Latest news with #car
Top Gear
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Kia has facelifted the Sportage and added a 236bhp, AWD hybrid option
Kia has facelifted the Sportage and added a 236bhp, AWD hybrid option A 148bhp pure-combustion model will also be available when it lands this summer Skip 20 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 20 This is the new Kia Sportage: a familiar recipe but with a fresh face, tweaked interior and a choice of combustion or hybrid powertrains. No need to drastically change something that's sold over *seven million* copies, right? The entry-level car will get a 1.6-litre turbo four-pot producing 148bhp, mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT gearbox. Alternatively, that same engine can be had with a bit of e-motor assistance for up to 236bhp. Both will come with front-wheel drive as standard, but the hybrid gets the option of AWD. Advertisement - Page continues below Kia's styled in its rugged 'tiger nose' grille between the 'star map' light signatures. The Sportage's front bumper design is consistent with its siblings, including that almost triangular fog lamp casing and trim space between the upper and lower grille. Those funky alloys can be had in 17-19in sizes. Inside, there's a simple two-spoke steering wheel, hidden air vents to create a minimalist look, many cubbyholes for exhausted juice cartons and a panoramic roof. Various fabrics and artificial leathers will upholster the seats, while the door cards use microfibre suede. You'll also get a pair of 12.3in panoramic screens glued together and a 10in head-up display. This lot is controlled through the Kia Connect operating system, which issues OTA updates as and when needed and oversees the safety suite - automatic emergency braking, evasive steering assist and so on. As for space, it's 562 litres in the boot for the pure-ICE car, which grows to 1,751 litres with the rear seats folded. The hybrid gains an extra 25 litres on both counts. Advertisement - Page continues below The new Sportage will go on sale in the UK this summer, with full specs and pricing to be announced in due course. Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
Telegraph
3 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
14 of the best handheld vacuums for an easy life
If you've already got a great vacuum cleaner, but want a second device for quick clean ups, mess or tight spaces, a handheld vacuum cleaner could be just the ticket. You'll find a wide range of cordless devices for the home, car and garage in our round-up of the best handheld vacuum cleaners, including designs from well-known brands such as Dyson, Miele, Shark, Hoover, Vax and Henry. Each handheld vacuum has its focus, with tools and design geared towards specific areas. Covering everything from stairs and soft home furnishings, to car interiors, tabletops and even mattresses. The handhelds also differ in battery life, suction power and dustbin capacity. Here we've tested dedicated cordless handheld vacuums, plus a few larger cordless stick vacuums that can be converted to handheld, the latest robotic vacuum from Eufy, and a corded handheld for mattress cleaning. You can find my full reviews below, followed by answers to frequently asked questions. If you're looking to upgrade your main vacuum cleaner, you can also consult our guides on the best cordless vacuum cleaners, the best cylinder vacuums, upright vacuums and hard floor cleaners. The best handheld vacuums: At a glance How to choose the best handheld vacuum There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a handheld vacuum from the suction settings to how versatile the attachments are and whether the device has an adequate battery life. 'Once you've got a good handheld vacuum you'll wonder how you ever managed without it,' says Lynsey Crombie, resident home expert on ITV's This Morning and author of The 15 Minute Clean. 'It won't replace your main vacuum, but it's brilliant for quick messes around the home, such as crumbs on sofas and work surfaces, pet hair and pet beds, keeping your mattress fresh or when someone walks in with mud on their shoes and you don't want to get the big one out. 'Some of the newer models now come with HEPA filters and scented pods to keep things fresh, 2-in-1 crevice tools and upholstery brushes,' she adds. 