a plug-in hybrid could be the perfect compromise. Electric batteries paired with a petrol or diesel&nbsp;engine means you'll never be left short of charge&nbsp;but can capitalise on cheap running costs, thanks to a surprisingly long electric-only range.

There's plenty of choice, too, whether you're after a sporty saloon like the BMW 3 Series, the 330e variant of which providing up to 36 miles of electric-only driving on a full charge, or a large load-lugging large SUV, including the Volvo XC90 T8, which claims an extraordinary&nbsp;113mpg.

Throw in competent handling and driving prowess, despite the added weight of the electric batteries, and a plug-in hybrid&nbsp;makes a compelling case for frugal buyers.&nbsp;

Plug-in hybrid

With electric and plug-in hybrid cars now coming in all shapes and sizes – and available to suit every budget – we’ve named the best new and used models in every class

Electric Car Awards

A former motorsport team and independent tuning company, Abarth has long&nbsp;produced high performance versions of Fiat's cars.

In recent years, Abarth has been established&nbsp;as a standalone brand – in the same way that Citroën split off its DS luxury division several years ago. However, the major difference is that DS cars look completely different from the Citroëns on which they’re based, whereas Abarths rely on bodykits and big wheels to mark them out.

The Abarth 500e is a sporty version of the Fiat 500 Electric, whilst the Abarth 595 is a beefed-up version of the older Fiat 500 hatchback.

ABARTH

Alfa Romeo now has one of its strongest-ever model line-ups, after years of living off past glories.

The BMW 3 Series-rivalling Giulia executive saloon is one of the best cars in its class to drive, while the closely related Stelvio and smaller Tonale both competes in the booming SUV class.

It’s all a long way from the days when Alfa Romeo just had a couple of dated hatchbacks (the Mito and Giulietta) and the niche 4C sports car in its range.

ALFA ROMEO

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

BYD is one of the biggest names in electric cars globally, but only launched in the UK recently.

Even so, it has a fast-growing dealer network, and it's models - most notably the Tesla Model 3-rivalling Seal - are gaining attention for impressive tech and good driving ranges.

Other BYDs include the MG4-sized Dolphin and Nissan Qashqai-sized Atto 3.

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

The sportiest Seats have long used the&nbsp;Cupra name, but it's now been turned into a standalone sub-brand, in much the same way as Fiat's sportiest models are badged as Abarths.

Like Abarth, some of Cupra's models including the Ateca and Leon are extensively reworked Seats, but models such as the Born and Formentor are exclusive to Cupra.

Whilst Cupras are closely related to equivalent models from Seat and Volkswagen, they are generally tuned to provide a more engaging driving experience.

CUPRA

If you want a new car but would rather not spend much, Dacia is a great place to start your search.

This budget brand builds some of Britain’s cheapest new cars, including the Sandero hatchback. And don’t think cheap automatically means corners have been cut, because the Sandero has been commended at the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards on numerous occasions.

Other Dacia models include the&nbsp;higher-riding Sandero Stepway, seven-seat Jogger, and rugged Duster SUV. And while these cost slightly more than the Sandero, they’re still priced aggressively enough that they’re really only competing directly with used cars.

Dacia manages this by borrowing mechanicals and technology from its owner, Renault, to minimise development costs.

DACIA

DS has only existed as a standalone manufacturer since 2015&nbsp;(prior to that the badge was used on upmarket&nbsp;Citroëns), but it is now the premium brand in the Stellantis group, which also includes&nbsp;Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

The first DS models were essentially rebadged Citroëns, but more recently its cars are now standalone models in their own right. Yet under the skin, they're still very closely related.

Its models are&nbsp;influenced by the French fashion industry and are designed&nbsp;to take on the ubiquitous offerings of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

GENESIS

GWM ORA

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

Jeep only makes SUVs, but it has plenty of them for you to choose from. So, whether you want something rugged enough to ford streams and climb mountains, or a more luxurious and family-friendly car, it has something to suit you.

Despite its all-American image, Jeep is actually owned by Fiat, meaning Jeeps often share parts with cars from the Italian giant; the entry-level Renegade, for example, has plenty in common with Fiat’s 500X.

However, perhaps the most widely recognised Jeep is the Wrangler, a model that has a dedicated fan base and which closely resembles the original Jeep which saw service in World War 2.

The brand’s future plans include new small and large SUVs, plus the introduction of fully electric models.

JEEP

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Fancy something small, lightweight and fast? Then Lotus possibly has the right car for you. In fact ‘simplify then add lightness’ was the mantra of company founder Colin Chapman as far back as 1952.

