At a Glance
Power
150 kW
118 kW
Torque
310 Nm
253 Nm
Fuel
15.9 kWh/100km l/100km
6.2 l/100km
Towing
—
1100 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.0 s
8.9 s
Engine
electric cc
1482 cc
Choosing between the BYD Dolphin and the KIA Seltos is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Dolphin delivers 150 kW while the KIA Seltos produces 118 kW. On fuel, the Dolphin returns 15.9 kWh/100km l/100km while the Seltos uses 6.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R599 900 for the Dolphin and R626 995 for the Seltos. 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
150 kW
118 kW
Torque
310 Nm
253 Nm
0-100 kph
7.0 s
8.9 s
Top Speed
160 Km/h
195 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1482 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
7
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
15.9 kWh/100km l/100km
6.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60.5 kWh l
50 l
CO2 Emissions
—
141 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4290 mm
4365 mm
Width
1770-2012 mm
1800 mm
Height
1570 mm
1620 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2610 mm
Ground Clearance
—
190 mm
Kerb Weight
1658 Kg
1364 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
364 / 1329 l
433 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1100 Kg
Load Capacity
410 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3 vehicle / 8 battery
5
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
4
Service Plan Distance
—
60000
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Dolphin
Fuel Economy
Seltos
Value
Dolphin
Practicality
Seltos
Pros & Cons
BYD Dolphin
More powerful engine (150 kW)
Lower starting price (R599 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.0 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (15.9 kWh/100km l/100km)
No factory service plan
KIA Seltos
Better fuel economy (6.2 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1100 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (118 kW vs 150 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Dolphin or Seltos?
The Dolphin uses 15.9 kWh/100km l/100km and the Seltos uses 6.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Seltos is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Dolphin or Seltos?
The Dolphin produces 150 kW and 310 Nm of torque while the Seltos delivers 118 kW and 253 Nm of torque. The Dolphin is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Dolphin and Seltos?
The Dolphin starts from R599 900 and the Seltos from R626 995. The Dolphin is cheaper by R27 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Dolphin or Seltos?
The Dolphin has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the Seltos can tow 1100 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Dolphin or the Seltos?
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.