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Audi A3 Sportback vs BYD Dolphin Surf comparison

Compare performance (400 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (27,000 £ vs 19,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A3 Sportback or BYD Dolphin Surf?

Audi A3 Sportback vs BYD Dolphin Surf: Key differences

Audi A3 Sportback

4.1 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • somewhat more trunk space
details

BYD Dolphin Surf

4.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly cheaper
  • considerably more electric range
  • very slightly lighter
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

A3 Sportback

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

BYD Dolphin Surf is markedly cheaper – starting at 19,700 £ , while the Audi A3 Sportback costs 27,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 7,295 £.

As for electric range, the BYD Dolphin Surf offers considerably more range – reaching up to 322 km, about 181 km more than the Audi A3 Sportback.

Dolphin Surf

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Audi A3 Sportback offers considerably more power – delivering 400 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 244 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 3.8 s, while the BYD Dolphin Surf takes 9.1 s. That’s about 5.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Audi A3 Sportback delivers clearly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 280 Nm more.

A3 Sportback

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.

Seats: Audi A3 Sportback offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin Surf is very slightly lighter – 1,294 kg compared to 1,360 kg. The difference is around 66 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Audi A3 Sportback offers somewhat more boot space – 380 L compared to 308 L. That’s a difference of about 72 L.

When it comes to payload, the Audi A3 Sportback carries markedly more – 480 kg compared to 344 kg. That’s a difference of about 136 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Audi A3 Sportback holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £27,000
A3 Sportback

Audi A3 Sportback

  • Engine Type Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 400 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.1 - 9.3 L/100km
  • Electric Range 134 - 141 km
details

Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin Surf
MG MG4 Urban
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The BYD Dolphin Surf and the MG4 Urban are compact electric hatchbacks that target buyers who want a practical, tech-rich EV without blowing the budget. This comparison focuses on range, performance, interior space, and value to help you pick the better fit for daily driving and city life.
BYD Dolphin
BYD Dolphin Surf
VS
The BYD Dolphin and the sportier Dolphin Surf share the same efficient electric bones, but the Surf adds visual muscle, slightly firmer suspension and sharper steering for anyone craving a bit more attitude. Inside they’re twins — clever packaging, roomy rear seats and a useful boot — so the Surf’s …
Audi A3 Sportback
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Audi A3 Sportback

The Audi A3 Sportback wraps premium materials and crisp German design into a practical hatchback package that makes daily driving feel smart rather than showy. It’s nimble in the city, composed on longer trips, and carries just enough swagger to satisfy buyers who want quality without shouting about it.

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Reviews Audi A3 Sportback

4.1 (2 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

BYD Dolphin Surf

The BYD Dolphin Surf is an intriguing model that combines sleek design with modern electric technology, making it an appealing choice for urban commuters seeking sustainability and style. Its dynamic exterior design is complemented by an interior that prioritizes comfort and functionality, reflecting the brand's commitment to innovation. The model also offers impressive handling and a smooth driving experience, embodying the shift towards eco-friendly transportation.

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Reviews BYD Dolphin Surf

4.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
Dieter Schönrock
9 Jun 2026, 07:04:54

The Dolphin Surf is especially appealing because of the entry height and the low step-in. The amount of space is very good. It's a pity it has no towing capacity — around 500–600 kg would be great. The Dolphin Surf is better suited for older people than the R5.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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Audi A3 Sportback
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
Price
27,000 - 92,900 £
Price
19,700 - 26,600 £
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
Electric Range
134 - 141 km
Electric Range
220 - 322 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
25 - 211 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,360 - 1,685 kg
Curb weight
1,294 - 1,390 kg
Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
308 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,816 - 1,851 mm
Width
1,720 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 - 480 kg
Payload
344 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 400 HP
Power HP
88 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
220 - 500 Nm
Torque
175 - 220 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 294 kW
Power kW
65 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 2,480 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Audi
Brand
BYD
What drive types are available for the Audi A3 Sportback?

The Audi A3 Sportback is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.