BYD has confirmed prices for its new Dolphin electric hatchback will start from £25,490 as the Chinese brand looks to expand its model range in the UK.

Orders will open this summer and first deliveries are expected before the end of this year.

The Dolphin sits beneath the Atto 3 compact SUV that launched earlier this year and will compete with models like the Vauxhall Corsa Electric.

Four variants of the Dolphin will be offered. The entry-level Active is priced from £25,490 and uses a 44.9kWh battery, giving a range of 211 miles. A 95PS motor drives the front wheels.

The Dolphin Boost is fitted with a more powerful 176PS motor and benefits from a more advanced multi-link rear suspension setup. It has a range of 193 miles and costs from £26,460.

Stepping up to the £29,490 Dolphin Comfort sees the fitment of a 60.4kWh battery and a 204PS, extending the car’s range to 265 miles.

The range-topping Design grade (£30,990) uses the same powertrain as the Comfort but adds a panoramic sunroof, privacy glass and wireless phone charging.

Cars fitted with the smaller battery are equipped with a 7kW on-board charger and can rapid charge at up to 60kW.

The larger battery supports 80kW rapid charging and has an 11kW on-board charger. Both can receive a 30-80% charge in less than 30 minutes.

Heated front seats and a heat pump are fitted as standard, as well as a 12.3-inch central touchscreen.

BYD will start taking orders for Dolphin models with a 60.4kWh battery (Comfort and Design) in the summer, with the first cars expected to be delivered before the end of the year. Versions with the smaller battery will go on sale in early 2024.

One hundred UK dealers in 2025

BYD has already started expanding its UK dealer network with multiple appointments this year so far with Pendragon, Arnold Clark, Lookers and LSH Auto.

The Chinese brand is looking to rapidly expand over the next two years and has a target to expand to 100 dealerships before the end of 2025.

Bono Ge, BYD county manager for the UK and Ireland, said: "We are not going to have direct sales, we want to have partnerships with dealers who are the specialists."