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.
BYD DOLPHIN SURF vs Hyundai EXTER: the short answer
DOLPHIN SURF and EXTER are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
EXTER starts ZAR 72,000 cheaperDOLPHIN SURF from ZAR 341,900 · EXTER from ZAR 269,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
DOLPHIN SURF
EXTER
Maximum Power
DOLPHIN SURF55 kW
EXTER5 kW
Maximum Torque
DOLPHIN SURF135 Nm
EXTER114 Nm
Engine Size
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
EXTER1197 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
EXTER16.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
DOLPHIN SURF155 mm
EXTER185 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.
BYD DOLPHIN SURF
Dynamic EV
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
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
EXTER
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
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
EXTER
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
EXTER
Model Introduced Year
2025
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
First South African DOLPHIN SURF generation
Current South African EXTER listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Compact SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
City Hatchback
SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
SUV
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
Tare Mass Kg
-
999 kg
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
EXTER
Length
3925 mm
3815 mm
Width
1720 mm
1710 mm
Height
1590 mm
1631 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2450 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
185 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
37 l
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
391 l
Kerb Weight
1280 kg
999 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1690 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Payload Capacity
410 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Towing Capacity
0 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
4.95 m
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Headroom
980 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
920 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
1060 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
690 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
EXTER
Engine
Single-motor battery-electric powertrain
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Electric
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
1197 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
55 kW
5 kW
Maximum Torque
135 Nm
114 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Front
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
130 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
15.5 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
43.0 kW/tonne
5 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
105.5 Nm/tonne
114.1 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
38.88 kWh
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
LFP
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Electric Range
295 km (WLTP)
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
6.6 kW
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
40 kW
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Yes
Not Applicable
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
EXTER
Gearbox
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
AMT
Drivetrain Layout
Front motor, front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Available
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Available
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
10.45
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
1
5
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automated Manual
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Instrument switch group gear selector
AMT
Drivetrain
FWD
Front-wheel drive
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
Front Differential Lock
Not Available
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Single-speed reduction gear
AMT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
1
5
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
EXTER
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
16.9 km/l
City Mileage
Not Applicable
13.6 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
19.9 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
37 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
Not Applicable
16.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Not Applicable
Charging Type
AC and DC
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
Not Applicable
37 l
Combined Driving Range
295 km (WLTP)
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
13.4 kWh/100 km (measured)
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
245 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
288 km
Not Applicable
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
EXTER
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Applicable
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Brake Override System
Standard
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Standard
6
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Not Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
6
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
-
6
Driver Passenger Airbags
-
6
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
EXTER
Cruise Control
Standard
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
Standard
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Not Available
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 Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Standard
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Lights
-
Halogen with automatic function
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
EXTER
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
Cloth
Heated Seats
Standard
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Imitation leather
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
Not Available
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-way manual
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
Synthetic leather
Cloth
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear USB Ports
-
Standard
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Digital instrument cluster
Interior Colour Options
-
3
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen EXTER grade before assuming a feature is included.
Leather Accented Seat Trim
-
Cloth
Interior Colours
-
3
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
EXTER
Climate Control
Electric air conditioner
Not Available
Power Windows
Standard
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Standard
Not Available
Push Button Start
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
Wireless
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
AC Type
Electric air conditioner
Not Available
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Automatic Headlamps
-
Halogen with automatic function
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
Not Applicable
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Engine Warranty
-
4
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Seat Type
-
Cloth
Steering Mounted Controls
-
Multifunction
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
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
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
exter
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
DOLPHIN SURF
EXTER
Infotainment System
10.1-inch touchscreen
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
4
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
7-inch digital instrument display
Digital instrument cluster
USB Ports
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Standard
Infotainment Screen
10.1
SYNC
Touchscreen
10.1
SYNC
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Multifunction
Infotainment Screen Size
10.1
SYNC
Audio Controls On Steering
-
Multifunction
Rear Usb
-
Standard
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
-
Standard
Multi Information Display
-
Digital display
Connected Services
-
Standard
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Standard
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
EXTER
LED Headlamps
Standard
Halogen with automatic function
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
H-signature LED
Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Applicable
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Lime Green, Cream White, Cosmos Black, Ice Blue
3
Headlights
Standard
Halogen with automatic function
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Body Type
-
SUV
DRL
LED
H-signature LED
Led Headlights
Standard
Halogen with automatic function
Auto Headlights
-
Halogen with automatic function
Automatic Headlamps
-
Halogen with automatic function
Daytime Running Lights
LED
H-signature LED
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Headlamp Levelling
-
Halogen with automatic function
Headlamps
Standard
Halogen with automatic function
Headlight Type
Standard
Halogen with automatic function
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
EXTER
Approach Angle
15 deg
Not Available
Departure Angle
25 deg
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Available
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
185 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
185 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
DOLPHIN SURF
EXTER
Tyre Size
185/55 R16
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
16
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Multifunction
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
-
Multifunction
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
EXTER
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
EXTER
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
EXTER
Service Plan
4 years/2 services service plan
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
Battery Warranty
-
4
Maintenance Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
First Service At
-
15000
Service Plan Duration
4 years/2 services service plan
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Plan Distance
4 years/2 services service plan
3 Years / 45000 km
Alternator
-
120A
Service Intervals
-
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
EXTER
Ownership Role
longer-range city derivative
Flagship
Price Zar
395900 ZAR
334900 ZAR
Pricing Role
longer-range city derivative
Current listed price
Starting Price
395900
334900
Starting Price Zar
395900
334900
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
EXTER
Warranty
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
5
Warranty Years
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
5
Warranty Kilometers
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 Years
Basic Warranty
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
In depth: how these cars differ
This DOLPHIN SURF and EXTER 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: DOLPHIN SURF 25 vs EXTER 19.
Efficiency index: DOLPHIN SURF 90 vs EXTER 66.
Safety-equipment index: DOLPHIN SURF 87 vs EXTER 84.
Practicality index: DOLPHIN SURF 51 vs EXTER 65.
Ownership-cover index: DOLPHIN SURF not separately scored vs EXTER 65.
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
DOLPHIN SURF and EXTER 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
DOLPHIN SURF leads by 3 points
DOLPHIN SURF and EXTER are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
DOLPHIN SURF
Performance
25/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
51/100
EXTER
Performance
19/100
Efficiency
66/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
65/100
Ownership
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBYD DOLPHIN SURF
leads the specification evidence index with 61 pts
vs 58 pts for EXTER
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, DOLPHIN SURF leads. However, EXTER 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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