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BYD Dolphin vs Citroen C3 comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 113 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 13,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or Citroen C3?

BYD Dolphin vs Citroen C3: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • barely more efficient
  • markedly more electric range
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • moderately more trunk space

Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • markedly lighter

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

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

Dolphin

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Citroen C3 is substantially cheaper – starting at 13,700 £ , while the BYD Dolphin costs 29,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 15,986 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the BYD Dolphin is barely more efficient: consuming 15.9 kWh/100km compared to 16.7 kWh/100km for the Citroen C3. That’s a difference of about 0.8 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the BYD Dolphin offers markedly more range – reaching up to 427 km, about 102 km more than the Citroen C3.

C3

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 BYD Dolphin offers considerably more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 113 HP. That’s roughly 91 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Dolphin is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 7 s, while the Citroen C3 takes 9.9 s. That’s about 2.9 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the BYD Dolphin is a bit faster – reaching 160 km/h, while the Citroen C3 tops out at 132 km/h. The difference is around 28 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BYD Dolphin delivers noticeably more torque with 310 Nm compared to 205 Nm. That’s about 105 Nm more.

Dolphin

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Citroen C3 is markedly lighter – 1,226 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 432 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BYD Dolphin offers moderately more boot space – 345 L compared to 310 L. That’s a difference of about 35 L.

For maximum load capacity, the BYD Dolphin offers very slightly more capacity – up to 1,310 L, about 90 L more than the Citroen C3.

When it comes to payload, the Citroen C3 carries barely more – 423 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 13 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Dolphin stands well ahead of its rival 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 £29,700
Dolphin

BYD Dolphin

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 204 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 15.9 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 427 km
details

Frequently compared as well

BYD Dolphin
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The BYD Dolphin is a zippy, compact EV built for urban life — efficient, easy to park and kind on the wallet, making it a brilliant daily driver for city dwellers. The BYD Atto 2 swaps hatchback frugality for crossover comfort and tech, offering more space, range and kit for buyers who value …
BYD Dolphin
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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 …
BYD Dolphin
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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.

details
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000AECC3-AF0F-42E4-A606-040E7FB88B81
0344F0B7-DD22-4EE0-9220-311A496628F6

Reviews BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
Mark Kennedy
12 Apr 2026, 17:25:08

Absolute gem of a car, wonderfully smooth and powerful, along with being loaded with tech. By far the best car I've had. Would highly recommend

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
John Maskell
3 Jan 2026, 07:26:24

Loving the dolphin

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

Citroen C3

The Citroën C3 is a cheeky little city car that turns heads with its bold, quirky styling and a surprisingly comfy, well-thought-out interior. It’s an ideal companion for urban life — easy to park, friendly to drive and built to make everyday trips feel a bit more fun without breaking the bank.

details
CITROEN_C3_25
CITROEN_C3_26
CITROEN_C3_44
12D30_01

Reviews Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate

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

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BYD Dolphin
Citroen C3

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
13,700 - 24,600 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.7 - 17.2 kWh/100km
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
212 - 325 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 - 126 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
2 - 5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
1,226 - 1,518 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
310 L
Length
4,290 mm
Length
4,015 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,755 mm
Height
1,570 mm
Height
1,567 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,310 L
Max trunk capacity
1,220 L
Payload
410 kg
Payload
227 - 423 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
101 - 113 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 12 s
Max Speed
160 km/h
Max Speed
132 km/h
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
120 - 205 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
74 - 83 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3

General
Model Year
2,023
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D, C
Brand
BYD
Brand
Citroen
What drive types are available for the BYD Dolphin?

The BYD Dolphin is available as Front-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.