The BYD Surf is a supermini car that sets itself apart from others in its class with its unique body shape, being both narrower and taller than average. Despite this, it offers an impressive amount of legroom in both the front and rear seats, making it comfortable for adults of average height to travel in. The driver’s space is also more than adequate, with fully electric seat adjustment and a steering column that can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. However, the steering column’s 20mm outboard offset may compromise comfort slightly.
Inside the cabin, the Surf is well-appointed and well-equipped, with a small digital instrument display and a rotating, free-standing multimedia display on the center of the fascia. The drive and audio controls are conveniently placed, with a row of rotating knobs and buttons below the multimedia screen. While the action of some of these controls may feel unintuitive at first, they have a solid, tactile feel that matches the rest of the car’s fixtures.
One of the standout features of the Surf is its material quality, which is impressive for a car in this price point. BYD has delivered a tangible, perceptible quality that should appeal to buyers who don’t want a cheap-feeling car. The 10.1in rotating touchscreen infotainment system is a standard feature, even on the entry-level Active model, and offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the system’s factory sat-nav is not as good as Google Maps, and the lack of a physical cursor controller can make navigation a bit fiddly.
Overall, the BYD Surf offers a comfortable and well-appointed interior, with a unique body shape and impressive legroom. While the infotainment system has some limitations, it is still a usable and feature-rich system. With its impressive material quality and comfortable ride, the Surf is a strong contender in the supermini class, offering a lot of value for its price point. Whether you’re looking for a practical and comfortable car for daily driving or a stylish and feature-rich vehicle, the BYD Surf is definitely worth considering.