'Those with small motor brushes are so handy for tackling dirt in your home, garage or car. I've also seen a few with pet-specific attachments, which is ideal if you've got pets leaving fluff everywhere.' She also prefers a vacuum with a charging dock that can be placed on a worktop to make it easier to power up, as it means you don't have to drill a hole in the wall. How we test handheld vacuum cleaners I tested 14 of the latest handheld vacuum cleaners at home, across hard floors, carpet and rugs, tabletops and upholstery. I trialled each handheld vacuum for a week around my home and in my car (where suitable) to see how well each one tackled general household mess. To test suction power for each vacuum, I used flour to mimic dust, oats to mimic larger debris, dryer lint to mimic pet hair and crushed crisps to mimic the mess my children usually leave on the sofa. I rated each model on design, comfort and usability and took notes on whether they were easy to control, charge and handle. I took note the battery life, looked for useful attachments and monitored noise levels using the Decibel Meter app. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best sleep product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best handheld vacuums of 2025 1. Best Buy Handheld Vacuum: Dyson Car+Boat Handheld Vacuum Designed for cordless, bagless vacuuming of cars, boats and awkward spaces around the home, this powerful handheld has the high-spec tech you'd expect from Dyson. The 'Hyperdymium' digital motor spins at up to 110,000rpm to generate up to 115 air watts which it claims captures 99.99 per cent of microscopic particles, which will be reassuring if you suffer from allergies. It comes with two settings for low- and high-speed pick-up that I found refreshingly powerful and effective. While I've yet to win the lottery and don't own a boat, my Honda car has lots of very awkward and grubby corners, and the vacuum worked got into the nooks and crannies of its interior. I flitted between using the three useful attachments depending on the task and found the tools smoothly clicked on and off the head. The mini motorhead attachment was good for vacuuming the mud, sand and dirt in my car boot and covered a satisfying amount space in just a few strokes. This brush head quickly picked up crushed crisps, oats and flour from the hard floor in my home and was ideal for a quick tidy on the stairs and catching crumbs behind the sofa cushions. While this is meant to be a lightweight handheld vacuum, at 1.9kg, it can feel clunky after a while. It's operated with a trigger switch rather than an on/off button, so it's a little tiresome on the fingers. That said, the design feels sturdy, comfortable and built to last. Emptying it by clicking open the 0.54l bin is easy too, but what I admire most is its battery life. If used in low-power mode, it can keep running for up to an impressive 50 minutes, although it's always tempting to run it on the higher speed. Key specifications 2. Best Value Handheld Vacuum: Beldray Airlite Cordless Handheld Vacuum This lightweight handheld vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can run for up to 25 minutes on a five-hour charge. It comes with its own charging dock that neatly plugs in at the wall and looks good in its gold and grey finish, sitting compactly on the counter top. The dock has room to house the vacuum and its two attachments (a crevice tool and a brush tool). While its 100ml bin won't be able to handle large messes, I found the slim build of this device comfortable for cleaning up dirt, dust and small, dry spills. While it's not ideal for the car, it's useful around the house. It picked up oats and flour quickly, but took a little longer to suck up crushed crisps. It has two speed settings that are accessible via the on/off switch on its handle and I was surprised at how powerful its suction is for such a slim device. The crevice tool was useful for stair corners and sucking up mess against the skirting boards, but I'd have liked a flat tool, too. Its bin fills up quickly, but it's easy to refresh by releasing the top of the vacuum and rinsing out the HEPA filter (though you will have to wait for that to air dry before placing it back). At 88.2dBA, it gets rather loud, but given its quick cleaning action you won't have to endure the noise for long. Key specifications Runtime: 25 mins Bin capacity: 100ml Weight: 1.48kg Dimensions: H7 x W7 x L40cm Filtration: HEPA filter Tools included: Two 3. Best Handheld Vacuum for Pets: Vax HomePro Pet-Design Cordless Vacuum Cleaner This multi-functional cordless stick vacuum can bend and glide under furniture and detects dirt using its smart sensors to activate powerful pick-up. It converts to a comfortable, powerful handheld and is a particularly good option for pet owners thanks to two pet-specific tools. It's also said to gather 99.9 per cent dust and allergens down to 0.3 microns. The second pet hair removal tool has a specialist silicone comb designed to agitate stubborn pet hair and make it easier to remove. I found its motorised pet tool effective at picking up fine lint in my test, and I found that this tool worked just as well on other mess around the home. On a three hour charge you get up to 45 minutes' runtime, which is just as well as there are a fair few tools to make use of. The stair tool has a flat head that got right into the corners of my