Budget 2026 BYD Atto 2 locked in for Australia as Chinese brand sizes up Kia EV3, Hyundai Kona Electric

June 16, 2025June 16, 2025 John Mahoney 1238 Views 0 Comments BYD

The 2026 BYD Atto 2 is coming to Australia as BYD dramatically ramps up its presence Down Under, with the latest offering set to be priced from just $30,000 when the small electric SUV lands in the final months of 2025.

Launched in China back in March 2024, the BYD Atto 2 is sold overseas both under the Atto 3 name, as well as the Yuan Pro and S1 Pro names.

But in Australia it will keep the Atto 2 nameplate and slot in BYD Australia’s line-up beneath the popular Atto 3.

Built to battle the Kia EV3 and the Hyundai Kona Electric, the confirmation of the new Atto 2, along with the news a raft of other models are in consideration comes as the Chinese car-making giant drops local independent importer EVDirect and takes over local distribution Down Under.

The small SUV segment remains the third largest part of the new vehicle market with the Hyundai Kona remaining the dominant force.

While official pricing has yet to be decided, the BYD Atto 2’s predicted aggressive pricing from $30,000 to $35,000 is tipped to overshadow the Kia EV3 ($48,990) and Hyundai Kona Electric ($54,000) when it comes to value.

It’s not known yet what will happen to prices of BYD’s entry Dolphin hatch ($29,990), which could be reduced to make room for the new Atto 2.

When it arrives the Atto 2 is hotly tipped to be offered in two trims: Essential and Premium grades with both powered by a front-mounted e-motor that produces 130kW and 290Nm of torque for a 0-100km/h time of 7.9 seconds.

Combined with a 51.13kWh ‘Blade’ lithium-iron phosphate battery, BYD has estimated that the WLTP range will be around 345km.

Based on the BYD Platform 3.0, the Atto 2 gets MacPherson struts up front and a rear torsion beam axle.

Even the base version should come with pop-out door handles, LED lights all round and a full-width rear light bar.

Within, the Essential comes with a 10.1-inch infotainment system, while the range-topping Premium gets a larger 12.8-inch touchscreen with both getting an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and faux leather seats.

The plushest version also comes with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, a digital key, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera.

Exact timing and full level of specification will be released in the build-up to the launch.

Originally, BYD claimed that it had plans to outsell Toyota by 2027 but last year the Chinese car maker sold just 20,458 vehicles Down Under, compared to the 241,296 cars Toyota shifted.

Currently, BYD sells the Dolphin, Atto 3, Sealion 6 and 7 SUVs and Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute, with the latter responsible for fuelling a huge sales surge in BYDs.