BYD Atto 1 for SA: Launch date confirmed
However, in addition to these two models, the Chinese automaker told them that it will introduce 'two new EVs (electric vehicles), one of which will be affordable' to South Africa. Though, at the time, the company remained tight-lipped as to which shape the more attainable model will take.
Now, thanks to the magazine's friend and automotive journalist Juliet Mcguire, who is currently with BYD in China, they can confirm which model this is: The Atto 1, and when it will arrive in our market.
When will the BYD Atto 1 launch in South Africa?
The Atto 1 will launch in South Africa in September, and pricing is expected to be announced soon.
Billed by BYD as a cool, fun-loving, compact EV for the big city, the Atto 1 (also named Dolphin Surf in select overseas markets) measures 3 990mm in length and 1 720mm in width – dimensions comparable to that of the all-electric Mini Cooper, though shorter and narrower than the GWM Ora 03 and BYD's current most affordable EV, the Dolphin.
Equipped with the firm's Blade Battery, available in either 30 and 42.2kWh capacity – the former in 300.8 and 288V, and the latter in 288V. BYD claims operating ranges of 220, 322, and 310km for the aforementioned derivatives, respectively. While the smaller battery can receive up to 65kW at a DC fast charging station, the larger battery can receive up to 85kW. At such a facility, a 10-80% recharge takes 30 minutes, BYD says.
Exclusively available in front-wheel drive, the Atto 1 models' permanent synchronous electric motor produces 65kW in 300V and 288V 30kWh guises, and 115kW in the 42.2kWh model. The firm claims 0-100km/h sprint times of 11.1, 12.1, and 9.1s for these derivatives, respectively.
Stepping inside, the most compact Atto features a 7.0-inch digital driver's display, 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screen mirroring, and a four-speaker audio system. A reverse-view camera, supplemented by park distance sensors, are included in the package, with the top-spec model gaining a 360-degree camera array.
Advanced driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and lane departure warning, among other items.
Related
The post BYD Atto 1 for SA: Launch Date Confirmed appeared first on CAR Magazine.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald
a day ago
- The Herald
New study shows how much time drivers lose to car admin
New research from the UK suggests drivers spend hundreds of hours managing their cars, from booking services to worrying about warning lights. Commissioned by BMW and based on a survey of 2,000 motorists, the study estimates people lose up to 565 hours over their lifetimes to car-related admin. That's about a day each year spent thinking about maintenance, inspections or mechanical issues. The effect isn't just logistical. About 63% of respondents said car trouble has forced them to miss important events. On average, drivers have to change their plans four times a year due to unexpected vehicle problems. Many still manage things the old-fashioned way: 52% use diaries or calendars to track service intervals while a third wait for a dashboard warning before acting. Nearly four in 10 admitted putting off garage visits altogether. BMW commissioned the research to highlight its proactive care technology, which is available on all BMWs in the UK less than 10 years old. It monitors the car's condition in real time, flags issues early and offers support after incidents — all aimed at helping drivers avoid disruptions. Asked how they'd prefer to use the time they lose to car admin, a third of drivers said they'd read more, another third would prioritise exercise and many just wanted a proper break with holidays topping the list for stress relief.
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- TimesLIVE
BYD Atto 1 could dethrone Dayun Yuehu S5 as SA's cheapest EV
The BYD Atto 1 is tipped to become South Africa's most affordable electric vehicle (EV) when it launches in September. Known as the Dolphin Mini or Dolphin Surf in other markets, the Chinese carmaker's compact electric hatchback is expected to retail for about R350,000 — an enticing proposition for Mzansi motorists looking to make the switch from petrol to battery power. If launched at this price, the Atto 1 would undercut the country's current most affordable EV, the R399,900 Dayun Yuehu S5 Standard. Roughly the same size as a MINI Cooper, the BYD Atto 1 measures 3,990mm in length, 1,720mm in width and 1,590mm in height, with a 2,500mm wheelbase. In overseas markets, it's offered with either a 30.08kWh or 38.88kWh 'Blade' battery pack. Both power a single electric motor mounted to the front axle. The smaller battery offers a driving range of up to 220km, while the larger pack extends this to 322km. The Atto 1 also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, which turns the car into a mobile power bank capable of running appliances and lights — a handy feature in a country prone to load-shedding. Inside the cabin, standard features include a rotating 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, voice activation, air conditioning, heated seats, wireless charging, cruise control and a reverse camera. Safety tech includes ABS brakes and electronic stability control. The downloadable BYD smartphone app allows owners to lock and unlock the vehicle remotely, check battery levels and precondition the cabin temperature. It also provides service reminders, diagnostic alerts and live tracking. More details regarding final pricing and specification are expected closer to the Atto 1's official launch, so stay tuned for updates.
