BYD has been growing at a rapid pace and has one of the most extensive range of new energy vehicle (NEV) models in the market, including smaller, affordable hatchbacks such as the Dolphin and the more recently launched Atto 1 in the Australian market.
Now, the company has been spotted testing another hatchback model in Shenzhen, where the company is headquartered.
Pictures of a heavily camouflaged small hatchback testing on public roads were shared by DriveGreen on X, providing hints at what can be expected from this model.
These latest shots show a similar design profile to the BYD Dolphin, which currently starts at $29,990 before on-roads in its Essentials variant in Australia.
The front wheels appear similar to those seen on the Atto 1 of the Seagull hatchback, as known in its local Chinese market.
Looking at the rear, there appears to be a charge port on the right-hand side of the vehicle, which is similar to what is seen on the Sealion 7 SUV and Seal sedan.
This could also hint at a rear-wheel-drive powertrain, such as those found on these cars, currently available in our market.
Given the timing of the sighting, it’s expected to be a model for a 2026 launch. It could incorporate BYD’s latest tech with upgrades to software, motor and the Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP) blade battery.
BYD originally announced the Dolphin in the Australian market in 2023, following the success of its first EV, the Atto 3 SUV.
It came with two variants, with the entry-level Dynamic variant landing as Australia’s cheapest EV back then, with prices starting at $38,890 before on-roads.
The Premium variant added more power and specs, coming in at $44,890 before on-roads.
Then, at the beginning of 2025, BYD shocked many by introducing the Dolphin Essentials variant with prices starting at $29,990 before on-roads, cementing the car’s spot as Australia’s cheapest EV, until it followed up with the Atto 1 last month, which came as low as $23,990 for the entry-level model.
With competition in many segments of the market intensifying and brands like Geely successfully launching hundreds of thousands of the affordable Xingyuan or EX2 electric hatchbacks in China ahead of global expansion in 2025 and 2026, this newly spotted Dolphin or similar hatchback model from BYD could be a big deal from the largest NEV maker in the world.
Riz is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.