These days, Lotus sells four models, with the core of the range being the Elise. Then there’s the more hardcore 3-Eleven, the sporty Exige and the Evora – which is pitched as a rival to the Porsche Cayman.

Big changes are afoot, though, because Lotus plans to build its own SUV in the near future, with the hope of broadening the brand’s appeal to families. The planned car will use Volvo underpinnings and will tackle rivals such as the Porsche Macan and Maserati Levante.

LOTUS

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.

Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.

While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.

MG MOTOR UK

Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.

Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.

Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.

Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.

NISSAN

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

Polestar is a relative newcomer to the new car market, having been born as a motorsport team later bought by Volvo. Today it produces a range of upmarket, fully-electric vehicles and as a brand now sits independently of Volvo.

Its models are given numerical names, and unusually these don’t denote the size of the model, rather they indicate the order in which they’re launched. The now-discontinued Polestar 1 was the firm’s first model and the Polestar 2 is an executive hatchback which is a direct rival for the Tesla Model 3. The Polestar 3 is an electric SUV, Polestar 4 a coupé and Polestar 5 a performance car.

Polestar has a focus on sustainability: in 2020 was the first car maker to release a study to show the carbon footprint of its cars, and in 2021 it started a project to ensure rare-Earth materials such as cobalt – used in many electric car batteries – are sourced responsibly.

POLESTAR

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

When it comes to making a statement about how successful you are, there is no brand that shouts “I’ve made it!” more emphatically than Rolls-Royce.

If that’s all you want from your car, look no further. The firm has expanded its range in recent years, with the top-of-the-range Phantom saloon being joined by the Cullinan SUV, and other models including the Wraith and Ghost.

Whichever way you go, if you have to ask how much it costs, the chances are you can’t afford it. And, even then, the base price is unlikely to be what you end up spending, such is the list of alluring options on offer.

It’s also a moot point whether the cars themselves – rather than the image they portray – represents the very best way to spend your money. What Car?’s testers rate all of them positively but reckon that – if you’re buying with your head rather than your heart – there are other cars that you should also consider.

ROLLS-ROYCE

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

Owned by Mercedes-Benz and with a reputation for making small, clever cars, Smart offers a striking, upmarket alternative to more conventional rivals.

It currently has a two-car line-up, the smaller of the two being the distinctive Fortwo, which, as its name suggests, is an ultra-short two-seater that uses an unusual rear-engined configuration to deliver the sort of turning circle that even London taxis can only dream of. It's a doddle to park in small spaces, too.

Smart's 'family car' is the Forfour, which is little more than a stretched version of the Fortwo, with a second row of seats and a larger boot. It's more of a natural rival for cars like the Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto.

On paper, both cars come at a considerable price premium when compared with rivals, something it says is justified by its badge appeal and the technology in the cars.&nbsp;However, sales have been slow and there are often keen Target Price deals to be found.

SMART

Once best known for its flame-spitting, rally-bred Imprezas, Subaru’s focus now is on cars that will appeal to a far wider audience, and especially one that values go-anywhere ability and no-nonsense values above all others.

The result is a mixed bag of offerings, none of which rise beyond being average in their class but most of which have facets that make them stand out from their rivals. Core to its range are the Forester and Outback SUVs, while the Levorg is a more conventional estate.

At other extremes, there’s also the BRZ, an entertaining coupé that is let down by its price and resale values, and of course the Impreza, which comes in a variety of forms, including a hot model.

SUBARU

Tesla is a US brand&nbsp;that revolutionised&nbsp;the car industry, putting <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a> in the limelight&nbsp;for the first time – helped by the personality and profile of boss Elon Musk.

Today, Tesla has a broader&nbsp;line-up than ever, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a> saloon&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a> SUV the company's cheapest models. For those with bigger budgets or a need for more space, there's the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Tesla Model S</a> saloon and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-x/hatchback/review/n161">Tesla&nbsp;Model X</a> SUV.&nbsp;A&nbsp;new Roadster, complete with supercar-beating acceleration, is also in the works.

