Hatchback Electric Single-Speed Reduction Gear FWD 5-seat

BYD DOLPHIN

Price in South Africa, real specs & electric range — 2026

Model year 2026 Generation First South African DOLPHIN generation Current version Original current-generation version Body style Hatchback
DOLPHIN is a South African Hatchback with a hatchback body and electric power.
ZAR 602,900
On-road in
ZAR 616,374
What makes up this price?
Vehicle price (ex-showroom)
ZAR 602,900
Registration allowance
ZAR 3,600
Licensing allowance
ZAR 1,400
Inspection / roadworthy allowance
ZAR 950
Dealer handling / delivery
ZAR 2,400
Insurance
ZAR 5,125
Other fees
ZAR 0
Ex-showroom ZAR 602,900
Finance estimate from ZAR 9,457/month Based on Dynamic Standard Range EV Ex-showroom basis · approx. 20% deposit · 11.5% p.a. · 60 months · no balloon
Torque:310Nm (229 lb-ft) Ground Clearance:155mm (6.1″) Power:150kW (201 bhp) Electric Range:427km Battery:60.48kWh Boot345L (12.2 cu ft)

Hover or tap any pill for a plain-English explanation. Bracketed values show common equivalents (bhp, lb-ft, inches, cu ft).

On-road pricing varies by dealer. Range and charging figures are manufacturer test claims; weather, speed, traffic, charger output, battery temperature and driving style affect real results.

Model Range PDF See comparisons with similar cars
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Estimate monthly vehicle finance for the BYD DOLPHIN in South Africa. The default illustration uses the ex-showroom price, approximately 20% deposit, 11.5% nominal annual interest over 60 months and no balloon payment.

Estimated monthly instalment
ZAR 9,457
Total Interest
ZAR 137,409
Total Payable
ZAR 567,409
Principal Interest

* Illustrative estimate based on the ex-showroom price, approximately 20% deposit, 11.5% nominal annual interest, 60 months and no balloon payment, using the Dynamic Standard Range EV. Excludes initiation fees, monthly service fees, credit-life insurance and vehicle insurance. Your lender quotation may differ.

Vehicle specifications and buying guidance • Hagalu

BYD DOLPHIN

DOLPHIN is a South African Hatchback with a hatchback body and electric power.

Dynamic Standard Range EV costs R539,900 and uses a 44.9 kWh Blade Battery with a 70 kW front motor and 180 Nm. Premium Extended Range EV costs R602,900 and moves to a 60.48 kWh battery, 150 kW motor and 310 Nm. The official driving-range references are approximately 340 km for Dynamic and 427 km for Premium under their stated test basis. Unlike some ranges where the upper derivative adds only equipment, the DOLPHIN Premium changes battery capacity and performance materially. Its R63,000 premium buys about 15.58 kWh more battery, more than twice the motor power and a wider touring buffer. Dynamic remains the more economical urban choice for drivers whose normal routes fit comfortably inside its real-world range. A family should load child seats, a stroller and weekly shopping before deciding that the car is large enough. The DOLPHIN sits above the smaller DOLPHIN SURF in price and capability, offering more substantial range and, in Premium, notably stronger performance. Public DC points expand the travel map, but charger uptime, queueing and the battery's charging curve affect stops. The larger battery takes more energy to refill from the same percentage, even when it can cover more kilometres between charges. The official local equipment table lists front-seat ventilation as not available on Dynamic and standard on Premium. Buyers should assess visibility, seat comfort and interface logic rather than focusing only on screen size. Signed terms, battery capacity provisions and service requirements remain authoritative. Dynamic is the rational city choice when its 44.9 kWh battery covers the household's routes. Premium offers unusually strong value within the pair because R63,000 brings both a larger battery and 150 kW output. BYD South Africa's published warranty table lists three-year or 100,000 km complete-vehicle cover, eight-year or 200,000 km power-battery cover and five-year or 100,000 km drive-unit cover for the DOLPHIN. A proper look at the DOLPHIN begins with the local specification, then moves to the owner’s week. Here, a Single-Speed Reduction Gear transmission sits beside a Single-Speed Reduction Gear transmission, while a front-wheel drive drivetrain sets a practical boundary. Here, a South African price reference of R539,900 sits beside engine of Single-motor battery-electric powertrain, while a power output of 70 kW sets a practical boundary for DOLPHIN. That combination is more useful than treating every derivative as interchangeable for DOLPHIN. The buyer should compare the actual vehicle offered in South Africa, including its price, equipment and support terms for DOLPHIN

BYD DOLPHIN — Quick Facts

BYD DOLPHIN Variants & Prices

Pick up to 3 variants, hit Compare Variants and you'll get a proper side-by-side spec breakdown.

