BYD’s rapid expansion across Europe shows no sign of slowing, and the new Dolphin Surf feels like one of its most important arrivals so far. It’s the eighth fully electric model the brand has rolled out in under three years, but this one hits a particularly sweet spot: compact, efficient, sensibly priced and aimed squarely at everyday drivers.

We’ve tested it on Irish roads to see how it measures up in a crowded field of fresh-faced small EVs.

Performance

Unsurprisingly, the Dolphin Surf is happiest weaving through tight urban streets. The light steering, decent visibility and manageable turning circle make it an easy companion in places where space is at a premium.

Its 156hp motor isn’t headline-grabbing in the EV world, but because the Surf is both small and relatively light, it feels eager off the line. A hard jab of throttle can even coax a chirp from the tyres.

The suspension setup gives the BYD an unexpectedly grown-up feel. It smooths over rough patches, potholes and speed humps with quiet confidence, not unlike the well-sorted Hyundai INSTER. The damping is particularly impressive, helping the car settle quickly after bigger bumps.

Short-sprint acceleration, like 0–50km/h, is satisfyingly quick, and the official 0–100km/h time of 9.1 seconds for this 115kW model feels believable. Braking performance is absolutely fine, though the top of the pedal travel has a vague spot that takes a moment to get used to.

Range and Charging

A lightweight body and small battery help keep running costs low. The entry-level version uses a 30kWh pack paired with a modest 65kW (88hp) motor, giving a WLTP range of 220km, fine for short commutes and city living, but likely tight for anyone travelling further afield.

The mid-spec Boost model is the range hero, packing a 43.2kWh battery and the same motor for a claimed 322km. The more powerful 85kW (115hp) version we tested uses the same battery but drops slightly to 310km, which is hardly a major sacrifice.

All versions support 11kW AC charging, or around 5–8 hours on a typical 7kW home wallbox depending on battery size. There’s also Vehicle-to-Load functionality, handy for powering camping gear, laptops, or even a coffee machine straight from the car.

Design and Interior

The Surf is 30cm shorter than the standard BYD Dolphin yet still noticeably longer than a Dacia Spring. Its profile is neat and chunky, with a slightly squat stance that gives it some visual character.

Inside, the cabin is pleasantly roomy thanks to a 2,500mm wheelbase. Four adults can sit in comfort without elbow wars. The cabin design is simple but well thought out: a clean dashboard with metal-effect touches, a floating 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen (a BYD signature), and physical buttons for key functions.

Higher-spec trims throw in extras like ambient lighting and wireless charging, but even base models come with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and BYD’s voice assistant, just say “Hi BYD” to tweak settings or set the navigation.

Boot capacity stands at 308 litres, matching the Dacia Spring and coming very close to the Peugeot E-208. Drop the back seats and you get just over 1,000 litres. BYD has also scattered nearly two dozen storage spaces around the cabin, including a cable-friendly compartment under the boot floor.

Cost Considerations

Irish pricing starts at €17,985 for the Active version, €22,230 for the Boost and €24,113 for the Comfort model tested here.

Because the Surf is offered with different motor and battery combinations, it competes across a wide spread of the small EV market. At the lower end, it lines up against the Dacia Spring, while better-equipped versions nudge into the territory of the Citroen e-C3 and the Fiat 500e.

Verdict

As compact EVs go, the Dolphin Surf offers an appealing mix of grown-up ride comfort, proper usability and strong standard equipment. It’s a car that feels genuinely at home in the city, yet practical enough to serve as a main or second household vehicle without compromise.

For drivers looking for an accessible, efficient and modern electric runabout, BYD has put together a very solid contender.