wide, carpeted stair treads. The 2-in-1 crevice tool worked well for awkward spaces between my car seats that seem to accumulate the most dirt. It converts to a brush tool too, which was useful for vacuuming the car's door pockets. Key specifications Runtime: 45 mins Bin capacity: 0.7l Weight: 0.61kg Dimensions: H18 x W12 x L52cm (with motorised pet tool fitted) Filtration: Two-stage, 'captures 99.9 per cent of allergens' Tools included: Three 4. Best Handheld Vacuum for Upholstery: Shark Premium Handheld Vacuum WV270UK Like the Beldray handheld vacuum, this Shark model sits neatly in its own charging dock. It's finished in a 'blue jean' shade that looks attractive on display, so it's ideal for the kitchen worktop or a utility room. I liked its 2-in-1 crevice tool that changes from 'brush mode' to 'smooth edge' by simply clicking the brush up and down. There's also a multi-surface upholstery tool with a flat edge that I found worked well on my velvet sofa, sucking up the crumbs and leaving fresh vacuum lines in its path. I found its slim, 0.65kg design very light in hand, which made it easy to use for up to 15 minutes without getting an arm ache. But as with most of these handhelds, the power all depends on whether you use it on its standard setting or press the more powerful boost button. At 0.1l, its bin is small but it is easy to empty. While it can be used in the car, I think this vacuum is best for use in the house. Its 2-in-1 crevice tool is great for dusting shelves and mantels, while the multi-surface tool is ideal for spot cleaning dust and dirt. I would have liked to have seen a longer run time, but given the great price and design, I think it makes for a satisfying buy. Key specifications Runtime: 15 mins Bin capacity: 100ml Weight: 0.65kg Dimensions: H7 x W7 x L45cm Filtration: Washable filter Tools included: Two 5. Best Handheld Vacuum for Cars: Miele Duoflex HX1 Total Care Obsidian Black A powerful cordless stick vacuum for use on hard floors and carpet, this Miele design can also be converted to handheld mode. It comes with a hygiene filter that's said to capture up to 99.99 per cent of dust and an easy-emptying bin that opens with the press of a switch. There are two suction power settings with runtimes of up to 55 minutes (depending on which is used), and you get four attachments including a dusting brush, crevice nozzle, upholstery tool and an ' Electro Compact Handheld Brush ' that was great for the car. I found this model's pick-up excellent, and it purred away at a comfortable 79.9 dBA, which is slightly subtler than the Dyson Car+Boat's 83.2 dBA. Unlike the Dyson, you don't have to keep your finger on the trigger button to operate this Miele handheld, but its body is slightly longer and not as compact. What I like most is its dusting brush, which worked particularly well on my fireplace. Key specifications 6. Best Handheld Vacuum for Garages: Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Hand Vac Noticeably one of the most powerful handheld vacuums I've tested, this Ryobi model is simple but effective. You can either buy it as a ' bare tool' without the battery for a lower price, or as a set with the required 5Ah battery and charger as priced here. If you already have a compatible Ryobi battery from the ONE+ system, you can use this with the vacuum. At 1.4kg with the battery pack, the handheld vacuum feels evenly balanced and solid in hand. Its rubberised handle provides good grip and I was able to whizz around with it in my garage scooping up sawdust using the large suction head and crevice tool. It only has one tool, which is a bit limiting. The head was effective at cleaning car seats, but there's only 12 minutes' run time on a full 75-minute charge so you'll need to work efficiently. However, if you go for a larger 5.0Ah battery you can increase the runtime to 30 minutes, although the device will feel heavier. Key specifications Runtime: 12 to 30 mins (depending on chosen battery) Bin capacity: 0.54l Weight: 1.4kg (when used with a 2.0Ah battery) Dimensions: H13 x W10 x L44cm Filtration: No filter Tools included: One 7. Best Handheld Vacuum for Battery Life: Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Black This versatile cordless stick cleaner converts into a handheld complete with a generous 5.0Ah battery. While it's not as light as your standard handheld, its functionality is excellent. Its digital control panel is one of the more high-tech I've discovered and it comes with six suction modes including one for the car and one for delicate carpets. The control panel shows how much battery life you have left, and it changes colour depending on which setting you're using. The gentle green eco mode highlighted 55 minutes of run time, which went down to 24 minutes when I switched to the more powerful 'auto mode' displayed in blue. I got the options of nine minutes in 'red turbo