Used Byd Dolphin Surf for sale near Bolton

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: N/A
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 27.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.7 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 20
Average Price: Around £17,000

BYD Dolphin Surf (2025) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Roomy interior for such a small car	Small, fiddly touchscreen
Long range for the price	Only four seats
Very generously equipped	Underwhelming charging speeds

Quick Summary

The BYD Dolphin Surf is a cheerful and funky small electric hatchback designed for trendy urbanites seeking an affordable entry into EV ownership. With prices starting just under £19,000, it offers considerably more space and equipment than smaller rivals like the Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03. The range of up to 200 miles makes it suitable not just for town driving but also for occasional longer journeys, whilst the roomy interior comfortably seats four adults with good headroom and legroom in the front. The boot capacity of 308 litres is respectable for its class, and storage solutions throughout the cabin are thoughtfully designed.

Every model comes remarkably well equipped with vegan leather upholstery, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and air-conditioning as standard. The standout feature is BYD's rotating touchscreen, though it proves gimmicky and frustrating in use due to its small size and buried menu systems. Real-world efficiency exceeds 4 miles per kWh around town, and servicing is required only every two years or 20,000 miles, keeping running costs low. The lengthy warranty provides additional peace of mind for long-term ownership.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking an affordable electric car with generous equipment, urban drivers needing a small yet spacious EV, and those wanting good range without premium pricing.

Not ideal for: Families requiring five seats, drivers prioritising intuitive infotainment systems, or those needing rapid charging capabilities on the entry-level Active model.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Dolphin Surf if: You're seeking an affordable electric car with generous equipment, need a small yet spacious hatchback for urban driving, or want good range without premium pricing.

Consider alternatives if: You require five seats, prioritise intuitive infotainment systems, or need rapid charging on entry-level models.

Competitive Position: The BYD Dolphin Surf is a compelling proposition in the affordable electric car market, offering more space and equipment than smaller rivals whilst remaining competitively priced. Whilst it lacks the polish of the Citroën C3 Aircross or the performance credentials of the Hyundai Inster, its generous specification, impressive real-world efficiency, and lengthy warranty make it an excellent value choice for budget-conscious buyers. The rotating touchscreen is gimmicky and frustrating, and the four-seat limitation is a drawback, but the overall package represents strong value for money in its segment.

Read our full BYD Dolphin Surf Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.