CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: N/A
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 58.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.8 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 20
Average Price: Around £16,000

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 to go electric without the size and cost of larger EVs. With a range of up to 200 miles and space for four, it offers excellent value compared to rivals like the Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03. The entry-level Active model costs just under £19,000, whilst the mid-range Boost and top-spec Comfort variants offer more battery capacity and power at competitive prices. Every version is remarkably well equipped with vegan leather upholstery, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and air-conditioning as standard.

On the road, the Dolphin Surf is soft and comfortable, smothering city street bumps with ease, though its remote steering lacks the engagement of rivals like the Renault 5. Real-world efficiency is excellent at over 4 miles per kWh around town, and servicing is required only every two years or 20,000 miles. However, the rotating touchscreen is gimmicky and irritating to use, with small icons that are tricky to press whilst driving. The Active model's slow charging speeds and limited range make it best suited to town driving, and the four-seat configuration means you cannot transport five people. Despite these flaws, the Dolphin Surf offers tremendous value and generous equipment levels that give it an edge over competitors.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a fun and funky small electric car, urbanites prioritising town driving, and those wanting generous equipment levels at competitive prices.

Not ideal for: Families needing five seats, buyers wanting the finest handling dynamics, or those requiring fast charging speeds on entry-level models.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Dolphin Surf if: You're seeking a fun and funky small electric car on a budget, prioritising town driving, or wanting generous equipment levels at competitive prices.

Consider alternatives if: You need five seats, desire the finest handling dynamics, or require fast charging speeds on entry-level models.

Competitive Position: The BYD Dolphin Surf is a compelling choice in the affordable small electric car market, offering excellent value and generous equipment that rivals cannot match at this price point. Whilst the Hyundai i10 scores higher for expert rating and the Hyundai Inster offers superior handling, the Dolphin Surf provides more space than the Leapmotor T03 and better range than many competitors. Its roomy interior, long range, and comprehensive standard equipment make it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers, though the fiddly touchscreen and four-seat limitation are notable drawbacks. The lengthy warranty provides additional peace of mind for long-term ownership.

Read our full BYD Dolphin Surf Review

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