A SMALLER version of the BYD Atto SUV has been unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show.

The BYD Atto 2 measures 4,310mm long, 1,830mm wide and 1,675mm tall - 145mm shorter and 45mm slimmer than the Atto 3 already on sale in the UK.

It has a relatively long wheelbase of 2,620mm, designed to boost cabin space and ensure short front and rear overhangs, improving approach and departure angles to help reinforce the SUV image.

The front of the vehicle features full-LED headlights and slim daytime-running lights, while the front bumper has sharp angles for a dynamic look, along with bright highlights low down and efficiency-boosting vertical air curtains at the outer edges.

The sides of the Atto 2 have lower cladding, broken up by highlights, to help accentuate the height of the car while maintaining a look of agility, and a ‘floating' roofline that's punctuated by a distinctive body-coloured element that meets glass at the door-pillar.

At the rear, a distinctive roof spoiler sits above a full-width light bar that joins ‘Chinese knot' tail-lights that look like the number eight and a Mobius Infinity Ring, signifying endless good luck.

A convex rear bumper and further bright highlights on the lower cladding complete its sporty look.

The cabin features padded surfaces in all key areas, and integrated handles in the front and rear doors, as well as in the lower centre consol.

The centre console contains a pair of cup-holders and an integrated arm rest, which opens up to reveal one of several storage areas.

The drive selector itself has a cut-diamond look, while the area surrounding it incorporates hard keys for some key functions, such as the windscreen demister, along with a volume knob for the sound system and a switch that flicks between the car's driving modes.

The cabin is enhanced by a panoramic glass while beyond the passenger compartment, the Atto 2's boot measures 400 litres - more than many conventionally powered medium sized family hatchbacks - which can be increased to 1,340 litres when the split folding rear seat is lowered.

At launch the standard range edition will have a rated capacity of 45.1 kWh, delivering a range of 312 kilometres. Its front-mounted motor produces 130 kW.

In the coming months, a larger-battery version of the Atto 2 will arrive, offering even greater range at the top of the line-up.

Full specifications on this model, along with details on the Atto 2's standard-equipment lists and range structure, will be announced in the coming weeks, to coincide with the full European launch of the car in February.