VS
At a Glance
Power
55 kW
61 kW
Torque
135 Nm
115 Nm
Fuel
—
5.9 l/100km
Towing
—
850 Kg
0-100 km/h
15.5 s
12.9 s
Engine
electric cc
1197 cc
Choosing between the BYD Dolphin Surf and the Hyundai i20 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Dolphin Surf delivers 55 kW while the Hyundai i20 produces 61 kW. Pricing starts at R395 900 for the Dolphin Surf and R309 900 for the i20. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
55 kW
61 kW
Torque
135 Nm
115 Nm
0-100 kph
15.5 s
12.9 s
Top Speed
130 Km/h
169 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1197 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
—
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
5.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
38.9 kWh l
37 l
CO2 Emissions
—
135 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3925 mm
3995 mm
Width
1720-1970 mm
1775 mm
Height
1590 mm
1505 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2580 mm
Ground Clearance
120 mm
170 mm
Kerb Weight
1280 Kg
950 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
308-1037 l
311 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
850 Kg
Load Capacity
—
520 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
—
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3 vehicle / 8 battery
5 vehicle / 7 drivetrain
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
150000 vehicle / 200000 drivetrain Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
4
Service Plan Distance
60000
60000
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai i20
3 / 4 categories
Performance
i20
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
i20
Practicality
i20
Pros & Cons
BYD Dolphin Surf
Well-rounded specification
Less power than rival (55 kW vs 61 kW)
Higher starting price
Hyundai i20
More powerful engine (61 kW)
Lower starting price (R309 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (12.9 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Dolphin Surf or i20?
The Dolphin Surf produces 55 kW and 135 Nm of torque while the i20 delivers 61 kW and 115 Nm of torque. The i20 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Dolphin Surf and i20?
The Dolphin Surf starts from R395 900 and the i20 from R309 900. The i20 is cheaper by R86 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Dolphin Surf or i20?
The Dolphin Surf has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the i20 can tow 850 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Dolphin Surf or the i20?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.