Video Summary
Here's the requested summary of the electric car review:The BYD Dolphin Surf is a relatively affordable EV option. It undercuts the Citroen eC3 and Renault 5 in price. It can fit tall adults in the back. It has an official range of up to 200 miles. It allegedly has the most powerful electric motor in its class.
The Dolphin Surf is called different names in different markets, including Dolphin Mini and Seagull. It’s smaller than the BYD Dolphin, around 4 meters long. It's almost exactly the same size as a Citroen eC3 or Renault 5. It's larger than a Dacia Spring.
This is a strict four-seater. All versions come with three ISOFIX points for child seats. Boot capacity is around 308 liters based on the VDA measuring system, and can fit five carry-on suitcases below the parcel shelf. The boot floor can be flipped up to reveal a well for charging cables. The rear seats can fold down. There is no front boot.
There's no adjustable lumbar support. An individual can change the steering wheel position up and down, in and out. There are limited physical controls for the air conditioning.
The entry-level Active version has a 30kWh battery for about 136 miles of range and 65kW charging. A top-up from 10% to 80% takes about 30 minutes. The Boost version has a larger 43.2 kWh battery for 200 miles of range. The charging rate is around 85kW. With the Boost model, a 10% to 80% top-up is still about 30 minutes.
The entry-level Active version makes 94bhp. It has decent standard safety equipment.
Prices start at £18,900 for the Active version. The mid-spec Boost version costs an estimated £21,900. The range-topping Comfort is £23,900.
All Surf versions have a lithium iron phosphate battery which is said to be safer and more durable.
The driver can get warm or cold air with AC in the Surf but requires the use of touch screen to adjust settings, or use the voice control system.
The car feels quite narrow in the front. The brake pedal can be grabby, and it's hard to judge the pressure to apply to slow down. The ride can be a little choppy. Competent, more confidence-inspiring on the road and has more accurate, better-weighted steering than a Dacia Spring or the Leapmotor T03 but does not feel as grown up as a Renault 5.
