Atto 3 spearheads BYD's expansion into UK market

SUV is smallest member of Chinese manufacturer's three-car line-up for continental Europe. Britain will only get all-electric Atto 3, but more right-hand-drive BYD EVS are set to follow

- John Mcllroy

CHINESE EV giant BYD has confirmed plans for a major expansion into Europe that includes an ambitious push to bring cars to UK customers by the end of this year.

Founded as a battery maker in 1995, BYD (Build Your Dreams) took its experience in that area and used it to move into vehicle development and production. The firm has a wide portfolio of EVs on sale in its native China, and BYD has confirmed it will launch three cars in Europe that will be shown at this autumn's Paris Motor Show. First deliveries are targeted before the end of this year.

The initial model range in continental Europe includes an imposing seven-seat SUV, called Tang, and a swoopy-looking saloon, called Han. Both offer dual-motor powertrains with 510bhp, but are only built in left-hand drive so won't be sold in the UK.

But the smallest vehicle of the trio - the Atto 3 - is all but certain to be the cheapest car in the new line-up, and the biggest seller. It will be the initial UK launch model.

The Atto 3 is 4,455mm long, so it sits between the MG ZS EV and VW's ID.4 on overall size. It offers seating for five people, and a 440-litre boot that expands to 1,338 litres when the rear seats are folded down.  Hi-tech standard equipment on the Chinese model includes a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that can rotate between portrait and landscape orientation.