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 Ford Transit Custom: the short answer
DOLPHIN has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Transit Custom remains close.
DOLPHIN starts ZAR 230,100 cheaperDOLPHIN from ZAR 539,900 · Transit Custom from ZAR 770,000
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
DOLPHIN
Transit Custom
Maximum Power
DOLPHIN150 kW
Transit Custom100 kW
Maximum Torque
DOLPHIN310 Nm
Transit Custom360 Nm
Engine Size
DOLPHINNot Applicable
Transit Custom1996 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
DOLPHINNot Applicable
Transit Custom12.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
DOLPHIN155 mm
Transit Custom130 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
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Transit Custom
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
Transit Custom
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
Transit Custom
Model Introduced Year
2024
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
First South African DOLPHIN generation
Current South African Transit Custom 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
Van
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
Compact Hatchback
Commercial 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
Wheelbase Type
-
Long wheelbase
Tare Mass Kg
-
1756 kg
Spec
DOLPHIN
Transit Custom
Length
4290 mm
5450 mm
Width
1770 mm
2032 mm
Height
1570 mm
1979 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
3500 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
130 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
130 mm
125 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
50 l
Boot/Cargo Space
345 l
484 l
Kerb Weight
1658 kg
1756 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2068 kg
3025 kg
Payload Capacity
410 kg
1269 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
1600 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
5.6 m
Front Headroom
1000 mm
984 mm
Rear Headroom
900 mm
947 mm
Front Legroom
1130 mm
1047 mm
Rear Legroom
740 mm
881 mm
Spec
DOLPHIN
Transit Custom
Engine
Single-motor battery-electric powertrain
2-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
Not Applicable
Market-specific engine family
Fuel Type
Electric
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
1996 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Inline
Valves
Not Applicable
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
4
Aspiration
Not Applicable
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Common-rail direct injection
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
10.5:1
Bore
Not Applicable
82.0 mm
Stroke
Not Applicable
94.6 mm
Maximum Power
150 kW
100 kW
Maximum Torque
310 Nm
360 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
RWD
Transmission
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
6-Speed Manual
Top Speed
160 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
7.0 sec
7.8 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
15.5 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Applicable
4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
90.5 kW/tonne
56.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
187.0 Nm/tonne
205 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
Transit Custom
Gearbox
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
6-Speed Manual
Drivetrain Layout
Front motor, front-wheel drive
RWD
LSD Available
Not Available
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Available
No
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
No
Final Drive Ratio
Not Available
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
1
6
Transmission Type
Automatic
Manual
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Dry single-plate clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Instrument cluster switch gear selector
Manual gear lever
Drivetrain
FWD
RWD
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
No
Gearbox Type
Single-speed reduction gear
Manual
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
Rear driven axle
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transmission Speeds
1
6
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN
Transit Custom
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
12.2 km/l
City Mileage
Not Applicable
9.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
14.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
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
12.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Not Applicable
Charging Type
AC and DC
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
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
Transit Custom
Airbags
7
Front passenger and side airbags
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
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Not Available
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Not Available
AEB
Standard
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Brake Override System
Standard
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not Available
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
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Yes
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
DOLPHIN
Transit Custom
Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
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
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
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
Yes
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
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
Spec
DOLPHIN
Transit Custom
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
Fabric upholstery
Heated Seats
Not Available
No
Ventilated Seats
Standard
No
Ambient Lighting
Standard
No
Steering Wheel Material
Synthetic leather
Urethane
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
No
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
Manual adjustment
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment
Manual adjustment
Seat Trim
Synthetic leather
Fabric upholstery
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
3
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Transit Custom grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Colours
-
3
Spec
DOLPHIN
Transit Custom
Climate Control
Automatic
Manual air conditioning
Power Windows
Standard
Yes
Keyless Entry
Standard
Not Available
Push Button Start
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
No
Sunroof
Panoramic
No
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
AC Type
Automatic
Manual air conditioning
Load Bed Length
-
2602 mm
Load Bed Width
-
1392 mm
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
Not Applicable
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
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
-
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
-
2602 mm
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
-
1392 mm
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
transit-custom
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
Transit Custom
Infotainment System
12.8-inch rotating touchscreen
SYNC 4 infotainment system
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Standard
Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
Full LCD instrument display
Multi-information instrument display
USB Ports
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
USB-A and USB-C
Infotainment Screen
12.8
8
Touchscreen
12.8
8
Infotainment Screen Size
12.8
8
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Spec
DOLPHIN
Transit Custom
LED Headlamps
Standard
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Applicable
No
Exterior Colour Options
Atlantis Grey + Black, Blue + Grey, Ski White + Grey
Multiple Ford South Africa factory exterior colours
Headlights
Standard
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
No
Body Type
-
Van
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN
Transit Custom
Approach Angle
16 deg
Not Available
Departure Angle
23 deg
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Available
No
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
-
130 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
130 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
Transit Custom
Tyre Size
205/50 R17
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
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
Transit Custom
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
Transit Custom
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Diesel
Spec
DOLPHIN
Transit Custom
Service Plan
3 years/60000 km service plan
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Maintenance Plan
-
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Service Plan Duration
3 years/60000 km service plan
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Service Plan Distance
3 years/60000 km service plan
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Spec
DOLPHIN
Transit Custom
Ownership Role
extended-range derivative
Base
Price Zar
602900 ZAR
770000 ZAR
Pricing Role
extended-range derivative
Current listed price
Starting Price
602900
770000
Starting Price Zar
602900
770000
Spec
DOLPHIN
Transit Custom
Warranty
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Years
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 years / unlimited km
Basic Warranty
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This DOLPHIN and Transit Custom 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 Transit Custom 60.
Efficiency index: DOLPHIN 90 vs Transit Custom 53.
Safety-equipment index: DOLPHIN 98 vs Transit Custom 90.
Practicality index: DOLPHIN 56 vs Transit Custom 61.
Ownership-cover index: DOLPHIN not separately scored vs Transit Custom 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 and Transit Custom 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 9 points
DOLPHIN has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Transit Custom remains close.
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
Transit Custom
Performance
60/100
Efficiency
53/100
Safety
90/100
Practicality
61/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBYD DOLPHIN
leads the specification evidence index with 76 pts
vs 67 pts for Transit Custom
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, DOLPHIN leads. However, Transit Custom 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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