A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Includes a historical vehicle
Current, upcoming and historical vehicles can be compared side by side. Historical records keep their verified specifications, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
Recorded price context
Agya:
last listed from
ZAR 189,900
·
DOLPHIN SURF:
current from
ZAR 341,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
Maximum Power
51 kW @ 6000 rpm
55 kW
Maximum Torque
91 Nm @ 3600 rpm
135 Nm
Engine Size
998 cc
Not Applicable
Combined Fuel Economy
18.0 km/l
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance
155 mm
155 mm
Boot / Load Bay
235 l
230 l
Airbags
4
6
Kerb Weight
870 kg
1280 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Warranty
3
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
= leads in this spec
Archived vehicles remain available for comparison. Verified specs stay visible; historical fields that were not source-confirmed are marked Not confirmed instead of being guessed.
The Bottom Line
DOLPHIN SURF has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Agya remains close.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
DOLPHIN SURF
+3 pts
Efficiency
DOLPHIN SURF
+20 pts
Safety
DOLPHIN SURF
+17 pts
Practicality
Agya
+2 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Agya
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Catalogue-index leader
DOLPHIN SURF
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Agya
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
DOLPHIN SURF
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
Model Introduced Year
2015
2025
Generation
Second generation Agya for South Africa
First South African DOLPHIN SURF generation
Facelift History
Updated with refreshed styling and features
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Tare Mass Kg
870 kg
-
Facelift Launched Since
Not confirmed
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Not confirmed
Current
Body Style
Not confirmed
Hatchback
Model Year
Not confirmed
2026
Production Status
Not confirmed
Active
Segment
Not confirmed
City Hatchback
Vehicle Type
Not confirmed
Passenger vehicle
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
Length
3760 mm
3925 mm
Width
1665 mm
1720 mm
Height
1520 mm
1590 mm
Wheelbase
2455 mm
2500 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
155 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
0 l
Boot/Cargo Space
235 l
230 l
Kerb Weight
870 kg
1280 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1265 kg
1690 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Minimum Turning Radius
4.7 m
4.95 m
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not confirmed
120 mm
Payload Capacity
Not confirmed
410 kg
Towing Capacity
Not confirmed
0 kg
Number of Rows
Not confirmed
2 rows
Doors
Not confirmed
5 doors
Front Headroom
Not confirmed
980 mm
Rear Headroom
Not confirmed
920 mm
Front Legroom
Not confirmed
1060 mm
Rear Legroom
Not confirmed
690 mm
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
Front Track Width
1445 mm
-
Rear Track Width
1430 mm
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Torsion beam
Chassis Type
Monocoque
-
Power Steering
Electric
-
Steering Column
Height Adjustable
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension Type
Torsion Beam
Torsion beam
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
Engine
1-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Single-motor battery-electric powertrain
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Petrol
Electric
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
998 cc
Not Applicable
Cylinders
3
Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Applicable
Valves
4
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Multi-Point Injection
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
11.5:1
Not Applicable
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Maximum Power
51 kW @ 6000 rpm
55 kW
Maximum Torque
91 Nm @ 3600 rpm
135 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
1
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Front
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
CVT
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Top Speed
155 km/h
130 km/h
0-100 km/h
14.0 sec
15.5 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Power-to-Weight Ratio
58.6 kW/tonne
43.0 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
104.6 Nm/tonne
105.5 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
38.88 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
LFP
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
295 km (WLTP)
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
6.6 kW
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
40 kW
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Yes
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
Engine Position
Front Transverse
-
Gearbox
CVT Automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Front motor, front-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
CVT Automatic
Automatic
Gearbox Type
CVT Automatic
Single-speed reduction gear
Final Drive Ratio
Not confirmed
10.45
Number of Gears
Not confirmed
1
Clutch Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Not confirmed
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Not confirmed
Instrument switch group gear selector
Drivetrain
Not confirmed
FWD
4WD Engagement
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Not Available
Low Range Ratio
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Not confirmed
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
Not confirmed
1
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
Claimed Mileage
18.0 km/l
Not Applicable
City Mileage
14 km/l
Not Applicable
Highway Mileage
20 km/l
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
35
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
18.0 km/l
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not confirmed
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Charging Type
Not confirmed
AC and DC
Combined Driving Range
Not confirmed
295 km (WLTP)
Electric Consumption
Not confirmed
13.4 kWh/100 km (measured)
Range Real World Highway
Not confirmed
245 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not confirmed
288 km
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
Airbags
4
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Applicable
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
Standard
-
Central Locking
Standard
-
Side Impact Beams
Standard
-
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not confirmed
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not confirmed
Standard
Brake Override System
Not confirmed
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Not confirmed
Standard
Driver Airbag
