The BYD Atto 2 arrived in Australia late last year as the Chinese manufacturer's most compact and budget-friendly electric SUV. Now, it stands to claim the same titles in the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) category.

Reports indicate the Atto 2 DM-i, unveiled last October, is bound for Australian dealerships after gaining approval for right-hand-drive regions like the UK.

BYD Australia has not yet confirmed the hybrid model's local debut or its arrival timeline in showrooms, which are filling up quickly amid the brand's expanding vehicle roster.

In the UK, the Atto 2 DM-i comes exclusively with front-wheel drive and features two powertrain options, each pairing a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 71kW of power and 122Nm of torque.

The entry-level Active version combines this with an electric motor and a 7.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, supporting AC charging up to 3.3kW.

Combined output reaches 121kW and 300Nm, with a 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds and up to 39km of WLTP electric range.

The higher Boost trim upgrades to a stronger electric motor and an 18kWh LFP battery with 6.6kW charging capability.

System power rises to 156kW (torque steady at 300Nm), improving acceleration to 7.5 seconds for 0-100km/h while extending electric range to 89km.

All models include LED headlights, an 8.8-inch digital instrument display, and a 12.8-inch infotainment screen with Google Built-in. Boost variants add a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, plus a 360-degree camera.

UK pricing starts at £26,995 (about A$50,200) for Active and £29,995 (around A$55,800) for Boost - below the electric Atto 2 Boost at £30,875 (A$57,400) and Comfort at £34,975 (A$65,000).

Australia's electric Atto 2 starts at $31,990 before on-roads for Dynamic and $35,990 plus costs for Premium, both using a 51.1kWh battery akin to the UK Boost model.

This points to a potential sub-$30,000 drive-away price for the Atto 2 DM-i before on-roads.

BYD must price it below the larger Sealion 5 PHEV, launched last year at $33,990 plus on-roads - currently Australia's most affordable PHEV.

The runner-up is fellow BYD, the Seal 6 sedan at $34,990 plus on-roads.

If launched, the Atto 2 DM-i would stand alone as a mainstream small SUV PHEV in Australia, succeeding the discontinued Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV amid plentiful hybrid and EV rivals, including the electric Atto 2.

Year-to-date, BYD has sold 2141 Atto 2 units, ranking it fifth behind Sealion 7 (6248), Shark 6 (4851), Sealion 8 (2491), and Sealion 6 (2292).

Total BYD deliveries hit 25,243 so far this year - a 110.8 percent jump from last year - fueling ambitions for a top-three market position.

The brand holds fifth place currently, trailing Toyota, Mazda, Kia, and Ford, after ending 2025 in eighth.