BYD Dolphin Surf: The Honest Truth About "Cheap" Electric Cars

Check out the best BYD Dolphin Surf deals on carwow: https://bit.ly/Buy-Sell-WOW Is the new BYD Dolphin Surf actually the best budget EV in 2026, or is the £14,000 Dacia Spring still the king of cheap electric cars? Mat Watson is getting stuck into the UK's second cheapest EV to see if its 200-mile range and "indestructible" Blade Battery are worth the extra cash over its rivals. We’re putting the 156hp "Comfort" edition to the test—which shaves 2 seconds off the 0-62mph time—and checking if the "swipe-to-cool" infotainment can make you forgive the scratchy plastics. From the "floating" C-pillar design to the reality of its 85kW charging speed, here is the definitive verdict on the car that wants to be your first electric hatchback! Chapters 00:00 Intro: Is "Cheap" always a problem? 00:35 Price Check: How to get a Dolphin Surf for £121/mo 00:58 Design: Luminous yellow paint and "Ice Crystal" C-pillars 02:28 Interior Truth: Rotating screens vs. Scratchy plastics 06:35 Back Seats: Why it feels bigger than a Renault 5 07:39 Boot Space: 308 litres—same as a Dacia Spring? 09:06 3 Annoying Features: That "Infuriating" driver monitor 10:37 5 Good Features: Keyless entry via your Smart Watch! 12:21 Battery Guide: 137-mile Active vs. 200-mile Boost 13:45 Finance Truth: Why 0% APR changes everything in 2026 14:42 0-60mph: Mat tests the "Nippy" 9.1s sprint 15:04 Driving: Why the suspension "soaks up" speed bumps 18:44 Brake Test: Why the "spongey" pedals are a worry 19:01 The Verdict: Should you buy, lease or avoid? Sell your car for free with Carwow: https://bit.ly/Sell-Your-Car-For-Free-0708 Check out Mat's preferred trim & engine for each car: https://bit.ly/Mats-Engine-Choice