BYD Dolphin vs Mazda Mazda2
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 Mazda Mazda2 opens at $22,990. That makes the Mazda Mazda2 the more affordable entry point by $7,000.
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 $25,289 respectively.
The BYD Dolphin qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mazda Mazda2, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
The BYD Dolphin holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Mazda Mazda2. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Dolphin and 98% for the Mazda Mazda2.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 4 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Dolphin and 6 in the Mazda Mazda2.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Dolphin features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 5-inch digital dash, while the Mazda Mazda2 gets a 7-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the BYD Dolphin gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Mazda Mazda2 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 Mazda Mazda2 responds with a Petrol making 81kW and 142Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
The Mazda Mazda2 has the clear power advantage at 81kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda Mazda2 is 1.8s 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, 205mm longer than the Mazda Mazda2 at 4,085mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Dolphin generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 308L in the BYD Dolphin and 270L in the Mazda Mazda2, giving the BYD Dolphin a 38L advantage.
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 Dolphin) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda2). The BYD Dolphin has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Dolphin if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda Mazda2 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BYD Dolphin and Mazda Mazda2 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the BYD Dolphin has a clear edge. 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 Mazda Mazda2?
The Mazda Mazda2 is the cheapest at $22,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Dolphin by $7,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda Mazda2 uses the least fuel at 3.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The BYD Dolphin has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Dolphin has the largest boot at 308L.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Dolphin has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda Mazda2 makes the most power at 81kW. The Mazda Mazda2 is quickest to 100km/h in 10.5s.
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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