BYD Dolphin vs Citroen C3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
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 Dolphin starts from $29,990 before on-road costs, while the Citroen C3 opens at $23,990. That makes the Citroen C3 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 $32,989 and $26,389 respectively.
The BYD Dolphin qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Citroen C3, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Dolphin and Citroen C3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Dolphin and 88% for the Citroen C3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Dolphin packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Citroen C3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the BYD Dolphin gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Citroen C3 offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The BYD Dolphin uses a Electric producing 70kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.3 seconds.
The Citroen C3 responds with a Petrol making 81kW and 205Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The Citroen C3 has the clear power advantage at 81kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the Citroen C3 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Dolphin measures 4,290mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 275mm longer than the Citroen C3 at 4,015mm (2,540mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Dolphin generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 308L in the BYD Dolphin and 310L in the Citroen C3, giving the Citroen C3 a 2L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m diameter
Good
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 Dolphin) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Citroen C3). The BYD Dolphin has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Dolphin if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Citroen C3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Citroen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Citroen C3 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BYD Dolphin adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Dolphin and Citroen C3?
The Citroen C3 is the cheapest at $23,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Dolphin by $6,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Citroen C3 uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Dolphin and Citroen C3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Citroen C3 has the largest boot at 310L.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Dolphin has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Citroen C3 makes the most power at 81kW. The Citroen C3 is quickest to 100km/h in 10.9s.
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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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