AustraliaBYD has cut the price of the Atto 1 Essential in Australia to A$19,990 (~$14,300) drive-away (about $14,300), according to Drive on 15 September. That matches the petrol MG 3 Vibe hatchback, also A$19,990 (~$14,300) drive-away after an A$1,000 (~$700) cashback, which makes the electric BYD the joint-cheapest new car on sale in the country. The Atto 1 is the Australian name for the car sold in China as the BYD Seagull.
What changed
The Essential normally lists at A$23,990 (~$17,100) before on-road costs, or A$25,762 to A$27,060 (~$18,400–19,300) drive-away depending on the state or territory. The special offer takes A$5,772 to A$7,070 (~$4,100–5,100) off, up to 26 per cent, and applies nationally. The comparison with the MG 3 is a drive-away one, so it can move with registration costs and dealer offers.
The car at that price
The Essential has a 30 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery and a 65 kW (about 87 hp) front motor with 175 Nm. It charges at up to 65 kW on DC and 11 kW on AC and is rated at 220 km on the WLTP cycle. The battery has no dedicated cooling.
The Atto 1 Premium is a separate grade at A$27,990 (~$20,000) before on-road costs, with a 43.2 kWh battery, a 115 kW motor and 310 km of WLTP range. It has no national drive-away deal at present, and it is the better-selling grade.
How long it lasts
BYD has not announced an end date for the Essential offer. The Atto 1 went on sale in Australia at the start of 2026 and has sold 3,838 cars so far this year.
