A new BYD Atto 1 already? All-new generation of Australia’s cheapest EV switches to RWD and gains practicality

---

A week after a markdown made the BYD Atto 1 Australia’s cheapest EV at $19,990 driveaway, the Chinese electric car giant appears to have unveiled its successor.

Known as the Seagull in China, Seagull gen-2 emerged in the Chinese press over the weekend, gaining a fifth seat, rear-wheel drive instead of front-wheel drive, and a front boot of undisclosed size.

It’s grown up. It’s 210mm longer (3990mm vs 4205mm) and 90mm wider (1720mm vs 1810mm), though it’s 20mm shorter.

As a lower cost model in the BYD range, the Atto 1 is not expected to follow the Atto 3 in introducing an 800V electrical system; the Seagull/Atto 1 is likely to stay 400V.

One specification of Seagull is detailed in Chinese regulatory filings, as unearthed by Car News China: a 95kW motor powered by BYD’s trademark Blade battery in either 30kWh or 39.2kWh sizes.

This slots between the two Atto 1s in Australia; the $20k Essential with a 65kW motor and 30kWh battery, and the $28k Premium with a 115kW motor and 43.2kWh battery.

Car News China reports a range of up to 420km from the new car, albeit under the optimistic Chinese testing cycle. A reported estimate under the more dependable WLTP cycle trims that to 340km, still exceeding the 310km claimed by the current Atto 1 premium.

The Seagull/Atto 1 should be a sharper drive than its predecessor, ditching its rear torsion beam suspension for a multi-link setup, and widening the rear tyres by no less than 40mm.

Embracing both RWD and more advanced suspension brings it in line with Geely’s new-for-Australia EX2.

There’s been some Tesla-fication inside. The display in front of the driver is no more, substituted by a larger central screen. Fortunately, buttons remain below the screen and on the steering wheel, and a wireless charger also remains.

Could the Dolphin be crowded out?

With its growth spurt, the Seagull/Atto 1 might step on the toes of BYD’s other electric supermini, the Dolphin. It’s only 85mm longer than the new car and is narrower to boot.

The front-wheel drive Dolphin narrowly beats the new Seagull specs-wise, with up to 150kW and 427km of range (WLTP).

It’s not unprecedented for Chinese brands to plug small niches with seemingly overlapping models. For example, the MG4 and MG4 Urban are, mechanically, different cars, aimed at different subsections of the hatchback market.

Chasing Cars has contacted BYD Australia to ask if or when the new car will take over from the current Atto 1.