BYD Dolphin vs Skoda Scala
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.
Data checked: specs 30 Sep 2026, price 4 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$29,990RRP
- no option data for this car
$30,900est. RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The BYD Dolphin starts from $29,990 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Scala opens at $30,900 (our estimated RRP; the brand lists drive-away prices only). Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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. Estimated driveaway prices sit around $28,888 for the BYD Dolphin and $33,990 for the Skoda Scala.
The BYD Dolphin currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Skoda Scala does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP's published record does not give the Skoda Scala a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
Recalls on our record
BYD Dolphin
None open on our record
Skoda Scala
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
44.9kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 60kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7kW AC, 60kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Dolphin features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 5-inch digital dash, while the Skoda Scala gets a 8.3-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Dolphin stands out with Apple CarPlay and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Skoda Scala. The Skoda Scala counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BYD Dolphin gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Skoda Scala 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 Skoda Scala responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.1 seconds.
The Skoda Scala has the clear power advantage at 85kW vs 70kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Skoda Scala is 2.2s 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, 72mm shorter than the Skoda Scala at 4,362mm (2,649mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Dolphin generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 345L in the BYD Dolphin and 467L in the Skoda Scala, giving the Skoda Scala a 122L 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
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
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 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Scala). The Skoda Scala has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —6yr (Skoda Scala).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Dolphin if: You or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Scala if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
BYD Dolphin: Top CarSorted Score, 75 vs 73
The BYD Dolphin comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (75 vs 73), taking 1 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: safety (BYD Dolphin ahead by 27), practicality (Skoda Scala ahead by 14), fuel economy (Skoda Scala ahead by 6). If boot space matters, the Skoda Scala has a clear edge. The Skoda Scala adds peace of mind with a longer 7-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 Skoda Scala?
The BYD Dolphin is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Skoda Scala by $910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Scala uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
BYD Dolphin holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2023). ANCAP's published record does not give a rating to Skoda Scala, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Skoda Scala has the largest boot at 467L with the seats up (1,410L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Skoda Scala has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Skoda Scala has the longest warranty at 7 years / unlimited km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Skoda Scala makes the most power at 85kW. The Skoda Scala is quickest to 100km/h in 10.1s.
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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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