The BYD Dolphin Surf is a compact, fully electric hatchback designed for urban and suburban driving. It is part of BYD’s Ocean Series and sits below the standard Dolphin in size and price. First launched in China in 2023 under the name BYD Seagull, the model has been rolled out internationally under different names. In some markets it is called the Dolphin Mini and in others the Atto 1, but in the UK and across Europe it is officially marketed as the BYD Dolphin Surf.
The Dolphin Surf targets buyers looking for a practical, affordable, and well-equipped EV for everyday driving. It sits in the growing small EV segment and rivals models such as the Citroën ë-C3, Renault 5, and Hyundai Inster.
Because the UK has avoided EU tariffs on Chinese EVs, BYD has been able to position the Dolphin Surf aggressively on price, making it a strong value proposition for cost-conscious buyers.
Even in its most affordable Active trim, the Dolphin Surf includes plenty of equipment as standard. The Comfort trim delivers noticeably stronger performance, achieving 0 to 62 mph in about 9.1 seconds, while the larger battery offers a more practical real-world range for longer trips.
Inside, the cabin shares much of the tech and layout found in larger BYD models, including the brand’s rotating central touchscreen, a high-quality infotainment system, and decent materials for the price point. Its light steering and compact turning circle make it well suited to city driving, though the ride can feel firm over rougher roads compared with more refined rivals like the Renault 5.
With an entry price comfortably below £20,000 and generous standard equipment, the Dolphin Surf undercuts many rivals while offering a well-rounded package. Special offers from BYD’s dealer network and brokers such as Carwow have already brought prices down further, making the Comfort trim particularly attractive.
The Dolphin Surf targets buyers looking for a practical, affordable, and well-equipped EV for everyday driving. It sits in the growing small EV segment and rivals models such as the Citroën ë-C3, Renault 5, and Hyundai Inster.
Design and Styling
The Dolphin Surf follows the Ocean Series design language with a modern, youthful look. It has a distinctive profile with strong character lines along the sides and a “floating roof” effect. The front features slim LED headlights and a clean, minimalist grille, while the rear showcases a full-width light bar for a high-tech feel. Despite its compact size, the Dolphin Surf manages to look sporty and contemporary without sacrificing practicality.UK Launch and Pricing
The Dolphin Surf launched in the UK in 2025 as BYD’s most affordable electric vehicle to date. Pricing starts at around £18,650, making it one of the most accessible EVs currently on sale. In mainland Europe, prices start at around €22,990 but BYD has used temporary launch discounts to bring entry-level pricing down to around €19,990 in some markets.Because the UK has avoided EU tariffs on Chinese EVs, BYD has been able to position the Dolphin Surf aggressively on price, making it a strong value proposition for cost-conscious buyers.
Battery Options and Performance
The Dolphin Surf is offered in three main trims in the UK, each with different motor outputs and battery capacities:Even in its most affordable Active trim, the Dolphin Surf includes plenty of equipment as standard. The Comfort trim delivers noticeably stronger performance, achieving 0 to 62 mph in about 9.1 seconds, while the larger battery offers a more practical real-world range for longer trips.
| Trim | Battery (kWh) | WLTP Range | Range (real world, miles) | Power (hp) | 0-62 mph | Charging Speed (DC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 30 | 137 | 115 | ≈88 | 11.1s | 65kW |
| Boost | 43.2 | 200 | 165 | ≈88 | 12.1s | 65kW |
| Comfort | 43.2 | 193 | 165 | ≈156 | 9.1s | 85kW |
| Trim | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Active | 15" steel wheels with covers, 10.1" rotating touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rear parking sensors, keyless entry, vegan leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control |
| Boost | 16" alloy wheels, larger 43.2kWh battery, synthetic leather seats, reversing camera, rear USB ports, upgraded interior trim |
| Comfort | 16" alloy wheels, 360° camera, heated front seats, blind spot monitoring, wireless phone charging, upgraded infotainment with better audio |
Interior and Practicality
Despite its compact footprint, the Dolphin Surf is surprisingly spacious inside thanks to its dedicated e-Platform 3.0 architecture. The flat floor allows for good legroom in the rear seats, and the boot provides a useful 308 litres of space, which expands to 1,037 litres with the seats folded.Inside, the cabin shares much of the tech and layout found in larger BYD models, including the brand’s rotating central touchscreen, a high-quality infotainment system, and decent materials for the price point. Its light steering and compact turning circle make it well suited to city driving, though the ride can feel firm over rougher roads compared with more refined rivals like the Renault 5.
Safety, Technology, and Running Costs
BYD has equipped the Dolphin Surf with a comprehensive safety package as standard, including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, reversing camera, and Isofix mounting points. The car also comes with a 6-year vehicle warranty and an 8-year battery warranty, helping to keep long-term ownership costs low.With an entry price comfortably below £20,000 and generous standard equipment, the Dolphin Surf undercuts many rivals while offering a well-rounded package. Special offers from BYD’s dealer network and brokers such as Carwow have already brought prices down further, making the Comfort trim particularly attractive.
Colours
| Colour | Photo |
|---|---|
| Lime green |  |
| Apricity white |  |
| Ice blue |  |
| Polar night black |  |
Summary
The BYD Dolphin Surf is a small, stylish, and affordable EV designed for city living. It combines BYD’s advanced battery technology with impressive levels of equipment at a price point that makes electric driving more accessible to a wider audience. Positioned below the standard Dolphin, it offers excellent value for money in the UK and strengthens BYD’s growing presence in Europe.
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