CHINESE electric vehicle specialist BYD is adding another plug-in hybrid to its line up with the introduction of the Atto 2 DM-i - a compact SUV that is the smallest PHEV currently on the UK market,

It is the third PHEV from the brand and comes only weeks after the company launched the Seal 6 DM-i which also uses its Super Hybrid technology.

With a range of more than 600 miles - 55 miles in pure EV mode - BYD says it offers drivers the chance to make a step towards pure-electric motoring while enjoying the reassurance of hybrid back-up.

The Atto 2 DM-I is slightly bigger than the pure electric Atto 2 and is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor that offers a combined fuel economy of 470mpg with emissions of 41g/km.

The Atto 2 DM-i can accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of more than 110mph with a total power output of 212ps for Boost models which are fitted with a 18kWh battery.

A smaller 7.8kWh battery is fitted to cheaper Active versions of the car which gives them acceleration times of 9.1 seconds, an EV only range of 25 miles and a lower range of around 550 miles.

The official fuel return for the petrol engine is some 46mpg.

It measures 4,330mm long (20mm longer than the all-electric Atto 2), 1,830mm wide and 1,675mm tall.

The wheelbase is relatively long, at 2,620mm, boosting cabin space with short front and rear overhangs.

The Atto 2 DM-i brings BYD's Super Hybrid with DM (Dual Mode) technology to the compact-SUV segment.

BYD says Super Hybrid operates in two modes - EV, where the wheels are driven solely by the electric motor, and HEV, where the same principle applies most of the time.

In these cases the petrol engine is supplying charge to the battery and electric motor via an inverter, and the car has the driving response of a pure EV. In moments when additional power is required, HEV mode can switch from series to parallel, combining the petrol engine and the electric motor.

The result is a powertrain that spends most of its time operating like an EV.

Subtle changes to the layout compared with existing EV versions of the Atto 2 include moving from a central gear selector to one mounted on the steering column, the addition of a glasses holder for the driver, an extra headrest for the third passenger in the rear seats and a new design of front seat with adjustable headrests.

At the heart of the fascia are an 8.8-inch full-LCD instrument panel and a 12.8-inch touchscreen - which unlike that of other BYD's is fixed and cannot be rotated.

Boot space ranges from 425 litres - more than you'll find in many mid-segment family hatchbacks - and this can be increased to 1,335 litres when the split folding rear seat is lowered.

Executive vice president of BYD Stella Li said: "Super Hybrid with DM technology offers an ideal stepping stone for customers who want the EV driving experience without any worries about range anxiety. And with the BYD ATTO 2 DM-i, we bring those advantages to the compact SUV segment, creating a standout offering. The car's mix of pure-electric capability and huge real-world range make it unique in its class, and something that only we could produce."

Prices are still to be announced but it is likely to be cheaper than the pure EV Atto 2 which starts from £30,850.