Used Byd Dolphin Surf for sale nationwide

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: N/A
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 40.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.8 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 15
Average Price: Around £16,000

BYD Dolphin Surf 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 a starting price just under £19,000, it offers considerably more space and equipment than smaller alternatives like the Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03. The range of up to 200 miles and comfortable interior make it suitable not only for town driving but also for family buyers needing an electric runaround for occasional longer journeys. Three powertrain options cater to different needs, from the entry-level Active with 137 miles of range to the more powerful Comfort model delivering 193 miles.

The Dolphin Surf excels in practicality and value, offering vegan leather upholstery, vehicle-to-load capability, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking as standard across all models. Real-world efficiency exceeds 4 miles per kWh around town, whilst servicing is required only every two years or 20,000 miles. However, the rotating touchscreen is gimmicky and frustrating to use, with small icons and buried climate controls. The four-seat configuration and slower charging speeds on the entry-level model are notable limitations. Despite these flaws, the Dolphin Surf delivers excellent value and gets the fundamentals right: comfortable, easy to drive, and great to look at.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a fun and spacious small electric car, urban commuters, and families needing an affordable EV with generous equipment levels.

Not ideal for: Those requiring five seats, drivers prioritising premium infotainment systems, or buyers needing rapid charging on entry-level models.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Dolphin Surf if: You're seeking a fun and spacious small electric car on a budget, an urban commuter, or a family buyer needing an affordable EV with generous equipment levels.

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

Competitive Position: The BYD Dolphin Surf is a compelling proposition in the affordable small EV market, offering more space and equipment than the Leapmotor T03 at a similar price point. Whilst the Renault 5 E-Tech is more stylish and refined with superior expert ratings, the Dolphin Surf undercuts it significantly on price whilst delivering comparable range and practicality. The four-seat limitation and fiddly touchscreen are drawbacks, but the generous specification, excellent real-world efficiency, and lengthy warranty make it an excellent value choice for budget-conscious buyers willing to overlook its quirks.

Read our full BYD Dolphin Surf Review

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