CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: N/A
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 22.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.7 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 40
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 compact electric hatchback designed for trendy urbanites seeking an affordable entry into EV ownership. With a range of up to 200 miles and space for four passengers, it offers impressive practicality for its size. The interior is comfortable and well-appointed, featuring a distinctive rotating touchscreen, generous equipment levels across all trims, and excellent efficiency figures exceeding 4 miles per kWh in real-world driving. The entry-level Active model is competitively priced at just under £19,000, making it an attractive proposition for budget-conscious buyers.

However, the Dolphin Surf has notable drawbacks. The rotating touchscreen, whilst innovative, is fiddly and small, with buried controls for climate and driver assistance functions. The four-seat configuration limits family flexibility, and charging speeds on the entry-level model are slow at 65kW. The soft suspension provides a comfortable ride around town but lacks the engaging handling of rivals like the Renault 5. Despite these compromises, the Dolphin Surf delivers excellent value, generous specification, and a lengthy warranty, making it a sensible choice for urban drivers prioritising practicality and affordability over performance.

Best for: Budget-conscious urban drivers seeking an affordable EV with generous equipment, those needing a roomy small car with good range, and buyers looking for excellent value for money.

Not ideal for: Families requiring five seats, drivers prioritising engaging handling dynamics, those wanting fast charging speeds, or buyers seeking a premium driving experience.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Dolphin Surf if: You're seeking an affordable EV with generous equipment, need a roomy small car with good range, or prioritise excellent value for money over premium features.

Consider alternatives if: You require five seats, prioritise engaging handling dynamics, need fast charging speeds, or seek a premium driving experience.

Competitive Position: The BYD Dolphin Surf is a compelling proposition in the affordable EV segment, offering exceptional value and generous specification. Whilst it trails the Hyundai i10 for expert rating and the Hyundai Inster for overall CarGurus rating, it delivers more space and equipment than smaller rivals like the Leapmotor T03. Its main weakness is the fiddly touchscreen and four-seat limitation, but for budget-conscious urban drivers, the Dolphin Surf represents outstanding value with a lengthy warranty and impressive real-world efficiency. It's a sensible, practical choice for those prioritising affordability and practicality over driving dynamics.

Read our full BYD Dolphin Surf Review

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

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