BYD Dolphin Surf Electric Hatchback: Our First Drive Impressions & Price Breakdown

The new BYD Dolphin Surf electric hatchback has arrived, promising to shake up the affordable EV market. We have just taken it for its first drive. This compact car aims to give everyday buyers a new electric option that balances cost and features. Our detailed look covers its road performance, comfort, and, most importantly, a full breakdown of its price across different models.

With electric cars becoming a common sight, understanding what this new BYD offers and how much it truly costs is essential for anyone looking to go electric now.

First Impressions of the BYD Dolphin Surf

The new BYD Dolphin Surf electric hatchback has entered the market as a compact and affordable option for electric vehicle buyers. This car, also known as the BYD Seagull in China and Dolphin Mini in Latin America, aims to make electric mobility more accessible globally. Initial car reviews highlight its sharp design and spacious interior.

Capable performance for its size. It has quickly become a key model for BYD, which has set new manufacturing records with the Dolphin Surf, reaching one million units produced in just 27 months, making it the fastest-selling model in its segment. The Dolphin Surf is built on BYD's advanced e-Platform 3.0, incorporating the company's Blade Battery technology. This battery is recognized for its enhanced safety and reduced weight. Improved structural strength.

The car measures 3,990 mm long and 1,720 mm wide. 1,590 mm tall, dimensions that make it well-suited for city driving and tight parking spots. Despite its compact size, the e-Platform 3.0 chassis helps provide a cabin and boot capacity comparable to larger cars.

Driving Experience and Performance

On the road, the BYD Dolphin Surf generally offers an easygoing driving experience, especially in urban settings. The steering is light, which helps with city maneuvering and parking. Many early car reviews noted its "nippy" and "agile" feel, with a surprisingly good turning circle. The ride quality is often described as composed at lower urban speeds, effectively handling rough roads and speed bumps.

But some reviews mention that the softer suspension can lead to a slightly unsettled ride on less smooth roads or at higher speeds, with some body roll and jostling. It has also been reported that the car might wander slightly within its lane at motorway speeds, requiring small steering corrections. The brake pedal has been described as a bit soft, which might take some getting used to for new drivers.

The Dolphin Surf is available with different powertrain options depending on the market and trim level. For example, in some markets, the Comfort and Design models feature a 60.4 kWh battery paired with a 201 bhp electric motor, providing a WLTP range of up to 265 miles. In other regions, such as South Africa, the Comfort model has a 30 kWh battery with a 232 km (WLTP) range, while the Dynamic model uses a 38.8 kWh battery for a 295 km (WLTP) range. Both South African models are powered by a single 55 kW (74 hp) electric motor producing 135 Nm of torque, driving the front wheels.

The Comfort trim in some European markets comes with a more powerful 115 kW (154 hp) motor and a 43.2 kWh battery, allowing for a 0-62 mph acceleration in 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 93 mph.

Also Read: BYD Atto 2 electric spied: Set to join the compact EV race in India.

Inside the Cabin: Features and Technology

The interior of the BYD Dolphin Surf has been widely praised for feeling more premium and stylish than its price might suggest. It features a smart cabin packed with useful technology. Key interior highlights include BYD's signature 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen display, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. This screen is positioned at a suitable height to avoid distracting the driver. The car also includes intelligent voice control, allowing access to functions without taking your hands off the wheel.

Practicality is a strong point for the Dolphin Surf. Despite its compact exterior, the cabin is surprisingly spacious, offering more rear legroom than some rivals. It features a flat floor, which adds to the feeling of space for rear passengers. The car is designed as a four-seater, which contributes to the generous passenger space. The boot offers a capacity of 316 liters, expanding to 1,037 liters when the rear seats are folded down. There are also more than 20 clever storage areas throughout the cabin.

Standard features across different trim levels often include electrically adjustable seats, faux leather upholstery, climate control, and LED running lights. A rearview camera. Higher trims, such as Comfort, may include heated seats, LED headlights, and a wireless phone charging pad. A 360-degree camera.

The car also comes with an Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) as standard, which includes intelligent cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure assist. Intelligent high-beam control. For safety, the Dolphin Surf is equipped with six airbags, covering the driver, front passenger, and side curtains. Front seats. It has also received a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating in some regions.

Understanding the Price and Value

The BYD Dolphin Surf is positioned as an affordable electric hatchback, making electric mobility more accessible to a wider audience. In the UK, prices start from around £18,650 for the Active model, which comes with a 30 kWh battery and a claimed range of 137 miles. The Boost model, with a larger 43.2 kWh battery and a 200-mile range, starts at about £21,950. The top-spec Comfort model, also with a 43.2 kWh battery and a 193-mile range, is priced at approximately £23,950.

In Europe, promotional offers have seen the starting price as low as €19,990, with standard pricing for different versions ranging from €22,950 for a 322-kilometer range model to €24,990 for a 507-kilometer range model. In South Africa, the Comfort derivative is priced at R339,900, while the Dynamic model costs R389,900. These prices make the Dolphin Surf one of the most affordable electric vehicles in these markets.

The vehicle's competitive pricing, combined with a good level of standard equipment, is a major selling point. It offers features like the rotating infotainment screen and adaptive cruise control. A rear parking camera is even in base models, which are often costly add-ons in competing vehicles. BYD also offers attractive finance deals in some regions, further enhancing its value proposition.

The BYD Dolphin Surf is often compared to rivals like the MG4, Volkswagen ID.4, Cupra Born, and Peugeot e-308. Renault Megane E-Tech often undercuts them in price while offering similar or better equipment. Charging capabilities vary slightly by model and region. The Comfort model with a 43.2 kWh battery can be charged from 0% to full in about 4 hours and 45 minutes using an 11 kW AC charger, or in approximately 35 minutes from 10% to 80% using an 85 kW DC rapid charger.

The South African Dynamic model, with its 38.8 kWh battery, supports 40 kW DC charging, allowing a 30% to 80% charge in about 30 minutes. The car also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing owners to power external devices directly from the car's battery.

What This Means for Electric Car Buyers

The BYD Dolphin Surf represents a significant push by BYD to make electric vehicles more accessible globally. Its strategic pricing aims to attract budget-conscious buyers and young families looking for the benefits of an electric car without a high price. BYD's aggressive entry into the European market, with plans for local production in Hungary by late 2025, is expected to intensify competition and encourage other manufacturers to offer more affordable EVs.

Stakeholders in the automotive industry see the Dolphin Surf as a pivotal moment for electric mobility. Agnes Mlambo, acting Group Executive for Distribution at Eskom, stated that the Dolphin Surf "symbolizes both affordability and accessibility, making cleaner mobility a realistic choice for South Africans." BYD's Executive Vice President, Stella Li, emphasized that the car is "accessible, intelligent, high-tech fun," targeting buyers seeking value and technology.

The combination of a competitive price and a practical range for urban use. A rich set of standard features makes the Dolphin Surf a compelling option for those considering their first electric vehicle or a compact second car for the family. The continuous development of charging infrastructure, including partnerships like the one between Eskom and BYD in South Africa, is also crucial for wider EV adoption and benefits buyers by offering more convenient charging options.

Also Read: BYD Atto 3 Crosses 1 Million Global Sales Milestone