30-07-2025
BYD Atto 1 for SA: Launch date confirmed
In the December 2024 issue of CAR magazine, the team detailed all the cars confirmed for South Africa in 2025. Among the BYD (Build Your Dreams) models announced for our market were the Shark 6 and Sealion 6 plug-in hybrids, both of which their team sampled on local shores.
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.
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