Maximum 3 variants reached
Uncheck one of the selected variants below before choosing another.
Cmp Variant Trim Fuel Efficiency / range Transmission Price
Dynamic Standard Range EV Base Electric 340 km Electric range340 km Single-Speed Reduction Gear ZAR 539,900
Premium Extended Range EV Top Electric 427 km Electric range427 km Single-Speed Reduction Gear ZAR 602,900
Cmp Variant Trim Fuel Efficiency / range Transmission Price
Dynamic Standard Range EV Base Electric 340 km Electric range340 km Single-Speed Reduction Gear ZAR 539,900
Premium Extended Range EV Top Electric 427 km Electric range427 km Single-Speed Reduction Gear ZAR 602,900
2 variants selected

BYD DOLPHIN Specifications

Showing all 219 non-empty supported buyer-facing fields for Premium Extended Range EV. Blank contract fields are not fabricated.

Model Introduced Year
2024
Body Style
Hatchback
Generation
First South African DOLPHIN generation
Model Year
2026
Production Status
Active
Segment
Compact Hatchback
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Facelift History
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Length
4290 mm
Width
1770 mm
Height
1570 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
130 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
Boot/Cargo Space
345 l
Kerb Weight
1658 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2068 kg
Payload Capacity
410 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.25 m
Front Headroom
1000 mm
Rear Headroom
900 mm
Front Legroom
1130 mm
Rear Legroom
740 mm
Engine
Single-motor battery-electric powertrain
Engine Code
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Electric
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
Cylinders
Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Valves
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
Bore
Not Applicable
Stroke
Not Applicable
Maximum Power
150 kW
Maximum Torque
310 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Number of Motors
1
Motor Location
Front
Drive Type
FWD
Transmission
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Top Speed
160 km/h
0-100 km/h
7.0 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Applicable
Power-to-Weight Ratio
90.5 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
187.0 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
60.48 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
LFP
Battery Voltage
403.2 V
Electric Range
427 km
AC Charging Power
7 kW
DC Charging Power
80 kW
AC Charging Time
Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Time
Not Officially Disclosed
Regenerative Braking
Yes
LSD Available
Not Available
Gearbox
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Drivetrain Layout
Front motor, front-wheel drive
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Available
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
1
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
FWD
Axle Layout
4x2
Low Range
Not Applicable
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Single-speed reduction gear
Front Differential Lock
Not Available
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Not Available
Number of Gears
1
Transmission Type
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Instrument cluster switch gear selector
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Range Real World Mixed
398 km
Electric Consumption
15.9 kWh/100 km (WLTP)
Charging Type
AC and DC
Charging Port Type
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Combined Driving Range
427 km
Range Real World Highway
315 km
Real-world Mileage
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
City Mileage
Not Applicable
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
Brake Assist
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Applicable
Traction Control
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
ABS
Standard
Airbags
7
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
ABS EBD
Standard
BA
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
TCS
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Brake Override System
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
AEB
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
EBD
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Park Assist
Standard
Cruise Control
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Parking Sensors
Standard
Rear View Camera
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Auto Wipers
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Around View Monitor
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
Seat Trim
Synthetic leather
Steering Wheel Material
Synthetic leather
Heated Seats
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Standard
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
Keyless Entry
Standard
Climate Control
Automatic
Power Windows
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Sunroof
Panoramic
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Android Auto
Standard
Touchscreen
Standard
USB Ports
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Infotainment System
12.8-inch rotating touchscreen
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Infotainment Screen
12.8
Digital Instrument Cluster
Full LCD instrument display
Roof Rails
Not Applicable
Exterior Colour Options
Atlantis Grey + Black, Blue + Grey, Ski White + Grey
Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
Headlights
LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED Headlamps
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Approach Angle
16 deg
Departure Angle
23 deg
Locking Differential
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Tyre Size
205/50 R17
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
17
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Service Plan
3 years/60000 km service plan
Warranty
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
Pricing Role
extended-range derivative
Price Zar
602900 ZAR
Ownership Role
extended-range derivative
Starting Price
602900
Starting Price Zar
602900

Imported source and record fields

19 non-empty identity, provenance, and legacy source fields are retained here for review. They are not mixed into the buyer-facing specification table. The supplied pack has no values for 575 of the 813 specification-contract fields on this page, so those blank fields remain omitted.

Market
South Africa
Brand
BYD
Brand Slug
byd
Country
South Africa
Country Slug
south-africa
Make
BYD
Model
DOLPHIN
OEM URL
https://www.byd.com/za/electric-cars/dolphin
Source Name
BYD Auto South Africa
Source Page URL
https://www.byd.com/za/electric-cars/dolphin
Source URL
https://www.byd.com/material/byd-site/za/product/dolphin/BYD-Dolphin-Specification.pdf
Variant
Premium Extended Range EV
Fuel Economy Combined
Not Applicable
Fuel Efficiency
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption L 100km
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption
Not Applicable
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Not Applicable
Average Fuel Consumption
Not Applicable
Price Source
BYD South Africa live order configurator (audited 2026-08-03)
Driving fit

Where the BYD DOLPHIN Fits Best

A practical view of the buyer and roads this model is best suited to.

