New Rival for the BYD Atto 2 Lands: How to Personalise Your Budget EV
CarMoods TeamA new challenger has just joined Australia's budget electric SUV race. Leapmotor's compact A10 — a 4.27-metre small SUV first shown at last year's Guangzhou Auto Show — has appeared on the ROVER approval-for-sale register, spotted by the Zapped Au YouTube channel, with two power configurations: a 130kW front-wheel-drive variant on a 39.8kWh battery, and a 145kW variant on a 53kWh pack. Pricing hasn't been announced, but industry watchers expect a starting figure under $35,000.
That price point puts the A10 on a collision course with two of the best-selling budget EVs already on Australian roads: the BYD Atto 2 and the GWM Ora 5. Leapmotor, which counts Stellantis as a major backer of its international expansion, is betting that Australians want more choice in the sub-$35K EV segment — and if recent sales figures are any guide, they're right. BYD alone sold close to 19,000 vehicles in Australia in June, running Toyota extremely close for the monthly sales crown.
Whatever badge ends up on your driveway, one thing holds true for every budget EV owner: the cabin is where you'll notice the price tag first — or last, if you get the styling right. Factory steering wheels on entry-level EVs are usually thin, hard plastic affairs, and long commutes in a compact SUV can be tougher on your back than in a plusher model. The good news is that a handful of well-chosen extras from our interior accessories range close that gap fast, whether your current car wears a BYD badge, a GWM badge, or whatever lands next.
This guide covers
- What the new Leapmotor A10 means for BYD and GWM owners
- How budget EVs compare on battery, power and price
- Steering wheel upgrades that fix the "cheap plastic" feel
- Comfort fixes for longer commutes
- Small personalisation touches that make a shared model feel like yours
Jump to: The Budget EV Landscape · Steering Wheel Upgrades · Comfort for the Commute · Small Personalisation Touches · FAQ
The Budget EV Landscape Just Got More Crowded
Until now, shoppers hunting for a sub-$35,000 electric SUV had a short list: the BYD Atto 2, the GWM Ora 5, and a handful of others. The Leapmotor A10 adds a genuine third option, and its spec sheet — a 4.27-metre footprint, 175mm ground clearance, and up to 145kW on the larger battery — sits right in the same bracket as its rivals.
| Model | Battery | Power | Segment |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Atto 2 | 51.3kWh | 130kW | Small electric SUV |
| GWM Ora 5 | 58.3kWh | 150kW | Small electric SUV |
| Leapmotor A10 (new) | 39.8–53kWh | 130–145kW | Small electric SUV |
Detailed local pricing and specs for the A10 are still to come, but the arrival of another rival is good news for anyone cross-shopping this segment — and a timely reminder for existing BYD and GWM owners that the standard-fit interior is only the starting point. A well-chosen accessory or two goes a long way toward making an entry-level cabin feel considered rather than bare.
Steering Wheel Upgrades: The Biggest Feel Change for the Least Effort
The steering wheel is the one part of the car your hands touch on every single drive, and it's often where budget-segment cost-cutting shows up first — thin plastic, minimal grip texture, no warmth in winter. Swapping it for a leather or carbon-fibre-look cover is one of the quickest ways to lift the whole cabin's feel.
Bestseller
BYD Carbon Fiber Leather Steering Wheel Cover
Ultra-thin suede-leather construction adds grip and warmth without bulking up the wheel.
Shop now
Recommended
GWM TANK Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel Cover
Textured carbon-fibre panels give a secure hold and a more premium look at the wheel.
Shop nowPro tip
Measure your factory wheel's diameter before buying — most budget EV wheels sit around 36–38cm, and our steering wheel covers collection is sized to suit.
Comfort for the Commute
Compact EVs prioritise efficiency over plush seating, which means the factory headrest and lumbar support can leave longer drives feeling more tiring than they should. A neck pillow or lumbar cushion is a small, inexpensive fix that pays off every single trip.
Editor's Choice
BYD Leather Car Neck Pillow Headrest Cushion
Ergonomic support reduces neck fatigue on longer drives, in a PU leather finish that matches BYD's cabin.
Shop now
Staff Pick
GWM Tank Neck Pillow & Lumbar Support Cushion
Breathable suede cradles the neck and lower back, easing strain on commutes and road trips alike.
Shop nowBoth pair well with a set of matching neck pillow and lumbar support pieces if you want the front and rear seats to feel equally cared for — handy if the budget EV in question is doing double duty as the family runabout.
Small Personalisation Touches
Budget EVs tend to arrive from the factory looking near-identical to every other one on the road. A handful of small, brand-matched details is often what separates a car that feels genuinely yours from one that still feels like a rental.
Recommended
BYD Car Leather Sunglasses Holder Clip
Keeps sunglasses within reach and off the seat, in a leather finish that matches the cabin trim.
Shop nowLittle additions like this are inexpensive, take minutes to fit, and don't affect resale — unlike aftermarket modifications, they clip or slide into place without any permanent changes to the car.
Our top picks
- 🥇 BYD Carbon Fiber Leather Steering Wheel Cover Bestseller Shop →
- 🥈 GWM Tank Neck Pillow & Lumbar Support Cushion Staff Pick Shop →
- 🥉 BYD Leather Car Neck Pillow Headrest Cushion Editor's Choice Shop →
Whether the Leapmotor A10 ends up on your shortlist or you're happily settled with a BYD or GWM already, the budget EV segment is only getting more competitive — which is good news for buyers and existing owners alike. Browse the full BYD accessories and GWM accessories collections to find the pieces that suit your model.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Leapmotor A10 go on sale in Australia?
The A10 has been approved for sale via the ROVER register, but Leapmotor is yet to confirm local pricing or an on-sale date. Given the approval timing, an announcement is expected later in 2026.
Will a steering wheel cover fit my BYD or GWM model?
Most of our steering wheel covers are sized for the common 36–38cm factory wheel diameter used across BYD and GWM's small SUV range, but always check the fitment notes on the product page for your specific model.
Do interior accessories affect a car's resale or warranty?
Covers, cushions and clip-on accessories like the ones in this guide are non-permanent and simply remove before a service or sale — they don't affect factory warranty or resale value.
What's the difference between the BYD Atto 2 and GWM Ora 5?
Both are small electric SUVs in the sub-$40,000 bracket. The Atto 2 runs a 51.3kWh battery with 130kW of power, while the Ora 5 steps up to a 58.3kWh battery and 150kW. Both are well represented in our accessories range.
