BYD Dolphin vs Suzuki Swift 1.2: Which Should You Buy in 2025?

Considering switching to an EV? This comprehensive comparison between the BYD Dolphin and the Suzuki Swift 1.2 will help you make the right decision for your wallet and lifestyle in South Africa.

📊 Quick Comparison Overview

💰 The Real Cost: 5-Year Ownership Analysis

Here’s where electric vehicles shine. While the BYD Dolphin costs R599,900 upfront compared to the Suzuki Swift 1.2’s R280,000, the total cost of ownership tells a different story.

Fuel Costs Breakdown

• BYD Dolphin electricity cost: R10,927/year = R54,636 over 5 years
• Suzuki Swift 1.2 petrol cost: R16,905/year = R84,525 over 5 years
• Fuel savings with EV: R29,889 over 5 years

Maintenance Costs

• BYD Dolphin: R15,000 (minimal – no oil changes, less brake wear)
• Suzuki Swift 1.2: R40,000 (regular servicing, oil, filters, etc.)
• Maintenance savings with EV: R25,000

🎯 Who Should Buy the BYD Dolphin?

The BYD Dolphin is perfect for you if:

• 💰 Budget-conscious long-term: Save R-4,417 per month on running costs
• 🏠 Home charging available: Wake up to a “full tank” every morning for just R911/month
• 🌆 City/suburban driving: Perfect for the 427km range on a single charge
• 🔧 Low maintenance priority: No oil changes, no exhaust systems, minimal brake wear
• 🌍 Environmental responsibility: Zero tailpipe emissions in SA’s cities
• ⚡ Modern technology: Latest infotainment, over-the-air updates, advanced safety features

🎯 Who Should Buy the Suzuki Swift 1.2?

The Suzuki Swift 1.2 makes sense if:

• 💵 Lower upfront cost needed: R319,900 cheaper to purchase
• ⛽ Long-distance flexibility: Refuel anywhere in 5 minutes with petrol stations everywhere
• 🚗 Heavy towing/off-road: 1.2L engine provides proven capability
• 📍 Rural/remote areas: No charging infrastructure concerns
• 🔋 No home charging option: Petrol stations remain more accessible for now
• 👴 Familiar technology: Comfortable with traditional vehicle ownership

💡 Key Decision Factors

Choose the BYD Dolphin if you:

• ✅ Drive less than 427km per day on average
• ✅ Have access to home charging or workplace charging
• ✅ Want to save R-4,417 per month on running costs
• ✅ Prioritize lower maintenance and running costs
• ✅ Want zero tailpipe emissions
• ✅ Can manage the higher upfront cost

Choose the Suzuki Swift 1.2 if you:

• ✅ Need maximum flexibility for long-distance travel
• ✅ Don’t have reliable charging access
• ✅ Drive more than 427km daily
• ✅ Need to minimize upfront costs
• ✅ Prefer the familiarity of petrol stations
• ✅ Live in an area with limited charging infrastructure

🔋 Charging Infrastructure in South Africa

South Africa’s EV charging network is growing rapidly, with over 500 public charging points nationwide. Major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria have excellent coverage.

Home charging is the game-changer: Installing a home charger (R15,000-R30,000) gives you a “full tank” every morning at a fraction of petrol costs.

📈 Long-Term Value

Over 5 years of ownership (15,000km/year):

• Total savings with BYD Dolphin: R-265,011
• Monthly savings: R-4,417
• Cost per kilometer – BYD Dolphin: R8.93
• Cost per kilometer – Suzuki Swift 1.2: R5.39

🌍 Environmental Impact

By choosing the BYD Dolphin over the Suzuki Swift 1.2, you’ll prevent approximately 8,489kg of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere over 5 years.

🏁 The Verdict

It’s Close: Consider Your Priorities

The cost difference is relatively small – just R-265,011 over 5 years (R-4,417/month). Your decision should be based on lifestyle factors:

• Choose the BYD Dolphin if environmental impact and modern technology matter to you
• Choose the Suzuki Swift 1.2 if maximum flexibility and lower upfront cost are priorities

Both are solid choices at this price point.

💰 Calculate Your Own Savings

Want to see how much you could save based on your specific driving habits? Use our EV Cost Savings Calculator to input your exact annual kilometers, electricity rate, and more.

🚗 Ready to Make the Switch?

Need help installing a home charger for your new EV? Get a free quote for professional EV charger installation anywhere in South Africa.

Last updated: December 2025