Midrand – Chinese automaker BYD has launched the Atto 2 DM-i in South Africa, a compact plug-in hybrid SUV that is now the most affordable PHEV on the South African market, with prices starting from R449,900.
The Atto 2 DM-i was unveiled at a launch event in Midrand and is available in two derivatives, the Comfort at R449,900 and the Dynamic at R489,900. Both come with a five-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, an eight-year/200,000km battery warranty, a four-year/60,000km service plan and five-year/150,000km roadside assistance.
Measuring 4,330mm in length, the compact crossover features full-LED headlights, ultra-slim daytime running lights, pronounced character lines, lower body cladding and a floating roof design. A rear roof spoiler, full-width LED light bar and distinctive “Chinese Knot” tail-light elements round off the exterior, while standard 16-inch alloy wheels complete the package. 
Inside, the cabin features soft-touch materials, metallic accents and leather upholstery. The dashboard is dominated by an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and over-the-air software update support. The cabin also offers intelligent voice control, wireless smartphone charging, four USB-C ports and a six-speaker sound system. Boot space stands at 425 litres, expanding to 1,335 litres with the rear seats folded.
On safety, the Atto 2 DM-i comes standard with six airbags, a reverse camera, rear park distance control sensors and a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection, lane departure assist, traffic sign recognition, door opening warning and rear cross traffic alert, among others.
Power comes from a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with BYD’s Blade Battery technology using lithium iron phosphate chemistry. The front-wheel-drive system produces 122 kW and 300 Nm of torque, allowing the SUV to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 km/h.
The 7.8 kWh battery offers a claimed electric-only range of up to 40 km on the WLTP combined cycle. Combined with the petrol engine and a 45-litre fuel tank, BYD claims an average fuel consumption of 5.1 litres per 100 km and a total range of up to 930 km. The vehicle supports 3.3 kW AC charging.
For Eswatini motorists and regional buyers keeping an eye on South Africa’s automotive market, the Atto 2 DM-i represents BYD’s most accessible entry point yet into the growing electrified SUV segment on the continent.