&nbsp;

TESLA

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

XPeng

City-Car

Coupe

Estate

Hatchback

Saloon

Sports

2008

3008

5008

ARIYA

Astra Electric

ATTO 3

AVENGER

BORN

BZ4X

C4 X

COMBO LIFE

COOPER

CORSA

COUNTRYMAN

CYBERSTER

DOLPHIN

DS 3

e-C3

E NY1

E-TRON GT

EC40

Electrified GV70

ELETRE

ENYAQ

EX30

EX40

EX90

FORFOUR

FORTWO COUPE

GV60

HASHTAG 1

HASHTAG 3

HONDA e

I-PACE

ID. BUZZ

ID.3

ID.4

ID.5

ID.7

IONIQ 5

IONIQ 5 N

IONIQ 6

JUNIOR

KONA

LEAF

MACAN ELECTRIC ESTATE

MEGANE E-TECH

MIRAI

MODEL 3

MODEL S

MODEL X

MODEL Y

MOKKA

MUSTANG MACH-E

MX-30

NIRO

PRIUS

SCENIC E-TECH

SEAL

SOLTERRA

SOUL

SPECTRE

SPRING

TAYCAN

TORRES

Entry-level Advance gives you way more equipment than you’d expect from a small SUV. It even includes highlights such as front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, full LED headlights and adjustable lumbar support.

Advance

You get plenty of equipment as standard, including climate control, adaptive cruise control and LED headlights. The 21in alloys are bespoke to the GT version, as are the front sports seats.

The top-of-the-range M Sport Pro trim takes the long list of goodies from the entry-level trim and adds 20in alloy wheels, high-beam assist, adjustable lumbar support, a head-up display, an upgraded Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system and the Hans Zimmer designed IconicSounds acceleration effects. 

M Sport Pro

Entry-level SE trim is our chosen version to go for. Why? Well, it keeps costs to a minimum but still comes with standard equipment that includes 17in alloy wheels, keyless entry, air-conditioning, adaptive cruise control, automatic LED headlights, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and a 10.1in touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio, Bluetooth, built-in sat-nav and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring. 

SE EV

As a cash purchase, the top two trims of the BYD Dolphin will cost you slightly more than the MG4 EV SE Long Range, but less than a Cupra Born or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id3/hatchback/review/n21832">VW ID 3</a>.

The Active and Boost trims are much better value, undercutting most small electric hatchbacks, including the GWM Ora 03, Mini Cooper E, Peugeot e-208 and Vauxhall Corsa Electric. To make sure you're getting the best price for any model, check our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals pages</a>.&nbsp;

The Dolphin’s four trim levels start with Active and even that version is very well equipped. Indeed, the list includes 16in alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, faux-leather upholstery, heated front seats, vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging (so you can run appliances such as a kettle with the car’s battery) and a heat pump to improve efficiency in the winter. You can only have this trim with the smallest 44.9kWh battery and a 70kW motor, though.

The mid-spec Boost trim comes with the same battery but powers a more punchy electric motor. It adds 17in alloy wheels and multi-link rear suspension (for improved comfort and cornering). As mentioned previously, it’s our recommended version.&nbsp;

The two top trims, Comfort and Design, both get the bigger battery and most powerful motor. Comfort comes with electric folding door mirrors and an upgraded six-speaker stereo, while top-spec Design adds a panoramic roof, rear privacy glass and dual-tone exterior paint.

The smaller battery option can charge up to 65kW, while Comfort and Design versions have a faster <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/fastest-charging-electric-cars/n26105">maximum charging rate</a> of 88kWh. Both have the potential to top up from 10-80% charge in around 40 minutes, which is about the same as the Ora 03.

The e-208 and Corsa Electric can charge at up to 100kW, taking around 30 minutes for a similar top-up. Meanwhile, the MG4 Long Range can get from 10-80% in 35 minutes, but will travel further for a similar price.&nbsp;

The Dolphin was awarded the maximum five star rating when it was tested for safety by <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a> in 2023. There's an extensive suite of safety kit fitted as standard to all models, including automatic emergency braking (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a>), lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and traffic-sign recognition.

We don’t have reliability data for <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/byd">BYD</a> cars yet, but the Dolphin comes with a six-year/ 93,750-mile basic warranty, an eight-year/ 125,000-mile warranty on the battery, and an eight-year/90,000-mile warranty on the drive motor and drive controller. That’s slightly better than MG offers and longer than the Ora’s five-year warranty (although that does get unlimited mileage).

