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BYD Dolphin vs VW Golf Variant comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 333 HP), boot space and price (29,700 £ vs 26,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BYD Dolphin or VW Golf Variant?

BYD Dolphin vs VW Golf Variant: Key differences

BYD Dolphin

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate

VW Golf Variant

  • moderately cheaper
  • noticeably more power
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • noticeably lighter
  • considerably more trunk space

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:

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

VW Golf Variant is moderately cheaper – starting at 26,100 £ , while the BYD Dolphin costs 29,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,553 £.

Golf Variant

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf Variant offers noticeably more power – delivering 333 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 129 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf Variant is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.8 s, while the BYD Dolphin takes 7 s. That’s about 2.2 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the VW Golf Variant is clearly faster – reaching 250 km/h, while the BYD Dolphin tops out at 160 km/h. The difference is around 90 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf Variant delivers clearly more torque with 420 Nm compared to 310 Nm. That’s about 110 Nm more.

Dolphin

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Golf Variant is noticeably lighter – 1,366 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 292 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers considerably more boot space – 611 L compared to 345 L. That’s a difference of about 266 L.

For maximum load capacity, the VW Golf Variant offers markedly more capacity – up to 1,642 L, about 332 L more than the BYD Dolphin.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf Variant carries visibly more – 547 kg compared to 410 kg. That’s a difference of about 137 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf Variant 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 £26,100
Golf Variant

VW Golf Variant

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.3 - 8.2 L/100km
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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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
E3343F48-6402-43F6-BA2F-1FB1F8EFCE7F
000AECC3-AF0F-42E4-A606-040E7FB88B81
0344F0B7-DD22-4EE0-9220-311A496628F6

Reviews BYD Dolphin

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate
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

VW Golf Variant

The Golf Estate packs Volkswagen's familiar poise into a practical, grown-up estate that quietly makes everyday life easier without shouting for attention. It's clever, comfortable and roomy enough for weekend kit or family chaos, offering smart packaging and refined manners that make it a sensible and surprisingly stylish choice for buyers who need space but don't want a van.

details
DB2021AU00446_medium
DB2021AU00624_medium
DB2021AU00625_medium
DB2021AU00816_medium
DB2021AU00818_medium
DB2021AU00641_medium
DB2021AU00910_medium

Reviews VW Golf Variant

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

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BYD Dolphin
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Costs and Consumption
Price
29,700 - 31,400 £
Price
26,100 - 48,700 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 8.2 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
114 - 185 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,658 kg
Curb weight
1,366 - 1,621 kg
Trunk capacity
345 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
4,290 mm
Length
4,631 - 4,651 mm
Width
1,770 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
1,570 mm
Height
1,462 - 1,487 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,310 L
Max trunk capacity
1,624 - 1,642 L
Payload
410 kg
Payload
489 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.8 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
160 km/h
Max Speed
203 - 250 km/h
Torque
310 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2,023
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, G, F, C
Brand
BYD
Brand
VW
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.