BYD has officially announced that it is preparing to launch the new Atto 2 in South Africa.
The Chinese carmaker stated that it will unveil the new vehicle at a media event on the 10th and 11th of June 2026, just over a week from now.
While BYD is keeping most of the car’s specifications under wraps until launch, it confirmed that it will be offered with a DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.
“The South African market has responded incredibly positively to BYD’s growing vehicle portfolio, and we are excited to continue building on that momentum with the introduction of the ATTO 2 DM-i,” said Nomonde Kweyi, Marketing Director at BYD Auto South Africa.
“This is a vehicle designed for customers who want the benefits of electrified mobility without compromising on practicality, convenience or everyday usability.”
“We look forward to sharing the full story with South Africans very soon.”
What to expect
The Atto 2 will be BYD’s 10th vehicle in South Africa, following the launch of the larger Atto 8 SUV in April 2026.
BYD stated that the vehicle’s details and pricing will be revealed on 11 June 2026. However, we reckon that it will be one of the brand’s more affordable models when it goes on sale.
It slots between the electric Dolphin Surf hatchback (otherwise known as the Atto 1), and the Atto 3 crossover, which cost R341,900 and R699,900 in South Africa, respectively.
In other markets, the Atto 2 is sold as either an electric vehicle or a PHEV, though it seems we are only getting the latter in South Africa.
Right now, the brand’s cheapest PHEV is the R509,900 Sealion 5 SUV, but the smaller Atto 2 should become the new entry-level option when it arrives in showrooms.
This would also make it the cheapest PHEV in South Africa.
Overseas, the Atto 2 DM-i is available in two specifications, both of which feature a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor.
The base model, the Active, generates 122kW and can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The top-spec “Boost,” meanwhile, delivers 156kW and can make the sprint in 7.5 seconds.
Another key difference is the battery, as the Active has a 7.8kWh cell with an electric range of 40km, while the Boost has a larger 18.0kWh power block with 90km on tap.
Both models support vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging, meaning the battery can be used to power external appliances.
Features on the urban crossover include keyless entry, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, a wireless charger, an 8.8-inch digital driver display, a 12.8-inch infotainment screen, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera.
The Boost will also throw in nice-to-haves like heated front seats, a 360-degree camera, and a panoramic sunroof.
The Atto 2’s South African pricing and spec sheet will be confirmed next week.
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