BYD's most affordable SUV one step closer to Australia? 2025 Atto 3 Up trademarked as Toyota Yaris Cross-sized electric car looks to challenge MG ZS EV, Kia EV3, and Hyundai Inster

BYD has taken a step towards releasing what could be yet another affordable smash-hit electric model, as the brand trademarked the ‘Atto 3 Up’ name in Australia.

This name could sit on locally-delivered versions of the Chinese-market Yuan Up, with Volkswagen likely to challenge use of the Up! name it used (and still holds the trademark for) on its city-sized hatchback, which was discontinued in Australia in 2014.

The BYD Yuan Up is also known as the Yuan Pro in other markets outside China, but it seems the brand will stick with relatability should the model launch in Australia.

It is offered with a 130kW/290Nm front-mounted electric motor and up to 380km of NEDC-rated range from a relatively small 45kWh battery. A charging capacity of up to 65kW on DC means a charge time from a quoted 30 - 80 per cent in 20 minutes.

As with other BYD models, the Yuan Up features a high standard specification, including 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, and up to a 12.8-inch central multimedia touchscreen on higher spec cars, as well as a synthetic leather interior. It relies on the same software and technology platform as the existing Atto 3, Dolphin and Seal already sold in Australia.

It could be competitively priced, with higher-grade versions in China sitting at around the equivalent of AU$25,000 (likely closer to the mid-$30,000 mark if it follows the same pattern as other BYD models), leaving room for it to sit at a similar price to the Dolphin hatch (from $36,990) as an SUV alternative, but below the $44,499 starting price of the Atto 3.

So far, the Yuan Pro (aka Atto 3 Up) has only been offered in left-hand drive. It is worth noting that BYD also holds many other as-yet-unused trademarks, including nameplates for other models from its Chinese range, like the Han luxury sedan, Song mid-size SUV, and even two options for the name of its sub-Dolphin city hatch, either Dolphin Mini (its name in South America) or Seagull (its name in China).

Additionally, BYD holds multiple trademarks for its Denza premium arm, Fang Cheng Bao (Formula Leopard) off-road sub-brand, and its YangWang ultra-luxury marque, complete with separate trademarks for logos, symbols, and individual model names. It even holds a series of trademarks related to its SkyRail mass transit company, which already runs trains in South America and Singapore.

BYD will no doubt seek to double down on its strong momentum in Australia with an expanded range to follow-up its plug-in hybrid Shark 6 ute, which has created quite some fanfare.

When asked if this would include smaller models, the CEO of BYD’s local importer, David Smitherman told CarsGuide earlier this year the Seagull hatch was definitely a potential candidate, but the brand’s immediate focus would be on SUVs, strengthening the case for the Atto 3 Up being a smaller and cost-effective option in its line-up.

He additionally indicated the brand was also strongly considering the Euro-focused E-Vali van as an option for its increasing base of fleet customers who had expressed interest in it.

On top of this, the brand has said on multiple occasions it is very interested in the plug-in hybrid off-road focused Fang Cheng Bao Leopard 5 (essentially an SUV take on the Shark 6 platform), although hasn’t yet been able to confirm timing.

Expanding its range is more important now than ever, with multiple rivals also from China eyeing the success of BYD, MG, and GWM, announcing their own debut models in 2025.

These rivals include Xpeng, Geely, GAC, and Leapmotor, all of which have largely electric SUV-led ambitions in the next year.