BYD Atto 1 vs BYD Dolphin
Two electric Hatchbacks go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BYD Atto 1 starts from $23,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Dolphin opens at $29,990. That makes the BYD Atto 1 the more affordable entry point by $6,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $26,389 and $32,989 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Atto 1 and BYD Dolphin hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the BYD Atto 1 and 89% for the BYD Dolphin.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 1 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BYD Atto 1 and 7 in the BYD Dolphin.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Atto 1 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the BYD Dolphin gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The BYD Atto 1 uses a Electric producing 65kW and 175Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds.
The BYD Dolphin responds with a Electric making 70kW and 180Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
The BYD Dolphin has the clear power advantage at 70kW vs 65kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Atto 1 is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 30.1kWh (BYD Atto 1) vs 44.9kWh (BYD Dolphin), giving WLTP ranges of 220km and 340km. DC fast charging peaks at 60kW (BYD Atto 1) vs 60kW (BYD Dolphin).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Atto 1 measures 3,990mm long on a 2,500mm wheelbase, 300mm shorter than the BYD Dolphin at 4,290mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Dolphin generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 440L in the BYD Atto 1 and 308L in the BYD Dolphin, giving the BYD Atto 1 a 132L advantage. The BYD Dolphin seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.4m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 1) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Dolphin). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Atto 1 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Dolphin if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BYD Atto 1 and BYD Dolphin trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the BYD Atto 1 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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