BYD Seal, Dolphin in contention for 2024 World Car of the Year titles

BYD Battery Electric Vehicles are in the running for 2024 World Car of the Year overall and category honors as the World Car Awards includes the BYD Seal performance sedan as a Top 10 Finalist for the WCOTY overall title, and the BYD Dolphin hatchback as a Top 5 Finalist in the 2024 World Urban Car category.

As finalists in their respective categories, the BYD Seal and Dolphin are also automatically eligible for the 2024 World Car Design of the Year award.

The BYD Atto 3 subcompact crossover joins the Seal and Dolphin in the initial 36-car list of 2024 World Car Awards qualifiers, making BYD one of only two brands to have three eligible entries for this year’s World Car of the Year prize.

“We proudly welcome the inclusion of the BYD Seal and the Dolphin in the World Car of the Year’s finalists for 2024,” says Antonio Zara III, president of Mobility Access Philippines Ventures, Inc. (MAPVI), the exclusive distributor of BYD cars in the country.

“To have two models in top contention in this year’s awards is a notable feat while having three in the original eligibility list speaks volumes about BYD as a brand and as a global leader in the New Energy Vehicle space.”

Zara adds, “Among the three BYD models shortlisted by the WCA, the ATTO 3 and Dolphin are already available in the country at BYD Cars Philippines dealerships. Both represent BYD’s core brand advantages in today’s local market – innovation, technology, safety, range, and accessibility. Reinforced by the Ayala Corporation’s target of having 160 EV charging stations installed this year, BYD electric vehicles are now becoming practical, sustainable mobility solutions for a growing number of Filipino car buyers.”

Now in its 20th year, the World Car Awards comprises more than 100 jurors who are esteemed motoring journalists from various countries. They are tasked to recognize, reward, and inspire automotive excellence, leadership, and innovation on a global scale in a rapidly changing automotive industry.

Vehicles eligible for World Car of the Year must be produced in volumes of at least 10,000 units per year and priced below the luxury car level in their primary markets. They must be “on-sale” in at least two major markets (China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America, USA) on at least two separate continents from January 1, 2023 to March 30, 2024.

Everyday all-electric practicality

BYD Cars Philippines offers four Battery Electric Vehicle models led by the BYD Han premium sedan and the BYD Tang seven-seat crossover.

Among this year’s World Car of the Year contenders is the BYD Dolphin, a five-seat compact hatchback ideal for the urban drive. As part of the BYD Ocean Series of EVs, the Dolphin’s futuristic design showcases a unique, organic finish that soothes its occupants.

Built on the BYD e-platform 3.0, the Dolphin features short overhangs and a large wheelbase of 2,700 mm, ensuring easy maneuverability, a comfortable ride, and more than ample space and for passengers and cargo. Its 345-liter rear cargo capacity is expandable to 1,310 liters when the rear 60:40 split rear seats are folded.

With 95 PS and 180 Newton-meters of torque, the BYD Dolphin can cruise up to 405 kilometers using the New European Driving Cycle or NEDC standard. 

The BYD Dolphin’s extensive safety features, which include a 360-degree camera, Blind Spot Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Rear Collision Warning, earned it a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Priced at PHP 1,398,000, the BYD Dolphin is the most affordable all-electric subcompact hatchback available in the local market today.

Style and substance

The BYD Atto 3 is the latest model BYD Cars Philippines introduced to the Philippines. The all-electric subcompact crossover features a distinctive gym-inspired interior highlighting new materials and cutting-edge design.

Sharing the same BYD e-platform 3.0 with the Dolphin, the Atto 3 offers subcompact crossover dimensions and practical everyday features that make electric vehicle driving a breeze. 

The BYD Atto 3’s unique 12.8″ intelligent rotating infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™ are similar in features to the BYD Dolphin’s. The touchscreen system provides an intuitive interface to control the vehicle’s primary comfort, convenience, and safety functions.

The proprietary BYD Blade Battery Technology that powers both the Dolphin and the Atto 3 is designed to be stronger, longer lasting, and deliver more power and greater range while ensuring a higher level of safety than conventional designs. With 204 PS and 310 Newton meters of torque, the BYD Atto 3 delivers a fun and engaging drive.

BYD Cars Philippines offers two variants of the BYD Atto 3 – the PHP 1,598,000 Dynamic, with its 410-kilometer NEDC range, and the PHP 1,798,000 Premium, which extends the five-seater crossover’s range to 480 kilometers NEDC while adding bigger 18-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof to its list of features. 

The BYD Atto 3 Premium also comes with 7 SRS airbags, ISOFIX-ready rear seats, and an automatic emergency braking system with front and rear collision warning system. The BYD Atto 3 champions a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP, Europe’s leading independent safety assessment program.

All BYD Cars Philippines-sold vehicles are covered by a 6-Year, or 150,000-kilometer, Vehicle Warranty, an 8-Year, or 160,000-kilometer, battery pack warranty, and an 8-Year, or 150,000-kilometer, electric motor warranty for customers’ peace of mind. 

BYD Cars Philippines, through its authorized dealers in Quezon Avenue and Makati now accepts test drives and reservations. Customers may also inquire through the brand’s official website, www.bydcars.ph, or through the BYD Cars Philippines Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube social media accounts.