2025, as we anticipated, has already proved to be the year of the affordable small EV in fleet, with recent launches including the Hyundai Inster, Fiat Grande Panda, and Leapmotor T03. Now, BYD is getting involved, with the new Dolphin Surf on sale.
Design and interior
Outside, considering the look of BYD’s other EV models, the Dolphin Surf’s angular style is quite distinctive. It has a short, upright and boxy shape, with interesting design details such as the floating roof. If the dimensions don’t get your attention, this BYD’s styling will – as it won’t be mistaken for rivals!
At the front, the sharp, standard LED lights and angles, almost give the Dolphin Surf baby Lamborghini Urus vibes, with the angular look continues to the front airdam. There is a distinctive roof spoiler, upswept window line, short overhangs, sharp lower detailing at the bottom of the doors, and 16in alloy wheels on Boost, and range-topping Comfort models.
The Dolphin Surf might be a tall and sharp design, but all the surfaces are slick and clean, surely helping this BYD, with the bigger 43.2kWh battery, to achieve up to 200 miles of range.
Like the rest of the design, the back of the Dolphin Surf is equally distinctive, with its small, high-set rear window, and LED light bar.
There is the choice of four different exterior colours, with the most distinctive – Lime Green, that we experienced on our test car – being the standard colour.
Inside, despite the Dolphin Surf being less than four metres long, interior space impresses – with more rear knee room than the similarly-sized Renault 5 E-Tech. Although, the head room doesn’t feel as generous as our current ‘One to Watch’ Business Car Award winner, and more than two adults in the back would struggle.
Move to the front, and interior storage feels more limited than rivals such as the Grande Panda and Citroen E-C3, thanks to the raised centre console. Although the wireless phone charging, that is included on some models, is welcome. The slim dashboard design is dominated by the central infotainment screen, this time 10.1in in size – but it can still be rotated like with the rest of the BYD range. Plus, there is a 7in screen for instruments in front of the driver. On top of a comfortable driving position, this BYD benefits from a set of supportive one-piece sports seats, which were finished in vegan leather trim on our Comfort range-topper.
The interior is quite plasticky, but it doesn’t feel any worse than rivals, in fact build quality is equal to many. The 308-litre boot might be bigger than rivals, but its odd shape affects its practicality.
Performance and drive
It might be smaller than other BYDs, but the Dolphin Surf shares the same Blade Battery, which is known for its safety and durability. It is also built on the company’s e-Platform 3.0 architecture. This platform enables the vehicle to accommodate a variety of battery packs, and it also incorporates BYD’s ‘eight-in-one’ electric powertrain. This powertrain combines the motor, reducer, charger, DC converter, power distribution box, battery management controller, vehicle control unit, and motor controller into one unit, improving efficiency and saving space.
The Dolphin Surf is available with the choice of two battery options, a 30kWh battery for the entry-level Active, and the bigger 43.2kWh battery that we tried in the expected fleet best-seller, the Boost, and the range-topping Comfort equipment grades. Choose the Active, and because of its small battery, a 10-80% charge takes half an hour, at a maximum charging speed of 65kW. Choose the Boost, or Comfort, and rapid 85kW charge speeds are possible, meaning the same battery percentage charge is possible in the same time.
Our driving impressions were limited to a short city route, at low speeds, where the Dolphin Surf is possibly most at home. The first thing we noticed about the model is its comfortable and composed ride, swallowing up all but the worst London urban roads could throw at it. In our opinion, it’s up there with the best in class. This BYD is also easy to drive, and the performance around town was perky enough for the Boost and Comfort grades, with 88hp and 156hp respectively – although we’d like to try it on faster roads, such as motorways. The steering is light and precise, with the small steering lock a real help in town. The brakes have a mostly consistent feel and it is a tidy handler too, with decent grip from the Hankook tyres. More steering feel, and polish for the re-gen system, and the baby BYD would be even better!
If the BYD Dolphin Surf doesn’t attract the attention of fleets for its looks, interior space, and high levels of standard equipment, the affordable list pricing surely will. Prices start at just £18,650 for the Active, rising to £23,950 for the Comfort range topper.
Positive: Pricing, distinctive exterior styling, surprising interior space, range and fast charging, easy to drive, comfortable ride.
Negative: Lacks steering feel, shape hinders boot practicality, some interior plastics feel cheap, regen modes lack polish.
Standard equipment: LED headlights, 10.1in rotating touchscreen, sat-nav, Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, 7in digital instrument panel, keyless entry, rear view camera, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and various other driver assistance features including driver monitoring and traffic sign recognition.
Engines: Electric: 88hp, 156hp
Equipment grades: Active, Boost, Comfort
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
| Model | BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort 43.2kWh |
| P11D | £23,885 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | £3,457 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 200 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £12/£24 |
| Luggage capacity | 308 litres |
| Battery size/power | 43.2kWh/156hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
