From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

Chinese new-energy vehicle and technology company BYD has launched its new seven-seater plug-in hybrid electric vehicle sports utility vehicle, the ATTO 8, in South Africa. Sabrina Jardim has the story.

Sabrina Jardim:

The new ATTO 8 features fifth-generation Dual Mode (DM) Super Hybrid Technology and is available in two variants – the Premium DM-i and the Performance DM-p editions.

The Premium edition delivers a combined range of up to 728 km, while the Performance edition has a powerful 359 kW output and advanced body control that adapts effortlessly to varying road conditions.

In a media release, the company said this dual offering positions the ATTO 8 as both a practical everyday vehicle and a high-performance SUV.

BYD Auto South Africa MD Steve Chang…

Sabrina Jardim:

The DM-p plug-in hybrid pairs a 1.5 l turbocharged engine with dual electric motors to deliver up to 400 kW (536 hp), accelerating from 0 km/h to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds.

In its fully electric form, the dual-motor system reaches outputs of up to 810 kW (1 086 hp) and achieves 0 km/h to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.

Complementing this performance is a robust battery offering, including a 35.6 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery delivering over 150 km of pure electric range and more than 1 000 km combined, while the battery electric vehicle (BEV) variant features an about 100 kWh battery capable of exceeding 600 km on a single charge.

Built on an advanced 1 000 Volt “Super E” platform, the vehicle also enables ultrafast charging capabilities, adding over 400 km of range in as little as five minutes in BEV configuration.

BYD Auto South Africa MD Steve Chang…

Sabrina Jardim:

Inside, the seven-seat layout is complemented by a 15.6-inch infotainment display, a 21-speaker high-fidelity audio system and Level 2+ DiPilot 300 driver-assistance technology, supported by laser-based sensing.

The vehicle also includes finishes such as leather upholstery, bamboo-wood trim, 21-inch wheels and a full 360° camera system.

The ATTO 8 measures 5 m in length, with a wheelbase of 2 950 mm.

BYD Auto South Africa commercial director Mark Handley explained that the ATTO 8 comes with a five-year, 100 000 km vehicle warranty, and a five-year 100 000 km maintenance plan.

BYD Auto South Africa commercial director Mark Handley…

BYD Auto South Africa MD Steve Chang…

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.