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 Jetour T1 i-DM: the short answer
T1 i-DM has a modest catalogue-index lead, while DOLPHIN SURF remains close.
DOLPHIN SURF starts ZAR 348,000 cheaperDOLPHIN SURF from ZAR 341,900 · T1 i-DM from ZAR 689,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
DOLPHIN SURF
T1 i-DM
Maximum Power
DOLPHIN SURF55 kW
T1 i-DM100 kW @ 5200 rpm
Maximum Torque
DOLPHIN SURF135 Nm
T1 i-DM220 Nm @ 2500 rpm
Engine Size
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
T1 i-DM1499 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
T1 i-DM90.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
DOLPHIN SURF155 mm
T1 i-DM190 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)
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
Specification evidence leader
T1 i-DM
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
Which One's Right for You?
DOLPHIN SURF
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
T1 i-DM
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
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
T1 i-DM
Model Introduced Year
2025
2026
Generation
First South African DOLPHIN SURF generation
Current local listing
Facelift History
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Not listed by current South African source page.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
SUV
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
Active
Active
Segment
City Hatchback
SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
SUV
Gross Combined Mass Kg
-
3948 kg
Tare Mass Kg
-
2048 kg
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
T1 i-DM
Length
3925 mm
4705 mm
Width
1720 mm
1967 mm
Height
1590 mm
1843 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2800 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
190 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
190 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
70 l
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
574 l
Kerb Weight
1280 kg
2048 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1690 kg
2348 kg
Payload Capacity
410 kg
300 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
1600 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
4.95 m
5.7 m
Front Headroom
980 mm
1030 mm
Rear Headroom
920 mm
1010 mm
Front Legroom
1060 mm
1050 mm
Rear Legroom
690 mm
930 mm
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
T1 i-DM
Engine
Single-motor battery-electric powertrain
1.5TD hybrid-dedicated engine
Engine Code
Not Applicable
SQRH4J15
Fuel Type
Electric
Plug-in Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Plug-in Hybrid
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
1499 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Applicable
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
4
Aspiration
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
12.0:1
Bore
Not Applicable
72 mm
Stroke
Not Applicable
92 mm
Maximum Power
55 kW
100 kW @ 5200 rpm
Maximum Torque
135 Nm
220 Nm @ 2500 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
250 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
530 Nm
Motor Type
Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Motors
1
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Location
Front
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Type
FWD
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
130 km/h
180 km/h
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
125 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
105.5 Nm/tonne
265 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
38.88 kWh
18.4 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
LFP
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
295 km (WLTP)
100 km
AC Charging Power
6.6 kW
Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Power
40 kW
Not Officially Disclosed
AC Charging Time
Not Officially Disclosed
180 min (30-100%)
DC Charging Time
Not Officially Disclosed
27 min (30-80%)
Regenerative Braking
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
T1 i-DM
Gearbox
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front motor, front-wheel drive
2WD
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
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Instrument switch group gear selector
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
FWD
2WD
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
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
2WD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
1
Not Applicable
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
T1 i-DM
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
90.9 km/l
City Mileage
Not Applicable
74.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
105.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
70 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
VI B
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
Not Applicable
90.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Not Applicable
Charging Type
AC and DC
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
Not Applicable
70
Combined Driving Range
295 km (WLTP)
1200
Electric Consumption
13.4 kWh/100 km (measured)
21
Range Real World Highway
245 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
288 km
Not Applicable
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
T1 i-DM
Airbags
6
Front, front side, and front/rear curtain airbags
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Applicable
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front and rear
AEB
Not Available
Yes
BA
Standard
Not Available
Brake Override System
Standard
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Front, front side, and front/rear curtain airbags
Driver Airbag
Standard
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Not Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Front, front side, and front/rear curtain airbags
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
T1 i-DM
Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Standard
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Yes
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
