The B-segment electric SUV sector is seeing massive growth, with key players including the Kia EV3, Mini Aceman, and Volvo EX30 amongst others. Now BYD is homing in with its own solution, the Atto 2.
Design and interior
The Atto 2 is 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, 17in alloy wheels at the side, distinct rear spoiler, and the ‘Chinese Knot’-style rear light bar.
Inside, the Atto 2 impresses with the 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 400-litre boot, which is more than the Volvo EX30, and is expandable to 1,340 litres with the rear seats down.
Overall, the Atto 2’s interior felt more special than the larger Seal 6 that we drove just before it. Only the entry-level Boost equipment grade is currently available, with the Comfort range-topper to follow at the end of this year. Interior specifications are largely the same, so inside think vegan leather trim, power-adjustable front seats, and a 12.8in infotainment screen, which confusingly does rotate – unlike the one fitted to the Seal 6. The infotainment works as before with BYD systems – but we still wish for some physical controls for the heating, and now the lights, and we wish 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 a bit ‘samey’ on the outside, but like the Atto 3, the Atto 2 is quite clever underneath. This is because it’s built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, featuring a Blade Battery with a capacity of 51.1kWh in Boost models, and up to 64.8 kWh in Comfort. Plus, for the first time in a compact BYD model, it uses cell-to-body (CTB) construction.
With the electric motor powering the front wheels, in Boost spec, the Atto 2 has 201hp, 290Nm of torque, a claimed WLTP range of 214 miles, and a 7.9 second acceleration time. Choose the range-topping Comfort, and that comes with a larger 60.48kWh battery, the same 201hp, and 260 miles of EV range.
When the Atto 2’s battery needs charging, the Boost can accept 82kW DC charging, equalling a 10 to 80% chargein just 38 minutes. Choose the range-topping Comfort, and speeds of up to 155kW are possible, meaning 30-80% charges will take just 19 minutes.
On the road, this BYD’s strong acceleration is the most exciting part of the drive! There are ‘Eco’, ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’, and ‘Snow’ drive modes – but none seemed to make much difference to the way our Atto 2 drove. In fact, apart from the acceleration, the only other Atto 2 drive highlights are the comfortable ride, and manoeuvrability, with a small 10.5m turning circle. We think the comfortable ride has come at the expense of body control, as at some points on the test route, the 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 there’s no doubting the Atto 2’s efficiency, and practicality, plus the fact it is affordable and well-equipped, with the Boost priced at £30,850.
Positive: Decent EV range, impressive interior refinement, well-equipped, affordably priced.
Negative: Not much fun to drive, unsettled ride, 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: Electric: 201hp
Equipment grades: Boost, Comfort
Transmission: Single speed automatic
| Model | BYD Atto 2 Boost 51.1kWh |
| P11D | £30,785 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | TBC |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 214 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £15/£30 |
| Luggage capacity | 400 litres |
| Battery size/power | 51.1kWh/201hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
