A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Omoda C9 SHS vs BYD DOLPHIN SURF: the short answer
C9 SHS has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over DOLPHIN SURF.
DOLPHIN SURF starts ZAR 658,000 cheaperC9 SHS from ZAR 999,900 · DOLPHIN SURF from ZAR 341,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
C9 SHS
DOLPHIN SURF
Maximum Power
C9 SHSNot Officially Disclosed
DOLPHIN SURF55 kW
Maximum Torque
C9 SHSNot Officially Disclosed
DOLPHIN SURF135 Nm
Engine Size
C9 SHS1500 cc
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
Combined Fuel Economy
C9 SHS71.4 km/l
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
Ground Clearance
C9 SHS165 mm
DOLPHIN SURF155 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Omoda C9 SHS
C9 SHS AWD
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
C9 SHS
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
DOLPHIN SURF
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
C9 SHS
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
DOLPHIN SURF
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
C9 SHS
DOLPHIN SURF
Model Introduced Year
2025
2025
Generation
Current South Africa C9 SHS range
First South African DOLPHIN SURF generation
Facelift History
Current South Africa version listed by official source
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Facelift Launched Since
2025
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Active
Segment
SUV
City Hatchback
Tare Mass Kg
Not Available
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
Passenger vehicle
Spec
C9 SHS
DOLPHIN SURF
Length
4775 mm
3925 mm
Width
1920 mm
1720 mm
Height
1671 mm
1590 mm
Wheelbase
2800 mm
2500 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
165 mm
155 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
140 mm
120 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
0 l
Boot/Cargo Space
660 l
230 l
Kerb Weight
2195 kg
1280 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2717 kg
1690 kg
Payload Capacity
522 kg
410 kg
Towing Capacity
1500 kg
0 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.8 m
4.95 m
Front Headroom
1005 mm
980 mm
Rear Headroom
970 mm
920 mm
Front Legroom
1070 mm
1060 mm
Rear Legroom
960 mm
690 mm
Spec
C9 SHS
DOLPHIN SURF
Front Track Width
Not Available
-
Rear Track Width
Not Available
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
Torsion beam
Spec
C9 SHS
DOLPHIN SURF
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Automatic
Electric air conditioner
Power Windows
Standard
Standard
Keyless Entry
Standard
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
1783 l
-
AC Type
Automatic
Electric air conditioner
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
C9 SHS
DOLPHIN SURF
Engine
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol Plug-in Hybrid
Single-motor battery-electric powertrain
Engine Code
SQRH4J15
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Plug-in Hybrid
Electric
Hybrid System
Plug-in Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1500 cc
Not Applicable
Cylinders
4
Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Applicable
Valves
16
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Petrol injection
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
14.5:1
Not Applicable
Bore
72.0 mm
Not Applicable
Stroke
92.0 mm
Not Applicable
Maximum Power
Not Officially Disclosed
55 kW
Maximum Torque
Not Officially Disclosed
135 Nm
Combined Power
440 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
915 Nm
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Permanent-magnet synchronous traction motors
Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Number of Motors
3
1
Motor Location
Front and rear axles
Front
Drive Type
AWD
FWD
Transmission
3-Speed Automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Top Speed
180 km/h
130 km/h
0-100 km/h
4.9 sec
15.5 sec
Quarter Mile
13.3 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, Mud, Sand, Off-Road
Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
6000 rpm
Not Applicable
Power-to-Weight Ratio
200.5 kW/tonne
43.0 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
416.9 Nm/tonne
105.5 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
34.46 kWh
38.88 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
31.0 kWh
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Lithium-ion traction battery
LFP
Battery Voltage
322 V
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
150 km (WLTP)
295 km (WLTP)
AC Charging Power
6.6 kW
6.6 kW
DC Charging Power
70 kW
40 kW
AC Charging Time
5 h 30 min (30-100%)
Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Time
25 min (30-80%)
Not Officially Disclosed
Regenerative Braking
Yes
Yes
Spec
C9 SHS
DOLPHIN SURF
Gearbox
3-Speed DHT
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Drivetrain Layout
AWD
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
Standard
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
10.45
Number of Gears
3
1
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Automatic clutch
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Electric
Instrument switch group gear selector
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
4WD Engagement
Electrically controlled AWD using front hybrid drive and rear electric drive with automatic torque management
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Gearbox Type
DHT
Single-speed reduction gear
