BYD hasconfirmed UK prices and specifications for the ATTO 2 DM-i, with prices starting from £26,995.

Dual Mode Super Hybrid technology is becoming an ever-more popular part of BYD's product lineup, and the ATTO 2 DM-i makes the technology more attainable than ever.

Following on from the SEAL U - BYD's best-selling vehicle in the UK - the SEALION 5 joined the family at £29,995, bringing it within reach of even more customers. With the ATTO 2 DM-i, the plug-in hybrid technology is introduced to a new segment at an even lower starting price. In joining the fully electric ATTO 2 in the line-up, it grants buyers even flexibility in a hugely popular segment.

The Active trim comes as standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors, an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel, fabric seat upholstery, four USB ports, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.

The Boost builds on this specification with even more equipment. It's set apart from the Active on the outside courtesy of its 17-inch alloy wheels, aluminium roof rails, rear privacy glass and panoramic sunroof. Parking manoeuvres are made simpler thanks to front parking sensors, and electrically folding door mirrors are also included.

The Boost's interior specification is increased with vegan leather trimming the steering wheel and seats.

Cabin comfort is built upon with heating for both the steering wheel and front seats, while the seats themselves are heated. The front sun visors feature illumination for the vanity mirrors, while additional reading lights are added for rear seat passengers. An uplift in technology introduces a 360-degree-view camera and 50W wireless smartphone charging, plus a quicker 6.6kW charger - up from the Active's 3.3kW - and Vehicle-to-Load functionality.

The ATTO 2 EV is at the forefront of its class when it comes to interior technology, and the DM-i version advances it even further.

A 12.8-inch touchscreen is equipped as standard and benefits from Google Automotive Services (GAS) built in. Google Maps becomes the proprietary navigation system, while a built-in Google Assistant and access to a wide range of apps via the Google Play store allows for a seamless user experience. As before, both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay comes as core specification.

In addition to the Active's pair of front USB-C ports and dual rear USB sockets, the Boost adds a 50W wireless charging compartment.

Two powertrain options will be available, both of which use BYD's 1.5-litre Xiaoyun petrol engine, which offers a class-leading thermal efficiency of 43%. The engine acts primarily as a generator for the electric side of the powertrain, only driving the wheels directly under heavy load. The total power output varies according to trim level; the Active produces 165PS and a peak torque of 300Nm, which allows it to accelerate from 0-62mph in 9.1 seconds. The Boost increases the total power output of 212PS while maintaining the same 300Nm maximum, cutting the 0-62mph sprint to 7.5 seconds.

DM-i technology, efficiency is at the forefront of its strengths. The energy is supplied to the electric motor not only via the 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but a 7.8kWh battery - enough to enable up to 31 miles of driving in fully electric mode, and a total range of 577 miles.

The Boost's battery pack, at 18kWh, offers more than double the capacity. This allows for up to 93 miles of driving in fully electric mode, and a combined range of 621 miles - unheard of figures for the segment.

The result is weighted combined fuel consumption figures of 201.7mpg for the Active and 470.8mpg for the Boost.

Elsewhere, the ATTO 2 DM-i offers much of the appeal of the ATTO 2 EV. At 4,330mm long, 1,830mm wide and 1.675mm tall place it at the more generously proportioned side of the supermini SUV class, which pays dividends inside with generous cabin space both front and rear.

At 425 litres, the boot volume is greater than that of many larger medium-sized family hatchbacks.