en.Wedoany.com Reported - BYD is preparing a major facelift for its Seagull model line. Documents released by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) on Friday (10th) show that the new generation of this electric hatchback has significantly increased in size, features a completely redesigned exterior, and a more powerful powertrain.

This change clarifies the model's new market positioning. The new model has a length of 4205 mm, surpassing the Geely Xingyuan (sold as EX2 in Brazil) at 4135 mm. The Geely Xingyuan has become a sales champion in the Chinese market in recent months and has also achieved success in the Brazilian market.

In addition to length, the new Dolphin Mini's wheelbase matches the EX2 at 2650 mm, with a width of 1810 mm compared to the competitor's 1805 mm, making them nearly identical. BYD has transformed what was previously a city microcar into a compact hatchback competing in the same segment as its main rival. Compared to the current Dolphin Mini, its length has increased by 425 mm, wheelbase by 150 mm, width has increased, while height remains similar.

Within BYD's own product lineup, this comparison is also striking. The new Dolphin Mini surpasses the Dolphin GS sold in Brazil (4.125 meters in length) and is only 75 mm shorter than the current largest version, the Dolphin SE (4.28 meters).

Certification images reveal this is almost an entirely new model: the front fascia, lighting clusters, rear end, C-pillar, and side profile have all been redesigned, indicating the manufacturer developed a new body rather than a simple facelift.

In terms of powertrain, the hatchback abandons the current model's 55 kW (75 hp) motor for a new 95 kW (129 hp) unit, with a certified top speed increased to 150 km/h.

The battery continues to use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells produced by BYD's subsidiary FinDreams Battery. The MIIT has not yet disclosed energy capacity or range.

The documents also showcase new wheels, various exterior trim options, and a driver assistance system featuring a camera mounted next to the third brake light, hinting at upgraded semi-autonomous driving functions.

Although BYD has not yet detailed the commercial positioning of the new generation, the Dolphin Mini's size increase may be part of a global restructuring of the brand's electric hatchback strategy. Currently, the same project is sold under different names in different markets: Seagull in China, Dolphin Mini in Brazil, Dolphin Surf in Europe, and Atto 1 in some international markets. A larger, more uniformly specified new generation could simplify this product line, but the manufacturer has not stated whether this will affect the future of the regular Dolphin.

Notably, Geely is updating the EX2 with improved batteries, systems, and new equipment; MG has just previewed a compact electric hatchback smaller than the MG4 Urban; and GAC has previewed a more affordable compact car than the Aion UT. This indicates that future competition in this segment will be even more intense.