BYD is to launch a PHEV version of its Atto 2, making it the smallest plug-in hybrid car on sale in the UK when it arrives in early 2026.
The Ford Puma and Renault 4 rival uses similar Dual Mode-intelligent hybrid tech to the bigger SEAL U DM-i, meaning the ATTO 2 DM-i can travel for up to 56 miles on electric power alone.
With a fully charged battery and a full tank of petrol, this can take the ATTO 2 DM-i more than 620 miles - a greater range than not only hybrid and mild-hybrid rivals but also conventional combustion-powered compact SUVs.
Two versions of the ATTO 2 DM-i will be available, offering different battery sizes, overall range, power outputs and performance. The company has not yet released details of these, but expect around 170hp and 200hp. The smaller battery version will not have the impressive headline range, but is expected to rival non-PHEV hybrid rivals on price, starting at below £28,000.
The U DM-i car will feature subtle design tweaks to set it apart from pure-electric versions of the ATTO 2. These changes include a larger middle front grille, decorative lower elements in the front bumper, the removal of the side vents in the front wings and resigned badging on the tailgate. There will also be a new exterior colour, Midnight Blue, that will be unique to the DM-i variant.
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) which were the fastest growing powertrain in the September sales charts, rising 56.4% to achieve a 12.2% market share in the month. BYD’s Seal U took sixth place overall.
The PHEV will have subtle styling differences to the full EV version 
