BYD’s domination of the UK fleet car market seems unstoppable, by offering the maximum choice for customers. Alongside its Dolphin Surf and Dolphin EV hatches, it’s going to introduce another, the new Dolphin G DM-i hatch, powered by BYD's game-changing Super Hybrid with DM technology, developed for Europe.

The expected £20,000 starting price and the Dolphin G DM-i hatch’s 4160mm length put it on a key collision course with key supermini fleet rival, the Renault Clio.

Full details of the Dolphin G DM-i’s plug-in ‘Super Hybrid’ drivetrain haven’t been released, but our guess is that mechanically, it’s going to be similar to the Atto 2 DM-i small SUV. Where the 1.5-litre engine works as a generator for its front-mounted, small electric motor. BYD claims a range of 621 miles on a full charge, and a full tank of petrol.

On top of being developed for Europe, the Dolphin G DM-i is also expected to be produced there, at the firm’s new Hungary factory, with first deliveries expected by the end of the summer.

BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li said of the new launch: "The European B-segment is one of the most important parts of the market, and with Dolphin G DM-i, we want to redefine what customers can expect from a compact car in the electric era. By bringing long electric range, intelligent hybrid technology and advanced digital features into an accessible compact vehicle, we are making sustainable mobility smarter, more practical and available to many more people across Europe."