A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Includes a historical vehicle
Current, upcoming and historical vehicles can be compared side by side. Historical records keep their verified specifications, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
Discontinued modelVerified historical specifications remain visible for owner and used-car comparisons.
⚡ 88 kW🔧 172 Nm⛽ 16.9 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
At a Glance — Who Wins What
⚡PerformanceDOLPHIN
⛽Fuel EconomyDOLPHIN
🛡SafetyDOLPHIN
📦Practicalityi30
🔑OwnershipNot enough comparable data
Recorded price context
DOLPHIN:
current from
ZAR 539,900
·
i30:
last listed from
ZAR 432,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
DOLPHIN
i30
Maximum Power
150 kW
88 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
310 Nm
172 Nm @ 1500 rpm
Engine Size
Not Applicable
998 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Not Applicable
16.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
155 mm
135 mm
Boot / Load Bay
345 l
395 l
Airbags
7
6
Kerb Weight
1658 kg
1285 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Warranty
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
5
= leads in this spec
Archived vehicles remain available for comparison. Verified specs stay visible; historical fields that were not source-confirmed are marked Not confirmed instead of being guessed.
The Bottom Line
DOLPHIN has a modest catalogue-index lead, while i30 remains close.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
DOLPHIN
+27 pts
Efficiency
DOLPHIN
+24 pts
Safety
DOLPHIN
+11 pts
Practicality
i30
+4 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Catalogue-index leader
DOLPHIN
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
i30
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
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
i30
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
DOLPHIN
i30
Model Introduced Year
2024
2007
Generation
First South African DOLPHIN generation
Third generation i30 on Hyundai's i-GMP-derived platform; the N Performance uses a more heavily engineered chassis with limited-slip differential and performance suspension
Facelift History
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Not confirmed
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2017
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Not confirmed
Body Style
Hatchback
Not confirmed
Model Year
2026
Not confirmed
Production Status
Active
Not confirmed
Segment
Compact Hatchback
Not confirmed
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
Not confirmed
Tare Mass Kg
-
1285 kg
Spec
DOLPHIN
i30
Length
4290 mm
4340 mm
Width
1770 mm
1795 mm
Height
1570 mm
1455 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2650 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
135 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
130 mm
Not confirmed
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
50 l
Boot/Cargo Space
345 l
395 l
Kerb Weight
1658 kg
1285 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2068 kg
Not confirmed
Payload Capacity
410 kg
Not confirmed
Towing Capacity
0 kg
Not confirmed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
Not confirmed
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.25 m
Not confirmed
Front Headroom
1000 mm
Not confirmed
Rear Headroom
900 mm
Not confirmed
Front Legroom
1130 mm
Not confirmed
Rear Legroom
740 mm
Not confirmed
Spec
DOLPHIN
i30
Engine
Single-motor battery-electric powertrain
1-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Electric
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
998 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
3
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Inline
Valves
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Not Applicable
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
150 kW
88 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
310 Nm
172 Nm @ 1500 rpm
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
7-Speed DCT
Top Speed
160 km/h
190 km/h
0-100 km/h
7.0 sec
10.8 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow
Eco, Normal
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
90.5 kW/tonne
68.5 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
187.0 Nm/tonne
133.9 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
60.48 kWh
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
LFP
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
403.2 V
Not Applicable
Electric Range
427 km
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
7 kW
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
80 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
i30
Gearbox
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
7-speed DCT Dual Clutch
Drivetrain Layout
Front motor, front-wheel drive
FWD
LSD Available
Not Available
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Differential Lock
Not Available
Not confirmed
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Not Available
Not confirmed
Number of Gears
1
Not confirmed
Transmission Type
Automatic
Manual
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Instrument cluster switch gear selector
Not confirmed
Drivetrain
FWD
Not confirmed
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Front Differential Lock
Not Available
Not confirmed
Gearbox Type
Single-speed reduction gear
Manual
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Axle Layout
4x2
Not confirmed
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Transmission Speeds
1
Not confirmed
Engine Position
-
Front
Spec
DOLPHIN
i30
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
16.9 km/l
City Mileage
Not Applicable
13.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
20.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
50 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Real-world Mileage
Not Applicable
16.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Not confirmed
Charging Type
AC and DC
Not confirmed
Fuel Tank Litres
Not Applicable
50
Combined Driving Range
427 km
Not confirmed
Electric Consumption
15.9 kWh/100 km (WLTP)
Not confirmed
Range Real World Highway
315 km
Not confirmed
Range Real World Mixed
398 km
Not confirmed
Distance To Empty
-
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
-
Yes
Spec
DOLPHIN
i30
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Applicable
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Not confirmed
AEB
Standard
No
BA
Standard
Yes
Brake Override System
Standard
Not confirmed
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not confirmed
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Not confirmed
Side Airbags
Standard
Not confirmed
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not confirmed
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Central Locking
-
Yes
Speed Alert System
-
Yes
Safety Rating
-
Not Rated (SA)
Spec
DOLPHIN
i30
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Parking Sensors
Standard
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Not confirmed
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Not confirmed
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
No
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Not confirmed
Auto Wipers