Who buys this

The best buyer for DOLPHIN can describe a recurring reason for choosing its hatchback layout. Then compare a Single-Speed Reduction Gear transmission and a Single-Speed Reduction Gear transmission with insurance, tyres, maintenance and the monthly finance payment

City
The urban test for DOLPHIN should resemble the owner’s route: a cold start, queues, kerbs, a narrow turn and a place where people or goods must be loaded. City use is where the small decisions accumulate for DOLPHIN. Drive the DOLPHIN through the tightest parking area, a steep ramp, a speed hump and stop-start traffic. Pay attention to the steering, sight lines, low-speed response, seat position and climate control rather than relying on a quiet dealership loop for DOLPHIN. A Single-Speed Reduction Gear transmission matters when the cabin or load is full, and a Single-Speed Reduction Gear transmission can change the cost of repeated short trips for DOLPHIN
Highway
For highway buyers, the DOLPHIN needs to make sense when passengers, luggage or work equipment are aboard. A power output of 150 kW helps frame the vehicle’s intended workload; do not assume that a larger body automatically brings more reserve or comfort. Long-distance comfort depends on details that disappear in a short test drive for DOLPHIN. Run DOLPHIN at legal cruising speed, include a hill and a safe overtake, and see whether the driver can remain relaxed after an hour. The interaction between a power output of 70 kW, a Single-Speed Reduction Gear transmission and a Single-Speed Reduction Gear transmission is more informative than maximum speed for DOLPHIN. Owners travelling between provinces should also price replacement tyres, roadside assistance and scheduled service for DOLPHIN
Off-Road
The car is less suitable for large families, high-clearance rural work or owners who transport very bulky loads. A South African price reference of R602,900 may help, but neither a tall bonnet nor electric alone creates four-wheel drive, low range or a published wading ability. Ground clearance is only one part of the rough-road answer for DOLPHIN. For DOLPHIN, the sensible check is the exact fwd arrangement, tyre specification, load and protection underneath. Stay cautious where the local data does not state clearance or wading depth for DOLPHIN. A buyer whose routine includes construction tracks or isolated farm roads should compare a vehicle with documented capability rather than infer it from styling for DOLPHIN
4.1/5
Hagalu editorial score 4.1 out of 5 Reviewed by Hagalu Editorial Team · 2026-08-02

BYD DOLPHIN — Should You Buy It?

4.1/5
BYD DOLPHIN South Africa expert rating
Hagalu editorial review by Hagalu Editorial Team · 2026-08-02

DOLPHIN is a South African Hatchback with a hatchback body and electric power. High speed, wind, hills, rain, cabin temperature, passengers and wheel choice change consumption. A buyer should compare a conservative estimate with the longest normal day and keep a reserve. A fair review of DOLPHIN should end with the owner’s route, not a universal verdict. The combination of a front-wheel drive drivetrain, a front-wheel drive drivetrain and a South African price reference of R602,900 can be valuable for the right driver. The same package may feel expensive or inconvenient if the vehicle spends its life in a different role. Drive the exact version loaded as it will be used, then read the service, warranty, tyre and insurance costs beside the purchase price The conclusion depends on the exact South African derivative, its price and the work it has to do.

Desk research: Scored from verified published sources and Hagalu's South African buyer analysis; this vehicle was not road-tested for this review. This is a Hagalu editorial score, not a customer rating.

Safety 4.2/5 · 20%
4.2/5
Value 4.0/5 · 20%
4.0/5
Practicality 4.3/5 · 20%
4.3/5
Ownership 4.0/5 · 15%
4.0/5
Powertrain suitability 4.2/5 · 15%
4.2/5
Comfort & technology 4.1/5 · 10%
4.1/5

Evidence reviewed: Hagalu maintains the detailed source record internally so this page does not promote third-party vehicle websites.

How this score is calculated · Methodology v1.0

DOLPHIN deserves a closer look when its price, equipment and powertrain fit the owner’s route.

