The new BYD Dolphin G DM-i is the Chinese firm’s first car developed specifically for Europe – and will take on both electric and petrol rivals with an unusual plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Due to go on sale in the UK this autumn, with pricing tipped to start from under £20,000, the new model is a 4160mm-long supermini that is essentially a sibling to the Dolphin Surf EV.

It will rival the likes of the Renault Clio, Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Yaris – but while most rivals feature mild- or full-hybrid powertrains, the Dolphin G features a full plug-in hybrid powertrain.

While BYD hasn’t given full details of the layout of the Super Hybrid system, it's expected to be related to the system fitted in the Atto 2 DM-i small SUV, commingling a 1.5-litre petrol engine that acts as a generator for an electric motor that drives the front wheels.

BYD said the Dolphin G will offer a combined petrol and electric range of more than 621 miles, with full details to follow when the car is fully launched in June.

Notably, the Dolphin G is the first car that BYD has developed specifically for the European market – and it's likely to be produced at the firm’s new plant in Hungary.

Executive vice-president Stella Li decided the European B-segment “as one of the most important parts of the market" and wanted the Dolphin G “to redefine what customers can expect from a compact car in the electric era”.

The compact PHEV will be the first in a planned range of B- and C-segment models that BYD is developing specifically for Europe, with Li having previously said the “goal is for customers to think of BYD as a European brand”.