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China’s BYD is bringing a bargain-priced all-electric rival for small SUVs just like the MG ZS, Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona – enter the 2026 BYD Atto 2.
Sure, that’s proper, the electrified automobile specialist is launching this small electrical SUV in November, and it guarantees to cost costs that rival and even higher each the petrol and hybrid competitors, very like the smaller Atto 1 electrical hatch that can launch alongside it.
It varieties a part of BYD’s broader push into new sections of the Australian auto market, which incorporates the discharge of the aforementioned Atto 1 into the light-car phase, this Atto 2 into the small SUV class, the Sealion 5 into the extra reasonably priced finish of the medium SUV market, and the Sealion 8 because the model’s first seven-seater.
The Atto 2 will grow to be certainly one of Australia’s most cost-effective EVs (and electrical SUVs) when it launches in November, giving BYD an actual stronghold on the reasonably priced finish of the electrified automotive market together with the Atto 1 and Dolphin hatchbacks.
We acquired a fast drive on the previous Holden proving floor in Lang Lang, Victoria, to evaluate the brand new Chinese language SUV’s vibe forward of its market launch subsequent month.
How a lot does the BYD Atto 2 value?
Whereas pricing and specs for the native market are nonetheless to be confirmed, BYD Australia has hinted at a place to begin across the low- to mid-$30,000 mark, with the high-spec Premium variant prone to method $40,000.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 BYD Atto 2 Dynamic | $TBC |
| 2026 BYD Atto 2 Premium | $TBC |
That’s smack bang within the hottest part of the small SUV market, with key rivals together with the Chinese language MG ZS (ICE, Hybrid) household, the Korean Hyundai Kona (ICE, Hybrid, EV) vary, and the also-Chinese language GWM Haval Jolion (ICE, Hybrid) lineup.
Different large names embody the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Qashqai and Toyota Corolla Cross.
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What’s the BYD Atto 2 like on the within?
Like the outside, the inside of the Atto 2 is fairly standard and inoffensive.
In comparison with different fashions within the BYD vary, the structure of the cockpit has loads of straight strains and upright parts, maximising the sensation of airiness and house in what’s technically a reasonably compact automobile.
Forward of the driving force is an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, which like within the smaller Atto 1 employs BYD’s extra simplified structure and interface, in comparison with the higher-spec unit used within the bigger Sealion 6, for instance. It affords just a few totally different configurable widgets and shows, however it’s fairly primary.
It’s price noting the Atto 2 differs from the Atto 1, Dolphin and Atto 3 in that the driving force’s show is built-in into the sprint slightly than being a smaller, standalone show. It’s a extra standard integration of the instrument cluster, however whether or not you like it or not is down to non-public choice.
Sitting to the left of that’s the central infotainment touchscreen, which within the Premium flagship is a pleasant, large 12.8-inch unit with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to over-the-air software program updates.
We didn’t get time to spend a lot time fidgeting with the inside shows to get a correct thought of whether or not they’re noticeably totally different from different BYD fashions, however the interface seems to be very related – that means it’s pretty user-friendly and affords good-quality graphics and response.
The local weather controls are embedded right into a everlasting toolbar on the base of the display screen, which will not be music to the ears of some, however BYD’s implementation is among the higher ones on the market as there’s no fiddly touch-capacitive controls or the like – making this setup a comparatively ‘set and neglect’ train with key shortcuts at all times seen.
As appears to be the BYD manner, the entrance seats are chunky and sporty trying models with built-in head restraints and robust bolstering. They’re fairly comfy, trimmed in artificial leather-based, and electrically adjustable – good.
Storage is nice too, with an enormous tray able to holding two telephones – and in addition boasting a 50W wi-fi charging pad – plus a pair of enormous cupholders, and a cubby below the front-centre armrest. There are bottle holders within the doorways, too, whereas construct high quality feels fairly strong for the category.
Additional again, the big-little-car really feel continues. Area for even taller adults like 6’1″ me is spectacular, with the tall and boxy proportions permitting for excellent head, leg and knee room.
Rear facilities embody an adjustable vent in addition to each USB-A and USB-C cost ports, along with rear map pockets and bottle holders within the rear doorways. There’s additionally a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders.
These intending to make use of the Atto 2 as a compact household automotive can utilise the standard ISOFIX and top-tether mounts for youngster seats, and the tall glasshouse means you shouldn’t make little youngsters (or small adults) within the again nauseous.
Additional again once more, BYD quotes a 380-litre boot capability with all 5 seats in use, which expands to 1320L with the rear seats folded. Not dangerous, however there’s a little bit of a hump from the cargo flooring to the seat backs when stowed.
| Dimensions | BYD Atto 2 |
|---|---|
| Size | 4310mm |
| Width | 1830mm |
| Top | 1675mm |
| Wheelbase | 2620mm |
| Cargo capability | 380-1320L |
What’s below the bonnet?