High speed, wind, hills, rain, cabin temperature, passengers and wheel choice change consumption. A buyer should compare a conservative estimate with the longest normal day and keep a reserve. A fair review of DOLPHIN should end with the owner’s route, not a universal verdict. The combination of a front-wheel drive drivetrain, a front-wheel drive drivetrain and a South African price reference of R602,900 can be valuable for the right driver. The buying case for DOLPHIN is specific. A South African price reference of R539,900 gives it a reason to be considered, while engine of Single-motor battery-electric powertrain and a power output of 70 kW set the boundaries for DOLPHIN. It deserves a shortlist when those details solve a repeated South African driving need for DOLPHIN. It is less persuasive when the buyer is paying for unused capacity or assuming that another derivative’s equipment applies here for DOLPHIN. Compare the written price, the nearest grade and one genuine alternative before deciding for DOLPHIN

What's Good
  • ✓Body style: Hatchback
  • ✓Fuel type: Electric
  • ✓South African price: R539,900
  • ✓Engine: Single-motor battery-electric powertrain
  • ✓Power output: 70 kW
  • ✓Transmission: Single-Speed Reduction Gear
  • ✓Gearbox: Single-Speed Reduction Gear
  • ✓Drivetrain: FWD
  • ✓Drive layout: FWD
Watch Out For
  • ✕Exact equipment for DOLPHIN can vary by derivative.
  • ✕Real fuel use for DOLPHIN depends on route, load and weather.
  • ✕The written DOLPHIN quotation should be checked before purchase.
  • ✕Tyre, insurance and service costs need a separate DOLPHIN budget.
  • ✕A short DOLPHIN test drive cannot represent every ownership route.
  • ✕DOLPHIN capability should not be inferred from body styling alone.
  • ✕The adjacent DOLPHIN grade may suit a different workload.
  • ✕Published DOLPHIN figures are planning references, not guarantees.
  • ✕Buyers should confirm DOLPHIN stock and support terms.

BYD DOLPHIN FAQs

Current recommended retail prices for the BYD DOLPHIN run from R539,900 to R602,900, depending on the derivative. Compare the exact trim before calculating finance because options, insurance and dealer charges can change the final monthly cost.

The current south african range comprises Dynamic Standard Range EV, Premium Extended Range EV. Prices and equipment are shown by derivative so buyers can compare the actual local range rather than specifications from another market.

The listed ground clearance for the BYD DOLPHIN is 155 mm. Use that number as a practical comparison point against similar cars, especially if you regularly deal with steep driveways, gravel roads or uneven parking areas.

The best buyer for DOLPHIN can describe a recurring reason for choosing its hatchback layout. Then compare a Single-Speed Reduction Gear transmission and a Single-Speed Reduction Gear transmission with insurance, tyres, maintenance and the monthly finance payment

The urban test for DOLPHIN should resemble the owner’s route: a cold start, queues, kerbs, a narrow turn and a place where people or goods must be loaded. City use is where the small decisions accumulate for DOLPHIN.

For highway buyers, the DOLPHIN needs to make sense when passengers, luggage or work equipment are aboard. A power output of 150 kW helps frame the vehicle’s intended workload; do not assume that a larger body automatically brings more reserve or comfort.

Buyers researching the BYD DOLPHIN often compare it with rivals such as Toyota Corolla Hatch , Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI , Mazda Mazda3 , Suzuki Swift Sport , GWM Ora 03 . Comparing them side by side is the quickest way to see where your money goes — range, charging, performance, price and running costs can differ substantially.

Compare BYD DOLPHIN with Similar Hatchbacks

Tap any card to see a full head-to-head — specs, scores and a clear verdict on which one's worth your money.

BYD DOLPHIN
VS
Toyota Corolla Hatch
DOLPHIN vs Corolla Hatch
Petrol Hatchback 3 Variants
Toyota Corolla Hatch from ZAR 500,700
See full specs & who wins →
BYD DOLPHIN
VS
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI
DOLPHIN vs Golf 1.4 TSI
Petrol Hatchback 4 Variants
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI from ZAR 580,900
See full specs & who wins →
BYD DOLPHIN
VS
Mazda Mazda3
DOLPHIN vs Mazda3
Petrol Hatchback 3 Variants
Mazda Mazda3 from ZAR 498,300
See full specs & who wins →
BYD DOLPHIN
VS
Suzuki Swift Sport
DOLPHIN vs Swift Sport
Petrol Hatchback 2 Variants
Suzuki Swift Sport from ZAR 469,900
See full specs & who wins →
BYD DOLPHIN
VS
GWM Ora 03
DOLPHIN vs Ora 03
Electric Hatchback 3 Variants
GWM Ora 03 from ZAR 686,950
See full specs & who wins →

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Other Current BYD Models in South Africa

Models currently listed for sale in the south african range.

BYD ATTO 2 DM-i plug-in hybrid
BYD
ATTO 2 DM-i
SUV 2 Variants
Starting from ZAR 449,900
BYD ATTO 3 Electric
BYD
ATTO 3
SUV 2 Variants
Starting from ZAR 699,900
BYD ATTO 8 plug-in hybrid
BYD
ATTO 8
SUV 2 Variants
Starting from ZAR 1,059,900
BYD DOLPHIN SURF Electric
BYD
DOLPHIN SURF
Hatchback 2 Variants
Starting from ZAR 341,900

Data verified against: BYD Official South Africa Website

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