BYD Atto 2 vs Dolphin Mini (Seagull): Which Small EV Wins?
Short answer: the BYD Atto 2 and the BYD Dolphin Mini are different sizes of car aimed at different buyers. The Dolphin Mini, sold as the Seagull in China and the Dolphin Surf in Europe, is BYD's cheapest EV and suits city driving with one or two people on board. The BYD Atto 2 is a compact SUV with a bigger boot, more range and, in its top version, much faster DC charging, but it costs more and had no Euro NCAP or ANCAP crash rating as of June 2026. Choose the Dolphin Surf if price and easy parking come first; choose the Atto 2 if the car has to work as a small family car.
Because both cars are sold under several names, comparisons online often mix up versions and range tests. This guide sorts out the naming, compares the two on official European and UK figures, then covers prices in different markets, charging, safety ratings, warranty, recalls, the 2026 Seagull update and whether either car is available in Oman and the wider GCC.
Key takeaways
- One small car, four names: Seagull (China), Dolphin Surf (Europe and South Africa), Dolphin Mini (Latin America) and Atto 1 (Australia and Indonesia).
- Range: the Dolphin Surf covers 220–322 km on the WLTP cycle; the UK Atto 2 covers 214 miles (about 345 km) or 261 miles (about 420 km).
- Charging: the Dolphin Surf accepts 65–85 kW DC; the Atto 2 takes 82 kW in Boost form and 155 kW in Comfort form.
- Safety: the Dolphin Surf and Atto 1 hold five-star Euro NCAP and ANCAP ratings from 2025; the Atto 2 had no crash rating as of June 2026.
- Price gap: in the UK, the Dolphin Surf starts at £18,650 and the Atto 2 at £30,850.
- Gulf availability: neither car appeared in the official line-ups for the UAE, Qatar or Oman that our research checked in August 2026.
BYD Seagull, Dolphin Surf, Dolphin Mini and Atto 1: one car, several names
BYD sells its smallest EV under a different name in almost every region, and the Atto 2 has aliases of its own. That is the main reason searches for "BYD Dolphin Mini" and "BYD Seagull" turn up what look like different cars. The table below shows how the names line up.
| Name | Where it is used | Which car |
|---|---|---|
| Seagull | China | Small hatchback |
| Dolphin Surf | Europe, UK and South Africa | Small hatchback |
| Dolphin Mini | Latin America (for example Brazil and Mexico) | Small hatchback |
| Atto 1 | Australia and Indonesia | Small hatchback |
| Atto 2 | Europe, UK and Australia | Compact SUV |
| Yuan Up | China (reported launch 26 March 2024) | Compact SUV, reported as the Chinese Atto 2 |
| Yuan Pro | South America | Compact SUV, reported as the South American Atto 2 |
The versions are not identical. The European Dolphin Surf is 3,990 mm long against 3,780 mm for the Chinese Seagull, and BYD lists it with four seats in Europe. The Latin American Dolphin Mini launched in Brazil and Mexico in March 2024 with six airbags, a 10.1-inch rotating screen and 300 km or 380 km of range on the older NEDC cycle, according to BYD. NEDC and China's CLTC cycle are different tests from WLTP, so their figures can't be compared directly with the European numbers below.
BYD Atto 2 vs Dolphin Surf: specs head to head
The fairest comparison uses one test cycle and one set of official figures. The table below uses BYD's European launch data for the Dolphin Surf (BYD Europe) and BYD UK's August 2025 pricing and specification release for the Atto 2 (BYD UK). All ranges are WLTP.
| Version | Battery | Power | 0–100 km/h | WLTP range | Max DC charging |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphin Surf Active | 30 kWh | 65 kW | 11.1 s | 220 km | 65 kW |
| Dolphin Surf Boost | 43.2 kWh | 65 kW | 12.1 s | 322 km | 85 kW |
| Dolphin Surf Comfort | 43.2 kWh | 115 kW / 220 Nm | 9.1 s | 310 km | 85 kW |
| Atto 2 Boost (UK) | 51.1 kWh | 130 kW / 290 Nm | 7.9 s (0–62 mph) | 214 miles (about 345 km) | 82 kW |
| Atto 2 Comfort (UK) | 64.8 kWh | 150 kW / 310 Nm | Not listed | 261 miles (about 420 km) | 155 kW |
Two things stand out. First, the Atto 2 is the quicker car: even the entry Atto 2 Boost, at 7.9 seconds to 62 mph, beats the quickest Dolphin Surf (9.1 seconds) by more than a second. Second, the Dolphin Surf Boost, which pairs the larger battery with the 65 kW motor, has slightly more range than the more powerful Comfort: 322 km against 310 km. All three Dolphin Surf versions use BYD's Blade LFP battery and e-Platform 3.0.
BYD Atto 2 range
BYD's first European Atto 2, shown in Brussels with sales from February 2025, used a 45.1 kWh battery, a 130 kW motor and had 312 km of WLTP range. The UK line-up confirmed in August 2025 moved to larger 51.1 kWh and 64.8 kWh packs, rated at 214 and 261 miles respectively. In Australia, CarExpert lists the Atto 2 with the 51.1 kWh battery and 345 km of WLTP range. Some regional reports quote slightly different figures for the Comfort version; this guide uses BYD UK's official numbers.
