BYD has confirmed the compact Atto 2 EV for Australia, and now the UK arm has revealed a version with a plug-in hybrid aimed at even broader appeal.
BYD has announced the first details of a plug-in hybrid version of its new Atto 2 small SUV.
Announced by BYD’s UK arm, the Atto 2 DM-i PHEV is rated to deliver up to 90km of electric range and up to 1020km of combined petrol and electric touring.
Full specifications of the compact plug-in hybrid are yet to be announced, but BYD has confirmed that two versions of the Atto 2 plug-in hybrid will be available, offering different battery sizes, driving range, and power and torque outputs.
The 90km electric range rating gives the Atto 2 the longest electric driving range from a PHEV in its class in Europe.
For now, BYD has only highlighted the visual differences between the Atto 2 PHEV and Atto 2 EV, including a minimal redesign of the front bumper that includes a slightly larger air intake and revised silver detailing on the lower bumper.
BYD says it has also revised the tailgate badging and removed the front guard vent garnishes, although on the recent Australian preview of the Atto 2 EV, those side trims were also absent.
Full details of the Atto 2 are expected later this year, with BYD set to offer preview drives in Europe soon.
When it goes on sale in the UK, the BYD Atto 2 DM-i will essentially be the only plug-in hybrid in its class, with no direct rivals.
If the Atto 2 plug-in hybrid makes it to Australia, it would also arrive without a direct rival.
Only prestige small SUVs like the Alfa Romeo Tonale, Cupra Formentor, and Mercedes-Benz GLA offer plug-in hybrid power in a small SUV body, but it’s unlikely the BYD Atto 2 would come in anywhere near the $45,000 threshold to be officially considered a prestige vehicle.
Although BYD has not yet confirmed the Atto 2 EV pricing in Australia, it has suggested that it aims to bring the new model in at a low-to-mid $30,000 price. If the Atto 2 PHEV were to arrive Down Under, it would likely follow the lead of the plug-in hybrid Sealion 6, which is positioned below the Sealion 7 EV.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
