NEW BYD ‘DOLPHIN SURF’ ARRIVES IN IRELAND

2025 has been a good year for the reintroduction of the small car, now electrically 
powered and while humble in size, they are mighty in their offering to the buyer of 
safety and specification. 
Just arrived here is the latest BYD family member, the all-electric, front-wheel drive, 
four-metre long, four-seater, five-door hatchback, priced by importers Motor 
Distributors Limited at an introductory price of €17,985 for the Active model. Those 
choosing more enhancement can opt for the Boost model at €22,230, with the 
Comfort version asking for €24,113  to share its company. 
This is a test drive must. BYD have given us much with their other models and here 
with their smallest offering, new owners get a very functional all-electric four-seater 
that will cope with much of the family demand. Promising over 300kms on the Boost 
and Active trims, the Dolphin Surf owner with a home charger should find it very 
efficient. 
Some of the Competition 
Hyundai Inster, Dacia Spring, LeapmotorT03, Fiat 500e, Opel Corsa electric, Nissan 
Micra, Renault 5. 
Compact and roomy, even for my six-feet, three-inch frame, the Dolphin Surf will 
undoubtedly satisfy the demands of those less elevated. It is a modern looking car, 
which if chosen in a non-black colour, shows off its floating roof and rear spoiler, 
courtesy of the B and C-pillars being blacked out, very neat. The integrated daytime- 
running lights look good, as does the full-width tail-light bar, which gives a widened 
visual effect. 
Dimensions 
Built on BYD’s own e-Platform 3.0 chassis, the Dolphin Surf is 3,990mm long, 
1,720mm wide and rises to 1,520mm in height. The Active variant stands on 15” 
wheels, while Boost and Comfort trims wear 16” boots. 
Sit in and two dash-mounted displays face the driver: one that delivers key 
information, the other a large rotatable multimedia infotainment touchscreen. Boot 
space is 308 litres, expanding to 1037 litres with the rear seats folded. The provision 
of a total of 20 storage areas, including front seat cup-holders and a storage area 
beneath the boot floor is ideal for keeping charging cables out of the main load space, 
should satisfy all bar those requiring a Scania. 
 
V2L 
Something to get used to - Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology. The Dolphin Surf is 
equipped to support those with active lifestyles, allowing devices to be powered by 

the car’s own battery, at up to 3.3kW, allowing everything from a coffee machine to 
an electric grill to be used on location. 
 
Generous Specification 
Given its size, price and target customer, all will be pleased with its bonnet-to-boot 
fitments. These include driver assistance and other passenger comfort, infotainment, 
connectivity, plus high-tech aids like intuitive voice control, via a ‘Hi BYD’ command, 
allowing access to many key functions without taking hands off the steering wheel. A 
smartphone sensor on the side mirror unlocks the vehicle via Near Field 
Communication (NFC) keyless entry, whilst the BYD application on a smartphone 
can cool or warm the cabin in advance. 
 
Space for Four 
The cabin is built for everyday life, with front sports seats, designed for comfort and 
support, available with electric adjustment and heating, depending on trim level. 
Split rear seats which fold to increase boot capacity – have ample leg and headroom 
for adults. A generously-opening, roof-to-floor rear door allows for easy loading and 
access. All models have ISOFIX anchor points, front and rear. 
   
Road Work 
A short test drive at the launch provided for a brief introduction to the Dolphin Seal’s 
road-talent. My test car was the Comfort variant, with a 43.2Kw battery and on 
motorway and back roads, delivered all the acceleration I prudently required of it. 
The electric torque of 220Nm makes for good response and immediate consumption 
of copious amount of tarmac. While not a sports car, the Dolphin Surf can deliver a 
spirited drive, but its forte is the commute, the reduction of urban stress and its 
gentle, quiet company. A more extended test drive is something to look forward to, 
but initial impressions are very positive. 
Cobalt-free 
Akin to all BYD’s, the Dolphin Surf is powered by their cobalt-free lithium-ion Blade 
Battery, with a choice of battery packs: 30kWh (Active), 43.2kWh (Boost), and 
115kWh (Comfort), a driving range quoted at 322kms WLTP. Also quoted is a 10% - 
80% charging speed of 30mins, designed to comfortably support daily urban 
commutes. 
Warranty 
As with all BYD models, a six-years manufacturer’s warranty and an eight years 
battery and electric motor warranty applies to all Dolphin Surf models. 
For more information visit: www.bydauto.ie