Size, boot and seats
| Measurement | Dolphin Surf (Europe) | Atto 2 (Europe) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,990 mm | 4,310 mm |
| Width | 1,720 mm | 1,830 mm |
| Height | 1,590 mm | 1,675 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,500 mm | 2,620 mm |
| Boot (rear seats folded) | 308 L (1,037 L) | 400 L (1,340 L) |
| Seats | 4 (European specification) | Not confirmed in the BYD releases we checked |
| Platform | e-Platform 3.0, Blade LFP battery | e-Platform 3.0 with Cell-to-Body construction |
The Atto 2 is 320 mm longer and 110 mm wider, with a 120 mm longer wheelbase, and that shows up in the boot: 400 litres against 308 litres. CarExpert lists Australian Atto 2 cars with a 380-litre boot, so check the figure for your market. The Dolphin Surf's length of just under 4 metres is its advantage in tight streets and car parks.
Charging: how fast do the Atto 2 and Dolphin Surf charge?
On DC fast chargers, the gap depends on which versions you compare. The Dolphin Surf Active peaks at 65 kW and the Boost and Comfort at 85 kW. The Atto 2 Boost is limited to 82 kW, roughly the same as the bigger-battery Dolphin Surf, while the Atto 2 Comfort accepts up to 155 kW and, according to BYD UK, charges from 30% to 80% in 21 minutes.
| Version | Max DC | Quoted DC charge time | Max AC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphin Surf Active (Europe) | 65 kW | Differs between BYD's European and UK material | 11 kW |
| Dolphin Surf Boost and Comfort (Europe) | 85 kW | Differs between BYD's European and UK material | 11 kW |
| Atto 2 Boost (UK) | 82 kW | Not listed | Not listed |
| Atto 2, 51.1 kWh (Australia) | 82 kW | 10–80% in 38 minutes (CarExpert) | 7 kW |
| Atto 2 Comfort (UK) | 155 kW | 30–80% in 21 minutes (BYD UK) | Not listed |
AC charging is where the small car has an edge. The European Dolphin Surf accepts up to 11 kW on AC, while CarExpert lists the Australian Atto 2 at 7 kW, so on a suitable AC charger the cheaper car can top up faster. If either car starts charging slowly or refusing a connector, EVS Oman handles charging port repairs, and a battery health and thermal management check can show whether the battery itself is the cause.
BYD Dolphin Surf and Atto 2 prices by market
Specifications, taxes and equipment differ from country to country, so use these figures to understand the gap between the two cars rather than converting currencies.
| Market | Dolphin Surf / Seagull / Atto 1 | Atto 2 |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Active £18,650; Boost £21,950; Comfort £23,950 | Boost £30,850; Comfort £34,950 |
| Australia | Atto 1 reported from A$23,990 | Dynamic A$31,990; Premium A$35,990 |
| China (2026 model) | Seagull CNY 69,900–97,900 | Sold as Yuan Up; price not covered in this guide |
In the UK, the step from the most expensive Dolphin Surf to the cheapest Atto 2 is £6,900. In Australia, CarExpert lists the Atto 2 Dynamic at A$31,990 and the Premium at A$35,990. China's 2026 Seagull, launched on 11 May 2026, spans CNY 69,900 to 97,900 across its versions.
Safety ratings, warranty and recalls
Dolphin Surf and Atto 1: five stars, with caveats
Euro NCAP gave the Dolphin Surf five stars in 2025, with scores of 82% for adult occupants, 86% for child occupants, 76% for vulnerable road users and 77% for safety assist. The detail matters: far-side occupant excursion in side impacts was rated poor, and the car has no centre airbag and no child presence detection. ANCAP awarded the Atto 1 five stars in 2025 based on the Dolphin Surf's results (82%, 86%, 76% and 79% for safety assist), for cars built from August 2025.
Atto 2: no crash rating yet
As of June 2026, the Atto 2 had no Euro NCAP or ANCAP crash rating, according to CarExpert. It does hold a five-star Green NCAP rating from 2024, but Green NCAP scores environmental performance, not crash protection, so it should not be read as a safety score.
Warranty
BYD offers the Dolphin Surf in Europe with a 6-year vehicle warranty and an 8-year battery warranty. In Australia, CarExpert lists the Atto 2 with 6 years or 150,000 km on the vehicle and 8 years or 160,000 km on the battery. Terms depend on the market and the seller, and a privately imported car may not carry the same cover. If you want protection beyond the factory terms, see our extended warranty options.
Recalls
The only recall our research found for either car was in China: in April 2024 BYD recalled 16,666 Seagull cars over a software issue affecting the reverse camera image, fixed with an over-the-air update, as reported by CnEVPost. We found no recalls for the Dolphin Surf, Dolphin Mini, Atto 1 or Atto 2. Because fixes like this arrive as software, keeping a BYD's firmware and software up to date is part of normal ownership.
