BYD launches New Zealand’s cheapest plug-in hybrid at $34,990 – Auto Trader NZ

BYD has priced its Atto 2 DM-i from $34,990 plus on-road costs, making the compact SUV the cheapest new plug-in hybrid on sale in New Zealand. It undercuts the previous cheapest, the Forthing Taikon and BYD’s own Sealion 5, both at $39,990, and slips $6,000 under the all-electric Atto 2 it shares a body with.

The DM-i pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a front electric motor for a combined 145kW and 300Nm. Unlike a regular hybrid, you plug it in: the entry Essential carries a 7.85kWh Blade battery good for 40km of electric running on the WLTP cycle, while the $42,990 Premium steps up to 18.03kWh and 90km, enough to cover most Kiwi commutes without waking the petrol engine. Combined range is 930km and 1,000km respectively, and once the battery runs down, fuel use is rated at 5.1L/100km.

Charging is AC only, at 3.3kW, with no DC fast charging on either grade. Overnight at home fills the battery easily, but you won’t be splash-and-dashing at a public fast charger on holiday. The petrol engine is your road-trip plan, which for most plug-in hybrid buyers is rather the point.

Every DM-i gets BYD’s full driver assistance suite, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED lighting and vehicle-to-load power for running appliances off the car. The Premium adds a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen in place of the Essential’s 10.1-inch unit, imitation leather, heated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, 360-degree camera and a 50W wireless phone charger. Five colours are offered, with Ski White free and the rest, including a new Turquoise Blue, at $990.

The cheaper Essential is also the quicker of the pair, hitting 100km/h in 7.8 seconds against the heavier Premium’s 8.9.

The DM-i lands among this month’s wave of sub-$40k electrified arrivals, including the $37,990 Leapmotor B03X and Geely’s $32,990 EX2. For buyers wanting electric running costs without range planning, it is now the cheapest ticket in.

The first cars arrive on ships due at the end of August, with viewing and test drives at BYD dealers from early September. Registrations of interest are open now on BYD’s website.

Specifications: BYD Atto 2 DM-i

EssentialPremium Price $34,990 + ORC $42,990 + ORC Powertrain 1.5L petrol + front motor, FWD 1.5L petrol + front motor, FWD Combined output 145kW / 300Nm 145kW / 300Nm Battery 7.85kWh BYD Blade 18.03kWh BYD Blade EV range (WLTP) 40km 90km Combined range (WLTP) 930km 1,000km Fuel use (battery depleted) 5.1L/100km 5.1L/100km 0-100km/h 7.8s 8.9s AC charging 3.3kW Type 2 3.3kW Type 2 V2L Yes Yes Boot (seats up/down) 433L / 1,335L 433L / 1,335L Kerb weight 1,510kg 1,620kg Wheels 16-inch alloy 17-inch alloy