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Citroen C3 vs BYD Dolphin comparison

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

Citroen C3 vs BYD Dolphin: Key differences

Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • noticeably lighter

BYD Dolphin

3.7 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • barely more efficient
  • markedly more electric range
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • somewhat 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

C3

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Citroen C3 is clearly 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.

Dolphin

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 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 clearly 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 somewhat 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 clearly more torque with 310 Nm compared to 205 Nm. That’s about 105 Nm more.

C3

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, Citroen C3 is noticeably lighter – 1,226 kg compared to 1,658 kg. The difference is around 432 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BYD Dolphin offers somewhat 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 only 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 very slightly 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 is clearly superior overall 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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BYD Dolphin
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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.

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

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BYD Dolphin

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

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

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

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
Model Year
2,023
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Citroen
Brand
BYD
What drivetrain options does the Citroen C3 have?

The Citroen C3 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.