If you didn’t think there were already enough plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) to go around, you’ll be pleased to know BYD South Africa has rolled out another one in the form of the Atto 8.
Unlike the company’s Dolphin Surf, this one isn’t vying for the ‘cheapest EV’ title. Instead, it’s situated closer to the other end of the price scale, only just tipping past the R1 million mark. Here’s what you can expect for all that money.
Atto boy
The new Atto 8 will be available in two models: Premium (DM-i) and Performance (DM-p). The former’s front-wheel-drive powertrain consists of a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 60-litre tank and a single electric motor with a 19kWh battery for a combined output of 205kW. BYD says you’re looking at roughly 58km of electric-only driving, or 728km combined range.
The Performance model’s all-wheel-drive powertrain uses the same 1.5-litre petrol engine but adds another electric motor (one above each axle) and increases the battery’s size to 35.6kWh. This nets you some extra electric-only range, up to 150km according to BYD, and “more than 1,000km combined” with an increased combined power to 359kW. In electric mode, you’re looking at 0–100km/h in 3.9 seconds.
Standard features in the Premium livery include a 10.25in digital instrument cluster, a centre-mounted 15.6in infotainment display that can adjust its orientation, 20in alloy wheels, a 10-speaker sound system, power-adjusted, heated, and ventilated front seats, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto (and somewhere to wirelessly charge, as well), and a host of the usual advanced driver-assistence system features.
The Performance incarnation has all that and more. Those wheels are increased to 21in alloys, you get a heads-up display that projects useful info onto the road in front of you, the ten-speaker system receives eleven additional speakers, and your seats are upgraded. They now support extra adjustments and massage functions… and not only for the front row. The middle of the three rows also gets power-adjusted, heated, and ventilated seats. Make sure the kids know how good they’ve got it.
This 7-seater crossover SUV boasts at least 270 litres of luggage capacity. More if you put the last row of seats away. The second row can also fold down for a whopping 1,960 litres in total.
“The launch of the ATTO 8 represents our commitment to delivering vehicles that truly meet the needs of South African drivers. It combines innovation, space and performance in a way that feels both premium and accessible, whether you are navigating the city or travelling with family over long distances,” said Steve Chang, Managing Director of BYD Auto South Africa.
Pricing
- BYD Atto 8 Premium — R1,060,000
- BYD Atto 8 Performance AWD — R1,260,000