mode' and 12 minutes in the 'pale blue car mode'. The 'MicroClean Ring' on the edge of the control panel display also turns blue when an area is completely clean, and this is useful when you're vacuuming in hard to see areas such as corners and under furniture. Key specifications 8. Best Handheld Vacuum for Spillages: Black+Decker Wet and Dry Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner This is one of the few handheld vacuums or 'dustbusters' that can tackle both wet and dry spills. Its blue, plastic body looks basic in design, but the motor is impressively effective. It mopped up milk easily and busted through dust and dirt. The large inlet enables it to tackle larger bits of debris, but this also means that things can spill out quite easily after vacuuming. This vacuum is good to have close by for small spills, such as when you knock over a drink during a party or when there's cereal all over the seats after the kids have had their breakfast. With 10 minutes' runtime you won't get much further than that, but its a good grab-and-go option that can easily be stored on the wall thanks to its compact design. Key specifications 9. Best Handheld Vacuum for Long Runtime: Henry Quick Pro I'm a big fan of Henry vacuums for their no-nonsense power and suction capabilities, and my current go-to for use all around my home is the Henry XL Plus. But it is quite a beast of a vacuum and not always what you need for a quick clean up, which is what makes having a secondary option such as this Henry Quick Pro so enticing. The Quick Pro comes with convenient attachments to make cleaning up easy, including the 'flexi hose', which I think makes all the difference when using a handheld, as it gives you a lot more freedom to vacuum in awkward areas, such as behind furniture. The vacuum also comes with scented pods, which is a nice touch to keep things smelling fresh while you hoover. It gives you up to a whole hour of cleaning, which is somewhat of a treat in the world of cordless cleaners. Key specifications 10. Best Handheld Vacuum for a Fresh Scent: Gtech Multi K9 Cordless Handheld Pet Vacuum With its aluminium frame, the Gtech handheld vacuum feels sturdy and well built. It comes with scented cartridges that leave a fresh smell in its trace, which is ideal if you have pets. There's just one on/off button that ramps up the power and while it's quite noisy at 90.9 dBA, it does have satisfyingly good suction. It comes with a 22V lithium-ion battery that goes for up to 20 minutes on a four-hour charge, which is probably just about enough to get your car looking ship-shape using the various tools supplied. I found the long multi-extension tool useful for getting right between the car seats, while its crevice tool and multi-dusting brush worked well along the dashboard. It's the powered brush bar that really makes the difference when picking up dirt, dust and pet hair however, even on trickier surfaces like stairs and sofas. This head worked really well to get rid of all the sand the kids left in the back seats after a trip to the beach. I was impressed, as sand is so hard to get rid of and while I love memories of hot summer days well spent, I don't like to be reminded of them on my car floor. Key specifications 11. Best Tabletop Handheld Vacuum: Zwilling Xtend Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Starter Set If you like to host dinner parties, this tabletop handheld vacuum may just impress the guests. Adding a touch of five-star style to your dining table, the device has two nozzles to pick up food left on the table. Use it on crumbs, coffee powder, spilt salt and anything else messing up the tabletop. Its design is so neat, it wouldn't look out of place on the table next to your salt and pepper mills. It may be small but its 3Ah battery is powerful and gives you up to 45 minutes' runtime. It also has a HEPA filter to tackle fine dust and allergens. It's also useful for cleaning hard to reach debris left behind in drawers and cupboards. It would make a great gift idea. Key specifications 12. Best Robot Handheld Vacuum: Eufy Robot Vacuum 3-in-1 E20 Unlike your standard robotic vacuum, this Eufy model comes with a cordless handheld and stick vacuum as part of the design. Once I'd set up the robot and linked it to the Eufy Clean app, the robot got to work mapping out my floors with a LiDAR system that uses light to measure distances to objects and navigate its way. The robot's cordless vacuum is neatly stored within its body and can be accessed with a simple click of a large red button. While it's small and compact, it feels solid in hand and has four suction modes to choose from that ramp up the power incrementally. I like the idea of having the handheld stored in the robot, but the bin is small and the attachments are limited. You get a small crevice tool housed on board the robot, but you'll have to find