The relatively small battery helps keep the Atto 2 under 1.6 tonnes, while the electric motor used to drive its front wheels produces 174 hp and 290 Nm of torque; enough for 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds. Green NCAP also noted the inclusion of a new heat pump which, along with waste heat from the electric motor, helps warm the cabin and the car’s battery in cold weather.

The design borrows some elements from its siblings, including the flowing LED headlights and black bar with silver trim at the front, as well as the intricate, intertwined arrangement of the taillights, which resembles that of the BYD Dolphin. The floating roof design, rocker panel cladding and generally boxy shape give it more than a passing resemblance to the outgoing model. Citroën C5 Aircross.

Inside, the Atto 2 has a large 12.8-inch central touchscreen that can rotate between portrait and landscape orientation – a familiar BYD trick – while behind the steering wheel is a dashboard 8.8 inch digital. The center console has a wireless charger, a crystal gear selector and what look like grab handles, much like those on a Mercedes G-Classalthough the Atto 2 shows no obvious inclination towards off-roading.

Overall, the interior is much simpler than other BYD models, although this could be aimed at making the Atto 2 as affordable as possible. UK pricing for the BYD Atto 2 is expected to start well below £30,000, although we’ll have to wait and see how close it can get to Frontera Electric’s hugely impressive starting price of £23,495.

The Atto 2 will not be the only new thing in BYD showrooms next year. Soon on sale, the BYD Sea Lion 7a purely electric coupe-SUV that will rival the Tesla Model Y And Kia EV6among many others, and from £44,990. At the other end of the spectrum, the Seagull BYD superminis finally arrive in Europe to take advantage of reduced prices Spring Dacia And Citroën e-C3.

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