We only drove the BYD Atto 2 for the first time back in September this year, when we were promised a DM-i plug-in hybrid version was on the way – and before the end of 2025, we’ve already driven it. The Atto 2 DM-i will become one of the smallest plug-in hybrids on sale in the UK.
Design and interior
Outside, DMi versions are pretty much unchanged from the EV versions of the Atto 2. So, think basically a slightly smaller, less fussy version of BYD’s launch car in the UK, the Atto 3. Atto 2 design highlights are the LED headlights, with the slim DRLs at the front, a slightly different front air dam design, 17in alloy wheels at the side, an extra filler cap for the ICE engine, distinct rear spoiler, and the ‘Chinese Knot’-style rear light bar.
Inside, the Atto 2 continues to impress with plentiful leg and headroom, front and back. The driving position and high-backed front seats are comfortable, and there’s an impressive level of interior stowage. There is also a 425-litre boot, which is expandable to 1,335 litres with the rear seats down.
Overall, the Atto 2 DM-i in range-topping Comfort spec (which will not be available in the UK) feels more special than the Boost-spec EV version that we drove before it. Interior specifications are the same as the EV, so think vegan leather trim, power-adjustable front seats, and a 12.8in infotainment screen, which confusingly now doesn’t rotate in response to customer feedback – like the one fitted to the Seal 6. The infotainment works as before with BYD systems – but this is the first BYD to include Google functionality. We still wish for some physical controls for the heating, and now the lights, and that the icons were bigger. Still, there’s impressive storage in the centre console, plus plenty of charging points for phones.
Performance and drive
It might look quite generic on the outside, but like the Seal 6 DMi, the Atto 2 is quite clever underneath – and feels more like an EV, especially in ‘EV’ mode. In ‘hybrid’ mode, this BYD drives largely the same, with generally impressive transitions between the ICE and EV motors. Although hard acceleration results in a strained engine note from the petrol engine.
Our Comfort grade Atto 2 – mechanically the same as the UK Boost spec – had an Atkinson-cycle, 98hp 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, plus a 18kWh blade battery and 150kW electric motor. With the petrol engine powering either the front wheels or electric motor, the overall figures are 212hp, 290Nm, up to 56 miles of EV range, and a 14% company car tax BIK figure. A cheaper (around £25,000) Active car uses a 7.8kWh battery for 25 miles as an EV, while halving the maximum charging speed from 6.6kW to a very slow 3.3kW!
When the Atto 2’s battery needs charging, the Boost can accept 65kW DC charging, equalling a 10 to 80% charge in just 25 minutes, or a 30-80% charge in 19 minutes.
There are ‘Eco’, ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’, and ‘Snow’ drive modes – but only ‘Sport’ seemed to make much difference to the way the Atto 2 DMi drove. Although, the sharp acceleration that comes with the ‘Sport’ mode also includes the strained engine note we’ve previously mentioned. The other Atto 2 drive highlights are the comfortable ride, and manoeuvrability, with a small 10.5m turning circle. We still believe that the comfortable ride has come at the expense of body control, as at some points on the test route, even with an engine, this Atto 2’s body felt aloof, and underdamped.
Apart from the damping, the only other big disappointments about the Atto 2 are the noticeable wind noise around the large wing mirrors, and the light steering, which is almost totally devoid of feel.
Rivals are more fun to drive, but even in plug-in hybrid form, there’s no doubting the Atto 2’s efficiency and practicality. Plus, the fact it is affordable and well-equipped, with the Boost expected to be priced at around £28,000.
Positive: Decent electric range, comfortable ride, impressive interior refinement, well-equipped, affordably priced.
Negative: Not much fun to drive, some handling issues, derivative exterior and interior styling, tiny rear window.
Standard equipment: Metallic paint, LED headlights, taillights and daytime-running lights, 17in alloy wheels, automatic wipers, power adjustable front seats, power adjustable and folding side mirrors, 8.8in digital instrument panel, 12.8in touchscreen infotainment system, four USB ports, rear parking sensors, rear-view camera, Vehicle-to-Load functionality.
Engines: Plug-in hybrid: 166hp, 212hp
Equipment grades: Active, Boost
Transmission: Single speed automatic
| Model | BYD Atto 2 DM-I Boost |
| P11D | £28,000 (est) |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | TBC |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Fuel consumption | 156mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 41g/km (9%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | TBC/TBC |
| Luggage capacity | 425 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,499cc + electric motor/212hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
