BYD Atto 2 Spotted in Thailand – To launch in Malaysia this year?

KUALA LUMPUR:  A right-hand-drive (RHD) prototype of the BYD Atto 2 has been spotted in Thailand, suggesting a potential entry into Southeast Asian markets.

Initially unveiled in China last year as the Yuan Up, this B-segment electric SUV is positioned below the Atto 3 (known as the Yuan Plus in China) in BYD’s lineup.

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The test unit was spotted by Thai automotive portal, Car News Update, lightly camouflaged, but its upright stance and sharp design elements were still evident. The interior also revealed key differences from its Chinese-market counterpart, including a right-hand steering position and a covered BYD badge, replacing the "Yuan" character seen in China.

Inside, the cabin features a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 8.8-inch digital instrument display. Notably, the centre console appears different from the Chinese version, with the crystal-like "pebble" gear selector missing. 

Instead, the Atto 2 may adopt a column-mounted shift stalk, a setup seen in BYD models equipped with the God’s Eye autonomous driving system.

Under the hood, the Atto 2 runs a single front-mounted motor delivering 177 PS (130 kW) and 290 Nm of torque. It completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed of 160 km/h.

The model is powered by a 45.12 kWh Blade battery, offering a WLTP-rated range of 312 km. Charging speeds are in line with other BYD models, supporting DC fast charging at up to 65 kW (10-80% in 37 minutes) and AC wallbox charging at 11 kW (full charge in 5.5 hours).

Some industry experts in the UK suggest that the Atto 2 could receive a larger 50 kWh battery to improve its range and competitiveness. With its current 45.12 kWh battery offering 312 km of WLTP range, it sits on the lower end of the spectrum compared to rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia EV3, and Peugeot e-2008.

If BYD does introduce the larger battery for international markets, there's a possibility that Malaysia could get the upgraded version as well. Given the growing demand for longer-range EVs and the brand’s aggressive expansion in the region, a higher-capacity battery could make the Atto 2 a more compelling option for local buyers.

The BYD Atto 2 is a compact electric SUV that measures 4,310 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,620 mm.

In terms of size, it sits between a B-segment hatchback and a compact SUV, making it slightly longer than a Proton Iriz but shorter than a Proton X70. Compared to a Honda City, the Atto 2 is not as long, but it is noticeably wider and taller, which could translate to a more spacious cabin.

Its width is on par with the Proton X70, giving it a solid road presence, while its height is slightly lower than the X70 but still significantly taller than a typical sedan like the City.

The wheelbase, at 2,620 mm, is longer than that of the Iriz and City, which suggests better interior space and legroom for passengers.

This puts the Atto 2 in an interesting position, as it offers the practicality of a crossover with the footprint of a compact car, making it a viable alternative for urban drivers looking for an EV with a bit more room than a typical hatchback.

Possible Malaysian Debut?

With the Atto 2 making an appearance in Thailand, the chances of a Malaysian launch have increased, especially when the unit spotted is in a right hand drive configuration.

However, timing could be crucial—Malaysia’s current tax incentives for EVs are set to end by the end of this year, leaving a limited window for the Atto 2 to enter the market with tax exemptions still in place.

For now, there’s no official confirmation from BYD, but with the brand's aggressive expansion in the region, the Atto 2 could be on its way sooner rather than later.

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