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.
DOLPHIN SURF and ZS are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
ZS starts ZAR 52,000 cheaperDOLPHIN SURF from ZAR 341,900 · ZS from ZAR 289,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
DOLPHIN SURF
ZS
Maximum Power
DOLPHIN SURF55 kW
ZS84 kW
Maximum Torque
DOLPHIN SURF135 Nm
ZS150 Nm
Engine Size
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
ZS1498 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
ZS14.08 km/l
Ground Clearance
DOLPHIN SURF155 mm
ZS175 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
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
ZS
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
DOLPHIN SURF
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
ZS
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
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
ZS
Model Introduced Year
2025
2025
Generation
First South African DOLPHIN SURF generation
Current local value-positioned ZS compact SUV, sold alongside rather than replaced by the larger turbocharged ZS Pro.
Facelift History
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Current South African ZS specification introduced with MG's market return in 2025.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2025
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Five-door compact SUV
Model Year
2026
2024
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
City Hatchback
Compact SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
SUV
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
ZS
Length
3925 mm
4314 mm
Width
1720 mm
1809 mm
Height
1590 mm
1624 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2585 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
175 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
48 l
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
359 l
Kerb Weight
1280 kg
1258 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1690 kg
1695 kg
Payload Capacity
410 kg
437 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
500 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
5.6 m
Front Headroom
980 mm
1043 mm
Rear Headroom
920 mm
995 mm
Front Legroom
1060 mm
1070 mm
Rear Legroom
690 mm
850 mm
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
ZS
Engine
Single-motor battery-electric powertrain
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated NSE Petrol
Engine Code
Not Applicable
NSE
Fuel Type
Electric
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
1498 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Inline
Valves
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Not Applicable
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Multipoint fuel injection
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
55 kW
84 kW
Maximum Torque
135 Nm
150 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
4-Speed Automatic
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
No
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
43.0 kW/tonne
66.77 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
105.5 Nm/tonne
119.24 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
ZS
Gearbox
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
4-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front motor, front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Available
Not Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
10.45
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
1
4
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Torque converter automatic
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Instrument switch group gear selector
Automatic
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 Available
Front Differential Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Gearbox Type
Single-speed reduction gear
Automatic
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
4
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
ZS
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
14.08 km/l
City Mileage
Not Applicable
10.99 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
16.95 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
48 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
EURO 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Available
Real-world Mileage
Not Applicable
14.08 km/l
Charging Port Type
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Not Applicable
Charging Type
AC and DC
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
Not Applicable
48
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
ZS
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
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
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
ZS
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
Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Standard
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
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Standard
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
ZS
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
PVC + PU
Heated Seats
Standard
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Imitation leather
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Not Available
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
6-way manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-way manual
4-way manual, no height adjustment
Seat Trim
Synthetic leather
PVC + PU
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
ZS
Climate Control
Electric air conditioner
ETC air conditioning
Power Windows
Standard
Standard
Keyless Entry
Standard
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
AC Type
Electric air conditioner
ETC air conditioning
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
ZS
Infotainment System
10.1-inch touchscreen
8-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
4
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
7-inch digital instrument display
Not Available
USB Ports
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Standard
Infotainment Screen
10.1
8-inch
Touchscreen
10.1
8-inch
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
ZS
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Standard
Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
Standard
Roof Rails
Not Applicable
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
Lime Green, Cream White, Cosmos Black, Ice Blue
Pearl Black, Arctic White, Storm Silver, Burnt Orange, Dynamic Red, Atlantic Blue
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
ZS
Approach Angle
15 deg
19.0 deg
Departure Angle
25 deg
29.0 deg
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Available
Not Available
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
ZS
Tyre Size
185/55 R16
215/50R17
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
16-inch steel spare wheel and tyre R16
Wheel Rim Size
16
17
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Mechanical
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
ZS
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Independent
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Torsion Beam
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
ZS
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
165 g/km
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
ZS
Service Plan
4 years/2 services service plan
5 years/60,000 km
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
ZS
Ownership Role
longer-range city derivative
Passenger vehicle
Price Zar
395900 ZAR
309900 ZAR
Pricing Role
longer-range city derivative
Current South African MSRP
Starting Price
395900
309900
Starting Price Zar
395900
309900
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
ZS
Warranty
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
7 years / 200,000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This DOLPHIN SURF and ZS 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 ZS 37.
Efficiency index: DOLPHIN SURF 90 vs ZS 55.
Safety-equipment index: DOLPHIN SURF 87 vs ZS 87.
Practicality index: DOLPHIN SURF 51 vs ZS 52.
Ownership-cover index: DOLPHIN SURF not separately scored vs ZS 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 ZS 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 4 points
DOLPHIN SURF and ZS 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
ZS
Performance
37/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
52/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBYD DOLPHIN SURF
leads the specification evidence index with 61 pts
vs 57 pts for ZS
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, DOLPHIN SURF leads. However, ZS 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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