space to store the 2-in-1 combination tool, floor brush and stick separately. For an extra £15.99, the Eufy wall mounted bracket will enable neater storage. Key specifications 13. Best Handheld Vacuum for Mattresses: Hoover HMC5 4-in-1 Corded Mattress Vacuum Cleaner While it's not cordless like the other handhelds in this round-up, this Hoover vacuum offers something unique. With its UV light and built-in sensors, it is specifically designed to reduce bacteria, allergens and dust mites on mattresses. As my son suffers from allergies, I was keen to use it on his mattress and while it was hard to see any visible results on the surface of the mattress, the device did manage to gather up noticeable dust in its 0.6 litre bin. It can also be used across sofas and soft furnishings, and it has a long 5m cord which makes it a relatively flexible corded model to use. Key specifications Runtime: N/A Bin capacity: 0.6l Weight: 2.2kg Dimensions: H19.4 x W31.1 x L24 cm Filtration: HEPA Tools: No extra tools included 14. Best Lightweight Handheld Vacuum: Tower Optimum Handheld Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Similar in configuration to the Shark handheld above, this Tower model is light in use and convenient for cleans-ups across small areas. It sits neatly in its own charging dock and comes with both a brush tool for dusting, and a crevice tool for getting close up to hard-to-reach areas. While there's no motorised brush or flat head brush here, its pick-up is powerful enough for small spills and it scooped up the crushed crisps, oats and flour I laid out with ease. If you shake it too hard after vacuuming some of the dirt will fall out the front, even though it has an internal lip which is designed to prevent this. For a basic handheld costing less than £50, I think this is a good option. Key specifications Runtime: 25 mins Bin capacity: 0.5l Weight: 0.62kg Dimensions: H7 x W7 x L40cm Filtration: HEPA filter Tools included: Two Handheld vacuum FAQs Are cordless handheld vacuums as powerful as corded ones? Cordless handhelds will never be as powerful as corded ones as their design must balance suction power more carefully against their power consumption. However, vacuum manufacturers have committed much of their research and development to improving cordless vacuums in recent decades, so your next handheld vacuum will likely be more powerful (or better in other ways) than the last. How long do handheld vacuum batteries last? 'Handheld vacuum cleaners should run between ten to thirty minutes per charge, but this will fluctuate depending on the design,' says Katie Lilywhite, Floor Care expert at 'If you use the boost or turbo mode it will generate much higher suction and drain the battery faster. If you stick to the low power or eco modes, you're likely to have a longer battery life. In terms of the actual battery, this lifespan should keep working for between two and five years depending on how much you use it.' Can handheld vacuums pick up liquids? 'While some handheld vacuum cleaners can pick up liquids, it's not worth risking your appliance if you're not sure,' says Lilywhite. 'Look specifically for a wet and dry vacuum cleaner as these are designed to tackle wet mess or debris.' Are handheld vacuums are good for cleaning cars? 'Some handheld vacuums can be excellent at cleaning cars and I would say this is what they are really made for,' says Lynsey Crombie. 'Crumbs, dog hair and bits can gather up in the cup holders and door pockets and a handheld vac will help clear the mess. Look for good suction and some decent attachments so you can get into all the nooks and crannies. I keep mine charged and ready to go for exactly this purpose.' How do you clean a handheld vacuum? It's important to empty the dustbin of your handheld vacuum every time you use it to keep it fresh and in good working order. 'A clean vacuum means better performance, longer lifespan, and a fresher-smelling home,' says Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish. 'Empty the dust compartment after every use as letting dirt sit for too long can lead to unpleasant smells and even affect suction. Wash or replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer, usually every few weeks, and ensure they're fully dry before reinserting. Give the attachment a quick rinse or wipe-down with an antibacterial spray to prevent dirt building up.'
CNA
7 days ago
- Automotive
- CNA
ICA adds cones, blinker lights to increase lane visibility at land checkpoints
At Singapore's Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints, cones and blinker lights have been added to help vehicles merge more safely during temporary changes in lane directions. The buffer zone now stretches 10 to 20 metres. These measures follow a crash between a bus and a car during a contraflow operation at Woodlands Checkpoint last weekend. Kate Low reports.