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Park Assist
Standard
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Yes
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
T1 i-DM
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
Black synthetic leather with orange stitching
Heated Seats
Standard
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Front seats
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Multi
Steering Wheel Material
Imitation leather
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
Not Available
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
Driver 6-way electric with ventilation, lumbar support and memory; passenger 4-way electric with ventilation and leg rest
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-way manual
Driver 6-way electric with ventilation, lumbar support and memory; passenger 4-way electric with ventilation and leg rest
Seat Trim
Synthetic leather
Black synthetic leather with orange stitching
Seat Adjustment
-
Driver 6-way electric with ventilation, lumbar support and memory; passenger 4-way electric with ventilation and leg rest
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear AC Vents
-
Yes
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
T1 i-DM
Climate Control
Electric air conditioner
Dual-zone climate control
Power Windows
Standard
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Standard
Not Available
Push Button Start
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
50W
Sunroof
Not Available
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
AC Type
Electric air conditioner
Dual-zone climate control
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Automatic Headlamps
-
Yes
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
1455 l
Engine Warranty
-
10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
1.1
Rear Seat Split
-
60/40
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Roof Load
-
300kg static / 100kg dynamic
Towbar
-
Yes
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
T1 i-DM
Infotainment System
10.1-inch touchscreen
15.6-inch
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
4
9 Sony speakers
Digital Instrument Cluster
7-inch digital instrument display
10.25-inch
USB Ports
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
10.1
15.6-inch
Touchscreen
10.1
15.6-inch
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
T1 i-DM
LED Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Yes
Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
Yes
Roof Rails
Not Applicable
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Lime Green, Cream White, Cosmos Black, Ice Blue
See OEM source page for colour availability.
Headlights
Standard
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Yes
Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Headlight Type
Standard
Yes
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
T1 i-DM
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
Underbody Protection
-
Metal guard plate for front compartment
Ground Clearance Max
-
190 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
190 mm
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
T1 i-DM
Tyre Size
185/55 R16
235/60 R19
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc brake
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Solid disc brake
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
16
19
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Not Applicable
Brake Type Front
-
Ventilated disc brake
Brake Type Rear
-
Solid disc brake
Towing Unbraked Kg
-
750 kg
Wheel Material
-
Alloy
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
T1 i-DM
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
MacPherson strut suspension
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Multi-link independent suspension
Front Track Width
-
1690 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1700 mm
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson strut
MacPherson strut suspension
Rear Suspension Type
Torsion beam
Multi-link independent suspension
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
T1 i-DM
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
25 g/km
Hybrid System Type
-
Plug-in Hybrid
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Hybrid
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
T1 i-DM
Service Plan
4 years/2 services service plan
7-year/75,000 km service plan
Battery Warranty
-
8-year/160,000 km battery warranty
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
T1 i-DM
Ownership Role
longer-range city derivative
South Africa market model
Price Zar
395900 ZAR
689900 ZAR
Pricing Role
longer-range city derivative
flagship
Starting Price
395900
689900
Starting Price Zar
395900
689900
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
T1 i-DM
Warranty
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
7-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty
Basic Warranty
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
7-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty
In depth: how these cars differ
This DOLPHIN SURF and T1 i-DM 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 T1 i-DM 41.
Efficiency index: DOLPHIN SURF 90 vs T1 i-DM 98.
Safety-equipment index: DOLPHIN SURF 87 vs T1 i-DM 93.
Practicality index: DOLPHIN SURF 51 vs T1 i-DM 66.
Ownership-cover index: DOLPHIN SURF not separately scored vs T1 i-DM 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
DOLPHIN SURF and T1 i-DM 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
T1 i-DM leads by 11 points
T1 i-DM has a modest catalogue-index lead, while DOLPHIN SURF remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
T1 i-DM
Performance
41/100
Efficiency
98/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
66/100
DOLPHIN SURF
Performance
25/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
51/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexJetour T1 i-DM
leads the specification evidence index with 72 pts
vs 61 pts for DOLPHIN SURF
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, T1 i-DM 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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