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BYD Dolphin Surf

BYD Dolphin Surf

BYD's cheapest car is based on something called a Seagull elsewhere in the world.

BYD’s Dolphin Surf is the big Chinese brand’s smallest car, and it began life in the Chinese market as the Seagull, terrifying western car makers with its tiny price tag. However, the Seagull needed serious reengineering to meet European crash safety standards, so it arrives here as the Dolphin Surf, costing around the same as a Hyundai Inster. Decent to drive, and with a useable range, it does suffer from a cheap-feeling cabin.

BYD Dolphin Surf specifications

Official WLTP range between charges
220-310km
Battery details (usable capacity)
30-43.2kWh (LFP)
Electric motor details
65/115kW single front-mounted motor
Fastest recharging rate
85kW on DC, 11kW on AC
Energy consumption
15.5-16.0kWh/100km
Maximum power output
88/156hp
Maximum torque output
175/220Nm
0–100km/h
9.1/11.1 seconds
Kerb weight
1,369/1,465kg

Last updated 15 August 2025

BYD Dolphin Surf videos

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Video review of the BYD Dolphin Surf

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