BYD’s Shark 6 and Dolphin Surf nominated for 2026 Car of the Year Awards!

2025 has been a standout year for BYD Auto South Africa, and the excitement continues as the company celebrates its Dolphin Surf and Shark 6 models which earned nominations for the prestigious 2026 South African Car of the Year Awards.

These nods come hot on the heels of the hugely successful Sealion 5 launch, which has captured national attention with its winning mix of performance, safety, and cutting-edge electric innovation. With demand for new energy vehicles (NEVs) surging nationwide, BYD is rapidly making its mark as one of South Africa’s fastest-growing and most forward-thinking automotive brands.

From newcomer to industry trailblazer

Since arriving in South Africa in 2023, BYD has quickly made a splash, transforming from a newcomer into a major force in the automotive scene. By focusing on affordable, sustainable NEVs, the brand has struck a chord with local drivers, driving record sales and cementing its role as a leader in the country’s move toward electric and hybrid mobility.

Why the BYD Shark and BYD Dolphin Surf are turning heads

Meet BYD’s Shark 6, a super-hybrid designed for both adventure-seekers and professionals. Powered by a 1.5-liter turbo hybrid engine paired with the Blade Battery, it delivers an impressive 321 kW of power and strong torque for towing and off-road adventures. As South Africa’s first plug-in hybrid pickup in its class, the Shark 6 combines fuel efficiency, low running costs, and eco-friendly performance without sacrificing rugged capability.

Its innovative design features sustainable materials and smart tech, including hyper-local navigation, making it a trailblazer that merges classic bakkie toughness with modern electrification—ready for everything from city streets to rural landscapes.

Compact, clever, and electric

The Dolphin Surf, BYD’s compact electric hatchback, is redefining city driving with its perfect mix of efficiency, safety, and smart technology. Powered by BYD’s ultra-safe 38.88 kWh Blade Battery, it offers a range of up to 295 km on a single charge and can fast-charge from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes. With 75 HP, 135 Nm of torque, 0-50 km/h in 4.9 seconds, and a top speed of 130 km/h, the Dolphin Surf delivers nimble and responsive performance for urban roads.

Built on the e-Platform 3.0, it comes equipped with advanced safety features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), and Auto Hold. Its spacious interior includes a 316-litre boot (expandable to 1,037 litres), making it ideal for city life. Affordably priced, the Dolphin Surf makes EV ownership accessible in South Africa, cutting running costs and emissions while appealing to tech-savvy drivers with smart features like voice search in multiple local languages.

The Sealion 5 makes its mark

Building on the momentum of the Sealion 5, BYD’s plug-in hybrid SUV that launched in early December 2025, the brand continues to make waves in South Africa. Starting at just R499,900, the Sealion 5 is the country’s most affordable PHEV and comes with a five-year/100,000 km warranty. With class-leading features such as seamless hybrid transitions and advanced driver assistance, it has already disrupted the hybrid market, earning praise for its combination of value, performance, and cutting-edge technology.

Steve Chang celebrates Car of the Year nominations and EV Innovation

Commenting on the nominations, Steve Chang, Managing Director of BYD Auto South Africa, shared his excitement:

“These nominations are a tremendous honour for BYD and a clear sign of how quickly South Africans are embracing the future of mobility. Coming off the incredible reception to the Sealion 5, we are proud to be transforming the local automotive scene with vehicles that offer cutting-edge technology, affordability, and environmental benefits. Both the Dolphin Surf and the Shark represent BYD’s commitment to innovation, safety, and accessible electric technology. Their recognition at the Car of the Year Awards shows that South Africa is ready for smarter, cleaner, and more advanced vehicles, and we are proud to help lead that transition,” said Chang.

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