Auto Express
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
BYD Dolphin Surf review
BYD has high hopes for the Dolphin Surf and in many respects it's right to. The car is priced to compete at the value end of the city car market, but it has the space and sophistication of something significantly larger. Maybe it lacks the design flair to lure fashionable buyers from the more trendy alternatives but a smooth, refined driving experience, low costs and a roomy, good-quality cabin will be enough for those of a more practical persuasion. Key specs Fuel type Electric Body style Five-door hatchback Powertrain 1 x e-motor, front-wheel drive Safety N/A Warranty 6-year manufacturer's warranty / 8-year powertrain Having already given us the Dolphin, Seal and Sealion, BYD's nautical naming policy was blown off course by the Seagull. The city car inexplicably named after everyone's favourite chip-stealing seaside pest on the Chinese market has been revamped and re-christened as the BYD Dolphin Surf for the UK and Europe. It was probably a sensible move. Advertisement - Article continues below The Dolphin Surf arrives as the entry-level car in BYD's expanding UK model range, sitting below the Dolphin supermini and the Atto 2 small SUV. The giant firm already dominates its home market and has openly outlined its ambitions to become the world's biggest car maker in very short order. The Dolphin Surf is BYD's entry into a small electric car sector where rival brands have historically struggled to turn a profit. The inherent cost of EV running gear and of meeting tough safety legislation in compact, affordable cars has proven to be a major barrier, yet we have still been seeing signs of life in this area of the market. With the Dacia Spring and the Leapmotor T03 at the budget end joined by more fashionable options like the Renault 5, Hyundai Inster and Fiat Grande Panda, the BYD Dolphin Surf has plenty of competition. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below BYD's effort is priced from around £18,000, splitting the difference between stripped-out econoboxes like the Spring and urban trend setters such as the Renault 5. It's also on the large side for a city car, very close to four metres long and with a 308-litre boot. So again, BYD looks to have constructed a solid on-paper value proposition with which to lure buyers as yet unfamiliar with the brand. Advertisement - Article continues below The car is strong on technology as well. The Dolphin Surf uses BYD's e-Platform 3.0 underpinnings that incorporate its trademark 'Blade' battery technology. This clever system has cells that act as structural elements of the battery, improving rigidity while saving weight and cost. BYD has also flexed its muscles as a world-leading EV component manufacturer in creating what it claims is a world first eight-in-one electric powertrain system. This combines the electric motor, charger and other units into a single module that boosts efficiency, saving a lot of the space that is so crucial in a small car. There are three trim levels on offer - Active, Boost and Comfort. All models get BYD's gimmicky 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen, LED daytime running lights, adaptive cruise control, air-conditioning and vegan leather seats. There's also rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera for a belt and braces approach to parking. Boost models get a larger battery, 16-inch wheels that are an inch bigger than those on the Active, electric front seats and auto wipers. In Comfort spec there's a 360-degree camera, full-LED headlights, heated seats and a wireless charging pad for your phone. Not to mention a more powerful electric motor. The BYD Dolphin Surf is a conventional front-wheel-drive city car that incorporates some clever powertrain tech under its skin. BYD says it's the world's first mass-produced eight-in-one EV powertrain with the motor, reducer, charger, DC power converter, power distribution box, battery controller, motor controller and vehicle control unit all combined into one module. What it means for those of us who aren't electric vehicle engineers is savings in space and cost. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below On the move there's only the slightest whine detectable from the electric motor at low speeds, and the Dolphin Surf settles down to prove extremely quiet in town driving. Even under hard acceleration, the motor stays hushed, with only the increasing wind noise really audible in the cabin. The suspension is on the noisy side but it deals with rough surfaces very well, cushioning vibrations. The ride only became jarring over the most serious potholes that our central Rome test route threw up. The steering is light, just as you would want in a city car, and consistent in the responses it brings from the car. It's not particularly direct, though, and the Dolphin Surf lacks that darty feel that makes a small car really enjoyable to punt about town. The brakes are powerful enough and predictable but the effect from the dual-mode regenerative braking system is very slight. Even in the strongest setting there's little noticeable slowing when you lift off the accelerator and if you like the feel of a strong re-gen system or even one-poedal driving, this isn't the car for you. The exact powertrain you get in the BYD Dolphin Surf depends on your choice of trim level. The base Active cars get a 30kWh battery and the others get a larger 43.2kWh unit. While Active and Boost trims offer an 87bhp motor, the Comfort range topper has a punchy 154bhp and 220Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful models in the class. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below None of the BYD Dolphin Surf versions are what you would call blisteringly fast, especially by modern EV standards. The Active model manages a 11.1-second time for the 0-62mph sprint but the bigger battery and extra kit of the Boost make it 76kg heavier and a second slower at 12.1 secs. Even the Comfort model only manages 9.1 secs, despite its extra power and a 1,390kg kerbweight that is just 20kg up on the Boost. All of the Dolphin Surf models have a 93mph top speed. Model Power 0-62mph Top speed BYD Dolphin Surf Active 87bhp 11.1s 93mph BYD Dolphin Surf Boost 87bhp 12.1s 93mph BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort 154bhp 9.1s 93mph BYD's Blade battery and e-Platform 3.0 chassis technology help the Dolphin Surf deliver a driving range of up to 200 miles, a very strong showing for the city car class. Even the base model can manage close to 137 miles on a full charge in the official WLTP tests, fractionally below the Dacia Spring's 140-mile range. The batteries in the Dolphin Surf are Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) units, chosen for their low cost and durability. You've got the choice of a 30kWh pack on the Active and a 43.2kWh one in the Boost and Comfort. The maximum charging speed for the smaller battery is 65kW but the big one can charge at 85kW. It means that in either case, the Dolphin Surf can be boosted from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in half an hour. That's faster than the Dacia Spring (34kW) or Leapmotor T03 (48kW), but the Renault 5 wins out with its 100kW maximum. Rapid DC charging, of course, should really only be for quick get-me-home top-ups and all the Dolphin Surf models support 11kW AC charging, which will allow a full charge to 100 per cent in 3.5 hours (Active) or five hours (Boost and Comfort). Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below All models also have V2L (Vehicle to Load) capabilities so you can plug-in and run various devices. BYD suggests a coffee machine or an electric grille but we're not sure how convenient these would actually be in a modern urban setting, where you're never more than 20 yards from a Greggs. Model Battery size Range Insurance group BYD Dolphin Surf Active 30kWh 136.7 miles N/A BYD Dolphin Surf Boost 43.2kWh 200 miles N/A BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort 43.2kWh 192.6 miles N/A Like all electric cars since April 2025, the BYD Dolphin Surf is liable for road tax. The bill will amount to £195 per year but at least the little BYD dodges the expensive car supplement for cars over £40,000. For company car drivers, the car slots into the three per cent zero-emissions bracket for the 2025/26 tax year, rising to four per cent in 2026/27 and five per cent in 2027/28. We don't have residual value predictions for the Dolphin Surf yet, but BYD will be hoping that it follows in the tyre tracks of the large Dolphin supermini that holds on to around 52 per cent of its value after three years and 36,000 miles. That's a couple of percentage points better than the Renault 5's average. BYD hasn't exactly set the car design world alight with any of its products to date, employing a largely safe and inoffensive strategy. The BYD Dolphin Surf doesn't deviate too far from this, but it has at least got a splash of sporty character about it. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below It's a chunky-looking little thing with the wheels pushed right out to each corner to boost cabin space - a trait of BYD's e-Platform chassis. There's a strong line down the flanks that rises diagonally from the front wheelarch to the C-pillar. Lower down you'll spot an unusual contrasting trim section that juts upward from the sill only to duck down out of sight again ahead of the rear wheelarch. There's a sizeable roof spoiler at the rear, and at the front, the sharp nose and quadrilateral headlights might even have the vaguest hint of Lamborghini about them. Make of it what you will, but it's one of BYD's less forgettable European efforts so far. Interior quality is good for a city car at this price, but the likes of Hyundai's Inster, the Renault 5 and MINI Cooper are ahead in terms of the special feel they manage to generate in their cabins. The central