VS
At a Glance
Power
70 kW
121 kW
Torque
180 Nm
213 Nm
Fuel
—
6.6 l/100km
Towing
—
1200 Kg
0-100 km/h
12.3 s
—
Engine
electric cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the BYD Dolphin and the Mazda CX-30 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Dolphin delivers 70 kW while the Mazda CX-30 produces 121 kW. Pricing starts at R539 900 for the Dolphin and R539 800 for the CX-30. 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
121 kW
Torque
180 Nm
213 Nm
0-100 kph
12.3 s
—
Top Speed
150 Km/h
196 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
6.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
44.9 kWh l
51 l
CO2 Emissions
—
150 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4290 mm
4395 mm
Width
1770-2012 mm
1795-2040 mm
Height
1570 mm
1540 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2655 mm
Ground Clearance
—
175 mm
Kerb Weight
1506 Kg
1340 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
345-1310 l
295-1200 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1200 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
7
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
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ 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
unlimited Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5
Service Plan Distance
—
unlimited
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda CX-30
3 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-30
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
CX-30
Practicality
CX-30
Pros & Cons
BYD Dolphin
Well-rounded specification
Less power than rival (70 kW vs 121 kW)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Mazda CX-30
More powerful engine (121 kW)
Lower starting price (R539 800)
Factory service plan included
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Dolphin or CX-30?
The Dolphin produces 70 kW and 180 Nm of torque while the CX-30 delivers 121 kW and 213 Nm of torque. The CX-30 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Dolphin and CX-30?
The Dolphin starts from R539 900 and the CX-30 from R539 800. The CX-30 is cheaper by R100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Dolphin or CX-30?
The Dolphin has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the CX-30 can tow 1200 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Dolphin or the CX-30?
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.