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
AWD
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
3
1
Spec
C9 SHS
DOLPHIN SURF
Claimed Mileage
71.4 km/l
Not Applicable
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
Not Applicable
Highway Mileage
16.9 km/l
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
Euro VIb
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
71.4 km/l
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Plug-in hybrid AC/DC
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Charging Type
AC and DC fast charging
AC and DC
Fuel Tank Litres
70
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
1100
295 km (WLTP)
Electric Consumption
22.7
13.4 kWh/100 km (measured)
Range Real World Highway
Not Available
245 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Available
288 km
Spec
C9 SHS
DOLPHIN SURF
Airbags
Multiple airbags
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Standard
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
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Not Available
AEB
Standard
Not Available
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Standard
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Applicable
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Standard
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
C9 SHS
DOLPHIN SURF
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Standard
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Standard
Around View Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Not Available
Spec
C9 SHS
DOLPHIN SURF
Seat Material
Leatherette / leather
Synthetic leather
Heated Seats
Standard
Standard
Ventilated Seats
Standard
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Not Available
Front Shoulder Room
Not Available
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Available
-
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Imitation leather
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Not Available
Driver Seat Adjustment
Power
6-way electric
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Power
4-way manual
Seat Trim
Leatherette / leather
Synthetic leather
Spec
C9 SHS
DOLPHIN SURF
Infotainment System
Touchscreen infotainment
10.1-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
8
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
7-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
Front and rear USB where listed
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch or larger by trim
10.1
Touchscreen
10.25-inch or larger by trim
10.1
Spec
C9 SHS
DOLPHIN SURF
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Fog Lamps
Standard
Rear fog lamp
Roof Rails
Standard
Not Applicable
Exterior Colour Options
Khaki white, carbon crystal black, moonlight silver, grey and other official Omoda market colours where listed.
Lime Green, Cream White, Cosmos Black, Ice Blue
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Spec
C9 SHS
DOLPHIN SURF
Approach Angle
Not Available
15 deg
Departure Angle
Not Available
25 deg
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Standard
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Available
4WD System Type
AWD / 4WD as listed
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
165 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
165 mm
-
Spec
C9 SHS
DOLPHIN SURF
Tyre Size
245/50 R20
185/55 R16
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
245/50 R20
16
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Electronic parking brake
Spec
C9 SHS
DOLPHIN SURF
CO2 Emissions
Not Available
0 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
-
Spec
C9 SHS
DOLPHIN SURF
Service Plan
5 Years / 75 000 km
4 years/2 services service plan
Spec
C9 SHS
DOLPHIN SURF
Ownership Role
flagship or capability-focused
longer-range city derivative
Price Zar
999900 ZAR
395900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship or capability-focused
longer-range city derivative
Starting Price
999900
395900
Starting Price Zar
999900
395900
Spec
C9 SHS
DOLPHIN SURF
Warranty
7 Years / 200 000 km
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
In depth: how these cars differ
This C9 SHS and DOLPHIN SURF comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: C9 SHS 92 vs DOLPHIN SURF 25.
Efficiency index: C9 SHS 96 vs DOLPHIN SURF 90.
Safety-equipment index: C9 SHS 94 vs DOLPHIN SURF 87.
Practicality index: C9 SHS 69 vs DOLPHIN SURF 51.
Ownership-cover index: C9 SHS not separately scored 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.
Model imagery
C9 SHS and DOLPHIN SURF image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
C9 SHS leads by 26 points
C9 SHS has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over DOLPHIN SURF.
Large difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
C9 SHS
Performance
92/100
Efficiency
96/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
69/100
DOLPHIN SURF
Performance
25/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
51/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexOmoda C9 SHS
leads the specification evidence index with 87 pts
vs 61 pts for DOLPHIN SURF
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, C9 SHS leads. However, DOLPHIN SURF may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa 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.
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