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BYD Dolphin vs Hyundai i20 comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 90 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 18,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or Hyundai i20?

BYD Dolphin vs Hyundai i20: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
details

Hyundai i20

4.2 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • considerably lighter
  • only slightly more trunk space
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

Dolphin

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Hyundai i20 is clearly cheaper – starting at 18,800 £ , while the BYD Dolphin costs 29,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 10,877 £.

i20

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 BYD Dolphin offers clearly more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 90 HP. That’s roughly 114 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Dolphin is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 7 s, while the Hyundai i20 takes 11.5 s. That’s about 4.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BYD Dolphin delivers significantly more torque with 310 Nm compared to 172 Nm. That’s about 138 Nm more.

Dolphin

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 terms of curb weight, Hyundai i20 is considerably lighter – 1,145 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 513 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Hyundai i20 offers only slightly more boot space – 352 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 7 L.

When it comes to payload, the Hyundai i20 carries somewhat more – 465 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 55 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Dolphin 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 £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
BYD Atto 2
VS
The BYD Dolphin and BYD Atto 2 represent two distinct EV choices from BYD: the Dolphin is a compact, city-oriented hatchback focused on efficiency and nimble urban driving, while the Atto 2 is a compact crossover offering more space, a higher driving position and richer tech. Choose the Dolphin for …
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 …
BYD Dolphin
Hyundai i20

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

Hyundai i20

The Hyundai i20 is a cheeky small car that mixes smart styling with sensible practicality, feeling more polished and roomy than you might expect for the money. It’s an easy car to live with, offering engaging handling, a comfy cabin and useful equipment that make daily commutes and weekend errands notably less dull.

details
hyundai-all-new-i20-driving-02
hyundai-all-new-i20-static-09
hyundai-all-new-i20-static-07
hyundai-all-new-i20-interior-04
hyundai-all-new-i20-details-11

Reviews Hyundai i20

4.2 (2 Reviews)
rate
Jason
17 Nov 2025, 01:46:25

Bought an i20 two years ago and It has surprised me how good It is.

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BYD Dolphin
Hyundai i20

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
18,800 - 24,400 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
5.7 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
427 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
128 - 129 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
1,145 - 1,170 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
352 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,775 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 kg
Payload
455 - 465 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
90 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
11.5 - 12.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
172 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
66 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
998 cm3

General
Model Year
2023
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
Brand
BYD
Brand
Hyundai
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.