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SEAT Leon vs BYD Dolphin Surf comparison

Compare performance (272 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (24,800 £ vs 19,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – SEAT Leon or BYD Dolphin Surf?

SEAT Leon vs BYD Dolphin Surf: Key differences

SEAT Leon

4.4 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • slightly more trunk space
details

BYD Dolphin Surf

4.7 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly cheaper
  • significantly more electric range
  • 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.

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

Leon

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

BYD Dolphin Surf is markedly cheaper – starting at 19,700 £ , while the SEAT Leon costs 24,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,100 £.

As for electric range, the BYD Dolphin Surf offers significantly more range – reaching up to 322 km, about 189 km more than the SEAT Leon.

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 SEAT Leon offers clearly more power – delivering 272 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 116 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the SEAT Leon is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 7.7 s, while the BYD Dolphin Surf takes 9.1 s. That’s about 1.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the SEAT Leon delivers visibly more torque with 360 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 140 Nm more.

Leon

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Seats: SEAT Leon offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, BYD Dolphin Surf is barely lighter – 1,294 kg compared to 1,344 kg. The difference is around 50 kg.

Looking at boot space, the SEAT Leon offers slightly more boot space – 380 L compared to 308 L. That’s a difference of about 72 L.

When it comes to payload, the SEAT Leon carries markedly more – 521 kg compared to 344 kg. That’s a difference of about 177 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The SEAT Leon shows a few small advantages 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 £24,800
Leon

SEAT Leon

  • Engine Type Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plug-in Hybrid, Diesel
  • Transmission Manual, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.2 - 5.5 L/100km
  • Electric Range 133 km
details

Frequently compared as well

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 …
SEAT Arona
SEAT Leon
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City-smart crossover or grown-up hatchback — the SEAT Arona vs SEAT Leon is the clash many buyers face when choosing between style and substance. We take both on the road, test fuel use, boot space and driving feel, and pick the one that fits your commute, weekend plans and bank balance.
SEAT Leon
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

SEAT Leon

SEAT Leon pairs sharp, modern styling with a cabin that's sensible and slightly sporty, making it an appealing choice for buyers who want flair without fuss. It drives with eager composure and offers a neat balance of comfort and agility, so you get everyday usability with a wink of fun.

details
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Small-33989-LeonSEDynamic-MysteryBlue
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Small-35510-SEATLeonkeepsWhatCarAwardinthefamily

Reviews SEAT Leon

4.4 (2 Reviews)
rate
FaBio
4 Jan 2026, 21:30:20

Mechanically the car is fairly well built, apart from the rear axle.
The air conditioning is effective and visibility is good, while the FR setup paired with the 18" wheels, in my view, hurts comfort — getting in and out can be awkward. Once on board, though, the seats are very comfortable. The infotainment is comprehensive, with a generously sized screen and full-link smartphone connectivity; the factory sat-nav does what it can, but obviously Maps is superior in every way.
All in all, a fun/sporty car that also winks at family life thanks to a roomy boot and modest fuel consumption.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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__195

Reviews BYD Dolphin Surf

4.7 (2 Reviews)
rate
Alessandro
26 Aug 2026, 19:20:40

It has more advanced technology; significantly lower running costs, driving enjoyment, excellent range, greater power, and instant torque that’s also useful for safety.

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
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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BYD Dolphin Surf
Nissan Micra
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BYD Dolphin Surf vs Nissan Micra — two small hatchbacks aimed at city buyers, but with very different approaches: the Dolphin Surf is an all-electric, tech-focused city car while the Micra is a traditional, cheap-to-buy petrol supermini. Below I’ll break down the practical differences and tell you …
BYD Dolphin Surf
Renault Twingo
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We pit the cheeky BYD Dolphin Surf against the compact Renault Twingo to find out which small car deserves your city-driving crown. The Dolphin Surf brings electric refinement and modern tech to the party, while the Twingo trades on nimble handling and fuss-free simplicity — your choice depends on …
SEAT Leon
VW Golf
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The SEAT Leon and the Volkswagen Golf are two of Europe’s benchmark compact hatchbacks, sharing the same platform but delivering different personalities. Pick the Leon if you want sharper styling and a livelier feel, or the Golf if you prefer a quieter cabin, more refined finishes and a broadly …
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BYD Dolphin Surf
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The Hyundai Inster and the BYD Dolphin Surf are two fresh contenders in the compact car segment, each taking a different approach to styling, technology and everyday practicality. This comparison will highlight the key differences in comfort, efficiency, driving feel and value so you can pick the …
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BYD Dolphin Surf
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Comparing the MG4 and the BYD Dolphin Surf gives you a clear look at two affordable electric hatchbacks that target practical daily use but take very different approaches to range, interior space and driving character. If you want a compact EV that leans toward sharp handling and a sporty layout, …
SEAT Leon
Skoda Scala
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Choosing between the SEAT Leon and the Skoda Scala is essentially choosing between a sportier, more driver-focused hatch and a practical, value-minded compact. Both share similar underpinnings and tech, so pick the Leon for sharper styling and handling or the Scala for better interior space, …
Toyota Yaris
BYD Dolphin Surf
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Comparing the Toyota Yaris and the BYD Dolphin gives a clear look at two small cars taking very different paths—one built on proven compact efficiency, the other pushing electric innovation and fresh styling. If you’re weighing traditional reliability and fuel economy against modern EV tech and …
SEAT Leon
BYD Dolphin Surf

Costs and Consumption
Price
24,800 - 36,800 £
Price
19,700 - 26,600 £
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 - 16 kWh/100km
Electric Range
133 km
Electric Range
220 - 322 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
28 - 126 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
1,344 - 1,657 kg
Curb weight
1,294 - 1,390 kg
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
308 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,799 mm
Width
1,720 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
473 - 521 kg
Payload
344 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plug-in Hybrid, Diesel
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Manual, 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
116 - 272 HP
Power HP
88 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.7 - 10.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 12.1 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Torque
175 - 220 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 200 kW
Power kW
65 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,968 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
SEAT
Brand
BYD
Is the SEAT Leon offered with different drivetrains?

The SEAT Leon 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.