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Hyundai i30 vs BYD Dolphin Surf comparison

Compare performance (150 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (24,600 £ vs 19,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Hyundai i30 or BYD Dolphin Surf?

Hyundai i30 vs BYD Dolphin Surf: Key differences

Hyundai i30

4.3 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • barely quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space
details

BYD Dolphin Surf

4.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly cheaper
  • marginally more power
  • barely 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

i30

Costs and Efficiency:

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

BYD Dolphin Surf is visibly cheaper – starting at 19,700 £ , while the Hyundai i30 costs 24,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,852 £.

Dolphin Surf

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 Surf offers marginally more power – delivering 156 HP compared to 150 HP. That’s roughly 6 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Hyundai i30 is barely quicker – completing the sprint in 8.9 s, while the BYD Dolphin Surf takes 9.1 s. That’s about 0.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Hyundai i30 delivers somewhat more torque with 250 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 30 Nm more.

i30

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Seats: Hyundai i30 offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin Surf is barely lighter – 1,294 kg compared to 1,315 kg. The difference is around 21 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Hyundai i30 offers clearly more boot space – 395 L compared to 308 L. That’s a difference of about 87 L.

When it comes to payload, the Hyundai i30 carries noticeably more – 485 kg compared to 344 kg. That’s a difference of about 141 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BYD Dolphin Surf stands out in the key areas 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 £19,700
Dolphin Surf

BYD Dolphin Surf

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 88 - 156 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 220 - 322 km
details

Frequently compared as well

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Hyundai i30
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Hyundai i30

The Hyundai i30 proves that sensible can also be stylish, offering a confident driving character wrapped in neat, modern design. It serves up a roomy, well-equipped cabin and composed ride that make everyday motoring feel like a clever purchase rather than a compromise.

details
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Reviews Hyundai i30

4.3 (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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Hyundai i30
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
Price
24,600 - 31,400 £
Price
19,700 - 26,600 £
Consumption L/100km
5.9 - 6.3 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
220 - 322 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
134 - 142 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
1,315 - 1,435 kg
Curb weight
1,294 - 1,390 kg
Trunk capacity
395 L
Trunk capacity
308 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,720 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
445 - 485 kg
Payload
344 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
115 - 150 HP
Power HP
88 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.9 - 11.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
172 - 250 Nm
Torque
175 - 220 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 110 kW
Power kW
65 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
998 - 1,598 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Hyundai
Brand
BYD
Is the Hyundai i30 offered with different drivetrains?

The Hyundai i30 is offered with 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.