Finally we have a new EV that’s cheaper than its petrol equivalents. Photo: James Coleman.
I did wonder when BYD would get cold feet over its fish references.
Calling its ute the Shark was an easy win. Because as much as we’d never choose to catch up with one for tea and biscuits, sharks are considered among the coolest creatures of the sea.
The Seal sedan? Fine, whatever. It’s still selling well.
Dolphin, for the BYD hatchback though? Apparently the design of its inner door handles is even inspired by the fin of said marine mammal. I thought it was toenails.
But this is it – the car where BYD realised calling it by its Chinese domestic market name of Seagull wasn’t going to fly in Australia.
So, we have the Atto 1.
All this said, nobody is talking about the name. But rather the fact this is the cheapest new EV on sale in Australia at the moment. And right now seems like a very good time to talk about that.
What is it?
There are two models – the Essential from $23,990 (plus on-road costs) and the Premium from $27,990.
The closest EV is the MG4 Urban at $31,990 drive-away, but when a pov-spec Toyota Yaris costs $28,990, the BYD has also summoned the day when EVs are no longer necessarily more expensive than their petrol-powered counterparts.
I borrowed the posher Atto 1 Premium from BYD Canberra, which comes with a bigger battery and nearly 90 km more range for a total of 310 km.
If you want more than four seats, however, you will have to stretch to $31,990 for the larger Atto 2.
You’ll struggle to go past the Atto 1’s adorable looks though. Especially in my Sprout Green version, which glares in the sun like you’re looking through a thermal-imaging camera. The shape also brings to mind those ultra-aerodynamic cyclist helmets Tour de Francers love.
What’s it like to live with?
Obviously, something the size of a postage stamp is going to be very easy to wield about town.
I feel the dial for switching between Drive and Reverse wobbles around more than it should, but all the controls have a nice, reassuring feel to them.
The steering is very decent. The regenerative braking has two settings, on or not really on, and it’s predictable in both. And for something with wheels the size of marbles, it doesn’t even bounce along the road either. All is very smooth and composed.
Top marks for design and quality. Mostly. Photo: James Coleman.
And surprisingly sprightly.
The Premium model does make a decent chunk more power than the Essential, but as a city run-around, BYD would be well within reason to give the Atto 1 only what it strictly needs to move.
But instead, they’ve created something that’s a ball to bowl it into corners, especially in Sport mode. Or maybe it just feels fast. After all, an ant at 40 km/h is borderline breaking the sound barrier.
BYD has done a very good job tuning it too, so the power doesn’t smack you in the lunch the moment you put your foot down. It’s doled out like treacle.
However, inside is where the tiny size shows itself – and I’m not talking about the space (I easily stowed away two kids in the back seats).
It’s as if the car started out in life as much bigger, before BYD put the whole thing on a hot wash and shrunk it. Including the size of the font on the two screens.
I’m a young man with – last I checked – fairly sharp eyesight. But I was still having to lean in to make out many of the words on the centre screen.
The verdict
Attaining the title of cheapest EV in the country could have come with nasty costs.
But it hasn’t. And if – for some reason, right now – you’re pondering cheaper ways to get to and from the office, there’s nothing else out there for the price.
Although on the name, maybe there would be more amusement in telling your colleagues you rode a Seagull into work this morning.
You do get about 90 km more range from the more expensive Premium model. Photo: James Coleman.
2026 BYD Atto 1 Premium
- $27,990
- Single electric motor, 115 kW / 220 Nm
- Automatic, front-wheel drive (FWD)
- 310 km claimed range
- 0-100 km/h in 9.1 seconds
- 1390 kg
- 6-year, 150,000 km warranty (8-year, 160,000 km battery warranty)
- Not yet rated for safety
Thanks to BYD Canberra for providing this vehicle for testing. Region has no commercial arrangement with BYD Canberra.
Original Article published by James Coleman on Region Canberra.
