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 vs Hyundai Staria Panelvan: the short answer
DOLPHIN and Staria Panelvan are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
DOLPHIN starts ZAR 160,000 cheaperDOLPHIN from ZAR 539,900 · Staria Panelvan from ZAR 699,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
DOLPHIN
Staria Panelvan
Maximum Power
DOLPHIN150 kW
Staria Panelvan130 kW
Maximum Torque
DOLPHIN310 Nm
Staria Panelvan430 Nm
Engine Size
DOLPHINNot Applicable
Staria Panelvan2199 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
DOLPHINNot Applicable
Staria Panelvan11.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
DOLPHIN155 mm
Staria Panelvan186 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
Premium Extended Range EV
Hagalu editorial rating
4.3/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
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
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Staria Panelvan
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
DOLPHIN
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Staria Panelvan
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
Staria Panelvan
Model Introduced Year
2024
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
First South African DOLPHIN generation
Current South African Staria Panelvan 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
Panel van
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
Compact Hatchback
Van
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
Van
Color Note
-
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
-
Base grade in the South Africa lineup
Tare Mass Kg
-
1990+ kg
Spec
DOLPHIN
Staria Panelvan
Length
4290 mm
5253 mm
Width
1770 mm
1997 mm
Height
1570 mm
1990 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
3273 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
186 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
130 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
75 l
Boot/Cargo Space
345 l
4935 l
Kerb Weight
1658 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2068 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Payload Capacity
410 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Towing Capacity
0 kg
2500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
3 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.25 m
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Headroom
1000 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
900 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
1130 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
740 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
DOLPHIN
Staria Panelvan
Engine
Single-motor battery-electric powertrain
2.2-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Electric
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
2199 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
Turbocharged
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
150 kW
130 kW
Maximum Torque
310 Nm
430 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
160 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
7.0 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
90.5 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
187.0 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
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
Staria Panelvan
Gearbox
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Automatic
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
Not Available
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
1
8
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Instrument cluster switch 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 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
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
1
8
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN
Staria Panelvan
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
11.5 km/l
City Mileage
Not Applicable
9.3 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
13.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
75 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
11.5 km/l
Charging Port Type
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Not Applicable
Charging Type
AC and DC
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
Not Applicable
75 l
Combined Driving Range
427 km
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
15.9 kWh/100 km (WLTP)
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
315 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
398 km
Not Applicable
Spec
DOLPHIN
Staria Panelvan
Airbags
7
Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
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
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Not Available
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
Standard
Standard
AEB
Standard
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Brake Override System
Standard
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Not Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
DOLPHIN
Staria Panelvan
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Rear View Camera
Standard
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Park Assist
Standard
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Not Available
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Parking Distance Sensors
-
Standard
Parking Sensor
-
Standard
Spec
DOLPHIN
Staria Panelvan
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
Cloth
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Standard
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Synthetic leather
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
Synthetic leather
Cloth
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
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 Staria Panelvan grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Colours
-
3
Spec
DOLPHIN
Staria Panelvan
Climate Control
Automatic
Not Available
Power Windows
Standard
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Standard
Not Available
Push Button Start
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
Wireless
Sunroof
Panoramic
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
AC Type
Automatic
Not Available
Load Bed Length
-
2500 mm
Load Bed Width
-
1640 mm
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
4935 l
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Engine Warranty
-
4
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
8.7
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
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
-
1436 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
-
2500 mm
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
-
1640 mm
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Sonar
-
Standard
Source Model Column
-
staria-panelvan
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
base
Variant Role
-
Commercial utility derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN
Staria Panelvan
Infotainment System
12.8-inch rotating touchscreen
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Full LCD instrument display
Digital instrument cluster
USB Ports
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
12.8
SYNC
Touchscreen
12.8
SYNC
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Infotainment Screen Size
12.8
SYNC
Multi Information Display
-
Digital display
Connected Services
-
Standard
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Standard
Spec
DOLPHIN
Staria Panelvan
LED Headlamps
Standard
Halogen
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Applicable
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Atlantis Grey + Black, Blue + Grey, Ski White + Grey
3
Headlights
Standard
Halogen
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Body Type
-
Van
Led Headlights
Standard
Halogen
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Headlamps
Standard
Halogen
Headlight Type
Standard
Halogen
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN
Staria Panelvan
Approach Angle
16 deg
Not Available
Departure Angle
23 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
-
186 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
186 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
Staria Panelvan
Tyre Size
205/50 R17
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
17
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN
Staria Panelvan
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN
Staria Panelvan
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Diesel
Spec
DOLPHIN
Staria Panelvan
Service Plan
3 years/60000 km 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
3 years/60000 km service plan
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 years/60000 km service plan
3 Years / 45000 km
Alternator
-
120A
Service Intervals
-
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
DOLPHIN
Staria Panelvan
Ownership Role
extended-range derivative
Base
Price Zar
602900 ZAR
699900 ZAR
Pricing Role
extended-range derivative
Current listed price
Starting Price
602900
699900
Starting Price Zar
602900
699900
Spec
DOLPHIN
Staria Panelvan
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 and Staria Panelvan 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 66 vs Staria Panelvan 67.
Efficiency index: DOLPHIN 90 vs Staria Panelvan 51.
Safety-equipment index: DOLPHIN 98 vs Staria Panelvan 89.
Practicality index: DOLPHIN 56 vs Staria Panelvan 72.
Ownership-cover index: DOLPHIN not separately scored vs Staria Panelvan 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 and Staria Panelvan 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 leads by 6 points
DOLPHIN and Staria Panelvan 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
Performance
66/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
56/100
Staria Panelvan
Performance
67/100
Efficiency
51/100
Safety
89/100
Practicality
72/100
Ownership
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBYD DOLPHIN
leads the specification evidence index with 76 pts
vs 70 pts for Staria Panelvan
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, DOLPHIN leads. However, Staria Panelvan 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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