Game changers! BYD Atto 1 to undercut Toyota Yaris with Atto 2 challenging MG S5, Kia EV3

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UPDATE: BYD’s cut-price electric cars are about to start an all-out price war with the Atto 1 (also known as Dolphin Surf in Europe) to start at around $25,000.

Not only is that cheaper than the larger Dolphin Essential ($29,990, before on-road costs), but also the Toyota Yaris Ascent Sport hybrid ($28,990) and Mazda 2 G15 Evolve ($26,990).

Range figures start at 220km with a 65kW single front-mounted electric motor for the Essential but the up-spec Premium (estimated around $28K) boosts that to 115kW and 310km WLTP driving range.

Above that sits the Atto 2, a new small SUV that will slip between Dolphin hatch and Atto. We anticipate a ballpark starting price of $35,000 when it goes on sale later this year.

@chasingcarsaustralia

This is the BYD Atto 2, it’ll start at around $35,000 in Australia and is coming for the MG S5, Kia EV3 and more, but how is it to drive?

♬ original sound – Chasing Cars | Car Reviews

Stats include a 130kW front-mounted electric motor and 51.1kWh lithium iron phosphate ‘Blade’ battery for 345km of WLTP driving range.

Original story continues below

BYD is set to release what it claims will be Australia’s cheapest electric vehicles into local markets imminently.

Slated for a November release, BYD will unveil both the Atto 1, known in some markets as the Dolphin Surf, and Atto 2 small electric vehicles to bolster its current affordable EV range, which comprises the Dolphin compact city car and Atto 3 midsize SUV.

The BYD Dolphin currently holds the title of Australia’s cheapest EV, with a starting price of just $29,990 before on-roads. Its closest rival, the GWM Ora, starts at $34,490 before on-roads. Both models made their local debut in mid 2023. 

BYD claims the Dolphin’s cheapest EV title will be stripped by the Atto 1 when it makes its debut early next year. No local details have been confirmed, but in international markets, the Atto 1 measures 3990mm long, 1720mm wide, and 1590 tall, with a 2500mm wheelbase.

The current Dolphin measures 4290mm long, 1770mm wide, and 1570mm tall, featuring a 2700mm wheelbase.

Introducing the Atto 1 to the Australian market shows great potential to re-ignite competition in the affordable compact vehicle segment, this time with an EV twist. 

We anticipate an onslaught of price cuts, deals and new models from rivals to follow in the wake of the Atto 1.

Meanwhile, in the small SUV segment, BYD will bring a similarly sized reinforcement for its current Atto 3 electric. The Atto 3 was BYD’s first model in Australia, measuring 4455mm in length, and predominantly rivalling the MG S5, Leapmotor C10, and Deepal S07.

The soon to release Atto 2 is 145mm shorter than the Atto 3, measuring 4310mm long, 1830mm wide (-45mm), and 1675mm tall (+60mm). Its wheelbase is 2620mm (-100mm). 

It will be yet another rival to the between-sizes $40,990 MG S5, as well as the cut price $38,990 Chery E5 and new-release $38,990 Leapmotor B10. All prices are drive-away.

Expect the Atto 2 to undercut its larger, expectedly more powerful Atto 3 sibling, which starts at $39,990 before on-road costs.

BYD COO Stephen Collins was adamant that the introduction of both the Atto 1 and Atto 2 to local markets will allow “even more Australians to get behind the wheel of their own [electric vehicle].”

He was more than happy to turn up the heat on an already intense EV price war in Australia, claiming that the Atto 1 will “be Australia’s most affordable EV by some margin” and for punters to “start believing the hype” around the two new models. 

Read Chasing Cars exclusive international first drive of the BYD Atto 2 here.