Standard
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Not confirmed
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Park Assist
Standard
Not confirmed
Around View Monitor
Standard
Not confirmed
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Not confirmed
Auto Lights
-
Yes
Eco Mode
-
Yes
EV Mode
-
No
Sport Mode
-
No
Spec
DOLPHIN
i30
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
Leather-Look
Heated Seats
Not Available
Front
Ventilated Seats
Standard
No
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Synthetic leather
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
Not confirmed
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment
Not confirmed
Seat Trim
Synthetic leather
Not confirmed
Seat Adjustment
-
Power Driver
Steering Type
-
Electric
Steering Adjustment
-
Tilt & Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
-
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Rear Armrest
-
No
Cup Holders
-
4
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Analogue + MID
Door Map Pockets
-
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
-
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
-
Manual
Cooled Seats
-
No
Fabric Seats
-
Yes
Front Headrest
-
Yes
Leather Seats
-
No
Memory Seats
-
No
Rear Headrest
-
Yes
Spec
DOLPHIN
i30
Climate Control
Automatic
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
Standard
All
Keyless Entry
Standard
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
Yes
Sunroof
Panoramic
Electric Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not confirmed
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
No
AC Type
Automatic
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
No
Rear Window Defroster
-
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
-
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
-
12V
Boot Opener
-
Inside
Door Ajar Warning
-
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
-
Yes
Engine Check Warning
-
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Standard
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Standard
Yes
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Front Power Outlet
-
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
-
Inside
Headlamp Height Adjust
-
Manual
Headlamp Washer
-
No
Power Mirrors
-
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
-
Yes
Service Reminder
-
Yes
Spare Wheel
Tyre repair kit
Steel
Tachometer
-
Yes
Telescopic Steering
-
No
Tilt Steering
-
Yes
Trip Computer
-
Yes
Vanity Mirror
-
Yes
Air Conditioning
Automatic
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Rim Size
17
17-inch Alloy
Sound System
6
8 Bose Premium
Unlocking
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charger
Standard
Yes
Spec
DOLPHIN
i30
Infotainment System
12.8-inch rotating touchscreen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
8 Bose Premium
Digital Instrument Cluster
Full LCD instrument display
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Infotainment Screen
12.8
Not confirmed
Touchscreen
12.8
Not confirmed
Navigation System
-
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Yes
FM Radio
-
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Yes
Voice Recognition
-
Yes
AUX Input
-
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
-
Yes
Infotainment Display
-
Touchscreen
Rear Usb
-
Yes
Audio Speakers
6
8 Bose Premium
Spec
DOLPHIN
i30
LED Headlamps
Standard
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
LED
Roof Rails
Not Applicable
No
Exterior Colour Options
Atlantis Grey + Black, Blue + Grey, Ski White + Grey
Not confirmed
Headlights
Standard
Full LED
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Not confirmed
Alloy Wheel Design
-
17-inch Alloy
Rear Spoiler
-
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
-
Power Adjustable
Door Handle Finish
-
Body Coloured
Body Type
-
Hatchback
DRL
LED
LED
Fog Lights
-
Yes
Front Fog Lights
-
Yes
Led Headlights
Standard
Full LED
Daytime Running Lights
LED
LED
Exterior Mirror Electric
-
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
LED
Headlamps
Standard
Full LED
Headlight Type
Standard
Full LED
Spec
DOLPHIN
i30
Approach Angle
16 deg
Not confirmed
Departure Angle
23 deg
Not confirmed
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Available
No
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Ramp Breakover Angle
-
20 deg
Hill Descent Control
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
135 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
135 mm
Spec
DOLPHIN
i30
Tyre Size
205/50 R17
225/45 R17
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Steel
Wheel Rim Size
17
17-inch Alloy
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Not confirmed
Wheel Type
-
17-inch Alloy
Parking Brake Type
-
Manual
Tyre Load Index
-
91
Tyre Speed Rating
-
H
Brake Type Front
-
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
-
Disc
Spare Tyre
Tyre repair kit
Steel
Tyre Type
-
Tubeless Radial
Wheel Diameter
17
17-inch Alloy
Wheels
-
17-inch Alloy
Spec
DOLPHIN
i30
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
-
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-link
Multi-Link
Spec
DOLPHIN
i30
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
117 g/km
Start Stop System
-
No
Variable Valve Timing
-
Yes
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Unleaded 95
Fuel Evaporation Control
-
Yes
Spec
DOLPHIN
i30
Service Plan
3 years/60000 km service plan
4
Service Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
Maintenance Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
First Service At
-
15000
Service Plan Duration
3 years/60000 km service plan
4
Service Plan Distance
3 years/60000 km service plan
4
Alternator
-
120A
Service Intervals
-
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
DOLPHIN
i30
Ownership Role
extended-range derivative
Not confirmed
Price Zar
602900 ZAR
Not confirmed
Pricing Role
extended-range derivative
Not confirmed
Starting Price
602900
Not confirmed
Starting Price Zar
602900
Not confirmed
Spec
DOLPHIN
i30
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
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
Weighted / 100
Catalogue-index readout
DOLPHIN leads by 13 points
DOLPHIN has a modest catalogue-index lead, while i30 remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
DOLPHIN
Performance
66/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
56/100
i30
Performance
39/100
Efficiency
66/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
60/100
Ownership
65/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆BYD DOLPHIN
leads the catalogue index with 76 pts
vs 63 pts for i30
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, DOLPHIN leads. However, i30 may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives 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.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This DOLPHIN and i30 comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: DOLPHIN 66 vs i30 39.
Efficiency index: DOLPHIN 90 vs i30 66.
Safety-equipment index: DOLPHIN 98 vs i30 87.
Practicality index: DOLPHIN 56 vs i30 60.
Ownership-cover index: DOLPHIN not separately scored vs i30 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.
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