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🔧 145 Nm⛽ 15.1 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
At a Glance — Who Wins What
⚡PerformanceDOLPHIN
⛽Fuel EconomyDOLPHIN
🛡SafetyDOLPHIN
📦PracticalityYaris
🔑OwnershipNot enough comparable data
Recorded price context
DOLPHIN:
current from
ZAR 539,900
·
Yaris:
last listed from
ZAR 289,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
DOLPHIN
Yaris
Maximum Power
150 kW
88 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
310 Nm
145 Nm @ 4800 rpm
Engine Size
Not Applicable
1496 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Not Applicable
15.1 km/l
Ground Clearance
155 mm
160 mm
Boot / Load Bay
345 l
286 l
Airbags
7
7
Kerb Weight
1658 kg
1110 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
3
= 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 holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Yaris.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
DOLPHIN
+29 pts
Efficiency
DOLPHIN
+29 pts
Safety
DOLPHIN
+1 pts
Practicality
Yaris
+1 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
Yaris
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
Yaris
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
Yaris
Model Introduced Year
2024
2020
Generation
First South African DOLPHIN generation
Not confirmed
Facelift History
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Regular updates with improved safety and features
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Not confirmed
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
-
1110 kg
Spec
DOLPHIN
Yaris
Length
4290 mm
4180 mm
Width
1770 mm
1745 mm
Height
1570 mm
1500 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2550 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
160 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
130 mm
Not confirmed
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
42 l
Boot/Cargo Space
345 l
286 l
Kerb Weight
1658 kg
1110 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2068 kg
1515 kg
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
Not confirmed
Minimum Turning Radius
5.25 m
5.1 m
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
Yaris
Engine
Single-motor battery-electric powertrain
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Electric
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
1496 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
3
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Inline
Valves
Not Applicable
4
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Not Applicable
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
13.0:1
Bore
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
150 kW
88 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
310 Nm
145 Nm @ 4800 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
CVT
Top Speed
160 km/h
182 km/h
0-100 km/h
7.0 sec
11.2 sec
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
79.3 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
187.0 Nm/tonne
130.6 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
Yaris
Gearbox
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
CVT 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 confirmed
Number of Gears
1
Not confirmed
Transmission Type
Automatic
CVT Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Not confirmed
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
CVT Automatic
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 Transverse
Spec
DOLPHIN
Yaris
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
15.1 km/l
City Mileage
Not Applicable
11 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
17 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
42 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
Not Applicable
15.1 km/l
Charging Port Type
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Not confirmed
Charging Type
AC and DC
Not confirmed
Fuel Tank Litres
Not Applicable
42
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
Spec
DOLPHIN
Yaris
Airbags
7
7
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
Not confirmed
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Not confirmed
AEB
Standard
Standard
BA
Standard
Not confirmed
Brake Override System
Standard
Not confirmed
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not confirmed
Driver Airbag
Standard
Not confirmed
EBD
Standard
Not confirmed
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Not confirmed
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Not confirmed
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Not confirmed
Side Airbags
Standard
Not confirmed
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not confirmed
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Central Locking
-
Standard
Side Impact Beams
-
Standard
Spec
DOLPHIN
Yaris
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
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Parking Sensors
Standard
Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Not confirmed
Auto Wipers
Standard
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Not confirmed
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Park Assist
Standard
Not confirmed
Around View Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Not confirmed
Spec
DOLPHIN
Yaris
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
Fabric
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Standard
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Synthetic leather
Not confirmed
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Not confirmed
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
Not confirmed
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment
Not confirmed
Seat Trim
Synthetic leather
Not confirmed
Seat Adjustment
-
Manual
Steering Type
-
Electric
Steering Adjustment
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
-
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Rear Armrest
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN
Yaris
Climate Control
Automatic
Automatic AC
Power Windows
Standard
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Standard
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Optional
Sunroof
Panoramic
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
AC Type
Automatic
Automatic AC
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Standard
Engine Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Engine Start Stop Button
Standard
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Spare Wheel
Tyre repair kit
Full Size Steel
Air Conditioning
Automatic
Automatic AC
Rim Size
17
15-inch Alloy Wheels
Sound System
6
6
Unlocking
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charger
Standard
Optional
Spec
DOLPHIN
Yaris
Infotainment System
12.8-inch rotating touchscreen
9-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Full LCD instrument display
Full Digital
USB Ports
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
2
Infotainment Screen
12.8
Not confirmed
Touchscreen
12.8
Not confirmed
Navigation System
-
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Audio Speakers
6
6
Spec
DOLPHIN
Yaris
LED Headlamps
Standard
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
Standard
Roof Rails
Not Applicable
Not Available
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
-
15-inch Alloy Wheels
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
Not Available
Body Cladding
-
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
-
Not Available
DRL
LED
LED
Led Headlights
Standard
Full LED
Daytime Running Lights
LED
LED
Front Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
Standard
Headlamps
Standard
Full LED
Headlight Type
Standard
Full LED
Spec
DOLPHIN
Yaris
Approach Angle
16 deg
Not confirmed
Departure Angle
23 deg
Not confirmed
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Locking Differential
Not Available
Not confirmed
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Ground Clearance Max
-
160 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
160 mm
Spec
DOLPHIN
Yaris
Tyre Size
205/50 R17
195/55 R16
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Full Size Steel
Wheel Rim Size
17
15-inch Alloy Wheels
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Not confirmed
Wheel Type
-
15-inch Alloy Wheels
Brake Type Front
-
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
-
Drum
Spare Tyre
Tyre repair kit
Full Size Steel
Wheel Diameter
17
15-inch Alloy Wheels
Wheels
-
15-inch Alloy Wheels
Spec
DOLPHIN
Yaris
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
Torsion Beam
Front Track Width
-
1490 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1490 mm
Chassis Type
-
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-link
Torsion Beam
Spec
DOLPHIN
Yaris
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
116 g/km
Start Stop System
-
Not Available
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Applicable
Noise Level
-
68 dB
Spec
DOLPHIN
Yaris
Service Plan
3 years/60000 km service plan
Not confirmed
Service Interval
-
15,000 km or 1 Year
Approx Service Cost
-
Approx R3,800
Battery Warranty
-
Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan
-
Optional
Service Intervals
-
15,000 km or 1 Year
Spec
DOLPHIN
Yaris
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
Yaris
Warranty
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
3
Warranty Years
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
3
Warranty Kilometers
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
3
Roadside Assistance
-
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Basic Warranty
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
3
Roadside Assistance
-
3 Years
Spec
DOLPHIN
Yaris
Real-world City Mileage Min
-
12 l/100km
Real-world City Mileage Max
-
15 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
-
16 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
-
19 l/100km
Owner Review Count
-
28
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 16 points
DOLPHIN holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Yaris.
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
Yaris
Performance
37/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
97/100
Practicality
57/100
Ownership
43/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆BYD DOLPHIN
leads the catalogue index with 76 pts
vs 60 pts for Yaris
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, DOLPHIN leads. However, Yaris 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 Yaris 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 Yaris 37.
Efficiency index: DOLPHIN 90 vs Yaris 61.
Safety-equipment index: DOLPHIN 98 vs Yaris 97.
Practicality index: DOLPHIN 56 vs Yaris 57.
Ownership-cover index: DOLPHIN not separately scored vs Yaris 43.
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.
Compare
Get Best Price
We'll Contact You
Fill in your details and a dedicated executive will reach out shortly.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
An executive will contact you shortly. Thank you for your interest.