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
The global automotive drive leading BRICS
The global Light Vehicle (LV) selling rate rose to an annualised figure of 93 million units in June. Compared to the same month in 2024, this represents a 2% increase, with a total of 7.7 million vehicles sold worldwide. It is, today, common knowledge that China leads in World Automotive production with its BYD vehicles taking centre-stage. Automotives make up around 5-10% of global GDP (Gross Domestic Product). China produces around 35% of vehicles in the world. China's LV market witnessed a 12.6% YoY increase in June, with sales reaching 2.3 million units. This pushed the annualised selling rate above 30 million for the first time since mid-2022. Most of the growth came from the passenger vehicle segment, which grew by 13.4% YoY. The wholesale volume set a new record high for the month. As economic uncertainty fades, consumer spending is beginning to recover, helping boost vehicle sales. Domestic manufacturers continue to perform well both locally and abroad. Intense pricing competition remains a feature of the Chinese market, with automakers offering additional value—such as free upgrades—rather than cutting base prices. However, the government has expressed concerns about this trend, and price wars may begin to ease. There is increasing anxiety that Chinese firms could adopt similar pricing strategies internationally to capture market share. Other Asia In Japan, vehicle sales were up 5.8% YoY in June. However, growth has tapered off since May following strong figures earlier in the year, which were largely due to a low base in 2024. Supply chain issues, particularly stemming from a production incident involving key suppliers to Toyota, Daihatsu, and Suzuki, also impacted March figures. Given these factors, the outlook for Japan's automotive market remains modest. South Korea saw a 6% YoY rise in LV sales in June. Robust domestic demand for locally produced models supported the market, with Hyundai and Kia leading the way through successful new releases. Passenger vehicle sales rose by 7% YoY, helping to lift overall performance. Although light commercial vehicle sales declined by 3% YoY, the launch of new pickup models has started to stabilise that segment. South America In Brazil, LV sales stood at 202,000 units in June, representing a slight YoY dip of 0.2%. The annualised selling rate decreased marginally from 2.55 million units in May to 2.50 million in June. Following an exceptionally strong May, some market normalisation was expected. Hybrid and electric vehicles reached a record 11% share of total sales for the month. Argentina's market showed impressive momentum, with sales up 69% YoY to an estimated 50,000 units. This marked the sixth month in a row where the annualised selling rate exceeded 500,000 units. The positive results are largely due to government tax cuts on vehicles and eased import restrictions. Mounting trade tensions have started to impact key markets such as the United States and Western Europe. In contrast, China's automotive sector continues to perform strongly, bolstered by supportive market conditions and incentives. In Western Europe, economic stagnation and political instability continue to dampen consumer sentiment. Meanwhile, the US saw a decline in sales, partly due to two fewer trading days and reduced promotional offers from manufacturers in response to tariffs. North America In the United States, June vehicle sales dropped by 4.3% year-on-year to 1.26 million units. Adjusting for the reduced number of trading days, sales actually grew by 3.6% YoY. However, the comparison is skewed due to the 2024 CDK cyberattacks. The annualised selling rate decreased slightly to 15.2 million units from 15.4 million in May. Although sales improved slightly at the quarter's end, the general trend was subdued as fewer incentives were offered by OEMs. Canada's market showed an improvement, with an estimated 174,000 vehicles sold in June, up 3.6% YoY. Notably, Ford and General Motors each saw 9.7% growth, contributing to a rise in the selling rate from 1.6 million to 1.9 million units per year. Mexico, on the other hand, experienced a 1.5% YoY dip in sales, totalling 123,000 units, with a selling rate of 1.58 million units annually. Limited economic momentum is expected to constrain the Mexican market in the short term, although conditions may improve in 2026. Europe In Western Europe, the LV selling rate increased to 13.3 million units annually. However, sales volumes declined by nearly 7%, with total sales standing at 1.26 million units. The major markets—France, Germany, and Italy—continue to face difficulties amidst economic pressures and trade frictions between the EU and the US, which have further undermined consumer confidence. Eastern Europe recorded a stable selling rate of 4.3 million units per year, similar to May's figure, although overall sales fell by 10% YoY. Russia experienced a 29% YoY drop, with the selling rate sliding to 1.13 million units annually, due to high interest rates stifling consumer credit and vehicle financing. Nonetheless, some early signs of recovery are emerging, supported by resumed factory operations and government schemes like the 'First Car' and 'Family Car' programmes. A potential interest rate cut may offer further relief in the second half of 2025. In Turkey, passenger vehicle sales climbed for the fourth straight month, reaching 94,000 units in June—a 7% YoY rise. Demand is being driven by EV incentives, the entry of Chinese manufacturers, and the effects of inflation. Written By: Cole Jackson Lead Associate Chinese & South American Specialist
