The BYD Dolphin Surf is a small, affordable electric vehicle now available in the UK, standing out as one of the more convincing options in its class. It offers a surprisingly spacious interior, strong equipment levels, and competitive pricing, making it a strong contender against newer European rivals. However, it doesn’t quite reach the top of the class, as cars like the Citroen e-C3 and Renault 5 offer more sophisticated driving experiences and better functionality.
What is the BYD Dolphin Surf?
The Dolphin Surf is BYD’s smallest and most affordable electric car in the UK, positioned below models like the Dolphin hatchback, Seal saloon, and Sealion 7 SUV. It competes in the B-segment market against rivals like the Renault 5, Citroen e-C3, Hyundai Inster, and Fiat Grande Panda.
The trim levels – Active, Boost, and Comfort – offer varying levels of equipment and battery capacity. The Active and Boost models come with an 87bhp motor, while the Comfort trim boasts a more powerful 154bhp unit. To keep costs down, the Active trim uses a smaller 30kWh battery suitable for short urban trips, while the Boost and Comfort trims feature a larger 43.2kWh battery for extended range.
Performance and Driving Experience
The Dolphin Surf provides a competent driving experience with a smooth ride and good refinement. It excels in urban environments, but can also handle longer journeys.
Pros:
- Quiet electric motor with minimal noise.
- Easy and comfortable to drive in city conditions.
- Solid and stable handling on the road.
Cons:
- Limited rear visibility due to thick C-pillars and lack of a rear wiper.
- Lacks the lively feel of some small-car rivals.
- Weak regenerative braking and no one-pedal driving mode.
The Dolphin Surf performs best in town, with its compact size (under four meters long) making it easy to maneuver. The driving position is high, providing good forward visibility. However, rear visibility is hampered by thick C-pillars and a lack of a rear wiper.
The steering is light and responsive, with Sport and Comfort modes offering varying levels of assistance. The steering isn’t particularly direct, but the turning circle is tight, making U-turns easy. The ride is smooth, but the suspension can be noisy over rough surfaces.
Regenerative braking is weak, and the transition between regen and mechanical braking isn’t seamless. The lack of a one-pedal driving mode is a missed opportunity for urban convenience.
Range, Charging, and Running Costs
BYD’s battery technology gives the Dolphin Surf an edge over other small electric cars. The 43.2kWh version delivers a real-world range of up to 200 miles, while the base 30kWh version manages around 137 miles.
Pros:
- Strong range figures that seem achievable in real-world driving.
- Faster charging than many EV city cars.
- Even the base models are well-equipped.
Cons:
- Need to pay for a big battery model to get the best range.
- Insurance costs take a jump for the range-topping Comfort trim.
The batteries are lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) units, known for their low cost and durability. The 43.2kWh version can charge at 85kW, allowing for a 10-80% charge in under 30 minutes. The 30kWh version charges at 65kW.
Interior, Design, and Technology
The Dolphin Surf features a bold design and an impressive touchscreen, even on base models.
Pros:
- Large rotating touchscreen.
- Attractive, if slightly predictable, design.
- Decent materials and build quality.
Cons:
- Probably not as trendy as some city cars.
- The cabin lacks a certain wow factor.
- The point of a complicated rotating screen is unclear.
The interior is well-equipped, with a large rotating touchscreen dominating the dashboard. The design is modern, but lacks the flair of some rivals. The materials are decent, but the cabin doesn’t feel particularly luxurious.
Conclusion
The BYD Dolphin Surf is a practical and affordable electric city car that offers strong value for money. It provides a comfortable ride, decent range, and strong equipment levels. While it doesn’t stand out as the most exciting car in its class, it’s a solid choice for urban drivers seeking an affordable and reliable electric vehicle