<h2 dir="ltr">“Unless you need the long range battery option, the cheaper versions of the Dolphin make far more financial sense". – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/neil-winn/n1101#:~:text=Neil%20Winn%20is%20deputy%20reviews,to%20Autocar%20and%20Move%20Electric.">Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor</a></h2>

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The cheaper versions of the Dolphin – called Active and Boost – are powered by a 44.9kWh (usable) battery that offers an official range of 211 miles and 193 miles respectively (the Boost name refers to performance rather than range). For reference, the entry-level MG4 should go slightly further, officially managing 218 miles, but it does have a larger battery.&nbsp;

A bigger 60.5kWh battery version – fitted to Comfort and Design trim – extends the official range to 265 miles. However, in our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/electric-car-best-winter-range/n24274">winter real-world range test</a>, the Dolphin managed just 188 miles – 39 miles less than the MG4 Trophy Extended Range.&nbsp;

Entry-level Active trim comes with a 94bhp electric motor which is good for a 0-62mph time of 12.3 seconds. That doesn’t seem particularly impressive, but there’s enough muscle to keep up with traffic if you spend your journeys in town. The 174bhp Boost with its 7.5-second 0-62mph time feels more lively and the oomph it has (even in Eco mode) makes it more than capable of reaching motorway speeds quickly or nipping into spaces in traffic. This is our preferred choice and it doesn’t cost much more than the Active version.

Higher spec Comfort and Design come with a little more power, and its 201bhp motor is enough for 0-60mph time of 6.8 seconds in our tests. That’s faster than what we managed in the MG4 and GWM Ora 03 (both took more than 7.0 seconds). However, unless you need the longer battery range, the slight performance difference over Boost isn’t worth paying extra for.

The Dolphin's suspension is on the softer side, and at slower speeds it’s mostly comfortable, dealing with potholes and imperfections with ease and little fuss – especially in the entry-level Active version with its smaller 16in wheels.

However, you can feel a small amount of head toss from side to side as the car is being bobbed up and down at higher speeds. It’s far from uncomfortable, but firmer rivals, such as the MG4, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n20228">Peugeot e-208</a> and Vauxhall Corsa Electric, are more composed. What’s more, the softness means there’s more body lean when cornering, although it’s less cumbersome than the Ora 03.&nbsp;

That said, the Dolphin's steering is precise enough, plus it adds weight as you build up speed. There’s a good amount of grip, too, so you can confidently get from corner to corner. For something more fun overall, we’d point you towards the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/born/hatchback/review/n23703">Cupra Born</a>.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/byd">BYD</a> didn't design the Dolphin for storming along B-roads, and when you drive normally, it’s quite refined as an urban runabout. There isn't a huge amount of electric motor noise, and road noise only becomes more apparent at higher speeds.

The brake pedal response on some of the cars we’ve driven can be a little grabby at low speed, but it improves once you’re on the move. It’s less spongy than in a Corsa Electric but the MG4 feels a little more progressive and reassuring as a result.

<h2 dir="ltr">“If you just need a car to run all those short errands around town, the Active is all you’ll need, but I did find myself enjoying the added punch of the Boost version quite a lot." – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Senior Reviewer</a></h2>

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70kW

70kw

130kW

130kw

0-62 MPH

150kW

150kw

We'll say one thing about the BYD Dolphin – it'll give people playing I Spy a good way to baffle opponents. After all, who expects to spot a dolphin while they're passing the time on a long motorway journey?

As well as an I Spy masterstroke, the Dolphin is a small electric car that sits alongside the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/byd/atto-3/hatchback/review/n25563">BYD Atto 3</a> electric SUV and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/byd/seal/saloon/review/n26074">BYD Seal</a>&nbsp;electric executive car in the Chinese car maker's line-up.

While its name is a little quirky, the Dolphin offers something the car industry is striving towards: an affordable way in to electrified motoring. Brands from China have pretty much nailed it, and we've seen the same ethos applied to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4 EV</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/gwm-ora/ora-funky-cat/hatchback/review/n25190">GWM Ora 03 </a>(formerly the Funky Cat).

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZY9TiM2s_GE?si=hgAq4WS1DeW0vyPr" width="560"></iframe>

BYD gives you a choice of three power outputs and two battery sizes, with the biggest battery and motor giving you enough range to rival the MG4 Long Range&nbsp;and a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hot-hatches/n17005">hot hatch</a> rivalling 0-62mph sprint time.

It all sounds very promising, but the big question remains –&nbsp;is this a fitting addition to the electric car market, or will the name just be an anecdote to alleviate boredom on long trips? In other words, is the BYD Dolphin a good car? Read on to find out...

When you take a seat inside the BYD Dolphin, you’ll find it’s easy to get comfortable because every trim level comes with electrically adjustable sports seats and a manually adjustable steering wheel with plenty of range. As with the MG4 and GWM Ora 03, you don’t get adjustable lumbar support – even as an option.&nbsp;

The driver’s seat doesn’t perch you particularly high up, but that’s to be expected from a car of this size and you still get a clear view ahead over the low dashboard. The front window pillars are chunky but they’re positioned quite far away so they don’t obscure your view out too much. The same can be said for the view over your shoulder, where narrow rear pillars make sure you can see cars well, without too much of a blind-spot. However, the rear windscreen could be taller and the view out behind you is easily obstructed by the headrests.

