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.
Premium Extended Range EVElectricSingle-Speed Reduction GearCurrent
ZAR 602,900ex-showroom
⚡ 150 kW🔧 310 Nm
＋Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
Volkswagen Crafter vs BYD DOLPHIN: the short answer
Compare the available model information below. Hagalu has withheld a ranked verdict because the selected vehicles do not yet meet the minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold.
DOLPHIN starts ZAR 321,300 cheaperCrafter from ZAR 861,200 · DOLPHIN from ZAR 539,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Crafter
DOLPHIN
Maximum Power
Crafter103 kW
DOLPHIN150 kW
Maximum Torque
Crafter340 Nm
DOLPHIN310 Nm
Engine Size
Crafter1968 cc
DOLPHINNot Applicable
Combined Fuel Economy
Crafter16.7 km/l
DOLPHINNot Applicable
Ground Clearance
Crafter195 mm
DOLPHIN155 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.
Volkswagen Crafter
50 Panel Van XLWB 8AT
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.
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Crafter
DOLPHIN
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
2024
Generation
Current South African Crafter listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
First South African DOLPHIN generation
Facelift History
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Van
Hatchback
Color Note
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
-
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Drivetrain Note
4x2 configuration for the local line-up
-
Model Year
Current
2026
Production Status
published
Active
Segment
Van
Compact Hatchback
Tare Mass Kg
GVM class 5000 kg
-
Vehicle Type
Van
Passenger vehicle
Spec
Crafter
DOLPHIN
Length
7391 mm
4290 mm
Width
2040 mm
1770 mm
Height
2590 mm
1570 mm
Wheelbase
4490 mm
2700 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
195 mm
155 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
75 l
0 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
6000 kg
2068 kg
Seating Capacity
3 seats
5 seats
Doors
4 doors
5 doors
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
130 mm
Boot/Cargo Space
-
345 l
Kerb Weight
-
1658 kg
Payload Capacity
-
410 kg
Towing Capacity
-
0 kg
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Minimum Turning Radius
-
5.25 m
Front Headroom
-
1000 mm
Rear Headroom
-
900 mm
Front Legroom
-
1130 mm
Rear Legroom
-
740 mm
Spec
Crafter
DOLPHIN
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Front Suspension
Not Available
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Multi-link
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
Crafter
DOLPHIN
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Not Available
Automatic
Power Windows
Not Available
Standard
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Standard
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
-
12V Accessory Socket
Standard
-
AC Type
Not Available
Automatic
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Front Power Outlet
Standard
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
6-8
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Bottle Holders
Standard
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Difflock
Not Available
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Power Socket 12v
Standard
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Source Model Column
crafter
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
Trim Level
flagship
-
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Spec
Crafter
DOLPHIN
Engine
Not Officially Disclosed
Single-motor battery-electric powertrain
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Diesel
Electric
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1968 cc
Not Applicable
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Maximum Power
103 kW
150 kW
Maximum Torque
340 Nm
310 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
Not Officially Disclosed
FWD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
160 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
7.0 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
Not Officially Disclosed
90.5 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
187.0 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
60.48 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
LFP
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
403.2 V
Electric Range
Not Applicable
427 km
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
7 kW
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
80 kW
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Yes
Spec
Crafter
DOLPHIN
Gearbox
Automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Drivetrain Layout
4x2
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
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Available
Number of Gears
8
1
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Instrument cluster switch gear selector
Drivetrain
4x2
FWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
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
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Single-speed reduction gear
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
8
1
Spec
Crafter
DOLPHIN
Claimed Mileage
16.7 km/l
Not Applicable
City Mileage
13.6 km/l
Not Applicable
Highway Mileage
19.5 km/l
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
75 l
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
16.7 km/l
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Charging Type
Not Applicable
AC and DC
Fuel Tank Litres
75
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
427 km
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
15.9 kWh/100 km (WLTP)
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
315 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
398 km
Spec
Crafter
DOLPHIN
Airbags
Driver and front passenger airbags
7
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
Traction Control
Not Available
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Applicable
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Standard
Brake Assist
Not Available
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Standard
BA
Not Available
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Available
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Not Applicable
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Standard
Side Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
TCS
Not Available
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
Crafter
DOLPHIN
Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Standard
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Standard
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Park Assist
Not Available
Standard
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Standard
Spec
Crafter
DOLPHIN
Seat Material
Cloth
Synthetic leather
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Standard
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Standard
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Cup Holders
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Synthetic leather
Interior Colour Options
Black
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
6-way electric
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Electric adjustment
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Crafter grade before assuming a feature is included.
-
Interior Trim Colour
Black
-
Interior Colours
Black
-
Seat Trim
Cloth
Synthetic leather
Spec
Crafter
DOLPHIN
Infotainment System
SYNC
12.8-inch rotating touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Standard
Android Auto
Not Available
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
Not Available
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
Full LCD instrument display
USB Ports
Not Available
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
FM Radio
Standard
-
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
12.8
Audio
AM/FM stereo
-
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
12.8
Connected Services
SYNC
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Bluetooth
-
Radio
AM/FM
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
12.8
Spec
Crafter
DOLPHIN
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
LED
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Rear fog lamp
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Applicable
Exterior Colour Options
3
Atlantis Grey + Black, Blue + Grey, Ski White + Grey
Body Type
Van
-
Exterior Colour Options
3
-
Headlights
Not Available
Standard
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Spec
Crafter
DOLPHIN
Approach Angle
Not Available
16 deg
Departure Angle
Not Available
23 deg
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Available
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Applicable
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
195 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
195 mm
-
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
-
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Spec
Crafter
DOLPHIN
Tyre Size
Not Available
205/50 R17
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
17
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Electronic parking brake
Spec
Crafter
DOLPHIN
CO2 Emissions
193238 g/km
0 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
-
Idle CO2 Output
193238
-
CO2 Emissions G Km
193238
-
Spec
Crafter
DOLPHIN
Basic Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Spec
Crafter
DOLPHIN
Service Plan
Not Available
3 years/60000 km service plan
Spec
Crafter
DOLPHIN
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
extended-range derivative
Price Zar
1406000 ZAR
602900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Active local lineup
extended-range derivative
Starting Price
1406000
602900
Starting Price Zar
1406000
602900
In depth: how these cars differ
This Crafter and DOLPHIN comparison brings together local model information and available derivatives for South Africa. Prices and specifications appear only where they have been recorded for this market.
Hagalu has withheld an overall score because at least one selected vehicle does not yet have four comparable categories and 50% weighted source coverage. Missing catalogue evidence is not replaced with a neutral score or a guessed value.
Use the key-spec and full-spec tables to compare the fields that are confirmed. For a purchase decision, verify current availability, exact derivative equipment, finance, insurance and ownership cover with the relevant manufacturer or authorised retailer.
Model imagery
Crafter and DOLPHIN image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
Hagalu does not turn missing specifications into neutral scores or guessed values.
Fail closed
Score withheld: fewer than four comparable categories or less than 50% weighted source coverage for at least one vehicle.
Use the verified key-spec and full-spec tables on this page. A ranked index will appear only after every selected vehicle has source-backed data in at least four categories and reaches 50% weighted coverage.
What the evidence means
No overall winner is declared because the selected vehicles do not yet meet Hagalu's minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold. Compare the confirmed rows and verify the exact derivative before buying.
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.
Compare
Request dealer offers
Let's discuss your next car
Share your interest so Hagalu can follow up about quotations and available discounts. The dealer confirms stock, price and terms.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
Your enquiry has reached Hagalu for follow-up. Any dealer offer will be confirmed separately by the seller.
