KATHMANDU: Chinese automobile giant BYD has launched the right-hand drive version of its compact SUV, the Atto 2, in Malaysia.
Until now, BYD had only been selling the left-hand drive version of the Atto 3 in the international market. This is the first time the company has introduced a right-hand drive of the smaller sibling of its popular electric SUV, the Atto 3.
Following the launch of the right-hand version, it can be expected that the Atto 2 will arrive in the Nepali market soon. However, officials of Cimex Inc, the official distributor of BYD Nepal, that cannot confirm when the model will be available in Nepal. There, however, are chances that few demonstration units could be brought for display during one of the auto shows being held next month.
The Atto 2 is expected to compete with models like the MG ZS EV, Hyundai Creta Electric, Omoda E5 and the Tata Nexon EV in the Nepali market.
While the Atto 2 is currently available in China with 32 kWh and 45.12 kWh battery packs, the Malaysian version comes with a larger 51.3 kWh LFP battery offering a driving range of up to 340 kilometers (WLTP) on a single charge.
The model launched in Malaysia features a 130 kW front-wheel drive motor. However, BYD is unlikely to introduce a version with motor capacity exceeding 100 kW in Nepal.
The Atto 2 has attractive features like 17-inch alloy wheels, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch rotating infotainment display, a 50-watt wireless charger and six airbags. The compact SUV is 4,290 mm long, 1,770 mm wide and 1,570 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,620 mm.
The Atto 2 is expected to compete with models like the MG ZS EV, Hyundai Creta Electric, Omoda E5 and the Tata Nexon EV in the Nepali market.
