BYD’s new Atto 2 electric SUV will blend versatility with intelligent technologies and budget-friendly pricing, the carmaker has revealed.

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The rival to the Vauxhall Frontera, Renault 4 and MG ZS EV has debuted at the Brussels Motor Show ahead of sales starting in February in Europe.

Sitting between BYD’s Dolphin hatchback and larger Atto 3 SUV, it’s pitched as an “urban EV for those who don’t want to compromise on a premium finish and ‘big-car’ features”.

Pricing is yet to be revealed but BYD says it will cater for customers who want the raised ride height of an SUV but in an affordable package.

From launch, the standard-range edition will be available with a 174hp front-mounted motor and a 45.1kWh version of BYD’s Blade Battery, delivering a WLTP combined range of 312km (123 miles).

A larger battery version will arrive later down the line and will offer greater range.

The Atto 2 is the first BYD compact model to use Cell-to-Body construction, which integrates the battery completely into the vehicle chassis and is said to deliver improved packaging and enhanced chassis rigidity.

It uses the e-Platform 3.0 that sits at the heart of all of the company’s pure electric vehicles and mixes SUV styling with compact dimensions. Boot space stands at 400 litres and increased to 1,340 litres when the split folding rear seat is lowered.

Design cues are similar to other BYD models and include integrated full LED headlights, slim daytime-running lights and lower body cladding. It also features a ‘floating’ roofline and ‘Chinese knot’ tail-lights to “signify endless good luck”.

The cabin comes equipped with a panoramic glass roof, a completely flat floor thanks to the e-Platform 3.0, and a large rotating touchscreen.

Full specifications for the standard-range edition will be announced to coincide with the official European launch of the car in February.