BYD’s Atto 1 was already the cheapest EV in Australia, and now it’s the first to sell for less than $20,000 with news of a stunning special offer that drops the price of the Essential variant to just $19,990 driveaway nationwide.

The winner of the Wheels 2026 Best Small Car Value award is now being touted as the most affordable new car of any sort in the country. Its closest rival, the Kia Picanto Sport Manual, is going for $19,190 – but crucially, that’s the listed base price, not the driveaway figure.

Bright yellow BYD ATTO 3 SUV driving along a sunny city street with colorful modern buildings in the background.
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BYD Australia chief operating officer Stephen Collins said the brand has dropped the price from $23,990 plus on-roads partly in response to the cost of living crisis Aussies are experiencing.

“At a time when Australian families are carefully considering every household expense, we’re committed to making vehicle ownership more attainable,” he said in a company statement, adding that the discount “demonstrates our commitment to delivering outstanding value without compromising on technology, safety or quality.”

The Atto 1 Essential’s incredible bang for your buck wasn’t the only reason it won the Wheels award. Our judges also hailed its surprisingly punchy and mature driving dynamics and interior space, which is unexpected in a car of this size.

“The Atto 1 is a genuinely usable electric hatchback at a price that rivals – or undercuts – many ICE competitors, making it one of the most compelling value propositions on the market,” we wrote. 

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“The Atto 1 is also more accomplished to drive than you might expect. Instant electric torque makes it feel lively around town, while its compact dimensions and light controls make parking and urban driving effortless. The suspension delivers a comfortable ride with enough composure to inspire confidence beyond the city limits, giving the car a surprisingly mature feel.”

That $19,990 outlay will get you a single electric motor with outputs of 65kW and 175Nm, with a 31kWh battery that delivers a claimed WLTP range of 220km. There’s also a six-year, 150,000km warranty, with a five-year service cost of $1391.