VS
At a Glance
Power
70 kW
89 kW
Torque
180 Nm
145 Nm
Fuel
—
6.0 l/100km
Towing
—
-
0-100 km/h
12.3 s
—
Engine
electric cc
1498 cc
Choosing between the BYD Dolphin and the Honda HR-V is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BYD Dolphin delivers 70 kW while the Honda HR-V produces 89 kW. Pricing starts at R539 900 for the Dolphin and R539 900 for the HR-V. 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
70 kW
89 kW
Torque
180 Nm
145 Nm
0-100 kph
12.3 s
—
Top Speed
150 Km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1498 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
-
-
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
6.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
44.9 kWh l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
-
144 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4290 mm
4361 mm
Width
1770-2012 mm
1790 mm
Height
1570 mm
1590 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2610 mm
Ground Clearance
—
187 mm
Kerb Weight
1506 Kg
1281 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
345-1310 l
304-956-1274 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
-
Load Capacity
—
459 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ 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
200000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
4yr
Service Plan Distance
—
60000km
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Honda HR-V
1 / 4 categories
Performance
HR-V
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Tied
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BYD Dolphin
Well-rounded specification
Less power than rival (70 kW vs 89 kW)
No factory service plan
Honda HR-V
More powerful engine (89 kW)
Factory service plan included
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Dolphin or HR-V?
The Dolphin produces 70 kW and 180 Nm of torque while the HR-V delivers 89 kW and 145 Nm of torque. The HR-V is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Dolphin and HR-V?
The Dolphin starts from R539 900 and the HR-V from R539 900, a difference of just R0, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Dolphin or HR-V?
The Dolphin has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the HR-V can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Dolphin or the HR-V?
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.