@ Audi AG
@ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media
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Audi A1 vs BYD Dolphin – Which one offers the better deal?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Audi A1 or BYD Dolphin?

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

A1 @ Audi AG

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Audi A1 has a significantly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 19700 £, while the BYD Dolphin costs 29700 £. That’s a price difference of around 10020 £.

Dolphin @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Audi A1 has a minimal edge – offering 207 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 3 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A1 is barely noticeable quicker – completing the sprint in 6.50 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 0.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Audi A1 performs clearly perceptible better – reaching 245 km/h, while the BYD Dolphin tops out at 160 km/h. The difference is around 85 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Audi A1 pulls barely noticeable stronger with 320 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 10 Nm difference.

A1 @ Audi AG

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Audi A1 is significantly lighter – 1175 kg compared to 1658 kg. The difference is around 483 kg.

In terms of boot space, the BYD Dolphin offers hardly perceptible more room – 345 L compared to 335 L. That’s a difference of about 10 L.

In maximum load capacity, the BYD Dolphin performs somewhat better – up to 1310 L, which is about 220 L more than the Audi A1.

When it comes to payload, Audi A1 a bit takes the win – 470 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 60 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Audi A1 proves to be is largely superior and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Audi A1 is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £19,700
A1 @ Audi AG

Audi A1

  • Engine Type : Petrol
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 95 - 207 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.2 - 6.4 L
details

Audi A1

The Audi A1 is a compact premium hatch that wraps Audi's polished design and surprisingly grown-up cabin into a city-friendly package. It’s poised and fun to drive, a smart pick for buyers who want luxury flair without the fuss of a bigger car — and it makes tight parking feel almost enjoyable.

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A186760_medium @ Audi AG
A186764_medium @ Audi AG
A186752_medium @ Audi AG
A186753_medium @ Audi AG
A186756_medium @ Audi AG
A186776_medium @ Audi AG

BYD Dolphin

The BYD Dolphin is a cheeky electric hatchback that blends playful styling with surprising practicality, making it a brilliant city companion for buyers who want modern tech without the showroom bravado. It’s comfy, efficient and easy to live with, and while it won’t blind you with supercar drama, it will quietly get the job done with plenty of character.

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E3343F48-6402-43F6-BA2F-1FB1F8EFCE7F @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media
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0344F0B7-DD22-4EE0-9220-311A496628F6 @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

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A1 @ Audi AG
Dolphin @ BYD Auto / BYD Global Media

Costs and Consumption
Price
19700 - 28300 £
Price
29700 - 31400 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 6.4 L
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.90 kWh
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
427 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
118 - 146 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1175 - 1365 kg
Curb weight
1658 kg
Trunk capacity
335 L
Trunk capacity
345 L
Length
4029 - 4046 mm
Length
4290 mm
Width
1740 - 1756 mm
Width
1770 mm
Height
1409 - 1459 mm
Height
1570 mm
Max trunk capacity
1090 L
Max trunk capacity
1310 L
Payload
410 - 470 kg
Payload
410 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
95 - 207 HP
Power HP
204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 11.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Max Speed
182 - 245 km/h
Max Speed
160 km/h
Torque
175 - 320 Nm
Torque
310 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
70 - 152 kW
Power kW
150 kW
Engine capacity
999 - 1984 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2023
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Audi
Brand
BYD

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What drive types are available for the Audi A1?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.