BYD marks million-car milestone with Dolphin Surf

BYD is celebrating the completion of its one millionth Dolphin Surf car, a little over two years after the model’s launch.

The Dolphin Surf launched in the UK last month (June) but has been on sale around the world for the past 27 months under various names. In its native China the supermini is inexplicably called the Seagull while in Latin America it is badged the Dolphin Mini, marking its position beneath the Dolphin compact hatchback.

The one millionth example rolled off the production line in Xi’an, China, on June 30, with BYD claiming a new record as the fastest-selling car in its segment.

“The Dolphin Surf has set benchmarks and records ever since it was introduced, topping the monthly sales charts in its class more than 20 times in just over two years,” commented BYD executive vice president Stella Li commented:

“We’re thrilled that a million examples are now on the roads around the world.”

At just under 4m long and priced between £18,600 and £24,000, the Dolphin Surf is competing in the rapidly growing A-segment, against the likes of the Renault 5, Citroen E-C3, Leapmotor T03, Fiat Grande Panda and Dacia Spring.

UK buyers have a choice of three trim levels each with a different powertrain configuration. The £18,605 Active has 30kWh battery with a 137-mile range and a 87bhp motor, putting it head to head with the cheaper Dacia and Leapmotor. Above that, the Boost model uses the same motor but a larger 43.2kWh battery that delivers a 200-mile range. The range-topping Comfort uses the same battery but a more powerful 154bhp motor for up to 193 miles of range.

The Dolphin Surf is the latest car launched as part of BYD’s aggressive growth strategy, following the European launches of the Atto 3, Seal, Seal U and Sealion 7 over the past two years. The Chinese brand also plans to open research and development facilities and a manufacturing plant in Europe, along with regional headquarters in Hungary.