Looking for a budget-friendly electric SUV that doesn’t skimp on space or style? Say hello to the BYD Atto 2. With a starting price of around £25,000, the Atto 2 is poised to challenge rivals like the Vauxhall Frontera and MG ZS EV successor, bringing affordability and practicality to the burgeoning EV market. But when will we see it here?
The BYD Atto 2 is the smallest SUV in BYD’s lineup, roughly the size of a Volkswagen T-Roc yet cleverly packaged to offer a surprise amount of interior space, even with its relatively compact exterior dimensions. Credit its long wheelbase for that family-friendly interior, which is brimming with padded surfaces and “premium” materials. Add in a massive rotating infotainment screen, and you’ve got interior tech that feels more Tesla than budget-conscious.
At launch (in the UK), the Atto 2 will come with a 45.1kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery integrated directly into the chassis, optimizing interior space while boosting rigidity. Paired with a 174bhp motor, it delivers a modest but solid 194-mile range on the WLTP cycle, or an impressive 288 miles (463km) when city cruising. A longer-range model is already in the works for those who want to venture farther.
Despite its accessible pricing, BYD promises no skimping on the good stuff. The Atto 2 is built on the same high-tech e-Platform 3.0 as the larger Atto 3 and Dolphin hatchback. It offers generous levels of onboard technology and practical features, all while sticking to its mission of affordability. If you’ve been dreaming of an EV but eyeing your budget, this could be the one.
After garnering attention when first shown at the 2025 Brussels Motor Show, BYD’s Atto 2 is ready to expand the brand’s UK footprint faster than you can say “budget EV boom.” With pricing estimated to undercut £30,000, sturdy performance credentials, and competition-beating practicality, it’s evident why the Atto 2 will make rivals—from the Tesla Model Y to the Kia EVs—sweat.
There’s talk from BYD NZ that they are set to launch a plethora of new models by 2026, we can only assume that this will be in the list.