Only one drivetrain variant will probably be accessible throughout the Atto 2’s pair of trim ranges – providing as much as 345km of vary on the WLTP take a look at cycle.
| Specs | BYD Atto 2 |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electrical |
| Battery | 51.3kWh LFP |
| Energy | 130kW |
| Torque | 290Nm |
| Drive sort | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1555-1590kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 7.9 sseconds |
| Vitality consumption (claimed) | TBC |
| Claimed vary WLTP | 345km |
| Max AC cost charge | TBC |
| Max DC cost charge | 82kW |
It’s price noting that the European market – and the UK – will get a higher-spec drivetrain with a extra highly effective 150kW/310Nm e-motor and a bigger 64.8kWh battery pack, which boosts the mixed vary declare to 429km.
The 0-100km/h acceleration declare is identical, nevertheless, because of the added weight of the bigger battery. Kerb mass for the 64kWh mannequin is 1720kg versus the 51kWh model’s 1590kg.
How does the BYD Atto 2 drive?
We solely acquired very temporary stints of BYD’s new fashions at Lang Lang, which was just about restricted to some launches and motorkhana programs on the skidpan , plus a lap of the journey and dealing with circuit.
I hopped into the Atto 2 proper after the Atto 1, and whereas it’s fairly a bit greater dimensionally, it doesn’t essentially really feel that manner when you get shifting.
A responsive throttle – courtesy of the electrical drivetrain’s immediate 290Nm of torque – fast steering and a planted on-road really feel truly offers the in any other case conventional-looking Atto 2 essentially the most dynamic really feel of BYD’s new merchandise.
It seems that the Atto 1 and Atto 2 have benefitted from being exported to Europe first, since they’ve obtained moderately taut chassis tuning and responsive controls, which ship a degree of athleticism and poise you most likely wouldn’t count on from low-cost Chinese language automobiles.
The Atto 2 provides one other layer of polish in comparison with the Atto 1 due to the additional suppleness of its journey and extra insulated cabin. It felt like a balanced and refined small hatchback slightly than crossover – save for the driving place.
Stomp on it from a standstill and BYD claims the FWD Atto 2 will speed up from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds. Not fairly quick, however you’d nearly name that brisk – and it feels as such by the seat of the pants, too.
On the journey and dealing with monitor, which simulates quite a lot of higher-speed nation street eventualities together with prepare tracks, coarse surfaces and sine waves, the Atto 2 proved much more succesful than the Atto 1, with eager dealing with, ample grip, and good rolling acceleration.
It felt gentle on its ft over undulations and the sine waves at over 100km/h, and there was good bump absorption and really eager front-end response. I’d nearly go so far as to name it ‘sporty’ in really feel. Value noting is the MacPherson strut entrance suspension and torsion beam rear-end.
We’ll want extra time with the Atto 2 on public roads to get a greater really feel for it, and to see how properly its driver help methods are calibrated, however the early indicators are very promising.
What do you get?
We don’t have full pricing or specs as but – however we do have some early spec highlights for the Atto 2 Premium.
2026 BYD Atto 2 Premium gear highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Hankook 125/60 R17 tyres
- 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wi-fi Android Auto
- Artificial leather-based upholstery
- Energy adjustable entrance seats
- Heated, ventilated entrance seats
- 50W wi-fi telephone charger
Is the BYD Atto 2 protected?
The Atto 2 hasn’t been examined by ANCAP or Euro NCAP as but.
Atto 2 Premium security options embody:
- 360-degree cameras
- ‘Superior Driving Help System’
- Parking sensors – entrance, rear
How a lot does the BYD Atto 2 value to run?
The Atto 2 will probably be coated by BYD Australia’s six-year, 150,000km guarantee, whereas the traction battery will probably be backed by an eight-year, 160,000km guarantee.
| Servicing and Guarantee | BYD Atto 2 |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 6 years or 150,000km – automobile 8 years or 160,000km – battery |
| Roadside help | 12 months then service activated |
| Service intervals | TBC |
| Capped-price servicing | TBC |
| Whole capped-price service value | TBC |
CarExpert’s Tackle the BYD Atto 2
Between the 4 new BYD fashions I examined at this first-taste occasion, I got here away pondering the Atto 2 has the best potential to make an actual splash within the Australian market.
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Ought to it land with a beginning value between $32,000 and $35,000, BYD won’t provide an EV discount however an impressively succesful and refined one – primarily based on my slightly temporary first drive.
The Atto 2 affords the form of dynamic maturity and polish that a variety of established nameplates nonetheless can’t match, and the projected stability of pricing and normal inclusions will little question make this automotive very compelling alongside ICE and hybrid alternate options within the small SUV phase.
Potential drawbacks embody the restricted vary (even when it’s low-cost), and potential gear sacrifices the bottom mannequin would possibly have to make in an effort to obtain its discount value level. I believe BYD can be clever to look into the 64kWh battery variant accessible abroad, which may grow to be a well-liked future flagship regionally.
Anyway, for the ultimate verdict I’ll want extra time with the Atto 2, in addition to confirmed particulars like pricing and full specs to raised perceive the way it strains up in opposition to its rivals.
One factor is evident although: BYD means enterprise, and if this newest spherical of product releases is something to go by, the Chinese language model is seeking to transfer downmarket and cater to the shoppers that a variety of the established gamers are beginning to depart behind.
BYD has already hinted at its intention to get a stronger footing within the fleet house to broaden its attain, and I believe the Atto 2 would possibly simply be the automotive to do it.
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MORE: Discover the BYD showroom
