BYD Dolphin vs Skoda Fabia
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 Skoda Fabia opens at $27,990. That makes the Skoda Fabia the more affordable entry point by $2,000.
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 $30,789 respectively.
The BYD Dolphin qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Skoda Fabia, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Dolphin and Skoda Fabia hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BYD Dolphin and 85% for the Skoda Fabia.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Skoda Fabia packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the BYD Dolphin.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Dolphin and 6 in the Skoda Fabia.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Dolphin features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Skoda Fabia gets a 9.2-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
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 10.5 seconds.
The Skoda Fabia responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The Skoda Fabia has the clear power advantage at 85kW vs 70kW. In the real-world sprint, the Skoda Fabia is 1.0s 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, 182mm longer than the Skoda Fabia at 4,108mm (2,564mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Dolphin generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 308L in the BYD Dolphin and 380L in the Skoda Fabia, giving the Skoda Fabia a 72L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m 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 10.2m 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 (Skoda Fabia). 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 Skoda Fabia if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Skoda Fabia takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Skoda Fabia 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.
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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