To make parking a doddle, every Dolphin comes with rear parking sensors, while the two top trim levels also add front sensors. Impressively, you also get a 360-degree parking camera, something usually reserved for the upper echelons of a car’s trim levels.&nbsp;

The image from that camera is displayed on the 12.8in central infotainment touchscreen, which can be rotated between landscape and portrait orientation at the touch of a button. That’s something we originally saw on the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/byd/atto-3/hatchback/review/n25563">BYD Atto 3</a> and it’s a neat party trick, allowing you to change it to suit your preference.&nbsp;

Indeed, a motorised screen is a rare feature – the £100k-plus <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/sl-class/sports/review/n17206">Mercedes-AMG SL</a> has one, but that only tilts forwards and back. Even so, the Dolphin's screen feels solidly mounted (more so than the SL’s) and the graphics are sharp, while the software responds swiftly enough when you prod it. It’s far more impressive than the smaller, low-res screen in the MG4, plus it suffers from fewer glitches. You get wireless Apple Carplay as standard, although you can only use the screen in landscape mode when using it.

You get some physical buttons on the centre console and on the steering wheel, but as with the MG4, the temperature controls are accessed through the infotainment system. That makes adjusting the temperature and fan speed far more distracting than in the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, which has physical controls.&nbsp;

The rest of the interior materials feel rather plush compared with most small electric cars and the Dolphin does feel well built for its price. It’s also possible to add some colourful flair on higher spec versions with different upholstery colours, unlike in the MG4 and Corsa Electric, which have interiors that are both equally bland and dark.

<h2 dir="ltr">“Being able to rotate the infotainment screen into portrait orientation might seem like a neat party trick, but I genuinely find it useful when using the on-board sat-nav, because you can see more of the route on display.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/ayisha-gharu/n23607">Ayisha Gharu, Social Media Manager</a></h2>

The BYD Dolphin is a spacious small electric car with a competitive starting price

BYD Dolphin

Space is a strong suit of the BYD Dolphin and there’s plenty of room for two six-footers to sit comfortably up front. Neither will struggle for head room or shoulder space, even if they’re quite broad.

There’s also loads of storage space in the front, with a decent-sized glovebox that’s bigger than what you get in a Corsa or e-208. You also get door bins that’ll happily take a large bottle of water, two cupholders, a small cubby for your phone (which doubles as a wireless phone-charger in top-spec Design cars) and another storage area under the central armrest.&nbsp;

In the rear, two more six-footers will be able to sit in the outer seats without worrying about head room. There’s plenty of knee room when sitting behind a six-footer, too, although a lack of space for feet underneath the front seats means you can’t stretch out much, so it can feel restricted on a longer journey. Even so, the Dolphin is more accommodating in the back than a Mini Cooper Electric, Corsa Electric or e-208.&nbsp;

The middle seat is raised slightly, so head room is a bit tight, but the flat floor means your middle-seat passengers won’t struggle for foot space. There might be some shoulder rubbing with three in the back, but then this is a small electric car.

When it comes to luggage space, the Dolphin has a square boot that offers a total of 345 litres. That’s less than the altogether larger MG4 but way more than the GWM Ora 03 offers. In real-world terms, it gives you enough space to fit a week's worth of shopping, and the tiny lip at the entrance makes it easy to load up.&nbsp;

A height-adjustable boot floor means you can store items (such as your charging cables) separately underneath, which leaves more room for luggage. Alternatively, you can lower to the floor to create a tall load area, although this results in quite a drop from the boot entrance. If you need more space, you can fold the rear seats down in a 60/40 split to increase the space to 1310 litres with a flat boot floor.

<h2 dir="ltr">“I’m 5ft 11in and I can easily sit behind my own driving position in the rear seats. It’s certainly less of a squeeze than in the back of a Corsa.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/lawrence-cheung/n23691">Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor</a></h2>

Active

active

Boost

boost

Comfort

comfort

Thanks to its list price, practicality and relatively plush interior, the BYD Dolphin looks like a decent alternative to the Vauxhall Corsa Electric and MG4. True, those rivals handle better and they can charge more quickly, but the Dolphin is comfortable and drives well enough for a small car. The smaller battery versions make the most sense, with plenty of kit and enough performance for the price.

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