touchscreen is the main focus but there is a row of shortcut buttons below that give easier access to the ventilation system and the stereo volume. We could live without the little squelchy sound effects that accompany the car's shifts from neutral to drive and reverse though. There's an interesting mix of different materials in the cabin. The vegan leather seats and the soft suede-like fabric lining the upper doors and the centre console add a touch of class. There's not the same wow-factor that you find in a MINI, Renault 5 or Hyundai's Inster though. BYD's rotating touchscreen might be of dubious practical benefit but it certainly brings the potential for impressing your friends. The 10.1-inch unit in the Dolphin Surf will gently ease itself around from portrait to landscape configuration as required. More useful is the standard Android Auto and Apple Car Play connectivity. Some of the areas you need to press on the screen are quite small and we remain unsure about the practical benefits of the spinning screen. Generally though, the menus are logically laid out and the information seems to be presented clearly enough. In a way, the BYD Dolphin Surf straddles two classes, but whether you view it as a big city car or a small supermini, it does a decent job of making the most of the space it's got. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below There are only four viable seats in the car but rear legroom is impressive, helped by the flat floor. At just over six-feet tall, I was able to sit comfortably behind my own driving position with a decent amount of knee room and space for my feet under the seat in front. Headroom in the front is plentiful but those in the back will be rubbing the headlining if they're much taller. The 308-litre boot is large for the class. There's a big loading lip to drop items over and no dedicated storage for the charging cables but the thin rear seats fold down to create a large 1,037-litre load space. Dimensions Length 3,990mm Width 1,720mm Height 1,590mm Number of seats 4 BYD is confident of getting a four-star score when the Dolphin Surf undergoes Euro NCAP crash tests. The e-Platform 3.0 uses 68 per cent high-strength steel and the Blade battery tech is inherently rigid and safe in the event of a crash. BYD is very proud of the fact that its innovative battery design passes the 'nail penetration test' – which you can probably imagine the mechanics of – without its surface temperature exceeding 60 degrees. In practice, it means that if the battery is damaged in an accident, the chance of a fire is very slim. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Safety kit runs to front and side airbags for the front-seat occupants and automatic emergency braking. There's also a suite of other driver-assistance features from lane-departure assist to auto-dipping of the headlights. Key standard safety features Euro NCAP safety ratings Automatic Emergency Braking Lane-departure assist Intelligent high-beam headlight control Tyre pressure monitoring Intelligent cruise control Euro NCAP safety rating - N/A Adult occupant protection - N/A Child occupant protection - N/A Vulnerable road user protection - N/A Safety assist - N/A Best buy: BYD Dolphin Surf Active No version of the Dolphin Surf is poorly equipped. You get the same infotainment system, keyless entry and start, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors and vegan leather trim on the base model as on the others. That makes us gravitate towards the entry-level Active spec as the pick of the range. The only caveat is the shorter range and inferior charging speeds. If you plan to use your BYD Dolphin Surf as a city car for short urban trips, go with the Active. If you need more from it, stepping up to the long range Boost probably makes sense, even though it is the slowest model. Small, low-cost electric cars are becoming more commonplace and the obvious alternatives to the Dolphin Surf for those prioritising low costs are the Dacia Spring and the slightly pricier but also more sophisticated Leapmotor T03. If you're happy to pay more for a small car with a bit more style about it, there are a lot more options. The Renault 5, Fiat Grande Panda, Hyundai Inster, Fiat 500e and even the MINI Cooper Electric are all options in this space. Citroen's e-C3 is another candidate, offering a lot of comfort and cabin space for the money. All BYD Dolphin Surf models get a generous warranty package with six years of manufacturer cover and a total of eight years cover for the battery and electric motor. Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Email
Car and Driver
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
View Photos of the 1986 BMW 325es
Read the full review When you have an efficiency-minded engine in a model that includes "sport" in shorthand, the resulting car may feel like a bit of a rolling contradiction. That's not to say the BMW 325es is bad—it's still a BMW, after all—it's just a little confused.