Not confirmed
Standard
EBD
Not confirmed
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Not confirmed
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not confirmed
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Not confirmed
Standard
Side Airbags
Not confirmed
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not confirmed
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Rear
Standard
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not confirmed
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Not confirmed
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not confirmed
Standard
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not confirmed
Not Available
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
Seat Material
Fabric
Synthetic leather
Seat Adjustment
Manual
-
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Standard
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Steering Type
Electric
-
Steering Adjustment
Height Adjustable
-
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Available
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
-
Front Armrest
Not Available
-
Rear Armrest
Not Available
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not confirmed
Imitation leather
60 40 Split Seat
Not confirmed
Not Available
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
6-way electric
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
4-way manual
Seat Trim
Not confirmed
Synthetic leather
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
Climate Control
Manual AC
Electric air conditioner
Power Windows
All Doors
Standard
Keyless Entry
Standard
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
Not Available
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
Not Available
-
AC Type
Manual AC
Electric air conditioner
Engine Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Engine Start Stop Button
Standard
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Spare Wheel
Full Size Steel
Tyre repair kit
Air Conditioning
Manual AC
Electric air conditioner
Rim Size
15-inch Alloy Wheels
16
Sound System
4
4
Unlocking
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charger
Not Available
Standard
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
Infotainment System
7-inch Touchscreen
10.1-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
4
4
Navigation System
Not Available
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Partial Digital
7-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
2
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Audio Speakers
4
4
Infotainment Screen
Not confirmed
10.1
Touchscreen
Not confirmed
10.1
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
LED Headlamps
LED Projector
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Rear fog lamp
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Applicable
Alloy Wheel Design
15-inch Alloy Wheels
-
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
-
Body Cladding
Not Available
-
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
-
DRL
LED
LED
Led Headlights
LED Projector
Standard
Daytime Running Lights
LED
LED
Front Fog Lamps
Not Available
Rear fog lamp
Headlamps
LED Projector
Standard
Headlight Type
LED Projector
Standard
Headlights
LED Projector
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
Not confirmed
Lime Green, Cream White, Cosmos Black, Ice Blue
Panoramic Sunroof
Not confirmed
Not Available
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
Tyre Size
185/60 R15
185/55 R16
Wheel Type
15-inch Alloy Wheels
-
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size Steel
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
15-inch Alloy Wheels
16
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
-
Brake Type Rear
Drum
-
Spare Tyre
Full Size Steel
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Diameter
15-inch Alloy Wheels
16
Wheels
15-inch Alloy Wheels
-
Handbrake Type
Not confirmed
Electronic parking brake
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
Service Interval
10,000 km or 1 Year
-
Approx Service Cost
Approx R2,800
-
Battery Warranty
Not Applicable
-
Maintenance Plan
Optional
-
Service Intervals
10,000 km or 1 Year
-
Service Plan
Not confirmed
4 years/2 services service plan
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
Warranty Years
3
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Warranty Kilometers
3
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
-
Basic Warranty
3
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Warranty
3
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
CO2 Emissions
98 g/km
0 g/km
Start Stop System
Not Available
-
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
-
Noise Level
68 dB
-
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
Real-world City Mileage Min
15 l/100km
-
Real-world City Mileage Max
18 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
18 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
22 l/100km
-
Owner Review Count
19
-
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
Ground Clearance Max
155 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
155 mm
-
Approach Angle
Not confirmed
15 deg
Departure Angle
Not confirmed
25 deg
Wading Depth
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not confirmed
Not Available
4WD System Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Spec
Agya
DOLPHIN SURF
Ownership Role
Not confirmed
longer-range city derivative
Price Zar
Not confirmed
395900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Not confirmed
longer-range city derivative
Starting Price
Not confirmed
395900
Starting Price Zar
Not confirmed
395900
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
Weighted / 100
Catalogue-index readout
DOLPHIN SURF leads by 10 points
DOLPHIN SURF has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Agya remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
DOLPHIN SURF
Performance
25/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
51/100
Agya
Performance
22/100
Efficiency
70/100
Safety
70/100
Practicality
53/100
Ownership
43/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆BYD DOLPHIN SURF
leads the catalogue index with 61 pts
vs 51 pts for Agya
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, DOLPHIN SURF leads. However, Agya may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This Agya and DOLPHIN SURF comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Agya 22 vs DOLPHIN SURF 25.
Efficiency index: Agya 70 vs DOLPHIN SURF 90.
Safety-equipment index: Agya 70 vs DOLPHIN SURF 87.
Practicality index: Agya 53 vs DOLPHIN SURF 51.
Ownership-cover index: Agya 43 vs DOLPHIN SURF not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
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