VS
At a Glance
Power
55 kW
73kW@5500
Torque
135 Nm
136Nm@4200
Fuel
—
6.1
Towing
—
1000
0-100 km/h
14.2 s
11.6
Engine
electric cc
1396
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 73kW@5500. Pricing starts at R341 900 for the Dolphin Surf and R191 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
73kW@5500
Torque
135 Nm
136Nm@4200
0-100 kph
14.2 s
11.6
Top Speed
130 Km/h
181
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1396
Engine Layout
—
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
6.1
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
30.1 kWh l
45
CO2 Emissions
—
132
Dimensions
Length
3925 mm
3995
Width
1720-1970 mm
-1710
Height
1590 mm
1490
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2525
Ground Clearance
120 mm
150
Kerb Weight
1225 Kg
1028
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
308-1037 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000
Load Capacity
—
295
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
4
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
—
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✗
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3 vehicle / 8 battery
60
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
150000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
3
—
Service Plan Distance
60000
—
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
HYUNDAI i20
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Dolphin Surf
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
i20
Practicality
i20
Pros & Cons
BYD Dolphin Surf
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
HYUNDAI i20
Lower starting price (R191 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (11.6s)
No factory service plan
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 73kW@5500 and 136Nm@4200 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Dolphin Surf and i20?
The Dolphin Surf starts from R341 900 and the i20 from R191 900. The i20 is cheaper by R150 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 1000. 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.