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Kia Picanto vs BYD Dolphin Surf – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Two cars, one duel: Kia Picanto meets BYD Dolphin Surf.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

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

Picanto @ press.kia.com

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Kia Picanto has a clearly perceptible advantage in terms of price – it starts at 15300 £, while the BYD Dolphin Surf costs 19700 £. That’s a price difference of around 4405 £.

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 Surf has a decisively edge – offering 156 HP compared to 68 HP. That’s roughly 88 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the BYD Dolphin Surf is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 9.10 s, while the Kia Picanto takes 14.60 s. That’s about 5.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Kia Picanto performs minimal better – reaching 162 km/h, while the BYD Dolphin Surf tops out at 150 km/h. The difference is around 12 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: BYD Dolphin Surf pulls significantly stronger with 220 Nm compared to 96 Nm. That’s about 124 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Seats: Kia Picanto offers to a small extent more seating capacity – 5 vs 4.

In curb weight, Kia Picanto is somewhat lighter – 1124 kg compared to 1294 kg. The difference is around 170 kg.

In terms of boot space, the BYD Dolphin Surf offers somewhat more room – 308 L compared to 255 L. That’s a difference of about 53 L.

In maximum load capacity, the BYD Dolphin Surf performs slight better – up to 1037 L, which is about 27 L more than the Kia Picanto.

When it comes to payload, BYD Dolphin Surf minimal takes the win – 344 kg compared to 332 kg. That’s a difference of about 12 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the BYD Dolphin Surf shows itself to be is largely superior and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £19,700

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
  • Electric Range : 220 - 322 km
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Kia Picanto

5 (1)
rate

The Kia Picanto is a compact city car that combines practicality with a stylish design, making it an appealing option for urban drivers. Its cleverly designed interior maximises space, providing ample room for passengers and luggage despite its small footprint. With its efficient fuel consumption and easy manoeuvrability, the Picanto is well-suited for navigating through bustling city streets.

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Kia_Picanto_GT_Line_MJ21_01 @ press.kia.com
Kia_Picanto_GT_Line_MJ21_03 @ press.kia.com
Kia Picanto X-Line_02 @ press.kia.com
Kia_Picanto_MJ22_Innen_01 @ press.kia.com

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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BYD Dolphin Surf
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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 appeal is mostly about style and a touch of driver engagement, while the standard Dolphin is the softer, smarter everyday companion. If you want best value and comfort, stick with the Dolphin; pick the Dolphin Surf only if looks and a hint of sportiness top your checklist.
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Kia Picanto
BYD Dolphin Surf
Picanto

Costs and Consumption
Price
15300 - 19300 £
Price
19700 - 26600 £
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 5.9 L
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 - 16 kWh
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
220 - 322 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
127 - 135 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
35 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
4 - 5
Seats
4
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1124 - 1131 kg
Curb weight
1294 - 1390 kg
Trunk capacity
255 L
Trunk capacity
308 L
Length
3605 mm
Length
3990 mm
Width
1595 mm
Width
1720 mm
Height
1485 mm
Height
1590 mm
Max trunk capacity
1010 L
Max trunk capacity
1037 L
Payload
253 - 332 kg
Payload
344 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
68 HP
Power HP
88 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
14.6 - 17.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Max Speed
160 - 162 km/h
Max Speed
150 km/h
Torque
96 Nm
Torque
175 - 220 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
50 kW
Power kW
65 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
998 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Kia
Brand
BYD

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What drive types are available for the Kia Picanto?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.