The 2026 BYD Seagull update and the bigger "Great Seagull"
BYD launched an updated Seagull in China on 11 May 2026. According to CarNewsChina, it comes with a 30.08 kWh battery (305 km CLTC) or a 38.88 kWh battery (405 km CLTC), a 55 kW / 135 Nm motor and a 12.8-inch screen, and measures 3,780 × 1,715 × 1,540 mm on a 2,500 mm wheelbase. The headline addition is an optional roof-mounted LiDAR for BYD's "God's Eye B" (DiPilot 300) driver-assistance system.
These CLTC ranges come from China's test cycle and can't be set against the WLTP numbers for the European Dolphin Surf. The Chinese car also has a smaller motor than the European versions: 55 kW against 65 kW or 115 kW.
What is the "Great Seagull"?
A larger model, reported by CarNewsChina as the "Great Seagull", appeared in China's MIIT regulatory filings in July 2026. The filing lists dimensions of 4,205 × 1,810 × 1,570 mm, a 2,650 mm wheelbase, a 95 kW motor, 30 kWh or 39.2 kWh batteries and 320–420 km of CLTC range. That would place it between today's Dolphin Surf and the Atto 2 in length. Export plans have not been confirmed.
Can you buy the BYD Atto 2 or Dolphin Mini in Oman or the GCC?
Not officially, based on what we could find. Neither the Atto 2 nor the Dolphin Mini, under any of its names, appeared in the official BYD line-ups for the UAE, Qatar or Oman that our research checked, including a UAE line-up round-up published on 20 August 2026. We have not seen a confirmed launch for the region, and this guide does not assume one.
For drivers in Oman, that means an Atto 2 or Dolphin Mini on the road here would most likely be a private import. Before buying one, confirm what warranty support applies locally and have the battery and charging system inspected. Our guide to owning a BYD in Oman covers the wider picture, and our breakdown of EV service costs in Oman helps with budgeting.
BYD Atto 2 vs Dolphin Mini: which should you choose?
Choose the Dolphin Surf or Dolphin Mini if
- You want the cheapest way into a new BYD EV.
- You mostly drive in town, usually with one or two people.
- Easy parking matters more than boot space; the European car is under 4 metres long.
- You want a car with a published five-star Euro NCAP or ANCAP crash rating.
Choose the Atto 2 if
- You need a small family car with a 400-litre boot.
- You regularly drive longer distances; the Comfort version is rated at 261 miles WLTP.
- You want fast DC charging, which the Comfort version's 155 kW delivers.
- You are comfortable buying before an independent crash rating is published.
Reviewers have also criticised the Atto 2 for the short range of its base version, slow charging and relying on the touchscreen for too many controls, so try the versions sold in your market before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BYD Dolphin Surf the same as the Seagull?
Yes, it is the same basic car under a different name. It is called the Seagull in China, the Dolphin Surf in Europe and South Africa, the Dolphin Mini in Latin America and the Atto 1 in Australia and Indonesia. Specifications differ, though: the European Dolphin Surf is 3,990 mm long against 3,780 mm for the Chinese Seagull.
What is the difference between the BYD Atto 2 and Dolphin Surf?
The Dolphin Surf is a small hatchback and the Atto 2 is a larger compact SUV. The Atto 2 is 320 mm longer, has a 400-litre boot against 308 litres, and offers more power and range. In the UK it starts at £30,850, against £18,650 for the Dolphin Surf.
What is the BYD Atto 2 range?
In the UK, BYD quotes 214 miles (about 345 km) WLTP for the 51.1 kWh Boost and 261 miles (about 420 km) for the 64.8 kWh Comfort. The first European version, with a 45.1 kWh battery, was rated at 312 km WLTP.
What is the BYD Atto 2 safety rating?
As of June 2026, the Atto 2 had no Euro NCAP or ANCAP crash rating. Its five-star Green NCAP rating from 2024 measures environmental performance, not crash safety.
How many seats does the BYD Dolphin Surf have?
BYD lists the European Dolphin Surf with four seats. Its boot holds 308 litres, or 1,037 litres with the rear seats folded.
Is the BYD Dolphin Mini sold in the UAE or Oman?
Our research found no official sale of the Dolphin Mini, Seagull, Dolphin Surf or Atto 2 in the UAE, Qatar or Oman as of August 2026. A car in the region would most likely be a private import, so check warranty support before buying.
How fast does the BYD Atto 2 charge?
The UK Atto 2 Comfort accepts up to 155 kW DC and charges from 30% to 80% in 21 minutes, according to BYD UK. The Boost version is limited to 82 kW, and CarExpert quotes 10–80% in 38 minutes for the Australian 51.1 kWh car.
Is a bigger BYD Seagull coming?
A larger "Great Seagull" appeared in Chinese regulatory filings in July 2026, measuring 4,205 mm long with a 95 kW motor and 320–420 km of CLTC range. Export has not been confirmed.
BYD servicing in Oman with EVS Oman
Whether you drive a small BYD or another model such as the BYD Atto 3, EVS Oman provides BYD servicing, battery health checks and software updates at our workshops in Oman. If you are weighing up an imported Atto 2 or Dolphin Mini, contact us to arrange a battery health check before you buy.